Constipation: The Hidden Cause of Brain Fog, Anxiety, and Poor Sleep

Constipation: The Hidden Cause of Brain Fog, Anxiety, and Poor Sleep

Could constipation be behind your brain fog, anxiety, irritability, poor sleep, or low mood? In this solo episode, Rachel breaks down one of the most overlooked contributors to mental and physical health: constipation. Many people assume they're not constipated because they're having regular bowel movements, but healthy digestion is about more than frequency. Rachel explains what optimal bowel movements actually look like, why slow transit time can increase inflammation and toxic burden, and how this can affect the gut-brain axis, hormones, histamine, sleep, energy, and mood. You'll also learn a simple at-home transit time test, common signs of hidden constipation, and some of the safest approaches clinicians use to support healthy bowel movements and detoxification pathways. In This Episode * Why constipation can contribute to brain fog, anxiety, depression, and insomnia * How slow transit time may increase inflammation and toxin recirculation * The connection between constipation, hormones, histamine, and the gut-brain axis * Signs you may be constipated even if you're having bowel movements * The "corn transit test" for estimating digestive transit time * Magnesium citrate vs. magnesium oxide vs. magnesium glycinate * Why addressing constipation may improve energy, mood, and overall health Resources Mentioned * Magnesium citrate and magnesium oxide are commonly used osmotic supports for stool softening (discuss with your healthcare provider before making changes to your routine). Disclaimer This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual health needs.

Endometriosis, Hormones & Medical Gaslighting with Dr. Kym Klimek

In this episode, we chat with Dr. Kym Klimek to talk about women’s health, endometriosis, hormone issues, and the frustration so many women experience when they know something is wrong but feel dismissed by the medical system. After years of struggling with digestive issues, endometriosis, multiple surgeries, and unanswered questions, Dr. Kym found true healing through a holistic, root-cause approach using functional medicine and lifestyle changes. Today, she combines her background as a PharmD, functional medicine practitioner, and hormone replacement therapy specialist to help women better understand their bodies and finally get the support they deserve. We dive into: * Endometriosis and common hormone-related symptoms women are told to “just live with” * Medical gaslighting and why so many women feel unheard * The connection between gut health, hormones, and overall wellness * Root-cause healing vs. symptom management * Learning to trust your body and advocate for your health * Holistic and functional approaches to women’s health and healing This conversation is validating, empowering, and packed with insight for any woman who has ever felt dismissed, exhausted, or confused by her symptoms. Connect with Dr. Kym: https://innatehp.com/ [https://innatehp.com/] Instagram: @dr.kym.klimek

Why New Moms Feel Like They’re Losing Themselves (It’s Called Matrescence), with Irene Kim

Why do so many new moms feel like they’re losing themselves? In this episode, we sit down with licensed therapist and birth & postpartum doula Irene Kim to unpack the mental and emotional shift of motherhood—also known as matrescence. We talk about identity loss, intrusive thoughts, trauma, and why becoming a mother is so much more than just a “happy” transition. We also explore the importance of being truly seen in the healing process, support for pregnancy after loss, and how women can navigate this season with more compassion for themselves. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, disconnected, or not like yourself after having a baby… this conversation will help you understand why—and remind you that you’re not alone. Website: https://www.kindledlifetherapy.com [https://www.kindledlifetherapy.com] Instagram: @thekindleddoula Book: How Eunhae Found Her Light Again by Irene Kim(Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers)

The Truth About Intimacy: Obligation Sex, Disconnection, and What’s Really Going On with Ayala Parker

In this episode, we’re joined by relationship therapist and intimacy coach, Ayala Parker, to unpack the truth about intimacy, obligation sex, and emotional disconnection in modern relationships. We talk about why many women have sex when they don’t want to and why sexual problems are often rooted in deeper emotional needs. We also explore how intimacy changes after kids, the role of the mental load, and why even “good” relationships can struggle in the bedroom. If you’ve ever felt disconnected, low desire, or confused about your sex life, this conversation will give you clarity and practical insight. Connect with Ayala: https://www.instagram.com/loveandsexpert/ Follow Mind Body Besties: https://www.instagram.com/mind.body.besties/

Sacred Illness: Listening to Your Body’s Hidden Messages, with Erin Hayford

What if your symptoms weren’t just something to fix—but something to listen to? What if symptoms were messages, and not just problems? In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Erin Hayford, a naturopathic doctor and somatic experiencing practitioner, to explore a powerful mind-body approach to chronic illness. Erin shares how the body communicates through symptoms, how trauma and emotions can be stored physically, and how learning to “talk” to your body can open the door to deeper healing. We also dive into empowerment in the healing journey, the balance between medical treatment and mind-body work, and how to start building a more connected relationship with your body. What You’ll Learn * What it actually means to “talk to your body” * How symptoms can be messages—not just problems * The connection between trauma, emotions, and chronic illness * Why your body isn’t working against you * How somatic experiencing helps access subconscious patterns * The difference between understanding vs. embodying healing * Why healing isn’t about blame—but about awareness and agency * Simple ways to start listening to your body today Connect with Dr. Erin: Website: https://www.aurorasomatic.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drerinhayford/Substack: https://drerinhayford.substack.com [https://drerinhayford.substack.com] Podcast: Sacred Illness Podcast