Today’s episode features Isaac Pohlman, also known as the Diabetes Dietitian.

Isaac Pohlman is a Registered Dietitian with a Master’s degree in public health and nutritional sciences. He was inspired to pursue nutrition after developing a series of health issues during his high school and college years, including type 1 diabetes, hypothyroidism, and hormonal imbalances. He weaves much of his personal experiences into his business, which has become the foundation for how he helps his clients.

Isaac is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to all things blood sugar, and is passionate about helping people get to the root cause of their blood sugar issues. Whether you’re currently experiencing blood sugar dysregulation, metabolic dysfunction, or you’re simply looking to live a more balanced lifestyle, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

Episode Recap:

• Isaac’s journey of experiencing a myriad of health issues as a teen and young adult, to becoming the ‘diabetes dietitian’ {2:15}
• Why so many people are struggling with blood sugar issues today {12:07}
• How the various forms of light impact blood sugar + the critical roles that melatonin, cortisol, and leptin play {15:42}
• Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) + what you should *actually* pay attention to if you’re regularly experiencing blood sugar issues {22:00}
• Common habits to implement that can regulate & optimize blood sugar levels {25:50}
• Why metabolic dysfunction often accompanies blood sugar issues {30:09}
• Certain personality types that often struggle with blood sugar issues {31:38}
• Carving out time & really prioritizing stress management {33:28}
• Considerations to keep in mind with GLP-1 medications {38:14}
• The use of metformin + the effects of excessive iron in the body {43:01}
• The ‘blanket recommendation’ for iron during pregnancy {49:42}

**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 Isaac on Instagram @isaacpohlman
• Check out Isaac’s quiz: 10 Simple Questions to Pinpoint What’s Causing Your Blood Sugar Issues
• Learn more about working with Isaac 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

You may think taking high-quality supplements and drink mixes are going to fix your frustrating health symptoms, but, that’s just NOT the case!

If you’re hanging out on social media, you can pretty much guarantee you’re going to get bombarded by influencers + various health accounts, posting about the hottest new supplement, ESPECIALLY during Black Friday sales.

I personally love supplements - they’re a vital part of my wellness routine! However, they can be very costly, and there are other key pillars you need to have dialed in on BEFORE you spend your money on allll the supplements.

In today’s episode, I’m talking about what you actually need to do before stressing about supplements + lab testing. I’m diving into factors like the importance of really cleaning up your diet and prioritizing 3 solid meals/day, taking a mindful & moderate approach to your caffeine and (especially) alcohol consumption, the major impact of poor sleep habits and excessive technology usage, and more.

If you’re at a place where you have these key, foundational pieces locked in, but you don’t want to continue DIY-ing your health, functional lab testing could be your next, best step. Getting real, clear data on yourself can be super motivating for you to take action + actually see improvements.

Our team would be honored to walk with and provide you with a strategic approach to tackle your symptoms, so you truly CAN optimize your health and well-being. You can apply to work with us in our 1-1 Deep Dive Program - we would love to get you to a place of healing AND thriving!

Episode Recap:

• Why cleaning up your nutrition first is SUPER important + how to do so {2:16}
• Prioritizing 3 square meals/day + what this can look like {5:53}
• Reducing your caffeine + alcohol intake {12:13}
• Addressing your sleep habits & phone usage {24:42}
• Your relationship with regular movement {30:31}
• When lab testing IS something you should do {32:25}

Links & References:

• EWG.org
• Opal - the #1 screen time app
• 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

I can’t believe it, but we’ve reached the 50th episode of the Fueled & Free podcast!!

This feels like an incredible accomplishment, and to celebrate, I wanted to do a fun Q&A style segment. These are a variety of questions that came from my Instagram community, and I’m excited to cover them in more detail here.

In today’s episode, I’m diving into some of your questions such as, whether or not to get off thyroid medication, why joint pain may be ‘suddenly’ popping up for you, its possible connection to autoimmunity, balancing motherhood + career, and navigating weight loss when you’re breastfeeding.

If you resonate with these questions asked and you know it’s time to dive into your own frustrating health symptoms, I want to remind you that your LAST chance to apply to work with us in our 1-1 Deep Dive Program for 2024 is November 11th. Our team would love to help you with a personalized roadmap of what YOUR body needs, so you can *finally* step into the new year with more peace and clarity!

Whether you’ve been a dedicated, long-time listener of the podcast, or this is your first episode, I’m TRULY honored to have you here. Cheers to many more!

Episode Recap:

• Getting off Synthroid (thyroid) medication {1:19}
• Factors that greatly influence the thyroid {5:30}
• Navigating the sudden onset of joint pain + what an autoimmune condition is & how this could be connected {9:38}
• Tips for managing stress as a working mom with young children + why certain careers may not be ideal for you in motherhood {20:08}
• Trying to lose weight while breastfeeding {32:35}

Links & References:

• Episode 40: Understanding Hypothyroidism and Its Connection to ADHD, Gut Health, Toxic Exposure and Chronic Stress
• Episode 13: Summer Transitions and Rhythms with Wynne Elder
• Check out Cronometer
• 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

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