It’s time that we tackle a hot topic that’s at the root of sooo many health issues - cortisol imbalance.

If you follow any health or wellness account on social media, I know you’re seeing content regarding cortisol. Yeah..it’s trending everywhere, and is definitely having its moment right now!

While some of these cortisol ‘balancing’ products that you’re seeing and hearing about are gimmicky, cortisol is super important, and we need to pay attention to it. Cortisol is much more than just the body’s stress hormone - it plays a critical role in our overall well-being.

In today’s episode, I want to share a kind of ‘crash course’ into cortisol, and how it impacts everything from your mood and sleep, to your immune system and gut health. I’m diving into the signs for high cortisol vs. low cortisol, 5 common causes that lead to cortisol imbalances, practical steps you can take to support healthy levels of cortisol, and more.

If you’re experiencing chronic stress, sleep issues, or you’re just feeling ‘off’, I’ve got good news - you CAN feel safe and regulated again. I'm excited to announce our upcoming, FREE 10 day challenge, Calm The Cortisol, kicking off November 4th, 2024!

I really want to help you get to the root cause of your hormonal imbalances + optimize your health & well-being. Whether you’re ready to join the 10 day cortisol challenge or work closely with our team in our 1-1 Deep Dive Program, it’s possible for you to master your cortisol levels, and feel healthy and resilient!!

Episode Recap:

• What cortisol actually is + what it does {4:01}
• Symptoms of high cortisol for extended periods of time {6:36}
• Symptoms of low cortisol for long periods of time {9:49}
• 5 common causes that lead to cortisol imbalances {11:35}
• How cortisol greatly affects the body + why this should matter to you {20:13}
• Practical steps to help you support healthy levels of cortisol {23:56}

Links & References:

• Join the FREE 10 Day Calm The Cortisol Challenge
• Connect with me on Instagram @margaretannpowell and @fueledandfreenutrition
• Learn more about working with our team by visiting our website
• Send us an email at fueledandfreepodcast@gmail.com

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

I know sooo many of you are struggling with annoying hormonal issues, like irregular periods, bloating, acne, fatigue, and more.

Maybe you’ve gotten bloodwork done with your provider, and it comes back ‘normal’. Maybe you’ve been told that testing your hormones won’t be useful due to their fluctuation. Regardless of your story, you’re experiencing these issues, and you deserve to get to the root cause of WHY they’re happening!

What if I told you that all of these hormonal imbalances were linked to something deeper… like poor gut health?

When you have imbalances in your gut, your hormones WILL be affected. In today’s episode, I’m discussing why your hormonal issues are linked to poor gut health. I’m diving into how the gut causes hormonal issues, the role that stress, nutrient deficiencies, and environmental toxins play, practical steps you can take right away to support both your gut health and your hormones, and more.

I hope this episode opens your eyes to how closely tied your gut is to your hormones. If you’re tired of dealing with frustrating hormonal symptoms and you’re ready to get to the root cause of what YOUR body needs, I highly encourage you to apply for our 1-1 Deep Dive Program!

When you take care of your gut, your hormones will thank you. Healing your gut can be the key to feeling better, having more energy, and really getting your health back on track!!

Episode Recap:

• Common hormonal symptoms women struggle with {3:02}
• The root causes that actually cause hormonal imbalances {3:51}
• Why you may think your gut isn’t *really* the issue + typical symptoms & scenarios we hear from the clients we work with {6:13}
• How the gut causes hormonal issues {11:15}
• How SIBO + the lack of enzyme secretion contributes to poor gut absorption & nutrient deficiencies {14:58}
• The connection between gut imbalances and chronic inflammation within the body {17:40}
• What it looks like when you work with our team & take a personalized approach {18:35}
• Practical steps you can start taking today to improve your gut health + support your hormones {19:37}

Links & References:

• Get the Fueled & Free Minerals Guide
• Connect with me on Instagram @margaretannpowell and @fueledandfreenutrition
• Learn more about working with our team by visiting our website
• Send us an email at fueledandfreepodcast@gmail.com

Today’s podcast episode features Courtland Nall, a holistic hygienist busting the toxic dental paradigm one topic at a time!

Courtland is a registered dental hygienist with a focus on holistic and biological dentistry. She's been in the dental field for over 10 years, and is certified with the top holistic dental organization, the International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine (IABDM).

Courtland is passionate about helping people achieve optimal oral health through natural, holistic approaches. She’s seen firsthand the systemic connections between gut health, hormonal changes, and dental issues.

In today’s conversation, we’re discussing a variety of topics related to both traditional and holistic practices in dentistry, and oral health. We chat about the importance of second opinions in your dental care, the crucial connection between gut health and oral health, what things like airway health, mouth breathing, and bleeding gums are really telling you, ideal toothpaste options, oil pulling, and more.

We went down plenty of rabbit holes in this one - Courtland is a wealth of knowledge regarding all things oral and dental health. I know our conversation will leave you feeling informed AND empowered to be proactive with your and your family’s overall health!

Episode Recap:

• Courtland’s transition from traditional dentistry to functional dentistry + the common sales-driven practices in dentistry {3:50}
• The importance of noticing ‘red flags’ + getting second opinions with your dental care {6:53}
• Understanding airway health, tongue ties, and mouth breathing + the impact on your teeth and potential tooth decay {13:22}
• How gradually moving away from our true biological state & natural living has shifted our palates over time {16:49}
• Using pre-orthodontic systems and ‘guiding’ devices to help improve dental health {20:20}
• Proactive steps to take to support your oral microbiome {25:31}
• Toothpaste options that help with remineralization + the under-estimated benefits of oil pulling {29:41}
• The dentinal fluid transport system + why tongue scraping matters {33:14}
• What your bleeding gums are actually telling you + getting to the root cause {37:28}
• Why your teeth are the hardest tissues to heal in your body + focusing on your overall well-being to do so {42:14}
• Addressing inflammation within the body + how thermography can help with this {47:19}
• Cavitations and root canals {49:35}

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Links/Resources mentioned:

• Connect with Courtland on Instagram @courtland.nall
• Get Courtland’s free guide: How to Balance Your Oral Microbiome Naturally
• Learn about Dr. Thom Lokensgard by visiting his website
• Connect with me on Instagram @margaretannpowell and @fueledandfreenutrition
• For questions or suggestions about the podcast, send us an email at fueledandfreepodcast@gmail.com

We’re diving into gallbladder health in today’s episode!

The gallbladder is often not thought of as an ‘important’ organ in your body, because it is something you can live without. But, it does WAY more than you may realize! The gallbladder is very interconnected to your thyroid, hormones, and gut health, and plays a crucial role in metabolic health.

Fortunately, there are a variety of holistic ways to support and optimize your digestion, and improve gallbladder health - especially if you’re dealing with a ‘sludgy’ gallbladder.

Our 1-1 Deep Dive Program was created to support you and provide you with a clear roadmap of what YOUR body needs. It IS possible for you to function and truly THRIVE in your everyday life, so let’s get you there!

Episode Recap:

• Key gallbladder facts + what it does within your body {2:44}
• Most common options for testing your gallbladder {6:21}
• 6 lesser-known signs that point to your gallbladder being in trouble {8:17}
• A real-life example of how a gallbladder ‘attack’ can present {18:01}
• Why assessing thyroid health is vital for metabolic function {26:27}
• Gallbladder surgery + pros and cons of doing so {29:35}
• My recs for optimizing your digestive health {33:20}
• Prioritizing overall wellness that’s personalized to you {39:40}

Links & References:

• Branch Basics
• Puracy
• BioKleen Laundry Detergent
• Episode 23 | Estrogen Dominance
• Episode 20 | Why Loving Your Liver is Key to Balanced Hormones
• Connect with me on Instagram @margaretannpowell and @fueledandfreenutrition
• Learn more about working with our team by visiting our website
• Send us an email at fueledandfreepodcast@gmail.com

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Today’s podcast episode features not only one, but TWO powerhouse women - Kristin Johnson and Maria Claps.

Kristin and Maria are the co-founders of the women’s health and hormone education practice Wise + Well, and they’re co-authors of their recent book, The Great Menopause Myth. Together, Kristen and Maria have developed a deep specialty in perimenopause and menopause health through their clinical mentorships with multiple medical doctors and naturopaths specializing in hormone replacement therapy.

They believe that the second chapter in life doesn’t mean you have to feel less than ‘optimal’ - they’re passionate about working with women who want to THRIVE in mid-life!

In today’s episode, we’re discussing the many nuances that affect women in their 30s, 40s, and beyond. We’re diving into topics like hormone testing and hormone replacement therapy (HRT), the recent testosterone ‘craze’, the importance of finding a reliable provider/practitioner to support you, IUDS and birth control, and much more.

As women, we can no longer outsource our health to other people. We MUST become educated, empowered, and be our own advocate. Our hormones are an incredibly powerful piece of the puzzle; they affect everything happening within our bodies, so it’s vital that we pay attention to what’s working well (and what isn’t so much).

This conversation is packed with sooo much valuable insight to help you navigate your mid-life journey (and beyond), and really equip you with the necessary tools to support your long-term health and wellness!

Episode Recap:

• Understanding perimenopause & menopause + why perimenopause can be so variable {5:35}
• When to start with hormone testing + types of testing you can do {9:32}
• The struggle that often comes with getting hormone testing done with your provider {12:24}
• The importance of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) + getting it done from a reliable source/provider {13:55}
• Why testosterone plays a vital role in women’s health, but its use MUST be approached with caution {19:32}
• Why progesterone therapy eventually stops working/doesn’t do well long-term {24:00}
• The controversial messaging that still exists regarding hormones causing cancer {31:38}
• How GLP-1s can impact women’s health during perimenopause and beyond {33:16}
• The very real risks of IUDs and long-term birth control use {39:45}
• Investigating further into WHY you’re dealing with heavy periods in mid-life {47:55}
• Advocating for proper biological hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) {49:02}
• Dietary considerations for perimenopause and menopause {53:05}

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Connect with Kristin and Maria on Instagram @wise_and_well_

Check out their book The Great Menopause Myth

Connect with me on Instagram @margaretannpowell and @fueledandfreenutrition

For questions or suggestions about the podcast, send us an email at fueledandfreepodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, I dive into all things hunger and appetite. Do you find that you lack a consistent appetite? Or find that certain times of the day you aren't hungry at all and other times of the day you're starving? What about the push to eating a higher protein diet to those who seemingly can't stomach that larger volume of food?

I'm diving into some of the reasons and "root causes" as to why you may be struggling with lack of a consistent appetite and how not eating enough throughout the day can be a big contributor to middle of the night waking, as well as a sluggish metabolism. When you chronically under-eat and don't fuel and nourish your body properly, your metabolism down regulates.

EPISODE RECAP:

• The role of cortisol + cortisol imbalances with hunger + satiety.
• How gut pathogens like H. Pylori + SIBO affect appetite
• Nutrient deficiencies like low Vitamin D, low Zinc, B12, Iron, Magnesium + the link to low appetite
• Meal timing strategies to help get your appetite back

LINKS AND REFERENCES:
Fueled & Free Minerals Guide, Download Here.
Episode 20: Why Loving Your Liver Is The Key To Balanced Hormones, Listen Here.
Email: Fueledandfreepodcast@gmail.com
Learn more about working with our team 1:1, click here.

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Connect with me on Instagram @margaretannpowell and @fueledandfreenutrition

I'm excited to be back to podcasting after taking the summer off!! I'm kicking off season 4 by sharing our unfortunate experience of an unexpected mold exposure in our bathroom at our Pennsylvania home. I discuss how we discovered the mold, the immediate actions we took as a result, some of the health issues we experienced, what I learned through the process, what I'd recommend if you're navigating mold exposure. I also share some clinical nuggets // thoughts on mold from some of the past clients we've worked with that have had mold illness.

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Welcome to Season Four

00:17 Our summer in PA

07:35 Discovering the Mold Problem

11:26 Immediate Actions and Emotional Impact

15:44 Health Symptoms and Concerns

22:56 Understanding Mold Illness

26:57 Diving Deeper into Mold Awareness

27:26 Immediate Actions for Mold Exposure

28:24 Supporting the Body During Mold Exposure

29:38 Practical Tips for Families

34:10 Emotional and Mental Health Considerations

37:58 Testing and Future Plans

49:53 Final Thoughts and Resources

Links:

• To apply to work with us 1:1, go to https://fueledandfree.com/1-1-deep-dive-program
• Episode 17, Mold exposure and mold illness symptoms with Nicole Ritter.
• Micro Balance Health Products, air purification candles, mold cleaners, laundry additives, click here to shop.
• Dr. Jill Crista's website for further mold education, click here
• Navage nasal irrigation machine on Amazon, click here.

LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/margaretannpowell/

Website: https://www.fueledandfree.com/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@margaretannpowell2

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-powell-11a089263/

Store: https://stan.store/margaretannpowell

Fueled and Free Podcast

Website: https://fueledandfree.com/

#MoldExposure #HealthCrisis #FunctionalHealth #DetoxStrategies #HomeRenovations #MoldAwareness #HealthyLiving #FamilyHealth #FueledAndFreePodcast #Season4 #MoldIllness

I’m excited to wrap up this season with a fun Q&A style episode, answering questions submitted by my Instagram community. I dive into a variety of topics like the very controversial GLP-1 (semaglutide) peptides (like what they actually are and what to consider if you are planning to take them), how using a vibrator can affect your hormones, why regular consumption of nuts + other omega-6 fatty acids IS impacting your gut health, the very popular Happy Juice, and more.

I love getting to dig into so many fascinating topics on the podcast, and I hope all of it is helpful for you as you’re navigating your health and wellness journey. I’m so grateful you are here, and I would truly appreciate it if you left a positive review, wherever you listen to the show. Can’t wait to be back with you again very soon!!

Episode Recap:

• What GLP-1 (semaglutide) medications are and how they work + considerations, possible side effects, etc. when taking them {5:40}
• Using vibrators + their effect on hormones {22:17}
• Reasons why you may be experiencing a longer luteal phase and/or longer menstrual cycle all together {28:32}
• Nuts and omega-6 fatty acids + their overall impact on gut health {32:36}
• What Happy Juice is + my personal experience using it {39:26}
• What to do if your body isn’t responding well to protocols + how to know when to switch providers {47:24}
  

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Complete show notes (including all links and resources I mentioned in this episode):

https://margaretpowell.com/podcast/episode42

Connect with me on Instagram @margaretannpowell and @fueledandfreenutrition

Learn more about working together by visiting https://fueledandfree.com/

For questions or suggestions about the podcast, send us an email at fueledandfreepodcast@gmail.com