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In today's episode, we're diving deep into chronic pain—what it is, how it affects your body and mind, and why it’s not just about pain that lasts longer than three months. Chronic pain often involves a complex interaction of physical symptoms, emotional responses, and systemic inflammation that can impact your entire life.

🔍 This Episode Covers:

• What is chronic pain?
  Pain is a natural signal from the body warning us that something's wrong. But chronic pain goes beyond that—it lingers, spreads, and often becomes part of a larger syndrome involving sleep disturbances, stress, and other physical limitations.
• The mind-body connection:
  Chronic pain often involves emotional triggers. We'll explore how your brain processes pain through the hypothalamus and how past trauma or anxiety can amplify pain responses, even when no injury is present.
• Pain perception and healing:
  Everyone experiences pain differently. Whether you're more fearful of pain or tend to push through it, your mindset influences your recovery. We discuss how being aware of your pain response style can help you or your healthcare provider create a better healing plan.
• Chronic inflammation and systemic pain:
  Multiple “-itis” diagnoses (like arthritis, tendinitis, or even otitis) may point to chronic inflammation. Chronic pain can spread and evolve if not addressed systemically, not just with ice or medication.
• Healing from the inside out:
  True healing starts with understanding the root cause of chronic pain—this includes lifestyle, diet, and emotional wellness. We touch on:
  • The role of anti-inflammatory foods and how your refrigerator can become your medicine cabinet.
  • The importance of quality sleep and reducing systemic stress.
  • Why chronic use of pain medications is not a long-term solution.
• Respecting every pain experience:
  Chronic pain isn't always visible. We share real stories from physical therapy—why two people with very different pain levels and behaviors should both be taken seriously. Pain is personal, and there's no one-size-fits-all scale.
• A message of hope:
  We close with a reflection from Romans 12:12: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Whether you're spiritual or not, there is healing in staying hopeful, being persistent, and finding support—mentally, physically, and emotionally.

💡 Final takeaway:
If you or someone you love is living with chronic pain, know that you are not alone. Understanding how pain works—from inflammation to emotions—is a critical first step. Healing is possible, but it takes an inside-out approach.

🎧 Listen now and discover:

• How to recognize the signs of chronic pain
• Why inflammation plays suc

Join me for the Spring Cleaning Liver Detox. Go to https://l.bttr.to/dEe78 to sign up or go to www.heal-throughfood.com for more information

To sign up for my Spring Cleaning Liver Detox starting June 2nd, go to my website. Enter code: Detox2025 for an introductory discount

www.heal-throughfood.com

Thank you for listening to Healthy California.

If you have tried all my suggestions and are still having trouble with your health, and would like an appointment with me, please email me, text, or call me via the contact information below.

My contact:

Linda Brown, MPT, Doctoral Candidate Functional Nutrition

916-426-2543

linda@heal-throughfood.com

www.heal-throughfood.com

Send us a text

📌 Episode Summary:

Welcome to the Healthy California Podcast, where we explore practical, holistic approaches to well-being. I'm your host, Linda Brown, and my goal is to educate and empower you to make better daily choices for a healthier life—because you, your family, your neighbors, and your entire community deserve to live well.

In today’s episode, we dive into a topic that affects nearly everyone: stress.

We’ll explore:

• What stress really is
• Why it’s not always the enemy
• How it impacts your body—from digestion to hormones to reproduction
• The difference between helpful and harmful stress
• And most importantly, what you can do about it

Whether you're juggling too many responsibilities, struggling with sleep, digestion, or simply feeling overwhelmed, this episode will help you understand the physiological effects of stress and how to bring your body back into a “rest and digest” state.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Stress is not just emotional—it's a biological response that can either help you grow or break you down, depending on duration and intensity.
• Chronic stress impacts every system in your body, from your gut and immune system to your reproductive health and mental well-being.
• Recognizing perceived stress (especially from past trauma) is just as important as identifying physical stress.
• Practical strategies for managing stress include breathing techniques, adaptogenic herbs (with professional guidance), exercise, nutrition, counseling, journaling, and even something as simple as taking a bubble bath.
• Delegating, eliminating, and prioritizing are key tools in reclaiming your time and reducing daily overwhelm.

📝 Homework Assignment:

• Look at your calendar and identify what you can delegate or eliminate.
• Reclaim some of your time.
• Take at least one step to reduce stress this week—whether it’s a walk, a relaxing bath, or turning off your phone for an hour.

📚 Resources Mentioned:

• Breathing technique: 4x4 Box Breathing
• Adaptogens: Ashwagandha, Passionflower (seek personalized guidance)
• Functional testing for adrenal health
• Blue Zones and community well-being
• Nutritional recommendations: omega-3s, B vitamins, colorful fruits/vegetables

📞 Connect With Linda:

Have questions or need personalized help managing your stress?
🗓️ Schedule a free 15-minute consultation — details in the show notes below.
📱 Follow me on social media and turn on notifications to never miss an episode!

To sign up for my Spring Cleaning Liver Detox starting June 2nd, go to my website. Enter code: Detox2025 for an introductory discount

www.heal-throughfood.com

Thank you for listening to Healthy California.

If you have tried all my suggestions and are still having trouble with your health, and would like an appointment with me, please email me, text, or call me via the contact information below.

My contact:

Linda Brown, MPT, Doctoral Candidate Functional Nutrition

916-426-2543

linda@heal-throughfood.com

www.heal-throughfood.com

Send us a text

Welcome to another episode of the Healthy California podcast! I’m your host, Linda Brown, and I’m here to help you make empowered, informed decisions about your health, your family’s well-being, and the wellness of your community. Every week, we explore practical, science-backed solutions to help you thrive.

In this episode, we dive deep into a growing environmental and health concern: plastics and microplastics. These synthetic materials are everywhere—from food packaging and makeup to clothing and car interiors—and they’re silently disrupting our hormones, overwhelming our detox systems, and contributing to a wide range of chronic illnesses.

🔍 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What plastics and microplastics really are, and why they don’t break down
• How “forever chemicals” like PFAS and BPA disrupt our endocrine system
• How plastics enter our bodies and the alarming amount we ingest weekly
• The serious health risks tied to plastic exposure, including hormone-related diseases, inflammation, and developmental concerns
• Why children carry an even heavier toxic burden than adults
• What’s really happening to your recycling—and why only 9% of U.S. plastic is actually recycled
• Simple steps you can take to reduce your plastic exposure at home
• Why supporting your liver is key to reducing your toxic load

🌱 Actionable Tips Shared:

• Switch to glass or stainless-steel food storage
• Avoid heating food in plastic containers
• Choose BPA- and phthalate-free personal care products (check out ewg.org)
• Eat more high-fiber, colorful foods to support detox
• Stay hydrated, prioritize sleep, and keep moving

💚 Join the June Liver Detox!
I’m hosting a liver detox next month to help reduce your toxic burden and boost your overall health. Sign up through my website and use code Detox2025 for a discount.

🎧 Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the environmental health concerns or just looking for a place to start, this episode will leave you better informed and more empowered. Your health journey is just that—a journey. Be kind to yourself, and take one step at a time.

🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned:

Understanding Potency of endocrine disruptors, an infographic by the Health and Environment Alliance. https://www.env-health.org/infographic-more-than-one-potency/

Understanding How Doses Matter when it comes to endocrine disruptors, an infographic by the Health and Environment Alliance. https://www.env-health.org/infographic-low-doses-matter/

Geyer, R., Jambeck, J.R., Law, K.L. (2017 Jul 19). Production, use, and fate of all plastics ever made. Science Advances. Vol.3 Issue 7. https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sc

To sign up for my Spring Cleaning Liver Detox starting June 2nd, go to my website. Enter code: Detox2025 for an introductory discount

www.heal-throughfood.com

Thank you for listening to Healthy California.

If you have tried all my suggestions and are still having trouble with your health, and would like an appointment with me, please email me, text, or call me via the contact information below.

My contact:

Linda Brown, MPT, Doctoral Candidate Functional Nutrition

916-426-2543

linda@heal-throughfood.com

www.heal-throughfood.com