The Nutritional Therapy and Wellness Podcast

Ep 071: A Fertility Journey to Natural Pregnancy Through Foundational Healing

In this episode of the Nutritional Therapy and Wellness Podcast, host Jamie Belz, FNTP, MHC, sits down with Abby Taylor, NTP, Certified Birth Doula, childbirth educator, and founder of Mirabelle Birth, to unpack a powerful, hope-filled story of natural fertility and conception through applying the Foundations of Health, learned through the NTA's Nutritional Therapy Practitioner Program. For over a decade, Abby and her husband, Josh, journeyed through miscarriage, long and irregular cycles, rapid weight gain, and the emotional toll of living in the "maybe someday" of infertility. After years of feeling dismissed by conventional medicine and not wanting to pursue high-intervention fertility treatments, she discovered the Nutritional Therapy Association's NTP program—and everything changed. By applying the Foundations of Health— nutrient-dense diet, digestion optimization, blood sugar regulation, quality sleep, stress management, joyful movement, and hydration —Abby watched her body begin to shift. Her cycles shortened, ovulation resumed, her inflammation markers dropped, and, to her complete surprise, she and Josh conceived naturally after ten years without conventional fertility treatment. Now, through Mirabelle Birth, she's refocusing her birth work to center on fertility nutrition, prenatal and postpartum nourishment, and hope-filled encouragement for women who want to enable and prepare their bodies for pregnancy. If you're trying to conceive, supporting clients with fertility challenges, or simply want to understand how functional nutrition and holistic prenatal care can transform the motherhood journey, this conversation with Abby Taylor will encourage, equip, and remind you that your body was designed to heal. Follow and connect with Abby on Instagram!: @mirabellebirth Give us five stars, subscribe, and connect with us directly in the comments section on Spotify!

Ep 070: Getting Started with Meal Planning and Eating Healthier Overall

In this episode of the Nutritional Therapy and Wellness Podcast, host Jamie Belz, FNTP, MHC sits down with fellow FNTP and NTA educator Hallie Loy-Roby for a practical, honest conversation about building real, sustainable meal-planning habits that support foundational health for overall wellbeing. Hallie Loy-Roby is a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, course developer, and Assistant Instructor with the Nutritional Therapy Association. Through her practice, Holistically Hallie, she helps clients understand digestion, blood sugar regulation, and liver and gallbladder function with a clear, evidence-informed approach rooted in real food and bio-individuality. She's known for blending science, practicality, and grounded encouragement in a way that helps people take meaningful action without perfectionism or overwhelm. Together, Jamie and Hallie unpack what meal planning looks like in real life—without the pressure, elaborate systems, or unrealistic expectations that so often derail people. They explore the power of consistency, how to build nutrient-dense meals from simple ingredients, and how intentional planning reduces stress, supports digestion, stabilizes blood sugar, and frees up mental energy. Topics Covered: * Beginning meal planning when you feel disorganized or stretched thin * Creating balanced meals using protein, whole-food carbohydrates, fiber, and healthy fats * Increasing color and diversity on the plate for improved digestion and nutrient density * Using leftovers, ingredient prep, and theme nights to simplify the week * Supporting picky eaters or adults who were never exposed to real vegetables growing up * Identifying early signs of blood sugar issues or digestive stress * Using tools—from sticky notes to AI—to make real food easier * Building a kitchen rhythm that aligns with the Foundations of Nutritional Therapy The conversation is steady, grounded, and refreshingly doable. Jamie and Hallie bring clarity to a topic that often feels overcomplicated, reminding listeners that small steps—done consistently—are what shift energy, digestion, mood, and long-term health. Resources Mentioned: * Nutritional Therapy Association (NTA) [https://www.nutritionaltherapy.com/] * Episode 66: SIBO Symptoms and Solutions [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/teOLXxtI1Xb] * Episode 6: The Dr. Francis M Pottenger Episode [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/9JGFRdWacYb] * Episode 69: The Dr. Weston A Price Episode [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/vBazMx7dcYb] * Episode 46: Wellness 101 [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/wQKpnh04mYb] * Episode 60: Super Foods, Super Kids [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/2EimPY24mYb] * Episode 4: Bio-Individuality [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/rr6Ue3Ds4Wb] * Episode 11: Digestive Hell [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/NojyLF5BwXb] (Learn DIGESTION from the NTA's founder, Gray Graham) * Episode 10: Optimal Wellness Starts Here [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/lORLoIVacYb] (How DIGESTION is supposed to work!) * BOOK: Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon [https://www.amazon.com/Nourishing-Traditions-Challenges-Political-Ingredients/dp/0967089735] * FOUNDATIONS OF HEALING COURSE FROM THE NTA [https://www.nutritionaltherapy.com/foundations] Explore more from Hallie at: https://www.nourishtherootcause.com [https://www.nourishtherootcause.com/] https://www.instagram.com/holistically.hallie/ [https://www.instagram.com/holistically.hallie/] Please subscribe, give us 5-Star reviews, and comment directly to us on Spotify!

Ep 069: Who Was Dr. Weston A. Price? + Takeaways from Wise Traditions

In this episode of the Nutritional Therapy and Wellness Podcast, you'll learn who Dr. Weston A. Price was and what his groundbreaking research revealed about the connection between diet, physical health, and human flourishing. Dr. Price's global studies in the early 1900s showed that traditional, nutrient-dense, properly prepared foods produced strong, joyful, disease-resistant people — while modern, processed diets led to degeneration within a single generation. Host Jamie Belz, FNTP, MHC explains how the Weston A. Price Foundation (WAPF) continues Dr. Price's mission today by helping people live healthier, more holistic lives. Through education, community, and advocacy, WAPF promotes ancestral wisdom — from properly prepared, nutrient-dense foods to lifestyle practices that support balance, vitality, and lifelong wellness. Then, Jamie welcomes fellow FNTP, Allison Mädl, who recently returned from the WAPF's Wise Traditions Conference in Salt Lake City. Together, they unpack the insights, research, and reflections she brought back — from nourishing, gourmet meals to saturated fat science, circadian rhythm optimization, fermentation, regenerative farming, and the revival of real-food education in schools. Key Takeaways * The Legacy of Dr. Weston A. Price and how ancestral diets rich in fat-soluble vitamins, minerals, and enzymes built the foundation for strong bodies and resilient minds. * Food Quality Determines Health Quality Properly prepared, nutrient-dense, locally sourced, whole foods — raw dairy, pastured meats, fermented vegetables, soaked grains, and healthy animal fats — remain the cornerstone of wellness. Nutrient density naturally balances appetite, stabilizes blood sugar, and sustains energy. * Saturated Fats vs. Seed Oils: A Paradigm Shift Modern science is re-evaluating decades of misguided advice. Evidence now shows that natural saturated fats support longevity and hormone health, while industrial seed oils are unstable, oxidizing fats that accelerate inflammation and cellular damage. * Cholesterol is Not the Enemy Dietary cholesterol doesn't raise blood cholesterol levels — high carbohydrate intake and metabolic dysfunction do. Cholesterol is essential for hormone production, cell membrane integrity, vitamin D synthesis, and more!. * Light, Sleep, and Longevity Circadian rhythm is a biological foundation of health. Morning sunlight exposure, reduced nighttime blue light, and true darkness during sleep optimize melatonin production and activity, support mitochondrial function, and slow aging at the cellular level. * Fermentation and the Microbiome Traditional ferments like kefir, kombucha, and natto restore microbial diversity and digestive resilience. Start small, vary your sources, and pay attention to how your body responds — real food is the most affordable and effective probiotic. * From Soil to Sovereignty Regenerative agriculture proves that nutrient-dense food starts with healthy soil. Farmers using organic and rotational methods see higher yields, stronger crops, and better economics without chemical dependency — improving both land and lives. * Real-Food Education Changes Generations Teaching knife skills, broth-making, and gardening in schools reconnects children with the source of their food. These skills build confidence, reduce dependence on processed food, and restore a sense of value and purpose in young people. * Community Nourishes as Much as Food The Wise Traditions Conference exemplifies what happens when like-minded people gather around shared values of health, freedom, and stewardship. The table becomes a place of healing — for body, mind, and spirit. About Our Guest — Allison Mädl, FNTP Allison graduated as a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner in 2014 and has served the NTA in various roles ever since. She is currently a Lead Instructor and Senior On-Demand Program Developer for the Nutritional Therapy Association and runs a private practice in North Idaho, where she works with clients both in the U.S. and abroad. She combines her passion for teaching and nutrition to help individuals rediscover what it means to eat, live, and thrive in alignment with their bio-individual design. Resources Mentioned * Weston A. Price Foundation (WAPF) [https://www.westonaprice.org/#gsc.tab=0] — education, research, and advocacy for traditional diets * Wise Traditions Conference [https://www.wisetraditions.org/] — Find the program [https://www.wisetraditions.org/_files/ugd/c58e7d_c4e48a37f74f43c3a74a88d6a88c57ba.pdf], menus, recordings, and further information about this year's event. Also - sign up to receive updates on next year's event in Washington, DC, October 16–18, 2026 * Nutritional Therapy Association (NTA) [https://www.nutritionaltherapy.com/] * BOOK: The Big Fat Surprise by Nina Teicholz [https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/the-big-fat-surprise-why-butter-meat-and-cheese-belong-in-a-healthy-diet_nina-teicholz/3283459/item/10238046/?mkwid=%7cdc&pcrid=76897258815619&pkw=&pmt=be&slid=&product=10238046&plc=&pgrid=1230353765528421&ptaid=pla-4580496734886475&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Shopping+%7c+NEW+condition+books&utm_term=&utm_content=%7cdc%7cpcrid%7c76897258815619%7cpkw%7c%7cpmt%7cbe%7cproduct%7c10238046%7cslid%7c%7cpgrid%7c1230353765528421%7cptaid%7cpla-4580496734886475%7c&msclkid=39caa6cb24301eef9bb2cfc59380898b#idiq=10238046&edition=8538922] — the research behind rethinking fats and oils * Episode 41: Sally Fallon Morell [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/oaE7pmPn7Xb] (Founding President of the Weston A Price Foundation) * Episode 6: The Dr. Francis M Pottenger Episode [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/9JGFRdWacYb] * Episode 66: SIBO Symptoms and Solutions [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/teOLXxtI1Xb] * Episode 49: Seed Oils and Sunburn [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/np0tK6Kn7Xb] https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/teOLXxtI1Xb * Episode 39: Quick Tips to Boost Your Mineral Intake [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/zh04ynPn7Xb] (With Allison Mädl) * Episode 38: Graying Hair, Cramps, and Cognition - Are You Missing Minerals? [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/Rk8fAtZn7Xb] (With Allison Mädl) Please subscribe, give us 5-Star reviews, and comment directly to us on Spotify!

Ep 068: Common-Sense Herbal Healing and the Constipation Crux

In this episode of the Nutritional Therapy & Wellness Podcast, Jamie Belz sits down with Evitta and Danielle Morrow, the mother-daughter team behind Common Sense Herbal Products in Torrance, California. For over 40 years, their family has carried on the legacy of founder Tim Morrow—Evitta's late husband and Danielle's father—teaching that true health begins with simplicity, clean living, and proper elimination. Together, they explore why constipation is more than discomfort——it can be the crux that blocks whole-body healing. They unpack practical, common-sense strategies to restore digestion, improve elimination, and use herbs simply and safely. They cover bio-individuality, quality control in supplements, colon health as a catalyst for hormonal balance, and why hydration, fiber, and movement matter more than fads. If you've wondered how to start with herbs, which products support elimination first, or how to vet a brand's manufacturing practices, this one's for you. Topics discussed: * What is an herb? * Practical, common-sense strategies to restore digestion, improve elimination, and use herbs simply and safely * Why elimination (pooping) must happen before restoration can begin * The connection between colon health, detoxification, and whole-body healing * How herbs support natural detoxification and gut balance * Foundational fixes for constipation: hydration, mineral balance, fiber from whole foods, gentle movement, and herbals * The impact of processed foods, chemicals, and stress on the digestive tract * Mucus and "sticky foods": what actually promotes gut irritation vs. normal protective mucus * Common misconceptions about "normal" bowel habits * Simple, non-invasive ways to support the body's natural cleansing systems * Colon health and hormones: how sluggish elimination can aggravate estrogen recirculation * Bio-individuality and "carefully selected carbs": distinguishing phytonutrient-rich plants from dopamine-hit processed carbs * Foundational steps to improve digestion, hydration, and nutrient absorption * Getting started with herbs: when combinations make adherence easier than single herbs * Pregnancy and herbs: caution, common sense, and working with a trusted clinician * Grocery store realities: preservatives, shelf life, and how to read food quality through a traditional-foods lens * How Common Sense Herbal Products maintains quality and integrity after four decades in business * A 40-year legacy: Common Sense Herbal Products' story, philosophy, and favorite starter formulas Founder, husband, and father, Tim Morrow often said, "Growing old does not make us sick—it's growing sick that makes us old." Whether you're a practitioner, a wellness advocate, or simply seeking the root cause of lingering fatigue, inflammation, or hormonal imbalance, this episode offers a clear starting point: healing begins in the gut. Connect with Evitta and Danielle Morrow and Common Sense Products: Phone: ( 310) 320-0628 Address: 377 Venice Avenue Suite 1201, Torrance, CA commonsenseherbs.com facebook.com/CommonSenseProducts instagram.com/commonsenseproducts tiktok.com/@commonsenseproducts Discount code shared in-episode: NTA15 for 15% off Additional Resources: * Episode 010: Optimal Wellness Starts Here (DIGESTION!!! - LISTEN TO THIS!) [https://open.spotify.com/episode/1NMoufMVnUxQMbEUcnjkaL?si=f03d2519b1514033] * Episode 011: Digestive Hell (When Digestion Goes Wrong) [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2YJFEeHjZcpLDQMDr1dXgY?si=a383e784e8714703] * Episode 023: The Poop Episode [https://open.spotify.com/episode/4zQSASj18idZfxoLfSpY8q?si=f75342af8ba6451d] Please subscribe! Give us 5-Star reviews! Comment directly to us on Spotify!

Ep 067: The "Sober Curious" Movement and Foundational Health

In this episode of the Nutritional Therapy and Wellness Podcast, host Jamie Belz, FNTP, MHC sits down with Kristin Rowell, JD, FNTP, PHWC—former trial lawyer, marathon runner, and professional bodybuilder turned Functional Nutrition Coach, Energetic Healer, and Spiritual Advisor to executives, professionals, and other high-performing humans. Kristin is the founder of Energetically Efficient and co-owner of Discover Strength Nashville, where she helps clients align their physiology and frequency to live with power, clarity, and purpose. Together, Jamie and Kristin take an unfiltered look at alcohol, health, and consciousness—from the cultural normalization of drinking to the biological, emotional, and spiritual toll it quietly takes. They explore: * How alcohol impacts each of the Foundations of Health—digestion, blood sugar regulation, nutrient density, sleep, stress, movement, and hydration.. * Why your liver halts everything to process alcohol first—and what that means for fat metabolism, detoxification, and hormonal balance. * How alcohol damages gut integrity and microbiome diversity, disrupts circadian rhythm, and amplifies inflammation in the brain and body. * The truth about how alcohol interacts with stress chemistry, depletes key nutrients like B vitamins and zinc, and sabotages recovery and muscle repair. * The emotional and energetic dimension—how alcohol lowers vibration, clouds intuition, and distances us from spiritual clarity and self-trust. * Why the "Sober Curious Movement" isn't about restriction or perfection—it's about awareness, agency, and living more fully alive. Spoiler alert: Both Jamie and Kristin have come to the same realization—alcohol no longer serves them. This isn't an episode about how to cure hangovers or find a cleaner cocktail. It's an invitation to step back, get curious, and truly see what alcohol might be doing to your body, your foundations of health, and your life. If you've ever wondered what's on the other side of "normal drinking," or how to live with more energy, alignment, and clarity—this honest, science-backed, and spirit-filled conversation will meet you there Resources Mentioned: * Kristin's Podcast - "Alcohol and The Body" on The Energetically Efficient Show [https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Sk2UBJ0Z4LGVuyWuoVnWE?si=820e94e53c8e4929] * The Huberman Lab Podcast (alcohol) [https://www.hubermanlab.com/episode/what-alcohol-does-to-your-body-brain-health] * BOOK: "Breath" by James Nestor [https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/breath-the-new-science-of-a-lost-art_james-nestor/24632552/?resultid=da3228b4-fc80-48e1-8611-46f01a2a5e38#edition=26323961&idiq=41959279] * Episode 66: SIBO Symptoms and Solutions [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/aK2GjTCbDXb] * Distraction Detox Series: * Ep 51: Death By Distraction - Rewire Your Rhythms, Restore Your Health [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/rUKjUozwJXb] * Ep 52: The Hidden Health Cost of Distraction [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/9Cie5nzwJXb] * Ep 55: Distraction Detox - Dizzy Busy and Dying Inside [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/7nTMElzwJXb] * Ep 56: Distraction Detox - Cluttered Spaces, Cluttered Brains [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/4TvXPkzwJXb] * Ep 57: Distraction Detox - THE MONSTER (Jamie's Favorite) [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/rlX01jzwJXb] * Ep 58: Distraction Detox - Live Immediately [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/Jse1hjzwJXb] * Episode 46: Wellness 101 - A Common Sense Approach [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/aS4WYszwJXb] * Episode 31: Cold Turkey - From Overwhelmed to Unstoppable [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/Zugwmp5BwXb] * Episode 29: Quick Tips for Blood Sugar Regulation [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/QQC1Uq5BwXb] * Episode 28: Blood Sugar 101 - Hope for Reversing Pre- and Type II Diabetes [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/cJgdwr5BwXb] * Episode 24: The Challenge of Leading Yourself [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/iivEJv5BwXb] * Episode 21: STRESS!!! How It Impacts Your Brain and Body [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/Q9hkTx5BwXb] * Episode 19: Habit Stacking and Biohacking (WITH KRISTIN!) [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/ynV7rz5BwXb] * Episode 4: Bio-Individuality - A Freedom You've Never Known [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/NP7D1VhxJXb] * Episode 3: The MIssing Piece - From Mom to MD [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/08hRAWhxJXb] * Episode 2: Reverse the Trend of Preventable Poor Health [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/WTlBxXhxJXb] * Episode 1 The Nutritional Therapy Association [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/zrLkdYhxJXb] Please subscribe! Give us 5-Star reviews. Comment directly to us on Spotify.