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Zen & Tonic: Wellness Unflitered
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Zen & Tonic: Wellness Unflitered

Author: Ally McMillan

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Zen & Tonic is your cozy corner of the wellness world where ancient wisdom meets modern wellness. Hosted by Ayurvedic wellness coach Ally McMillan, this podcast is for women in their 20s and 30s who want to feel more connected to their bodies, balanced in their hormones, and grounded in their everyday routines. Here we discuss anything and everything from debunking health 'fads', aligning with natural cycles, eating with the seasons, hormonal and gut health, how to find the right lifestyle for your unique constitution, and so much more. So grab a cup of tea and join us for the most recent episode on the Zen and Tonic podcast!

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.
17 Episodes
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Stress isn’t just in your head — it affects your hormones, metabolism, digestion, sleep, and mood. In this episode of Zen & Tonic: Wellness Unfiltered, we dive deep into why chronic stress hijacks your body, what it happens when we're in states of high cortisol, and what modern and ancient medicine approaches we can use to actually restore balance.We’ll cover:How stress shifts your hormones and steals from your vitalityThe fight-or-flight response and why it’s still active in our modern livesFunctional medicine insights: oxygen, mitochondria, nutrients, and blood sugarEastern medicine wisdom: Ojas, Vata balance, and restoring your vital reservesPractical, everyday ways to calm your nervous system and bring balanceBreathwork, movement, liver and digestive support, sleep, and lifestyle hacksWhether you’re dealing with work pressure, anxiety, hormonal issues, or stress-related weight gain, this episode gives you a holistic roadmap to reclaim your energy, hormones, and well-being.Tune in and learn how to turn stress into an opportunity to restore balance and thrive.**Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine. I am a certified Ayurvedic Wellness Coach, not a licensed medical doctor.
In this episode, we’re talking about the feminine art of being — and why our world desperately needs more of it.We live in a culture that praises doing, productivity, achievement, and output. But true health comes from balance — not just in how we eat or move, but in how we live. Passion, creativity, social energy, hustle, and drive all require an equal opposite force: rest, grounding, softness, inward time, presence, and stillness.Being is not “nothing.” Being is medicine.We explore:• the difference between feminine energy (being, intuition, receiving) and masculine energy (doing, structure, action)• how constant doing dysregulates our nervous system and traps emotions in our body• why we lose our joy, creativity, and flow when we only operate from masculine• why our feminine energy actually makes us more effective at what we do• practical ways to bring tiny pockets of being into your dayWe also look at the spiritual layer — the truth that God meets us in quiet. Flowers bloom with no audience. Sunsets paint the sky every night. Beauty exists simply to be.This episode is an invitation to slow down, soften, breathe deeper into your body, and reconnect with the part of you that already knows how to receive, rest, and allow life to unfold.**Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine. I am a certified Ayurvedic Wellness Coach, not a licensed medical doctor.
In this episode, we’re giving your liver the spotlight it deserves. Often overlooked, this powerhouse organ performs over 500 functions in the body — from filtering toxins and balancing hormones to supporting digestion, immunity, and even your mood. When your liver is out of balance, you feel it everywhere — in your energy, sleep, skin, emotions, and hormones.We dive into:✨ The key signs your liver might need extra love — like fatigue, mood swings, acne, or PMS🌿 How Ayurveda views liver health through the lens of digestion and balance🧘‍♀️ Simple daily rituals to reduce stress, regulate your digestive fire, and bring your liver back into harmony🥬 Why greens, bitter foods, and mindful routines are your liver’s best friends☀️ The importance of routines, self-care, and honoring your body’s natural rhythmsIf you’ve been feeling sluggish, moody, or just off, this episode will help you reconnect with one of your body’s most vital organs — and learn how to support it naturally through food, lifestyle, and Ayurvedic wisdom.**Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine. I am a certified Ayurvedic Wellness Coach, not a licensed medical doctor.
As the leaves fall, we’re invited to release too. In this episode, we explore how to cleanse and ground through Ayurveda’s fall wisdom—balancing body and mind with nourishing foods, self-care rituals, and emotional release practices to prepare for the calm and stillness of winter.Fall is nature’s reminder that letting go is part of growth. In Ayurveda, this season marks the transition from Pitta (fire) to Vata (air and ether) — a time to release excess heat, slow down, and create warmth and grounding in your life.In this episode of Zen and Tonic: Wellness Unfiltered, we'll discuss how to align with autumn through Ayurvedic principles, emotional cleansing, and gentle self-care. You’ll discover what to eat, what routines to bring in, and how to emotionally reset for a balanced transition into winter.**Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine. I am a certified Ayurvedic Wellness Coach, not a licensed medical doctor.
In this episode of the Zen & Tonic Podcast: Wellness Unflitered, we dive into the fascinating science of neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt, change, and rewire itself throughout life. You’ll learn how your daily thoughts, habits, and environment shape your neural pathways and how you can consciously reorient them to create the life you want.I’ll share practical ways to hack your brain so you can form new habits, release old patterns, and strengthen beliefs that serve your highest self. From mindfulness and visualization, to the role of sleep, repetition, and emotional intensity, you’ll discover how to harness your brain’s natural ability to learn, grow, and heal.Whether you’re looking to overcome anxiety, break free from unhealthy cycles, improve memory, or simply become more resilient as you age, this episode gives you holistic, science-backed tools rooted in Ayurveda, wellness, and mind-body connection.***Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine. I am an Ayurvedic Wellness Coach, not a licensed medical doctor.
Join us on Today's Episode of the Zen & Tonic Podcast, to learn about the real reasons behind stubborn fat, and why no matter how much you focus on eating less and exercising more it still won't go away. Stubborn fat or weight loss plateaus can be so frustrating, yet the answers often don't lie in our modern diet culture. So many people get stuck in frustration after changing nothing to their routines, and gaining weight for no seen reason; or struggling with stubborn fat that won't go away no matter what they try. Today you'll learn about the real reasons your body holds on to fat like its life depends on it, because in reality that might just be the case. Learn about how and why our body stores toxins in our fat cells, and why that can create extra water weight that just won't budge. We'll also dive into the different hormones that can affect our metabolism and fat storage, and what we can do to help bring balance and healing to get to the root cause of the reason our body is holding on to fat so stubbornly! Lastly, we'll take a look into the energetic and emotional blockages that may cause us to hold on to extra fat, and what we can do to bring in healing and balance to this. **Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine. I am a certified Ayurvedic Wellness Coach, not a licensed medical doctor.
Today we continue our gut health series, focusing on the second underlying cause of gut issues: imbalances in our microbiome!!Our microbiome is the ecosystem of the trillions of bacteria that live in our gut. When the balance of bacteria is off, we can experience a plethora of gut issues like IBS, anxiety, indigestion, weight issues, immune function and so much more. Our gut is at the root of so much that happens within our bodies, which is why when there's imbalances within the gut that go unchecked, we can see it leading to bigger imbalances and dis-ease later on.Our gut is home to 80% of our immune system, meaning that it has a major effect on our overall health, energy, and vitality. A healthy, balanced gut is crucial for our wellness, which is why today we're learning the most common causes of imbalance within our gut microbiome, how we can notice when it's imbalanced, and what we can do to bring balance to our gut, short and long term.**Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine. I am a certified Ayurvedic Wellness Coach, not a licensed medical doctor.
In this episode of Zen and Tonic: Wellness Unfiltered, we’re zeroing in on one of the most misunderstood yet widespread root causes of chronic health issues: leaky gut (aka intestinal permeability).We break down what leaky gut actually is, why it’s become so common, and how it contributes to symptoms like bloating, food sensitivities, fatigue, acne, autoimmunity, and brain fog. You'll learn how the gut lining functions as your body's protective barrier — and what happens when that barrier breaks down.We also share natural tools to start healing, including gut-loving staples like ghee, bone broth, glutamine, and butyrate, plus the biggest foods and habits that could be harming your gut lining without you even realizing it.If you’ve been feeling "off" with no clear answers, this episode will help you connect the dots and begin your gut-healing journey with clarity and confidence.Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine. I am a certified Ayurvedic Wellness Coach, not a licensed medical doctor.
If you're struggling with PMS, mood swings, irregular cycles, or other symptoms of hormonal imbalance, this episode is for you. Today on Zen and Tonic, we’re diving into seed cycling—a gentle, natural method that uses the nutritional power of specific seeds to support hormonal balance throughout the phases of your menstrual cycle.Learn how flax, pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower seeds work to harmonize estrogen and progesterone levels, reduce PMS symptoms, and enhance your energy, mood, and fertility. Whether you're on hormonal birth control or not, seed cycling offers a nourishing, food-based tool to reconnect with your cycle and support your body’s natural rhythm.We’ll cover:How your hormones shift during the follicular and luteal phasesWhy each seed is perfectly matched to a phase of your cycleWhat phytoestrogens are and how they support hormonal regulationThe exact amounts to eat and when to startSimple ways to add these seeds into your daily routineHolistic tips to boost results, from liver support to stress reliefThis is a practical and empowering guide to syncing with your cycle and restoring hormonal harmony—naturally.**Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine. I am a certified Ayurvedic Wellness coach, not a licensed medical doctor.
Join us on this week's episode of the Zen & Tonic Podcast, where we dive into the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is so important to our health, immune system, and detoxification. It also has another side that's often overlooked. Today, we explore the connection our lymphatic system has to other systems within our physical body, and it's connection to our emotional health, and sense of vitality and balance in life.Taken from an Ayurvedic Perspective, the Eastern Medicine tradition from India, we'll explore how it connects to a tissue layer defined as 'Rasa', which connects not just to our lymphatic system, but our menstrual flow, our mucous membranes, and our white blood cells. We'll explore how we can understand whether this tissue layer is depleted, or in excess; and what we can do to bring it back into balance. We also discuss the ways it connects to our clarity, sense of love and trust, and our emotional flow; and why understanding this connection will allow us to support optimal health of these systems within us.Lastly, we talk about tips on how to support your lymphatic system, why lymphatic drainage is so important, and what you can bring in on a daily basis for optimal lymphatic health!!**Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine. I am a certified Ayurvedic Wellness Coach, not a licensed medical doctor.
In this episode of Zen and Tonic, we dive into the ancient wisdom of seasonal living through the lens of Ayurveda, focusing specifically on the summer season and how to stay balanced amidst its fiery, high-energy qualities.Summer brings in the energy of Pitta dosha, made up of the fire and water elements. When in balance, this season supports strong digestion, clear thinking, radiant skin, and a healthy drive for life. But when out of balance, it can lead to inflammation, irritability, burnout, skin issues, and digestive disturbances.Today, we'll go over what seasonal living is, why bringing balance to your system through your lifestyle and diet based on each season will help maintain health and balance, and what we can specifically do during the summertime to bring balance to the elements at play.We will discuss the Ayurvedic perspective on why summer affects us energetically, physically, and emotionally; how to identify signs of imbalance brought on by Summer in our body and mind; routines, lifestyle, and diet tips to stay cool and grounded this summer; and simple ways to sync with nature's cycles so you feel energized and vibrant this season. If you're someone who tends to run hot, get stressed easily, or feel inflamed or exhausted in the summer months, this episode is your guide to realignment.Tune in to learn how to use Ayurveda to cool your system, calm your mind, and embrace the best of what summer has to offer—without the burnout.Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare providor before making changes to your health routine. I am a certified Ayurvedic Wellness Coach, not a licensed medical doctor.
In today's episode, we talk about all things routine! Tune in to explore the transformative power of daily routines--not as rigid schedules, but as nourishing rhythms that support your digestion, hormonal balance, energy levels, and emotional clarity. Learn the effect routines have on your circadian rhythm, hormonal balance, emotional balance, and digestive health, followed by tips and ideas for routines that will support balance in each area.Whether you're a Type A planner or go-with-the-flow Type B girl, this episode offers grounding insights into how routines can support a calm the nervous system, anxiety reduction, your digestive capacity, and your overall energy!We'll cover how irregular routines affect your digestion and metabolism, why consistent mealtimes support nutrient absorption, the role of circadian rhythm in sleep and hormonal health, grounding practices, and self-care practices that can be part of your daily routines!Tune in to reconnect with your natural rhythm and learn how to use them to support your health and wellness.Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health routines. I am a certified Ayurvedic Wellness Coach, not a licensed medical doctor.
In today's episode we dive into understanding our nervous system through its two main states of 'fight and flight' and 'rest and digest'. We talk about the importance and necessity of each state, why regulation between the two is vital for our health, what can happen when we get stuck in chronic states of 'fight and flight', and the importance of the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is one of the most powerful tools our body has for regulation of our nervous system, and down regulating back into our parasympathetic state (rest & digest). Tune in to learn about nervous system regulation, and 5 ways to stimulate your vagus nerve in order to support your body and prevent chronic symptoms caused by an unregulated nervous system!Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine. I am a certified Ayurvedic Wellness Coach, not a licensed medical doctor.
On today's episode we are debunking detox myths and getting to the real truth behind the 'cleansing' fads. You'll learn how to actually support your body's natural detoxifying abilities through supporting your detox pathways. Weather you're wanting to support your bodie's daily abilities to heal itself and cleanse out toxins, or are interested in a more intensive 'cleanse', clearing and supporting yoru detox pathways are the key to lowering your toxin load and pushing toxins out of your system once and for all!Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare providor before making changes to your health routine. I am a certified Ayurvedic Wellness Coach, not a licensed medical doctor.
Today we talk about seasonal living, and how aligining our lifestyle to the constantly changing seasons can help us create balance and harmony in our bodies. We'll learn about what qualites springtime brings in, who gets affected by them the most, and what we can do to adjust our lifestyle, routines, and diets to feel our bests this season!! Take a self-care break from your busy day and tune in to learn more about Springtime Seasonal Living!Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before makign changes to your health routine. I am a certified Ayurvedic Wellness Coach, not a licensed medical doctor.
Today's episode is all about the 3 Pillars of Health, according to Eastern Medicine Traditions! These Pillars form the foundations of our health, and it's vital that we support them in order to support or health and wellness, and prevent any issues down the line! If you are dealing with any chronic symptoms and aren't sure where to start when it comes to taking a look into what may be contributing towards them, the three pillars is the first place to start! Tune in to learn what they are, how to support them, and get a sneak peak into next week's episode! Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine. I am a certified Ayurvedic Wellness Coach, not a licensed medical doctor.
Welcome to the very first episode of the Zen & Tonic Podcast: Wellness Unfiltered! On today's episode we discuss what the podcast is all about, who I am and my journey to beginning this platform, and an introduction to Ayurveda! Ayruveda is the Eastern medicine tradition from India, which lays out a system for understanding out own unique constitution and how to learn to read ourselves to find what food, lifestyles, exercise, habits, etc. work best for us and our health! Today we discuss the basics of Ayurveda, why it's useful, and how you can use it to become your healthiest, most radient self. Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine. I am a certified Ayurvedic Wellness Coach, not a licensed medical doctor.
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