Made to be Whole

113 Episodes

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When Internet Searches and Provider Advice Don’t Match

2026-11-0127:36

In this episode of Made to Be Whole, Krista Michener dives into the challenges and opportunities that come with researching your health online in the age of AI. She discusses what to do when your provider’s recommendations don’t align with what you’ve found on the internet. Krista shares her own experiences as both a provider and patient, the importance of individualized care, and strategies for being your own advocate—especially if you’re navigating complex or chronic illnesses such as Lyme disease and co-infections. This episode is packed with practical advice for patients who want to bridge the gap between internet research and professional medical recommendations, all while maintaining hope and remembering the power of community and self-advocacy.Topics discussed in this episode:How to assess the reliability of online health information and AI-generated search resultsWhy individualized care matters: What internet searches can’t see about your unique health pictureUnderstanding the limitations of online treatment protocols for chronic and complex illnessesThe role of biofilms, co-infections, and immune system factors missed by internet searchesStrategies for organizing, tracking, and advocating for your health (and your family’s)The power of support networks, coaching, and creative problem solving for healingHow to maintain perspective, hope, and community during your health journeyReach out to your coach or support person if you need help organizing your treatment plan or keeping on track!Start your own system for tracking symptoms, meds, and appointments—it could be as simple as a notebook, spreadsheet, or daily journal.Remember to look for your tribe—connect with others going through similar challenges and seek ways to both give and receive help.Stay tuned, and remember: You were made to be whole.All resources mentioned on the show can be found at: https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/Any references to any particular people, including family, have been shared with prior consent.Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands. Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Understanding and Overcoming Pain: Types, Diagnosis, and Paths to Healing

2026-10-2530:36

In this episode of Made to Be Whole, Krista Michener explores the multifaceted world of pain—what it means to live with pain, how to understand its sources, and strategies for effective diagnosis and relief. Drawing upon personal experience and clinical insight, Krista Michener breaks down the categories of pain (acute, chronic, nociceptive, neuropathic, and nociplastic), discusses the critical importance of correctly diagnosing pain, and examines both traditional and alternative approaches that aid healing. Learn how realistic expectations, compassionate support, and a holistic approach can help you manage pain and reclaim your wholeness.Topics discussed in this episode:Life Is Pain: Embracing Realistic ExpectationsDefining Types of Physical Pain: Acute, Chronic, Nociceptive, Neuropathic, and NociplasticDiagnosing Pain: The Importance of Accurate Assessment and ImagingThe Role of Therapeutic Professionals: Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Acupuncture, Massage, and Chiropractic CareInflammation, Infection, and Genetic Influences on PainStructural vs. Inflammatory Pain: Pathways to Targeted TreatmentSelf-Pay vs. Insurance: Navigating the Cost of Imaging and CareBuilding a Toolbox: Combining Strategies for Chronic Pain ManagementHope and Resilience: Adapting and Thriving Despite PainShare your own pain management tips or questions for Krista Michener—call in to the podcast line!Explore resources and integrative approaches at https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/.Remember to check in with yourself—what’s one thing you can do today to nurture your own wholeness?Stay tuned, and remember: You were made to be whole.All resources mentioned on the show can be found at: https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/Any references to any particular people, including family, have been shared with prior consent.Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands. Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to Dispel Misinformation & Improve Communication in Relationships

2026-10-1825:16

In this episode of Made to Be Whole, we dig into the challenges of misinformation, mislabeling of intent, and the human tendency to jump to conclusions about others. Exploring how health issues, trauma, and communication patterns affect our relationships, the conversation offers practical strategies to foster compassion, set healthy boundaries, and address the root causes underlying mood and behavior changes. Learn how to use both self-awareness and medical tools to support your wellbeing and satisfy your need for meaningful, authentic connection.Topics discussed in this episode:Why we misjudge others: Understanding human nature and the impact of misinformationThe role of inflammation, trauma, and physiology in shaping mood and behaviorStrategies for setting boundaries, practicing self-awareness, and improving communicationHow to approach treatment-resistant mood issues by targeting the underlying causesThe importance of compassionate care and the value of finding the right mental health supportNavigating the complexities of autoimmune encephalitis and related conditionsResources mentioned in this episode:Inflamed Moods: A Review of the Interaction Between Inflammation and Mood Disorders (Rosenblatt et al.) on ScienceDirect📝 Have a question or suggestion? Text or call our podcast info line at 330-439-0686!🧠 Interested in supporting your mental and physical health? Explore more resources at our website.💬 Share this episode with someone who could use a little extra compassion and understanding today!Stay tuned, and remember: You were made to be whole.All resources mentioned on the show can be found at: https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/Any references to any particular people, including family, have been shared with prior consent.Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands. Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to Track Your Symptoms for Better Health Advocacy

2026-10-1126:04

In this episode of Made to Be Whole, Krista Michener dives deep into the practical tools and benefits of tracking your symptoms to become a better advocate for your health. Discover why traditional memory can fail us, how to record your health changes effectively, and what modern (and classic) tools can help you see progress and partner better with healthcare providers. You'll learn about the power of the SYMPLE symptom tracker app, tips for succinct provider communication, and strategies to incorporate tracking into your daily routine—all centered on the theme of becoming whole through empowered health advocacy.Topics discussed in this episode:Why consistent symptom tracking matters for both patients and providersHow to use apps like SYMPLE for recording symptoms, photos, and health factorsBest practices for preparing concise and relevant health summaries for medical appointmentsThe importance of customizing symptom tracking to your needs and not striving for perfectionOvercoming barriers to regular record-keeping and turning tracking into a sustainable habitInsights into how tracking helps illuminate progress—even when it feels slowResources mentioned in this episode:SYMPLE symptom tracker app (Apple App Store)AHPI Integrative HealthDirty Dozen produce list (for reducing pesticide exposure)📱 Try out a new symptom tracking method this week—whether it's paper, the SYMPLE app, or another tool—and notice how it changes your perspective on your progress!📝 Before your next provider visit, prepare a summary of key changes in your symptoms, medications, and questions you want answered to make the most of your appointment time.💬 Share with us your favorite tools or strategies for keeping health records—your tip could help others on their journey to wholeness!Stay tuned, and remember: You were made to be whole.All resources mentioned on the show can be found at: https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/Any references to any particular people, including family, have been shared with prior consent.Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands. Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Guide to Urine Mycotoxin & Toxin Testing for Chronic Illness

2026-10-0433:44

In this episode of Made to Be Whole, Krista Michener offers a deep dive into comprehensive urine testing for mycotoxins, heavy metals, and environmental toxins. Drawing from personal experience and expert insight, Krista Michener unpacks why these advanced urine screenings are included in the Foundation’s package, how they reveal crucial health clues, and what steps listeners can take based on their results. She explores nuances like test selection, mold exposure sources, toxins in foods and the home, and the relevance of organic acid testing in understanding chronic symptoms. If you’re searching for answers about persistent health issues or want an actionable approach to chronic illness and toxic exposures, this episode is a must-listen.Topics discussed in this episode:How urine testing for mycotoxins, heavy metals, and toxins supports chronic illness recoveryThe difference between Mosaic Diagnostics and Real-Time Labs urine tests—and why the comparison mattersUnderstanding sources of mold exposure in the home, food, and environmentIdentifying symptoms and risks associated with mold, heavy metal, and pesticide exposureThe role of organic acid testing in uncovering microbial imbalances, nutrient deficits, and toxin burdensWhat to do if you suspect environmental exposure: from moving to remediation and reducing risksPractical tips for minimizing exposure to parabens, plastics, glyphosates, and phthalates in daily lifeHow to approach test results without overwhelm and use them to take concrete next steps towards healthResources mentioned in this episode:Mosaic Diagnostics (formerly Great Plains Labs)Real-Time LabsThe Dirty Dozen produce list📝 Feeling overwhelmed by test results? Start with the summary page and prioritize changes one step at a time!🏡 Suspect mold or toxins at home? Consider a thorough inspection—ideally by companies who also check for asbestos—to protect your healing space.🥕 Try swapping out your top foods from the Dirty Dozen list to reduce pesticide and glyphosate exposure in your diet.Stay tuned, and remember: You were made to be whole.All resources mentioned on the show can be found at: https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/Any references to any particular people, including family, have been shared with prior consent.Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands. Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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