The Nutritional Therapy and Wellness Podcast

In this dynamic and wide-ranging conversation, Jamie Belz welcomes Kevin Rutherford—third-generation trucker, radio host, financial strategist, and Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner—for a deep dive into the intersection of health, freedom, business, and bio-individuality. Kevin went from a fleet owner and business consultant to one of America’s leading independent voices in wellness.   This episode unpacks critical truths, touching on: * Truck drivers face some of the worst health outcomes in America—how Kevin is helping them reclaim their vitality * How Kevin transitioned from trucker and tax advisor to functional nutrition educator and SiriusXM host * What got Kevin’s top-rated show canceled—and the truth about censorship and speaking out about vaccines * Small changes that create massive results * How cutting out seed oils changed Kevin’s skin so much he no longer burns in the sun—even without sunscreen * How pressure-canning meat, fermenting vegetables, and gardening helped Kevin build a portable, resilient health routine * Diet, ancestry, and geography—and how your DNA might help guide your food choices * Why raw milk is illegal in many places while cannabis and fentanyl are not—and what that says about our public health priorities * The importance of “doing the hard work” versus just staying busy—and how The War of Art  explains the spiritual resistance that often arises when you’re on the right path * How the NTA and MAHA movement are reclaiming truth in wellness * Carnivore to vegan to keto—why no single diet works for everyone, and how bio-individuality is the missing piece in modern healthcare * Real Food vs the Standard American Diet: Why ingredient labels should be avoided * Homesteading & Gardening: How this lifestyle heals body and soul * Nutritional Therapy Advocacy: The impact of the NTP program, empowering families, and why doctors, nurses, and health professionals need to get out of the system and into truth-based education   This Episode Is For You If You’re Curious About: * Nutritional therapy and metabolic health * Health freedom and self-sufficiency * Functional medicine and root cause healing * Sustainable business, purpose, and mindset * How to apply health principles to your unique lifestyle   Whether you’re a truck driver, health coach, wellness practitioner, entrepreneur, homesteader, mom, doctor, freedom fighter, or just someone trying to feel better again, this episode delivers raw truth, practical tools, and hope for a healthier, freer future.   Books & Resources Mentioned: * Connect with Kevin: * Website: ⁠www.letstruck.com⁠ [http://www.letstruck.com/] * Social Website: ⁠www.letstrucktribe.com⁠ [http://www.letstrucktribe.com/] * Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/LetsTruck⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/LetsTruck] * X: ⁠https://x.com/lets_truck⁠ [https://x.com/lets_truck] * ⁠Episode 49 - Sunburn and Seed Oils⁠ [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/Jqa5vihzDUb] * ⁠The War of Art by Steven Pressfield⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/War-Art-Through-Creative-Battles/dp/1936891026/] * ⁠Eat the Yolks by Liz Wolfe⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Eat-Yolks-Liz-Wolfe/dp/1628600195/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.BSyW6-Xs8zWeUBSj9d0yKI7nKWzNMlxmJZrivrLqDz_rApmYSwEnfD_CWMBVjQIB2F6jrZ7N5gj0Uz1xJouJZjvRUg_eFyD74f4uUbwI6NR48yFqevKuCbn49YzTwgWU6rXzqsYWvYLKobFlnLtOC0qLRnF1a-SGieEp_jjyZZSAurW-aYMP80rVTe8795xs.0CDaBDm_dD89ychLqWETxLn6BNdeE7FluwqWxxeAOOQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=eat+the+yolks&qid=1751935737&sr=8-1] * ⁠Wheat Belly by Dr. William Davis⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Wheat-Belly-Lose-Weight-Health/dp/1609614798/] * ⁠Nutrition and Physical Degeneration by Weston A. Price⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Nutrition-Physical-Degeneration-Weston-Price/dp/0916764206/] * ⁠Pottenger’s Cats Episode⁠ [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/X9mM9ES2OUb] * ⁠Weston A. Price Foundation⁠ [https://www.westonaprice.org/] – Advocacy for traditional diets and nutrient-dense foods * ⁠Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund⁠ [https://www.farmtoconsumer.org/] – Legal protection for food freedom and local farmers - Also listen to ⁠Podcast Episode 47 with Alexia Kulweick⁠ [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/oyK4YHkXrUb] * ⁠National Health Federation⁠ [https://thenhf.com/] – Fighting for natural health freedom on a global scale * ⁠MAHA Movement (Make America Healthy Again)⁠ [https://www.teamkennedy.com/healthcare/] – Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s national wellness initiative   Go Deeper: Explore the Foundations of Health If you’re ready to build your health from the inside out, join the 6-Week Foundations of Healing Course through the Nutritional Therapy Association. ⁠⁠Get Started!⁠⁠ [https://www.nutritionaltherapy.com/foundations]   Find a Certified Practitioner Looking for personalized support? Search the Nutritional Therapy Association Practitioner Directory to find a virtual or in-person Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (FNTP), or Professional Health and Wellness Coach (PHWC): ⁠⁠NTA Practitioner Directory⁠⁠ [https://practitionerdirectory.nutritionaltherapy.com/entity/grid?EntityTypeId=e6b1de3a-72c3-4b0a-97a4-6919bacbad5d&ListingId=ba949308-2f17-44f0-8d13-d0e4a8f4ca0a&SmartSearchId=2707aa25-ba65-4c53-b02b-2b6ab9431c5c]   Connect with Jamie! Record a question or comment ⁠⁠HERE!⁠ [https://www.nutritionaltherapy.com/podcast?9122b668_page=1] Leave a five-star review, subscribe, and chat with us on Spotify!

Sunburns aren’t just about forgetting your sunscreen—they’re often the result of deeper imbalances rooted in what you’re eating, how your cells are built, and whether your body is equipped to handle the heat.   In this episode of the Nutritional Therapy and Wellness Podcast, Jamie Belz unpacks the science behind sunburn, seed oils, and vitamin D deficiency—and how what you eat may be making your skin more vulnerable to UV damage. You’ll learn how omega-6 PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids) from common seed oils get embedded in your skin’s cell membranes and oxidize under sunlight, leading to inflammation, skin damage, and slower healing.   Jamie breaks down how to build true sun resilience using the Foundations of Health—including nutrient-dense fats, zinc, vitamin C, magnesium, and functional sun exposure strategies.   You’ll walk away with a fresh perspective on:   * Why French fries and chips might be making you burn faster * How to ditch toxic sunscreen without sacrificing protection * The critical role of vitamin D synthesis and how to support it safely * How to balance omega-6 and omega-3 fats for better skin and lower inflammation * What your cell membranes are really made of—and how to nourish them naturally   Sunshine doesn’t just make vitamin D—it makes you happy. And it might just save your skin, if you support it from within.       Related Episodes and Resources:   Foundations of Health Episodes   * Episode 4 - Bio-Individuality [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/hNWr3xAqwUb] * Episode 10 - Optimal Wellness Starts Here [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/wbX5KuAqwUb] * Episode 11 - Digestion [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/H5taeuAqwUb] * Episode 29 - Blood Sugar Regulation [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/FKMAJ9IqwUb] * Episode 33 - Fats/Gallbladder Health [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/FlCIn7IqwUb] * Episode 35 - Childhood Obesity (Thorough review - all applies to adults as well!) [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/rbQ8U5IqwUb] * Episode 46 - Wellness 101 (An overview) [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/rkLszZIqwUb]     Go Deeper: Explore the Foundations of Health If you’re ready to build your health from the inside out, join the 6-Week Foundations of Healing Course through the Nutritional Therapy Association. Get Started! [https://www.nutritionaltherapy.com/foundations]   Find a Certified Practitioner Looking for personalized support? Search the Nutritional Therapy Association Practitioner Directory to find a virtual or in-person Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (FNTP), or Professional Health and Wellness Coach (PHWC): NTA Practitioner Directory [https://practitionerdirectory.nutritionaltherapy.com/entity/grid?EntityTypeId=e6b1de3a-72c3-4b0a-97a4-6919bacbad5d&ListingId=ba949308-2f17-44f0-8d13-d0e4a8f4ca0a&SmartSearchId=2707aa25-ba65-4c53-b02b-2b6ab9431c5c]   Connect with Jamie! Leave comments on Spotify or record a question or comment HERE! [https://www.nutritionaltherapy.com/podcast?9122b668_page=1]

We've all heard women older than us talk about the hot flashes and hormonal mayhem that makes menopause a dreaded decade on the horizon, but what if it didn't have to be that way?!   In this eye-opening, laugh-filled, and incredibly practical episode of the Nutritional Therapy and Wellness Podcast, host Jamie Belz is joined by Patti McCoy—Assistant Instructor at the Nutritional Therapy Association, Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (FNTP), and Certified Dietary Supplement Specialist (CDSS)—for a powerful conversation on navigating perimenopause, menopause, and midlife hormone shifts with grace, knowledge, and bio-individual strategy.   As an educator and wellness expert who’s in the trenches of perimenopause herself, Patti brings wisdom, humor, and lived experience to this candid discussion about:   * Unexpected symptoms of perimenopause—what’s “normal” vs. what needs support * Weight gain, belly fat, and blood sugar dysregulation during hormonal shifts * The truth about cholesterol, dietary fat, and hormone production * Common misconceptions about libido, vaginal dryness, and mental health in midlife * Practical, natural solutions including adaptogens, herbal support, and other * How to decide if hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is right for you—and how to do it safely * The importance of functional lab testing, personalized care, and supportive practitioners   Whether you’re in your early 40s and just starting to notice changes or fully immersed in the "menopausal moments", this episode delivers clarity, strategy, and encouragement rooted in functional nutrition and clinical insight. Perhaps those younger than 40 stand to gain the most in that a properly calibrated, nutrient sufficient body will triumph the transition.   “Menopause is inevitable—but suffering is not.” – Patti McCoy, FNTP, CDSS   If you'd like to level up in your general knowledge of foundational health, check out our brand new, 6-week online Foundations of Healing Course [https://www.nutritionaltherapy.com/foundations]!   Want to go even deeper? Learn more about our 12-month Nutritional Therapy Practitioner Program. [https://www.nutritionaltherapy.com/ntp]   Interested in giving some of the mentioned supplements a try? CLICK HERE [https://getbiotics.com/?ref=DFILC213] Biotics Research Supplements & Products From This Episode: * Gamminol Forte™ – Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) support for inflammation and hormone balance * Equifem™ – Comprehensive perimenopause and menopause support with herbs like black cohosh and chasteberry * Ashwagandha – Adaptogenic herb for adrenal and stress support * ADHS™ – Adaptogenic herbal blend featuring ashwagandha, eleuthero, rhodiola, and licorice root to support adrenal function, stress resilience, and balanced cortisol levels * Bio-D-Mulsion Forte® – Emulsified vitamin D3 for immune, bone, and hormone health * De-Stress™ – Contains L-theanine for calming the nervous system * Cal-Ma Plus® – Calcium and magnesium blend for bone, muscle, and nervous system support * Acti-Mag Plus® – Highly bioavailable magnesium with co-factors for cardiovascular, muscular, and hormone support * Mg-Zyme™ – Targeted magnesium support to address stress, cramps, and sleep challenges * Zn-Zyme™ – Bioavailable zinc to support immune function, hormone production, and cell repair Also mentioned: * Flaxseed – Phytoestrogen-rich whole food to support estrogen balance * Fermented soy foods – Including tempeh, miso, and natto for hormone and gut health     Make this all easier!! Work with a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner! Find someone to help you prep for and journey through menopause: Practitioner Directory [https://practitionerdirectory.nutritionaltherapy.com/entity/grid?EntityTypeId=e6b1de3a-72c3-4b0a-97a4-6919bacbad5d&ListingId=ba949308-2f17-44f0-8d13-d0e4a8f4ca0a&SmartSearchId=2707aa25-ba65-4c53-b02b-2b6ab9431c5c]   Please hit SUBSCRIBE and give us a 5-Star Review!   Record a question, comment, or just say, "Hello!" (It's easy! Follow the link, then scroll down and you'll see.) https://www.nutritionaltherapy.com/podcast [https://www.nutritionaltherapy.com/podcast]

Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says, "I don't want to tell you what you can and cannot eat. I just want you to know what you're eating."   Today's episode is about providing solutions to help you cut out the middleman and take control so you KNOW what you're feeding your family - and can support local, small family farms along the way.   In this information-packed episode of the Nutritional Therapy & Wellness Podcast, host Jamie Belz welcomes Alexia Kulwiec, Executive Director of the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund, for a solution-focused conversation on how to legally source raw milk, pasture-raised meat, and nutrient-dense whole foods directly from local farmers.   We’re not just talking about what not to eat—this is your real-world roadmap to clean food access in a system that often seems stacked against us and our access to nutrient-dense foods from local farmers.   From raw cheese loopholes and herdshares to custom meat processing, cottage food laws, and buying club tips, we explore how families can cut through red tape and bring real, nutrient-dense, ethically raised, and legally protected food to the table. Whether you’ve been making “egg deals in gas station parking lots” or just trying to figure out how to find a trustworthy source for raw milk, this episode is both empowering and practical.   Alexia explains:   * Why it’s so hard to legally access raw dairy and clean meat in many states * How federal and state food laws are designed to favor industrial agriculture over local farms * What legal loopholes consumers and small farms are using (herdshares, custom exempt meat, cottage food laws) * The truth about organic certification (and why it’s not the gold standard) * What you need to know about raw cheese, pastured poultry, and produce exemptions * Where to start if you’re ready to vote with your dollar and support regenerative food systems   You’ll also hear actionable tips on:   * Navigating state-specific food laws * Understanding the difference between “grass-fed” and “pasture-raised” * How to talk to your farmer—and what questions to ask * How to legally join or form a food buying club, private membership association, or herdshare   This episode is packed with legal insight, food freedom advocacy, and practical strategies for any parent, health-seeker, or food rebel looking to build a better grocery cart—one local farm at a time.     Visit Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund Online: https://www.farmtoconsumer.org/ [https://www.farmtoconsumer.org/]   Join/Donate: https://members.farmtoconsumer.org/general/register_member_type.asp [https://members.farmtoconsumer.org/general/register_member_type.asp] Sign-up for Action Alerts: https://www.farmtoconsumer.org/actionalerts/ [https://www.farmtoconsumer.org/actionalerts/]   Please give us a 5-star review, hit subscribe, and come back next week.

If you’ve been nodding along with the wellness movement but still aren’t sure how to take your first real step—this episode is your warm welcome in.   People everywhere are waking up to a simple truth: real health doesn’t come from pills, shakes, or short-term programs. Most of us have tried them—spent the money, followed the plans—only to end up frustrated or right back where we started. The missing piece? A strong foundation. And the good news is, it’s not complicated—just a few practical, common-sense shifts can spark real, lasting change.   Join Jamie Belz, host of the Nutritional Therapy & Wellness Podcast, and Mike Belz, CEO of the Nutritional Therapy Association (NTA), as they break down the Foundations of Wellness into common-sense, doable action steps for anyone just beginning their health journey.   This episode is packed with real talk, science-backed wisdom, and practical tips to help you pick your own adventure in a doable way. No more "all or nothing" attempts. Start over for the last time with one or a few of the easy but effective action steps you can incorporate today. If you’re ready to stop feeling overwhelmed and finally start your wellness journey, this episode breaks it down into six simple, sustainable categories—what we call the Foundations of Wellness. You’ll learn how to:   * Eat a nutrient-dense diet rooted in real, whole foods (not calorie math), following Weston A. Price principles and honoring your bio-individual needs. * Optimize digestion, the root of all health, by chewing thoroughly, practicing mindful eating, and supporting stomach acid and enzyme function (see Episode 11 for more). * Balance blood sugar with small, daily habits like walking after meals and pairing carbs with protein and fat (see Episode 28). * Improve sleep through calming evening routines, avoiding stimulants before bed, and aligning with your circadian rhythm. * Reduce stress with tools like the 4-7-8 breath, gratitude practices, and brain dumping— (see Episode 42). * Incorporate movement you actually enjoy—walking, dancing, or strength training—while supporting lymph flow, bone density, and energy.   You’ll also hear real-life strategies like Mike’s “gas station rule,” how to track wins without perfectionism, and why home-cooked meals and community support are game changers. Most importantly, we’ll help you find your why—the motivation that keeps you going when things get hard.   Whether you’re trying to lose weight, heal your gut, regain energy, or just understand what “healthy” actually means, this episode gives you a practical, welcoming place to begin.   Podcast Episodes Mentioned ⁠Episode 4⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nutritional-therapy-and-wellness-podcast/id1733339864?i=1000648723194] – Bio-Individuality ⁠Episode 11⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nutritional-therapy-and-wellness-podcast/id1733339864?i=1000652219979] – Digestive Hell with Gray Graham ⁠Episode 28⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nutritional-therapy-and-wellness-podcast/id1733339864?i=1000678868802] – Blood Sugar 101 ⁠Episode 31⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nutritional-therapy-and-wellness-podcast/id1733339864?i=1000698696455] – The Cold Turkey Episode ⁠Episode 42⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nutritional-therapy-and-wellness-podcast/id1733339864?i=1000708263121] – Cultivating Joy   Find a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP) ⁠NTA Practitioner Directory⁠ [https://practitionerdirectory.nutritionaltherapy.com/entity/grid?EntityTypeId=e6b1de3a-72c3-4b0a-97a4-6919bacbad5d&ListingId=ba949308-2f17-44f0-8d13-d0e4a8f4ca0a&SmartSearchId=2707aa25-ba65-4c53-b02b-2b6ab9431c5c]     Please hit SUBSCRIBE, leave a 5-Star Review, and connect with us on Spotify comments!