124: A Brain Tumor, Faith, and the Shift to Functional Healing with Taylor Dukes

In this powerful episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons sits down with Taylor Dukes, former ICU nurse, functional health advocate, and founder of Taylor Dukes Wellness, to explore what happens when conventional medicine stops asking deeper questions.Taylor shares her journey from the ICU to facing her own brain tumor diagnosis, an experience that reshaped her understanding of health, healing, and the healthcare system. Together, she and Dr. Jenn discuss the emotional and spiritual toll carried by front line providers, the limitations of modern medical education, and why chronic and childhood illness have become increasingly normalized.This conversation highlights the role of nutrition, detoxification, stress management, and faith in healing, while emphasizing personal responsibility and advocacy in a toxic world. Taylor also shares how her family became part of her mission, creating accessible wellness solutions rooted in foundational health.💬 If this episode resonates, please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.In This Episode, You Will Learn:Why many providers leave conventional medicine seeking root cause answersThe emotional and spiritual impact of ICU nursingHow a brain tumor diagnosis changed Taylor’s approach to healingWhy functional medicine focuses on cause, not symptom managementHow faith and mindfulness support recoveryWhy childhood conditions like fatty liver disease are increasingThe foundational role of nutrition and detoxificationWhy “normal” labs do not always mean optimal healthHow to advocate for yourself within the healthcare systemWhy healing can be accessible and practicalEpisode Timeline Highlights:00:00 From conventional medicine to functional healing03:12 Life inside the ICU05:50 Personal health crisis and awakening09:13 Discovering functional medicine11:54 A brain tumor diagnosis14:59 Integrative treatment decisions18:01 Faith and mindfulness in healing20:47 Life after surgery23:59 From patient to provider26:51 Education and prevention37:06 Childhood health concerns39:59 Nutrition and detoxification44:33 Stress and healing49:14 Building wellness products56:05 Integrative medicine in practiceWhere to find Taylor Dukes:Instagram: @taylordukeswellness Website: https://shop.taylordukeswellness.comTo talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with Dr. Jenn visit: https://calendly.com/stephanie-1031/clarity-callTo get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuideTo purchase the auria breast cancer screening test go here https://auria.care/ and use the code DRJENN20 for 20% Off.Connect with Dr. Jenn:Website: https://www.jennsimmonsmd.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmonsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons