The Surviving to Thriving Podcast

Am I Going Crazy? The Neuroinflammation of Lyme & Autoimmunity

If you’ve ever felt like you’re walking through a dream or trapped in a two-dimensional simulation, this episode is a vital lifeline for understanding derealization in chronic illness. We peel back the terrifying "psychiatric" labels to reveal the true culprit: physical neuroinflammation triggered by Lyme, mold, and autoimmune flares. You’ll learn how a "histamine storm" and activated microglia force your brain into a survival-based perception shift that blunts your emotions and mutes the world around you. Most importantly, we discuss why this state isn't permanent and how lowering brain inflammation is the essential first step to feeling solid again. You aren't losing your mind; your brain is simply an organ under fire, and there is a clear path back to yourself. Connect with me @dr.rachel.holistic on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and Substack. Ready to learn more? Visit my website drrachelyeager.com for resources. For one-on-one support, schedule a complimentary discovery call with me at drrachelyeager.com/schedule

Is Your Brain on High Alert? Understanding Glutamate and Cytokines

Ever feel like you’re doing all the "right" things—breathing, meditating, resting—but your body is still stuck in a state of high alert?In this episode, Dr. Rachel Yeager explains why nervous system regulation is a physical capacity, not just a mental one. If you’re feeling "wired but tired," overstimulated, or foggy, the issue isn't your willpower—it's a biochemical roadblock.We dive into the 5 physical factors blocking your healing: **Histamine & Cytokines: The internal "fire alarms" of inflammation. **Glutamate: Why your brain’s "gas pedal" is stuck on high. **Ammonia & Metabolic Waste: The "toxic noise" causing brain fog and irritability. **Catecholamine Surges: Understanding those middle-of-the-night adrenaline spikes.Stop trying to force relaxation and start creating the internal conditions your body needs to feel safe. It's time to move beyond survival mode and finally start thriving. Connect with me @dr.rachel.holistic on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and Substack. Ready to learn more? Visit my website drrachelyeager.com for resources. For one-on-one support, schedule a complimentary discovery call with me at drrachelyeager.com/schedule

Why Your Body Won’t Let You Relax: When Mindset Work Isn't Enough

If you’re tired of being told your anxiety is "all in your head," this episode is for you. Dr. Rachel Yeager explores why anxiety is often a physical alarm—not a mindset flaw. Discover how physiological triggers like blood sugar drops, mineral deficiencies, and gut inflammation create feelings of dread and "wired" energy. Learn why you can't think your way out of a biochemical emergency and how to start supporting your nervous system from the cells up. Inside the episode: * Physical Red Flags: Why your anxiety spikes when you’re hungry or during your cycle. * The Root Cause: How inflammation and mineral gaps mimic panic. * Support vs. Regulation: Why your brain can't settle until your body feels safe. Stop fighting your symptoms and start fueling your recovery. Connect with me @dr.rachel.holistic on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and Substack. Ready to learn more? Visit my website drrachelyeager.com for resources. For one-on-one support, schedule a complimentary discovery call with me at drrachelyeager.com/schedule

When Your Mind Is Loud and Your Intuition Is Quiet: The Biological Reason You Feel Disconnected

Do you feel disconnected from your intuition? It's not broken; your body is likely overloaded. Dr. Rachel Yeager dives into how intuition is a blend of your physiological and energetic state. In this episode, you will discover: *The Nervous System Barrier: Why being in fight-or-flight (survival mode) makes it nearly impossible to access your gut feeling. *Yin vs. Yang Energy: How intuition relies on the feminine energy of "receiving" rather than society's dominant "yang" energy of pushing and forcing. *Subconscious Roadblocks: How subconscious beliefs (like "I'll be judged" or "I'm not safe") create "blocks" that prevent you from being an open vessel for guidance. *Embodied Clarity: The critical role of embodiment—where your soul fully anchors into a regulated body—for clear decision-making and direction. *Regulation Practices: Simple yet powerful steps like grounding, breathwork, and subconscious clearing to let your instinct flow without second-guessing.Stop surviving and start receiving the clear guidance that is always waiting for you. Connect with me @dr.rachel.holistic on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and Substack. Ready to learn more? Visit my website drrachelyeager.com for resources. For one-on-one support, schedule a complimentary discovery call with me at drrachelyeager.com/schedule This podcast is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any health changes.

Surviving to Thriving (Feat. Mind Body Besties): Why You Can’t Focus: ADHD or Something Deeper? The Hidden Roots in Genetics, Environment, and Brain Healing

Special Episode: Dr. Rachel Yeager features a deep-dive conversation from her Mind Body Besties podcast with therapist Katie. We move past quick fixes to explore the holistic root causes of ADHD and ADHD-like symptoms. We discuss the overlap with anxiety and PTSD, the clinical diagnostic views, and the three physiological types: genetic, blood flow, and inflammation-induced. Learn about the crucial role of neurotransmitter imbalances (like dopamine) and the power of testing. Discover naturopathic supports (supplements, diet, brain health strategies) and effective therapy approaches to naturally rebalance your brain chemistry, improve focus, and reclaim your energy and clarity. Stop surviving and start thriving! Listen to more Mind Body Besties: @mind.body.besties Connect with me @dr.rachel.holistic on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and Substack. Ready to learn more? Visit my website drrachelyeager.com for resources. For one-on-one support, schedule a complimentary discovery call with me at drrachelyeager.com/schedule This podcast is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any health changes.