Full Circle Healing

30: How I Raised Kids Who Actually Prefer Real Food Over Junk – Dr. Madiha Saeed

Dr. Madiha Saeed is a family physician, author of ten books, and an advocate for holistic family health.  In this episode, you're going to learn how Dr. Saeed reversed her own autoimmune conditions using simple lifestyle changes, why hope and gratitude are key to healing, how she raised her kids to embrace healthy habits and avoid processed foods, what strategies she uses to make real food fun and exciting for children, and why conventional medical training often fails doctors when it comes to true preventive care. Madiha Saeed, MD, also known as HolisticMom, MD and HolisticUrdu, MD on social media, is a practicing board-certified family physician in the USA, an international speaker and a global best-selling author. Dr. Saeed is the director of education for Documenting Hope and KnoWEwell. She sits on multiple medical advisory boards including Holistic Primary Care and Wellness Mama, and was the past president of The International Institute of Islamic Medicine (aka NIIMS). She and her children speak internationally in the most prestigious holistic conferences (AHIM and IFM) and Muslim conferences (ISNA, MAS-ICNA and Miftaah), summits, TV (ABC, NBC and CBS), radio and newspaper. She is a regular on MindBodyGreen and the international Emmy winning medical talk show, the Dr. Nandi Show. She writes for Natural Awakenings and has been quoted by CNN as an expert. She is the host of Muslim Network TV's, What's Up Doc.  Dr Saeed's children host "The Holistic Kids' Show" podcast with over 160 interviews helping kids empower and educate other kids. With Dr. Saeed’s mother in law, they reach millions via HolisticUrdu, MD an online social media platform. Three generations educate internationally igniting the world with their energy and passion to ignite a healing revolution to save our future. Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction [04:55] Developing lupus and other autoimmune conditions [06:10] A terrifying daycare incident changed everything [07:45] The wake-up call to take control of her health [09:20] Learning about holistic medicine and lifestyle changes [10:50] How small daily habits improve long-term health [12:15] Why conventional doctors struggle to offer holistic care [13:35] The financial burden of medical school debt [15:00] The hidden stress of working in modern medicine [16:30] How stress and fear keep people sick [18:05] The power of gratitude in reversing chronic illness [19:40] How mindset shifts affect physical health [21:10] Why negativity blocks healing [22:35] How simple gratitude exercises improve well-being [24:00] The surprising impact of getting time off work [25:20] How Dr. Saeed’s kids became interested in health [26:45] Teaching kids to recognize when they feel off balance [28:15] How role modelling helps kids adopt healthy habits [29:45] The problem with associating junk food with fun [31:10] Finding healthy alternatives while travelling [32:35] How her kids learn to read food labels [34:00] Encouraging kids to make their own health choices [35:25] Why mindfulness is a key part of raising healthy kids [37:00] Helping kids make better decisions about their health [38:20] How holistic parenting builds independence [39:45] The importance of gratitude in childhood development [41:05] How Dr. Saeed’s kids understand nutrition and health If you want to connect with Dr. Saeed, follow her on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/Holisticmommd] and visit her website [https://holisticmommd.com/]. Listen to her children’s podcast, The Holistic Kids Show, on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/2Z34jKGIJq3zE2CE225WP9?si=f306f3a24d4a4d3f] or Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-holistic-kids-show/id1534757503] Dr. Madiha Saeed Books: The Holistic Rx | Book [https://a.co/d/eVjFyiq] The Qur’anic Prescription | Book [https://a.co/d/doFnRCb] The Holistic Rx for Kids | Book [https://a.co/d/gbN66gW] Adam’s Healing Adventures Book Series for Kids: From Sickness to Health | Book [https://a.co/d/a0UMGN2] or Audiobook [https://a.co/d/0QOtzn4] The Power of Rainbow Foods | Book [https://a.co/d/99VMDB8] or Audiobook [https://a.co/d/j9mh0ZO] Fake Food vs Real Food | Book [https://a.co/d/1KljwCJ] Gratitude is a Super Power | Book [https://a.co/d/5wyax9m] Find more from Michael on the Rebel Health Tribe's Website [https://rebelhealthtribe.com/] and be sure to join their Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/831283146908660/].

29: Suicide Survivor: How Nutrition Saved My Life with Dr. Christina Bjorndal, ND

Master Your Breath, Balance Your Life, Download our FREE Breathing for Nervous System Regulation E-book [https://rebelhealth.co/breathing/]. Dr. Christina Bjorndal is a naturopathic doctor specializing in mental health. In this episode, you're going to learn how Christina overcame severe mental health struggles, including bipolar disorder and suicidal depression, why nutrition and supplementation played a key role in her recovery, what role thoughts and emotions play in shaping mental health, how early life experiences and trauma can impact mental well-being, and why self-compassion is one of the most powerful tools for healing. Dr. Christina Bjorndal, ND has lived experience with depression (suicide survivor - 3x), anxiety, bulimia, bipolar disorder type 1 (psychosis survivor - 6x) and cancer. She draws upon her personal experience as well as her clinical training in naturopathic medicine & her additional training in mind and body medicine when striving to address patients' mental health concerns. Having overcome many mental health challenges, Dr. Chris is a gifted speaker and best-selling author. She is recognized as a top ND to follow by two independent organizations. Her book “Beyond the Label: 10 Steps to Improve Your Mental Health with Naturopathic Medicine” is a comprehensive guide to mental health. She has created two courses 1) The Moving Beyond Mental Health Labels Program for individuals and 2) A Clinician’s Integrative Mental Health Program Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction [06:10] How a book changed Christina’s perspective [07:50] The impact of psychiatric medications [09:15] Discovering naturopathic medicine [10:40] First steps toward healing [12:20] Importance of nutrition for mental health [14:00] The role of supplements in recovery [15:35] What happened after stopping medication [17:05] Addressing emotional and spiritual health [18:50] Understanding the root causes of mental illness [20:30] The connection between trauma and mental health [22:00] How early life experiences shape the brain [23:45] Why self-compassion is critical for healing [25:10] Breaking the cycle of negative self-talk [26:50] The science behind thoughts and emotions [28:30] Managing stress and nervous system regulation [30:05] The dangers of high cortisol and inflammation [31:40] How bipolar disorder is misunderstood [33:20] Common gaps in mental health treatment [34:55] The role of spirituality in recovery [36:25] How to support someone struggling with mental illness [38:00] The power of small, consistent actions [39:45] Why showing up for others makes a difference What does Dr Chris recommend you eat to obtain or maintain mental health balance? Learn all about it in her free eBook [https://christina-bjorndal.mykajabi.com/eating-guidelines]. If you want to connect with Dr. Chris, follow her on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/drchrisbjorndal/] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/drchrisbjorndal] and visit her website [https://www.drbjorndal.com/]. Dr. Christina Bjorndal’s Books: Beyond the Label | Book [https://a.co/d/jabZgjy] The Essential Diet | Book [https://a.co/d/1WAKVJY] Moving Beyond | Book [https://a.co/d/b3vwluk] Resources Mentioned: A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson | Book [https://a.co/d/cM0Un12] or Audiobook [https://a.co/d/8PTZgd5] Molecules Of Emotion by Candace Pert | Book [https://a.co/d/hYb6liq] or Audiobook [https://a.co/d/a10x0R1] An Unquiet Mind by Kay Redfield Jamison | Book [https://a.co/d/0sPYELW] or Audiobook [https://a.co/d/cGNHovs] The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt | Book [https://a.co/d/ceJiVzU] or Audiobook [https://a.co/d/h8BYujx] Find more from Michael on the Rebel Health Tribe's Website [https://rebelhealthtribe.com/] and be sure to join their Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/831283146908660/].

28: How Color Transforms Your Brain, Gut, and Body with Dr. Deanna Minich

Deanna Minich is a nutrition scientist and author of The Rainbow Diet. In this episode, you're going to learn why the colors of food matter beyond aesthetics, how different food colors support specific organs and body functions, which foods are best for brain health and memory, how polyphenols help with stress resilience and gut health, and why dietary diversity is crucial for overall well-being. Deanna Minich, PhD, is an international lecturer, educator, nutrition scientist, and author. She has over twenty-five years of experience in academia and the food and dietary supplement industries and is currently the Chief Science Officer at Symphony Natural Health. She has been active as a functional medicine clinician in clinical trials and in her own practice (Food & Spirit™). She is the author of six consumer books on wellness topics, four book chapters, and over fifty scientific publications. Through her talks, workshops, groups, and in-person retreats, she helps people transform their lives practically and artfully through nutrition and lifestyle. Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction [02:35] What eating the rainbow really means [03:15] How colors in food have functional benefits [04:05] The connection between color and the body [05:02] Why red foods are linked to a stress response [06:10] How red foods impact inflammation and immunity [07:30] When red foods can be pro-inflammatory [08:45] The link between red foods and adrenal health [10:20] Why polyphenols help plants and humans with stress [11:15] The effect of environmental stress on plant nutrition [12:05] Why organically grown foods have more polyphenols [13:20] How red foods support seasonal immune health [14:35] Understanding the functional role of orange foods [15:55] The link between orange foods and reproductive health [17:10] How different shades of food colors affect the body [18:05] The impact of blue, purple, and black foods on the brain [19:40] Why blueberries are studied for memory and cognition [21:00] The difference between blueberries and blackberries [22:15] How purple foods support brain function and learning [23:30] Why anthocyanins are important for the gut-brain axis [25:10] The best way to preserve polyphenols in purple foods [26:30] Why frozen blueberries retain their nutrients [27:20] How boiling affects anthocyanin content in foods [28:15] The health benefits of purple potatoes versus yellow [29:40] Why yellow foods are linked to mood and happiness [31:00] The neurotransmitter content in food [32:10] Why serotonin is found in bananas and pineapples [35:20] Why melatonin in plants plays a different role than in humans [38:10] The problem with isolating plant compounds for supplements [39:40] How curcumin works differently in whole turmeric [40:25] Why dietary diversity is critical for gut and brain health [41:30] The 30-50 plant variety goal for an optimal gut microbiome Melatonin is for more than just sleep, it’s a multi-tasking hormone! Find out more in Deanna’s Melatonin Guide [https://xkvfwf65.pages.infusionsoft.net/?cookieUUID=1cb47364-853f-4b91-8b84-9078a3b83515&affiliate=0]. If you want to connect with Deanna, follow her on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/deannaminich/] and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/deanna.minich/] and visit her website [https://deannaminich.com/]. Deanna’s Books: The Rainbow Diet: A Guidebook to the Science and Art of Colorful Foods for Health and Well-Being | Book [https://a.co/d/596odg5] The Rainbow Diet: A Holistic Approach to Radiant Health Through Foods and Supplements | Book [https://a.co/d/1iD8ML9] Whole Detox | Book [https://a.co/d/4z10V78] or Audiobook [https://a.co/d/fGGiC1u] The Complete Handbook of Quantum Healing | Book [https://a.co/d/gKdRir6] Chakra Foods for Optimum Health | Book [https://a.co/d/0hAxLxg] An A-Z Guide to Food Additives | Book [https://a.co/d/2SIV20q] Resources Mentioned: The Microsetta Initiative (Formerly The American Gut Project) | Website [https://microsetta.ucsd.edu/] Evolutionary Changes in the Content of Dehydrogenase System Metabolites as a Mechanism of Adaptation to Cold in Higher Vertebrates by Kolosova, O et al. | Article [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30402751/] A Review of the Science of Colorful, Plant-Based Food and Practical Strategies for “Eating the Rainbow” by Minich, D | Article [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7770496/] Rebel Health Tribe | Courses [https://rebelhealth.co/courses-masterclasses/] Find more from Michael on the Rebel Health Tribe's Website [https://rebelhealthtribe.com/] and be sure to join their Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/831283146908660/].

27: Why Women Over 40 Feel Exhausted with Brie Wieselman

To learn more about the role of the gut microbiome in hormone balancing and be added to the waitlist for the Rebel Health Hormone Optimization Masterclass go to rebelhealth.co/hormones/ [https://rebelhealth.co/hormones/] Brie Wieselman is a women's health expert and the founder of Brie Wieselman Integrative Health, specializing in hormone balance, fertility optimization, and digestive health. In this episode, you're going to learn why perimenopause is the perfect time to reset your health for the decades ahead and how to do it, how to naturally prevent hormone crashes that cause inflammation and aging, why lifting weights is crucial for metabolic health and longevity, how to shift from fixing problems to building long-term health and resilience, and important information about the safe use of bioidentical hormones. Brie’s mission is clear, to provide women with the comprehensive guidebook we all should have received at age 35: a blueprint for keeping our cells young, vibrant, and healthy as we transition through perimenopause and beyond. Her work is not just about alleviating symptoms, but about fostering joy, fulfillment, and purpose in every woman’s life. The Brie Wieselman Integrative Health Clinic is a leading clinic that has been at the forefront of functional and integrative medicine since 2007. With over 20 years of clinical experience, Brie has been a trailblazer in the online paleo and functional medicine telehealth space, serving clients worldwide via the internet since 2012. Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction [04:02] Why perimenopause is the perfect time to reset health   [05:14] How hormone crashes contribute to aging and inflammation   [06:30] The importance of weightlifting for metabolic health   [07:45] How to shift from fixing problems to building long-term health   [09:41] How lifestyle changes can prevent health issues   [10:29] Understanding the role of nutrition in hormone balance   [11:37] The impact of protein intake on women's health   [13:06] How carbohydrate timing affects energy levels   [14:22] The benefits of eating more vegetables   [15:10] How building muscle improves insulin sensitivity   [16:34] The role of bioidentical hormones in women's health   [17:46] How to naturally support hormone production   [19:13] Addressing common myths about weightlifting and women   [20:40] The link between muscle mass and aging   [22:12] How to optimize sleep for better hormone balance   [24:15] The role of detox pathways in hormone metabolism    [26:40] Why early hormone intervention is beneficial   [28:22] The impact of stress on hormone levels   [30:31] Why movement and exercise are key to longevity   [31:20] Understanding the role of antioxidants in aging   [32:10] How to create a long-term health plan   [33:45] The importance of community in women's health   [34:56] How to balance self-care with daily responsibilities   [36:21] Tips for starting a healthy lifestyle routine   If you’re a woman over 40 wondering, “What the hell happened to my body?” – you’re not alone! Perimenopause and menopause can be a wild ride. Snag your free copy of the Perimenopause Weight Loss Solution [https://rebelhealth.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Reverse-Age-through-Perimenopause-and-Beyond-A-Practical-Guide.pdf] guide and Reverse-Age through Perimenopause and Beyond [https://rebelhealth.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Reverse-Age-through-Perimenopause-and-Beyond-A-Practical-Guide.pdf] guide today. Connect with Brie through her Website [https://briewieselman.com/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/BrieWieselmanIntegrativeHealth], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/briewieselman/] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@briewieselman9233]. Find more from Michael on the Rebel Health Tribe's Website [https://rebelhealthtribe.com/] and be sure to join their Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/831283146908660/].

26: Your Gut CAN Flourish (If You Do THIS) with Anu Simh, NBC-HWC

Join us for a Build Your Resilient Gut Course: Microbiome & Beyond with Kiran Krishnan [https://rebelhealth.co/microbiome/] Anu Simh is an author, board-certified functional health coach, and microbiome expert specializing in gut health and weight management. In this episode, you're going to learn why microbial diversity is essential for maintaining long-term weight control, how restrictive diets can negatively impact the microbiome and strategies to recover from them, simple food swaps that improve gut health, the importance of fibre diversity, and practical cooking tips to create gut-friendly meals that fit into a busy lifestyle. Anu Simh is a board-certified functional health coach and the founder of 9 Arms of Wellness. She specializes in helping busy women lose weight and maintain their goal weight by focusing on gut health. Her personalized and unique philosophy has successfully guided hundreds of women in achieving and maintaining their goals. Anu is now training other coaches in her methodology. Based in La Jolla, California, Anu sees clients nationwide virtually. Her passion lies in the microbiome; she is also a skilled plant-based chef. Her soon-to-be-published book, "Feed Your Microbiome to Flourish," reveals the importance of gut health for overall well-being and includes over 50 plant-based recipes. Anu's guiding principle is to help people get off medications for lifestyle diseases through diet and lifestyle changes. She is also a co-host of the podcast "Bad Medicine". In her free time, Anu loves to paint, laugh, have fun, create microbiome-supporting recipes, and go on long hikes with her dog, Bosco. Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction [03:16] Struggles with gut health and finding solutions   [05:14] Influence of cultural food traditions on the microbiome   [06:37] Challenges faced when seeking medical help   [08:01] Discovering the connection between food and gut health   [10:19] The impact of restrictive diets on the microbiome   [11:11] How gut health affects metabolic health and weight   [12:46] The role of fibre in supporting gut bacteria   [13:35] Why dietary diversity is key to microbiome health   [14:38] Simple food swaps to boost microbial diversity   [15:21] Exploring lesser-known vegetables and grains   [16:04] Shopping tips for a gut-friendly diet   [17:26] Cultural influences on food choices and gut health   [18:32] The significance of fermented foods   [19:01] Cooking methods that enhance gut health   [20:31] How to gradually introduce diverse foods   [21:13] Managing digestive issues with food choices   [22:19] Convenience vs consistency in healthy eating   [23:29] Overcoming food sensitivities with diversity   [24:32] Understanding probiotics and prebiotics   [25:39] Herbs and spices that support digestion   [28:07] Practical meal ideas for a healthy gut   [29:12] Tips for maintaining a gut-friendly lifestyle   [30:26] The importance of mindful eating habits   [31:47] How Anu helps clients achieve sustainable health   [33:16] Common misconceptions about gut health   [34:44] What to expect from Anu's new book   Are you ready to transform your health from the inside out? Pre-order Anu’s book: Feed Your Microbiome to Flourish [https://www.9armsofwellness.com/flourish-Preorder] Connect with Anu through 9 Arms of Wellness’s Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/9armsofwellness], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/9armsofwellness/] and Website [https://www.9armsofwellness.com/]. Resources Mentioned: The Good Gut by Justin and Erica Sonnenburg | Book [https://www.amazon.com/Good-Gut-Taking-Control-Long-term/dp/0143108085/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.JDLioGBwvlzdtOcy8NIzUxkjvlBb84ij78kgHPxuU42CbWvUk2ZGNXPNidHKV7VADUiDVQCCk7d5PVvVNSD53pFazbQ--4IWGyQ17rmLprZPF84mbK2Qg3TXKa6_j03rFNPWTjhUm_LDqBgswm8JGA.MCEz1M0tHW9SXfZxOLtgbvhw2a3FsG5F4VCw5n8X9-M&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+Good+Gut+by+Justin+and+Erica+Sonnenburg&qid=1737426344&sr=8-1] or Audiobook [https://www.amazon.com/The-Good-Gut-audiobook/dp/B00V3UZA2Y/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.JDLioGBwvlzdtOcy8NIzUxkjvlBb84ij78kgHPxuU42CbWvUk2ZGNXPNidHKV7VADUiDVQCCk7d5PVvVNSD53pFazbQ--4IWGyQ17rmLprZPF84mbK2Qg3TXKa6_j03rFNPWTjhUm_LDqBgswm8JGA.MCEz1M0tHW9SXfZxOLtgbvhw2a3FsG5F4VCw5n8X9-M&qid=1737426344&sr=8-1] Find more from Michael on the Rebel Health Tribe's Website [https://rebelhealthtribe.com/] and be sure to join their Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/831283146908660/].