Hidden Dangers: What Food Labels Aren't Telling You, Following Your Gut Podcast, #28

Hidden Dangers: What Food Labels Aren't Telling You, Following Your Gut Podcast, #28

In this episode of the “Following Your Gut” podcast, recorded live at HealCon, host Roland Pankewich dives into a compelling conversation with nutrition expert Mira Dessy, famously known as The Ingredient Guru. This episode explores the intriguing journey of  Mira Dessy from a career in database management to becoming a leading voice in holistic nutrition. As a survivor of multiple autoimmune disorders, Mira shares her personal transformation through nutrition and introduces listeners to her book, “The Pantry Principle,” which guides readers on navigating food labels and making informed dietary choices. Mira Dessy passionately emphasizes the critical role of understanding food labels beyond the nutrition facts, shedding light on the deceptive nature of food marketing. She explains how the lack of awareness about non-nutritive ingredients—like artificial colors and preservatives—can negatively impact health over time. Throughout the conversation, Mira offers practical advice on how consumers can make more informed choices, highlighting strategies for identifying potential ‘Trojan horses’ in seemingly healthy foods. As she advocates for a diet rich in whole foods, Mira presents actionable insights on reducing exposure to harmful substances and the importance of brand disloyalty in navigating today’s complex food industry landscape. About the Guest: Mira Dessy: Mira Dessy, widely known as the “Ingredient Guru,” is a renowned nutrition educator and author of “The Pantry Principle: How to read the label and understand what’s really in your food.” Mira started her journey as a database administrator before health challenges led her to uncover the power of nutrition. After overcoming multiple autoimmune disorders through dietary changes, she pursued holistic nutrition education at Bowman College. Mira’s expertise lies in educating consumers on the importance of understanding food labels and the potential impacts of non-nutritive ingredients on health. Key Takeaways: Mira’s transition from database administration to a nutrition educator underscores the transformative power of nutrition in overcoming health challenges. Emphasizing the importance of reading food labels, Mira highlights how manufacturers use misleading marketing and non-nutritive ingredients to influence consumer choices. Artificial colors and preservatives, as discussed by Mira, can have long-term adverse effects on the body, calling for a more informed approach to food selection. Practical strategies include focusing on whole foods, understanding the ‘dirty dozen,’ and the need to be brand disloyal due to industry practices. Mira advocates for increased consumer education on nutrition and label reading as critical steps in promoting health and well-being. Notable Quotes: “It’s not like you eat a Twinkie and wake up with diabetes tomorrow. It’s a long term effect.” “Artificial colors, petrochemical consumption is overstimulating to our brains. It’s bad for children with attention-related disorders.” “It’s not just what you eat. It’s what you digest and absorb and assimilate into your body.” “The microbiome of our digestive tract is like the soil of our body."

Bridging Emotions & Physical Health with Dr. Brandy Cummings, Following Your Gut Podcast #27

In this episode of the “Following Your Gut” podcast, hosted live at the NANP convention Healcon, Roland Pankewich sits down with Dr. Brandy Cummings to delve into the complexities of health beyond traditional protocols. Dr. Cummings shares her insightful journey from focusing solely on nutrition to embracing the emotional and energetic dimensions of health, a shift driven by her own experiences with debilitating illness and unresolved childhood trauma. The discussion is a profound exploration of how unchecked emotional baggage can sabotage physical health and the necessity of aligning the subconscious mind for true healing. Throughout the episode, Dr. Cummings challenges the conventional do-have-be mentality, advocating instead for a be-do-have approach that prioritizes emotional balance and self-awareness. She and Roland discuss the need for cultivating awareness of one’s subconscious triggers, and how embracing emotional healing can significantly enhance resilience and overall health. With references to influential figures like Dr. Gabor Maté and Bashar, the dialogue seamlessly navigates topics including the relationship between subconscious mind, emotional states, and chronic conditions, as well as practical strategies for personal growth and health optimization, making this episode an enlightening experience for anyone inquisitive about holistic health. About the Guest: Dr. Brandy Cummings is a seasoned practitioner in the field of holistic health, with ten years of experience since opening her practice. Initially focused on nutrition and food as medicine, Dr. Cummings expanded her approach after experiencing significant personal health challenges. Her traumatic health journey led her to explore the emotional and energetic components of health, which now play a central role in her practice. Her work emphasizes the importance of addressing emotional inflammation and unresolved negative emotions to achieve overall well-being. “Your subconscious mind doesn’t speak in English. It speaks in energetics and emotions and physiology.” Dr. Brandy Cummings - (0:09:29) Key Takeaways: Emotional and energetic issues can hinder the effectiveness of health protocols, highlighting the importance of addressing unresolved negative emotions. The transition from a traditional nutrition-focused practice to an integrative approach has helped Dr. Cummings achieve better health outcomes for herself and her clients. A shift from the do-have-be mentality to a be-do-have approach allows for improved well-being by fostering personal responsibility and emotional intelligence. Chronic pain and illness often correlate with emotional distress, signaling a need for holistic approaches to healing. Understanding and addressing subconscious triggers are crucial for achieving emotional resolution and optimizing health. “The microbiome of our digestive tract is like the soil of our body."

Transforming Lives Through Holistic Nutrition with NANP, Following Your Gut Podcast #26

In this enlightening episode of the “Following Your Gut Podcast,” host Roland Pankewich sits down with Nicole Hodson, a pivotal figure in the world of holistic nutrition. Recorded live at HealCon, this episode delves into the valuable work of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP) in shaping the education and careers of holistic nutrition professionals. Nicole Hodson shares her insights on the transformative power of nutrition education, focusing on the distinctiveness of the NANP’s approach in comparison to other nutrition certifications. This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering a career shift or expansion into the field of holistic nutrition. Nicole elaborates on the prerequisites and standards that NANP-approved schools meet, ensuring a comprehensive and rigorous educational experience that equips graduates for success. She stresses the importance of understanding bio-individuality, the interconnectedness of lifestyle factors with health, and the expanding opportunities within the nutrition industry. With her seasoned perspective, Nicole warns of the pitfalls of transient trends and underscores the enduring value of food as a fundamental element of health. About the Guest: Nicole Hodson is the Executive Director of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP). With nearly two decades of experience at NANP, she is dedicated to advancing the field of nutrition through education and advocacy. Nicole is deeply committed to the principles of holistic nutrition, emphasizing whole foods and individualized care. Her extensive background and strategic insights have played a critical role in shaping the NANP and its educational standards for holistic nutrition professionals, certified dietary supplement professionals, and natural chefs. “The microbiome of our digestive tract is like the soil of our body."

The Gut-Brain Connection with Dr. Shawn Talbott, Following Your Gut Podcast #25

Roland Pankewich hosts Dr. Shawn Talbott at the NANP conference, where they dive into the science of the gut-brain axis. Dr. Shawn explores the staying power of peptides, the role of the microbiome in mental health, and the importance of dietary fiber diversity. They discuss how short-chain fatty acids, signaling molecules, and digestion impact mood and behavior. Learn about practical steps for improving gut health, the significance of probiotic strain specificity, and how lifestyle choices influence your overall well-being in this enlightening conversation. About the Guest: Dr. Shawn Talbott is a renowned expert in nutritional biochemistry and nutritional psychology, which are fields that explore the impact of nutrition and diet on mental health. With a PhD in nutritional biochemistry, Dr. Talbott has dedicated nearly 30 years to studying the intricate connections between the gut and brain, known as the gut-brain axis, investigating how nutritional elements influence human psychology and physiology. He has also published extensively on the subject and conducts seminars that dive into the interplay of emotions, behavior, and biochemistry. Explore more of Dr. Shawn Talbott’s insights and education through his website: doctalbott.com, where you can find courses on mental wellness coaching and other free resources. Episode Summary: Dive into an enlightening episode of the “Following Your GUT” podcast featuring Dr. Shawn Talbott during the NANP Healcon conference. In this engaging conversation, host Roland Pankewich and Dr. Talbott discuss the rising interest in peptides, the nutritional psychology realm, the gut-brain axis, and how our gut health significantly impacts our mental and physical wellbeing. Dr. Talbott, a leader in nutritional biochemistry, sheds light on how our diet, particularly fiber intake, can either disrupt or enhance this vital connection, reflecting on emerging science and its implications for mental health. In this episode, you’ll uncover the pivotal role fiber diversity plays in nurturing a balanced gut microbiome and how short-chain fatty acids serve as critical signaling molecules impacting everything from metabolism to immune health. Dr. Talbott emphasizes the importance of dietary variety and strategic supplement use in supporting gut health. He shares his knowledge on the significance of maintaining a gut environment conducive to beneficial bacteria while explaining behavioral and mood disturbances caused by gut imbalances. An exploration of probiotics, enzyme use, and the broader picture of gut-brain interplay awaits listeners seeking to enhance both physical health and mental wellness. Key Takeaways: * Peptides are a significant area of interest, and there’s growing research surrounding their uses and regulation. * The gut is referred to as the “second brain,” where it plays a critical role in producing neurotransmitters that influence mood and behavior. * Dietary fiber diversity is crucial for microbiome health, impacting mood, metabolism, and immune function. * Dr. Talbott recommends supplementing strategically to support gut health—such as using enzymes and probiotics with specific strain designations. * Behavioral changes and gut health are intricately linked, and understanding this relationship can guide better health decisions. “The microbiome of our digestive tract is like the soil of our body."

Thriving Through Perimenopause with Dr. Deanna Minich, Following Your Gut Podcast #24

Join Roland Pankewich and Dr. Deanna Minich live from HealCon as they delve into the complexities of perimenopause. With insights grounded in medical science and functional medicine, Dr. Minich unpacks hormonal shifts, their impact on women’s bodies, and the cultural perceptions surrounding menopause. Discover practical lifestyle and dietary strategies to manage symptoms, emphasizing the importance of hydration, protein, and embracing change. The conversation extends to the spiritual dimensions of perimenopause and encourages building supportive communities. Explore the intertwined nature of science and spirituality in navigating life’s inevitable changes. About the Guest: Dr. Deanna Minich is a healer and thought leader with a background deeply rooted in medical science and nutrition. Armed with a Master’s and Ph.D. in Medical Science with a focus on nutrition, Deanna has leveraged her scientific knowledge throughout her career to specialize in the field of functional medicine. Based in Chicago originally, she is now an educator for the Institute for Functional Medicine. Dr. Minich has devoted herself to understanding holistic healing, gracefully merging science with spirituality, particularly in the exploration and betterment of women’s health during transitional phases like perimenopause. Resources: Dr. Deanna Minich’s website: deannaminich.com [http://deannaminich.com] Instagram: Find Dr. Deanna Minich for creative science and spirituality explorations. Institute for Functional Medicine: Learn more about the institute where Dr. Minich lends her expertise on functional medicine. Key Takeaways: Perimenopause spans 7-14 years leading up to menopause and involves complex interactions within the endocrine system, affecting the hypothalamus, pituitary glands, thyroid, adrenals, and ovaries. Symptom severity during perimenopause can be influenced by various factors, including lifestyle choices, stress levels, and circadian rhythm alignment. Culturally varied perceptions of perimenopause could influence women’s experiences. For instance, there is less emphasis on associated symptoms such as hot flashes in some cultures. Simple life adjustments, such as increased water intake and correct protein digestion, are crucial during this transitional period. A supportive community, awareness, and acceptance of bodily changes are vital to navigating through perimenopause more smoothly. “The microbiome of our digestive tract is like the soil of our body."