The Funk'tional Nutrition Podcast

Overcoming chronic pain requires an understanding of how different parts of the body (and the mind) influence each other in the healing process. Today’s podcast guest, Dr. Perry Nickelston, focuses on healing chronic pain and inflammation via the lymphatic and vascular systems. What this conversation emphasizes, however, is the fact that nothing heals in isolation. Erin and Dr. Perry delve into why blood flow and lymphatic health are essential for the health of the rest of the brain/body (and visa versa), the importance of the vagus nerve, diaphragmatic breathing and how it keeps the lymphatic system pumping efficiently, the lymph and brain health, and more. Perry Nickelston, DC aka ‘The Lymph Doc’ is a Chiropractic Physician with primary focus on treating chronic pain and inflammation via the lymphatic and vascular systems. Owner of Stop Chasing Pain, LLC. International speaker and educator of the self care MOJO series. Lymphatic Mojo, Blood Flow Mojo, Tongue Mojo, Glymphatic Mojo, Visceral Mojo, Vagus Nerve Mojo, Primal Movement Mojo. Timestamps:(10:58) The lymphatic system and its relation to chronic pain(19:06) Why our body parts cannot heal in isolation (33:24) How concentrating on pain can keep you unwell (42:58) Interplay between brain health and lymph health (50:08) The diaphragm: the unsung hero of functional medicine (1:00:47) The importance of the vagus nerve FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/336-lymphatic-system-healingCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

Do you tend to take the path of least resistance during the holiday season and tell yourself you’ll get back on the healthy lifestyle train in January? There’s a way for you to set non-negotiables around your nutrition, movement, and mindset so you can continue caring for yourself (and show up better for your loved ones, too). Tune in to learn some crowd-pleasing recipes, calendar tricks, mindset shifts, and supplements that will help you feel your best through the end of the year—and beyond!Timestamps(10:06) Intentional travel & why I don't leave food to chance(14:24) My favorite healthy holiday dishes to share(24:49) Building movement into your calendar this season(27:50) How to use your community to hold you accountable(28:49) Does self-care make you feel guilty?(34:20) Supplements I use for extra supportFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/335-prioritize-health-through-holidaysCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

Daylight Saving Time is a challenging transition for many of us. Circadian rhythm disruption is one of the major contributors to hormonal imbalance and is very common in our modern-day lifestyle, making recovery from Daylight Saving Time even more difficult. Learn more about the importance of supporting your circadian rhythm and how to do so through lifestyle changes and hacks.While it’s normal to experience some level of fatigue after Daylight Saving Time or a time change, if you’re constantly exhausted, feeling burnt out, or generally depleted, this may indicate that something deeper is going on. We have spots open in our 1:1 membership and would love to see your application!Timestamps(3:06) What is circadian rhythm?(10:10) How modern life impacts circadian rhythm(18:21) Morning strategies to support circadian rhythm(27:08) Nighttime strategies to support circadian rhythm(34:12) Additional hacks for your toolkit(38:27) Distinguishing between seasonal and chronic symptomsFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/334-daylight-saving-timeCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

If you have obvious GI symptoms going on (digestion, bloating, gas, heartburn, acid reflux, loose stools, diarrhea, constipation, or sluggish bowels) you might want a stool test. But there are some non obvious conditions that also have a GI component, such as autoimmune diseases, hormonal imbalances, and skin conditions, that would also benefit from results of a stool test. Learn about functional stool testing, what it is, how you know if you need it and how it can help you. Interested in having your stool test analyzed by Team FN? Sign up for The Gut Panel - our new offer designed to give you more insight as to what your root cause may be. Limited to 10 spots!Timestamps(5:44) Non-obvious signs that something is going on with your gut health(11:27) How functional stool tests differ from conventional GI labs(15:38) Specific things that a stool test can show you(20:04) Importance of stool testing with autoimmunity(27:52) The most important thing to consider when getting a stool test(31:33) When to forego the basics and jump into a stool testFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/333-functional-stool-testingCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

Are you experiencing bloating, belching, pain with eating, or heartburn? These symptoms can be due to constipation, sluggish bowels or trapped gas. To find relief in times of digestive discomfort, coffee enemas can be a great resource. Learn how coffee enemas can support your body’s natural detoxification process and gut-brain connection as well as how to properly set one up and what to expect afterwards. If you’re having any of these chronic digestive symptoms, our team would love to get to the root cause within our 1:1 membership. We’d love to see your application!Timestamps(1:26) Benefits of coffee enemas(7:45) Do coffee enemas really increase glutathione levels?(9:42) Should we support detoxification?(16:20) Using coffee enemas to strengthen the gut-brain connection(24:40) How to do a coffee enema(38:05) How to know when you might need a coffee enemaFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/332-coffee-enemas-whats-whys-howsCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

Are you in the middle of a stressful season and experiencing digestive issues like gas, bloating, constipation, or nausea? You’re in the right place! If you have your diet and lifestyle dialed in, you may need some extra digestive support—like digestive enzymes! Learn about the root causes of low digestive enzymes and stomach acid (such as H. pylori and SIBO), as well as how to determine which digestive enzymes may be the best fit for you and how to incorporate them into your routine.Looking for more support in diving into the root cause of your low digestive juices? Opt into our FREE Digestive Guide, or take a deeper dive with our 1:1 membership, with spots opening next month to get started!Timestamps(7:56) Digestive enzymes - what are they?(12:14) Signs of low digestive enzymes and stomach acid(16:37) Different types of digestive enzymes(18:09) How to know which digestive enzymes you need(21:09) Supplement recommendations for digestive enzymes(25:24) How to take digestive enzymesFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/331-all-about-digestive-enzymesCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

Let's talk about immune support as we head into "cold and flu season"! Here at Team FN, we believe it’s not about eliminating exposure to all viruses or illnesses, but rather about controlling our habits, the foods we consume, and our daily routines to keep our immune system firing on all cylinders. Learn about the nutritional and lifestyle foundations for building a strong immune system, as well as the supplements and nutraceuticals that can offer additional support.Feel like you’re doing all the basics and are still catching every cold that goes around? It may be time to take a deeper dive. We’re accepting clients in our 1:1 membership and would love to see your application!Timestamps(9:09) Anti-inflammatory foods to include in your diet(15:47) Foods with antiviral properties(24:21) Microbiome and your immune system(31:32) Number 1 thing to do to moderate your immune system(35:53) Common contributing factors to stress and coping strategies(41:18) Supplements and nutraceuticals to consider for immune supportFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/330-ways-to-support-your-immune-systemCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

This episode is for practitioners who want more from their private practice but aren’t sure where to start. Learn the methods Erin uses to guide herself through seasons of growth and development. These practices are tried and true, and we hope you find success using them, too.If you’re looking for deeper support in growing your private practice, the fall cohort of FNA starts on October 1. Don’t wait—invest in your future self and send us your application today!Timestamps(5:36) Why your brain limits growth (it's not self sabotage)(12:31) Clear space on your calendar for THIS growth hack(21:03) The best way to increase value to your clients (and increase revenue)(25:04) How to know if you need more continuing education or just business mentorship(41:19) Erin’s DLS (Dirty Little Secret) of investing(45:54) A practice to quantum leap your practice growthFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/329-5-things-to-grow-your-private-practiceCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

"Inflammation hunting" is a term we use often here at TFN, but what does it actually mean? Erin sits down with Rachel, the Lead Practitioner and Lead Clinical Mentor of FNA, to discuss all things inflammation - what it is, what causes it, and how we use functional labs in our practice to take a deeper dive. This episode is great for practitioners and clients alike!Are you a practitioner interested in learning more about inflammation hunting with your clients? The fall cohort of our Funk’tional Nutrition Academy is open for enrollment. We’d love to see your application!Timestamps(3:27) Inflammation hunting - what does it mean & why do we do it(9:32) Common symptoms & lab markers that signify inflammation(14:20) Using functional labs to confirm inflammation(19:50) How to keep inflammation at bay(26:23) Food considerations to lower inflammation(30:02) Case study examples of patients with chronic inflammation & how our team resolved it!FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/328-inflammation-hunting-what-does-it-meanCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

Simply offering to run functional labs in your practice isn't what makes them valuable—it’s being able to use them to meet your clients' needs that does. Learn the bennies of running functional labs—from validating your clients' symptoms to figuring out the next best step in treatment, and using the results to make lasting changes for your clients…and so much more.Overwhelmed by where to start? The fall cohort of our Funk’tional Nutrition Academy is open for enrollment. We’d love to see your application!Timestamps(9:38) Advice if you’re feeling overwhelmed by functional labs(18:57) Using labs to validate client symptoms(30:19) Using labs to encourage compliance with behavior change(35:20) Showing client progress with biomarkers and lab data(36:17) Connecting clients to deep inner work through functional labs(38:00) The difference between worth and valueFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/327-how-to-increase-value-adding-functional-labsCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

Inflammatory title? Totally. In this think piece, Erin discusses the drawbacks, red flags and potential issues with certain functional medicine philosophies. She's getting honest with caveats to consider with functional lab testing — including how both the placebo and nocebo effects can play a role in a patient's healing process. This episode is not only geared for practitioners who are practicing functional medicine and analyzing lab tests, but also for the client on the receiving end. The Funk’tional Nutrition Academy™, our 14-month functional nutrition certification program, is open for enrollment. We'd love to see your application!Timestamps(9:30) Is lab testing the only way to validate health?(10:53) Interoception: what it is and why it's relevant(20:54) Functional medicine fear mongering(25:59) Understanding that lab tests are not perfect(28:27) The Nocebo Effect: How you communicate lab results can impact your client’s ability to heal(37:54) Using symptoms as a data pointFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/326-functional-medicine-more-problems-than-solutionsCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

In a recent Instagram poll, Erin saw that 70% of practitioners want to run their own practice, while 30% do not. This week, Erin speaks to the 30% of practitioners who are looking to work for another company and offers some pointers from her perspective as someone in a position to hire. While credentials matter, being able to apply what you’ve learned and having the skillset to help your clients is non-negotiable. Leave this episode with tangible steps to approach a practice you'd like to work for.The Funk’tional Nutrition Academy™, our 14-month functional nutrition certification program, opens for enrollment on September 1. We'd love to see your application!Timestamps(8:16) The beauty behind not wanting to run your own practice(16:44) The reason behind why most practitioners want to hire(19:46) The value behind continuing education(23:30) Credentials versus having the skillset to help people(27:39) How to approach a practice you’d like to work for(34:48) Getting clear on what you do & how you can helpFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/325-how-to-get-hired-as-a-functional-medicine-practitionerCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

Erin welcomes back Dr. Gregory Kelly, the VP of Product Development at Qualia Life Sciences, to discuss all things NAD+ - a super important molecule that is involved in cellular energy, cellular protection, repairing damage, and responding to stress. Erin is asking Dr. Kelly all your questions about NAD+, especially as it pertains to absorption, bioavailability and how best to supplement with it. Learn more about what NAD+ is, how it can support longevity, testing options, and ways to tell if your levels of NAD+ may be declining.Gregory Kelly is VP of Product Development at Qualia Life Sciences naturopathic physician (N.D.), and author of the book Shape Shift. He was the editor of the journal Alternative Medicine Review and has been an instructor at the University of Bridgeport in the College of Naturopathic Medicine, where he taught classes in Advanced Clinical Nutrition, Counseling Skills, and Doctor-Patient Relationships. Dr. Kelly has published hundreds of articles on natural medicine and nutrition, contributed three chapters to the Textbook of Natural Medicine, and has more than 30 journal articles indexed on Pubmed. His areas of expertise include nootropics, anti-aging and regenerative medicine, weight management, sleep and the chronobiology of performance and health.Timestamps(4:13) What NAD+ is, its role in the aging process, and how to test your levels(16:05) The best time of day to take NAD+(19:40) Flushing with NAD+(24:55) NAD+ pills versus IV drips(28:05) Signs and symptoms of low or declining NAD+ levels(33:46) Participants’ experiences from clinical studiesFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/324-using-nad-to-support-aging-longevityCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

This episode is unlike any other we’ve ever released. Rather than Erin interviewing a guest… SHE is the one being interviewed! This interview on Liz Wolfe’s Balanced Bites Podcast was such a banger, we couldn’t resist sharing it with our audience.Hear Erin talk about her experience with a serious autoimmune disease diagnosis (and remission), where functional medicine can miss the mark, how to self-source your healing, and how your body is always trying to keep you safe - even when things may seem to be going “wrong”. Timestamps(10:42) How Intuitive Functional Medicine™ blends the science with the sacred(17:24) How continuously looking for the “root cause” can be the crux of the problem(23:14) How our mindset and our thoughts can influence our biology(28:08) When reaching the “I am done feeling this way” moment can bring you to a deeper level of healing(36:42) How your body uses symptoms to communicate with you(53:21) What it means to self-source more of our answers than outsourceFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/323-be-your-health-expert-body-belief-connectionCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

In our last episode of the Manifest Your Health series, Erin shares a banger of a clip from the Beta round of Manifest Your Health. Hear about how your body regenerates on a daily basis and, while you can't go back and change your past, you most certainly can change your future. The cart is officially open for Manifest Your Health and we hope to see you there!

This week, Erin discusses how we can live in a hamster wheel of the same limited (usually negative) thoughts and beliefs day after day while wondering why nothing has changed. In order to live your biggest dreams (the ones you deserve, by the way), it’s important to start looking at and acknowledging the things that are working in your life. Erin leaves you with specific practices to help shift your energy into a healing frequency — immediately.In our Manifest Your Health™ mini series, Erin continues to offer up new ways to think about your health.  You'll walk away with perspective shifts to help you view your own healing potential!Timestamps(8:40) Where you resist is usually the place to start(12:33) Start looking for what’s NOT wrong(18:36) How 90% of our thoughts today are the same as yesterday(20:31) How focusing on lack can trigger the stress response(24:00) Catching your thought patterns before they become symptoms(34:29) The science behind abundance mining & ways to start todayFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/322-number-one-way-to-shift-your-energy-nowCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

Erin dives into the neurobiology behind chronic conditions like Long Covid, Epstein Barr virus, mold, and chemical sensitivities (so many more). The original infection can go away but the brain may still correlate those symptoms to the previous infection. Previously neutral symptoms like feeling tired or having a stomach ache can now communicate “I am still sick” to the mind and start a cascade of immune responses in the body. Learn different tools to calm down your nervous system so that you can begin to rewire your brain to look at the ways in which your body IS working.In our Manifest Your Health™ mini series, Erin continues to offer up new ways to think about your health.  You'll walk away with perspective shifts to help you view your own healing potential!Timestamps(4:36) The difference between chronic and acute symptoms(26:08) Bridging the gap between the physical body and the brain(29:06) Factors that contribute to chronic conditions(35:32) Signs of chronic sympathetic response(42:24) Practices to calm down the nervous system(51:03) How to shift your focus from the negativity bias of the brain to the good things happening in your bodyFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/321-neurobiology-of-chronic-conditionsCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

What if I told you the same programming that got you sick can also help you heal? In this episode, we dive into how our bodies and minds are always trying to keep us safe and how, at times, a belief that was once helpful may need to be updated. Learn how and why those with adverse childhood experiences (or ACEs) and trauma are more likely to experience chronic digestive, gut and health challenges and discover tangible resources to help shift from chronic stress into a rest and digest state. By getting out of the fear-based loop, you can change your biology (and use it to heal!)In our Manifest Your Health™ mini series, Erin continues to offer up new ways to think about your health.  You'll walk away with perspective shifts to help you view your own healing potential!Timestamps(10:35) Subconscious versus conscious mind(24:25) Taking advantage of the neuroplasticity of your mind(35:30) How stress impacts your gut health(46:02) How adverse childhood experiences and trauma can become chronic gut issues(53:53) Changing your biochemistry & gut health by dismantling the fear loop(59:57) Tips and tricks to resource your body & gut for better neuroplasticityFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/320-subconscious-mind-role-healing-gutCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

Today’s episode puts the tool of manifestation on the table to show what’s possible when healing the body. In this conversation, Erin shares parts of her story and how she used manifestation to heal, as well as 5 main nuggets of wisdom that listeners can take away and apply to their own lives. If you’re struggling with fears around healing or feel you’ve exhausted options, this episode is for you!In our Manifest Your Health™ mini series, Erin continues to offer up new ways to think about your health.  You'll walk away with perspective shifts to help you view your own healing potential!Timestamps:(8:35) The origin story of Manifest Your Health™ (14:52) Hardwired beliefs and the reticular activating system (20:19) Breaking the stress-fear-symptom cycle (22:36) Magnetizing realities through feeling (25:12) Frequency medicine and subconscious reprogramming (35:25) Limiting beliefs and compassionate self-ownership FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/319-using-manifestation-to-heal-your-bodyCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

Erin interviews Cameryn, our Client Success Coordinator and previous client of TFN, for our first ever expander episode. They dive into how the framework within Manifest Your Health™ can help you shift your thoughts related to chronic health symptoms and diagnoses to a place of growth, expansion, and possibility so that you can reach your full healing potential.In our Manifest Your Health™ mini series, Erin continues to offer up new ways to think about your health.  You'll walk away with perspective shifts to help you view your own healing potential!Timestamps(4:52) The difference between the field of predictability and possibility(11:11) What it means to reach your full healing potential(13:16) How self-compassion plays a role in healing(19:04) Reframing your diagnosis to feel hopeful and expansive(26:18) Metaphysical underpinnings of symptoms(41:37) A practice to rewire your brain for possibilityFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/318-reframing-chronic-health-symptomsCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram