Health Matters with Laura Kopec

Functional health and functional medicine was supposed to be the answer to one-size-fits-all healthcare. So why are some patients spending thousands of dollars, taking 20 supplements a day, retesting every few months, and still feeling stuck?Let’s pull back the curtain on the uncomfortable truths inside the functional industry. From cookie-cutter protocols and unnecessary testing to fear-based marketing and endless treatment plans….the industry has drifted from its original purpose—and do we expect patients can tell the difference between true root-cause care and a business model built on dependency.If you've ever wondered whether you're being helped, managed, or marketed to, this episode is for you. For more information or schedule an appointment with Laura visit www.optim8healthandwellness.com

What if some of the things you’re doing to “get healthier” are actually increasing inflammation, exhausting your nervous system, and keeping your body stuck?In this episode of Health Matters with Laura Kopec, Laura takes on one of the most controversial conversations in modern wellness culture: when optimization becomes overload.From collagen and high-protein culture to creatine, kombucha, fasting, cold plunges, green powders, and biohacking trends—Laura breaks down the hidden downside of constantly pushing the body in the name of longevity.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by wellness advice… confused by conflicting health information… or frustrated that you’re “doing everything right” but still not feeling your best—this episode will completely change the way you think about health optimization.Because longevity isn’t built through extremes.It’s built through intelligent adaptability.​To schedule an appointment with Laura visit optim8healthandwellness.com 

In this episode of Health Matters with Laura Kopec, Laura explores the historical and modern patterns that have led many women to feel dismissed, minimized, overmedicated, or disconnected from their own bodies. From the origins of “hysteria” to today’s rushed healthcare culture, this conversation uncovers why empowerment in health can feel overwhelming—and why learning to advocate for yourself may be one of the most important parts of healing.This episode is not about fear or extremes. It’s about balance, strategy, resilience, and creating a smarter approach to longevity, hormones, mental health, and overall wellness. Backed by clinical research and grounded truth, Laura discusses how women can reclaim their health without falling into burnout, obsession, or dependency.To visit the practice website and learn more about Optim8 Health and Wellness or to schedule a consult with Laura visit www.optim8healthandwellness.com

Testosterone is being prescribed at unprecedented rates—and not always for the reasons you think.What was once a targeted therapy for clear clinical need is quickly becoming a trend. But when did optimization turn into over prescription? And more importantly… who is actually asking the harder questions? In this episode of Health Matters with Laura Kopec, Laura sits   down with investigative journalist Lisa Marie Shaughnessy to unpack the findings behind her book Testosterone: The Next Drug Epidemic. This is not a surface-level conversation. It’s a deeper look into how testosterone therapy is being positioned, prescribed, and in some cases—misunderstood.  This episode is for both patients and practitioners who want to think more critically about hormone health—and step outside of the one-size-fits-all narrative. It is for informational purposes and not a substitute for medical advice. For more information about Lisa visit https://lisamarieshaughnessy.com/ and to schedule your hormone appointment visit https://optim8healthandwellness.com/

Age should never determine the quality of your care—but in today’s healthcare system, it often does. In this episode, Laura Kopec exposes the hidden pattern of ageism affecting both young adults and seniors. From dismissal in 18–25-year-olds to overmedication in older adults, this conversation challenges assumptions, reveals systemic blind spots, and redefines what individualized care should look like. If you’ve ever felt unheard, overtreated, or overlooked—this episode will change how you see your health. To schedule a patient visit or practitioner coaching visit Optim8healthandwellness.com

We’re diving into a bigger conversation happening in healthcare right now: why standardized, one-size-fits-all approaches are failing women—and why even functional medicine isn’t immune to this problem. This is about shifting from chasing answers. If you’ve tried multiple approaches and still feel stuck, this episode will help you understand why—and what to do next. You don’t need more advice—you need the right approach.

Sound surrounds us every day—but what is it actually doing to our bodies? Modern science is beginning to explore how sound influences the brain, nervous system, and even cellular processes. In this episode explore the fascinating intersection of history and science behind the healing power of sound. We’ll talk about how medicine already uses sound. We’ll also discuss the downside of sound. If you’ve ever wondered whether sound can support healing—or whether the noise around us might be affecting our health—this episode will give you the science, the history, and practical ways to think about sound differently. 

Parasites are one of the most talked-about — and misunderstood — topics in health right now. Some people believe everyone has them. Others think they only exist in developing countries. The truth is much more nuanced. In this episode Laura breaks down the real science behind parasites — including when they can cause harm, when they may simply exist within the gut ecosystem, and how to determine whether testing even makes sense. If you’ve ever wondered whether you should test for parasites or try a cleanse, this episode will give you the balanced, evidence-informed perspective most conversations are missing. This episode is for information purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice. 

In a world where AI can generate workout plans, nutrition protocols, and even relationship advice, what role does human connection still play in healing?In this episode, Laura explores why the relationship between a patient and their provider may be the most overlooked factor in health outcomes. With average medical visits lasting just 15–20 minutes, many patients leave unheard and misunderstood.Research shows continuity of care improves outcomes — but beyond the data, there’s something intangible about being truly known.If you’ve ever felt rushed, dismissed, or like your symptoms didn’t fit neatly into a box, this episode will shift how you think about healthcare.Because data matters. But relationships often determine whether it works. This episode is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice. 

Sleep is not passive. And it’s definitely not optional. One of the most overlooked truths in health right now is this: your brain cannot properly clear waste, inflammation, and toxic buildup while you’re awake. That process happens at night—And when sleep is disrupted, shortened, or shallow… that waste doesn’t just disappear. It accumulates. This is where brain fog, mood changes, hormonal disruption, and even long-term cognitive decline begin to take root—often decades earlier than we realize. This isn’t about getting “more sleep.” It’s about understanding what sleep actually does.In my latest podcast episode, I walk through:• How the brain detoxes during sleep• Why this matters at every age (yes—even in your teens and 20s)• The real impact of late-night eating, phone use, and sleep position• Simple shifts that can dramatically improve how your brain resets each nightBecause the goal isn’t just to feel rested.It’s to protect your brain.

Microplastics are everywhere — in our water, food, and even our bodies. But what do they actually mean for your health?In this episode, we cut through the fear and focus on what matters. You’ll learn how microplastics affect hormones, inflammation, and gut health, why some people feel the impact more than others, and how functional medicine approaches exposure realistically — not obsessively.Most importantly, we cover simple daily habits that help your body process modern environmental stressors so you can protect your health without trying to live in a bubble.This episode is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a replacement for medical advice. This episode is to help with clarity and gives you practical steps you can start today.

Are you confused about what you need, what you should do, how to start or how to move forward? Maybe you need a different perspective and additional information about how to think about whether or not you should test your estrogen levels and how to think through this in a more comprehensive way.

Are you tired of feeling stressed, rundown, or sick during the holiday season? There could be a different way of thinking about it and acting on it. Join Laura Kopec for another episode where she discusses how to think about your imbalances and change your actions for a healthier holiday season. This and other episodes are for educational and informational purposes only.

Supplements are a billion dollar industry but do you know if what you are taking is of any value to you and your wallet? Join Laura Kopec as she covers several points around nutritional supplements to help you navigate your next purchase. All episodes are for educational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice. For more information on booking a consulting appointment with Laura go to www.optim8healthandwellness.com

Are you stuck in your weight loss journey? Or do you want to maximize your results even more? Join Laura as she goes over some of the more common mistakes she sees women making more often than not. This episode is for informational and entertainment purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice. Discuss your weight loss strategies with your practitioner. For more information about Laura and the office, go to www.optim8healthandwellness.com 

Part 2 of Laura's Nutritional Rules from her first book Let's Get Real about Eating published in 2013. Laura discusses the relevance of her rules for better eating 12 years later with a few bonus additions to her original set of strategies. For a copy of this book go to the Barnes and Noble website or contact our office for an autographed copy. For more info on Laura and her practice go to www.kopecfunctionalwellness.com and www.laurakopec.co

Kick the new year off with a review of Laura's Nutritional Rules from her first book Let's Get Real about Eating published in 2013. Laura discusses the relevance of her rules for better eating 12 years later with a few bonus additions to her original set of strategies. For a copy of this book go to Barnes and Noble website or contact our office for an autographed copy. For more info on Laura and her practice go to www.kopecfunctionalwellness.com and www.laurakopec.com

An interview with Dr. Jason Kramer on some of the misinterpretations around chiropractic, and a whole new way of thinking about supporting your nervous system. Learn how to remove interference in the nervous system with brain chiropractic care. In your quest for total health and wellness, you might just need to hear what we have to say. Hosted by Laura Kopec, health and wellness expert and published author. For more information on Laura visit www.laurakopec.com and her practice www.kopecfunctionalwellness.com and for more information about Dr Jason Kramer, visit www.revolutionchiropractor.com All information in this conversation is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. 

Does our immune system behave abnormally out of the blue? The struggle with autoimmune is real and complicated, and it starts with a more expanded view of what could be underlying your autoimmune. Time to get smart about what you need to consider to not only help navigate your symptoms, but also bring your body into more balance. Information is for educational and entertainment purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice. To schedule an appointment with Laura go to www.kopecfunctionalwellness.com and for more information about Laura go to www.laurakopec.com 

Do you really know everything you need to know about your period? Do you know what is normal and what you can do to improve your symptoms? Learn more in this informational episode with natural health expert, Laura Kopec.

Check out this month's podcast strategies you can start today to reduce your brain fog. Brain fog is on the rise, and reducing brain fog is more in your control than you think. Join Laura Kopec in the audio version of her most recent seminar on Brain Fog. For the video, visit her YouTube channel and for more information about Laura visit www.laurakopec.com Laura's podcast is for information purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice.

Join us in our continued seminar series with Laura Kopec and Heather Kinder. Many of us do not understand hormones the way we should and the elements that impact them. Our conversation included some great topics, including some things you should know about teenage hormones. Information provided is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice. For more information about Kopec Functional Wellness or to schedule an appointment visit www.kopecfunctionalwellness.com

Join Laura Kopec and NP Heather Kinder for our 2024 Educational Seminar Series for Kopec Functional Wellness. As we age we need to rethink the conversation around metabolism and what are some of the most common misconceptions around how to eat to lose weight. This episode is for educational and entertainment purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice. For more information about Laura visit www.laurakopec.com or www.kopecfunctionalwellness.com 

Laura knows how challenging this time of year can be while on a diet or elimination or food sensitivity plan and discussed both in her podcast and youtube how to rethink and "cheat" on your diet. Remember information on our videos, podcasts and social media are for educational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for medical advice. Laura is a nationally recognized functional naturopath, author and podcast host. For more information about Laura check out her website laurakopec.com and she always recommends you work with a provider for strategies appropriate for you. Do not consume foods or ingredients related to severe or life threatening allergies.

Laura has been in the business of nutritional supplements for more than 15 years and she has some all time favorites to share with you. Remember information on our videos, podcasts and social media are for educational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for medical advice. We strongly recommend you work with a provider and receive functional testing to determine what supplements are appropriate for you. Discuss any supplement and medications with your provider. For more information about Laura and her practice, please visit us at www.laurakopec.com and www.kopecfunctionalwellness.com

Did you know some good food in excess can create a real problem for the body? Do you know how to read a label and avoid the traps of processed and packaged foods? What about your supplements? Could you be taking something for the wrong reason? Join Laura Kopec as she presents a few unique tips on some of the food and supplements we consume. 

Do you feel like everyone around you is losing weight more easily? Do you have great progress but then plateau? Do you feel like exercising is a set back to your appetite and your inflammation? Join Laura Kopec in a unique conversation about how women over 40 might not have all the pieces to achieving their metabolic goals and how to start achieving those goals. For more information about Laura go to www.laurakopec.com.

How misunderstood are anger, anxiety and adrenals? And as women how do we navigate? Join Laura Kopec functional naturopath and published author as she takes on the three big A's for women and their quest for better health and wellness. Laura's podcast episodes are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for medical advice. For more information about Laura check out her website at laurakopec.com

COMT is called COMT when it is COMT V158M AA or COMT V158M GG. This genetic genomic variation often is highly misunderstood and as a result those with this variation can feel like no one understands their health leading them to struggle with such issues as ADD/ADHD, anxiety/depression, racing mind, insomnia, addiction and resistance to long term balancing or recovery to their health. Time to begin a better conversation. Laura Kopec is a health educator, traditional naturopath, functional practitioner, functional genomic specialist, published author and life coach. She prides herself on a unique understanding of COMT and how to educate and strategize for optimal health with those with this variation. Health Matters with Laura Kopec is for educational and information purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice. For more information about Laura go to www.laurakopec.com

Join Laura Kopec and Pam Hoffman in a truly unique dialogue. Today Pam has a long standing business in nutritional supplements, but today we are going to dive into the sympatico experiences her and I have as fellow thespians and educators and explore our beliefs around acting/role playing and its impact both pros and cons on the health and wellness of an individual. This episode is for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. For more information about Laura please visit www.laurakopec.com

Join Laura Kopec as she explains her version of Life Coaching to help inspire your new year to either consider Functional Life Coaching as a part of your health optimization journey or to discover a new and more comprehensive way to think about total health and wellness from the body, mind and spirit to the personal narrative which is a favorite of Laura's. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Laura, go to www.laurakopec.com

Join Laura Kopec as she interviews Dr Sandy Gluckman and her thoughts on healing children through working with parents on the trauma embedded in their nervous system often unbeknownst to parents and the effect it has on their children. For more information about Sandy and to sign up for a complimentary session, her website is: https://drsandygluckman.com/  and for more information about Laura go to www.laurakopec.com

Join Laura Kopec as she answers popular questions such as wh­at is a naturopath and what is a functio­nal practitioner? La­ura goes into detail about the different kinds as well. Ever­yone is not the same, and how do you make a good decision in choosing an alterna­tive provider? The following information is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for med­ical advice. For the video version of this episode check out Laura's youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@laurakopec/featured. For more information about Laura and to schedule an appointment please visit www.laurakopec.com

Join Laura Kopec as she brings to light other thoughts about mental health and balancing mental health issues that many people do not consider in their quest for better health. This podcast is for education, informational and entertainment purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice. For more information or an appointment with Laura please visit her website at www.laurakopec.com

Stress, it's not what you think. Inflammation, it's not what you think, and Control, it's not what you think. Join Laura Kopec, as she unpacks each of these terms and how to consider them differently in a broader context and how each one may be affecting your total health and wellness. For more information about Laura visit www.laurakopec.com. This podcast is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice.

Join Laura Kopec in a dialogue with meditation and breathing coach Jane Baldwin. Jane Baldwin is a meditation coach, Ayurvedic chef, Maya archaeologist, cancer survivor, and creator of The Unwinding Compass, a mental clarity system that aligns the mind with the body. For more information about Jane, check out her YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT7H66Ksvby-Br0ENcZcKkA and her Instagram https://www.instagram.com/janes.unwinding.compass/  More information about Laura can be found at www.laurakopec.com Laura's podcast Health Matters with Laura Kopec is for educational, informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice.

Join Laura Kopec in this episode about poop. Yes, poop. Ever think that your poop is the lab work your body sends you on a regular basis? Ever wonder how to "interpret" those labs. In case you have not heard you should always know whether you bowel movement reflect a healthy digestive and detoxification system. You might just rethink how you think about your bowel movements. This episode is for educational and informative purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice. For more information about Laura visit her website at www.laurakopec.com

In our first Q and A, topics ranged from blood type diet, to hormone testing, to genetics, MTHFR, carbs, gluten and sugar. We even had a question on red light therapy. You might hear a topic you want to know something different about, or how to think about some different health topics in a new way.

Join Laura Kopec in an educational episode on common misconceptions about some foods like gluten, dairy, sugar, organic and alcohol. Laura explains how these foods should be thought of differently, on a spectrum to be able to negotiate better choices. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advise. For more information about Laura, visit www.laurakopec.com

Join Laura Kopec in a down and dirty analogy of the immune system. Without understanding the immune system we cannot prepare for battle. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advise. For more information about Laura, visit www.laurakopec.com

Join Laura Kopec in a brief overview of the digestive system from brain, to stomach, all the way to the end of the road. And how something like heartburn is often misunderstood. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advise. For more information about Laura, visit www.laurakopec.com

Join Laura Kopec, functional nutritionist and traditional naturopath, educator, author and speaker as she discusses some food elimination programs, what they are and why they should be done and for how long.  Nutrition and elimination diets are a confusing subject and now there are so many to consider. Laura helps bring some much needed education and clarification to some of these diets. A reminder this episode and all Health Matters podcasts are for educational, entertainment and informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice or a medical diagnosis. For a list of the diet specifics spoken of in this podcast, go to https://laurakopec.com/diets/. For more information about Laura or to schedule an appointment go to www.laurakopec.com

Join Laura Kopec, Traditional Naturopath/Functional Nutritionist and Genomic Specialist as she discusses the topic of Covid 19 over a year later. Laura discusses becoming more aware of our own immune system in an easy to understand way, how we can still be proactive before, during and after an infection with self care, the self care you may or may not know is in your own day to day choices. This episode is not a replacement for medical advice and if you suspect you need a medical diagnosis, please speak with a qualified medical professional on these issues. For more information or an appointment with Laura, please visit her website at www.laurakopec.com

Join Laura Kopec, Traditional Naturopath/Functional Nutritionist and Genomic Specialist as she discusses the topic of mental and emotional triggers to chronic illness and inflammation. Laura discusses becoming aware of the potential hidden side that may interfere in addressing the physical issues to have a more comprehensive approach to pursuing our better health. This episode is not a replacement for medical advice and if you suffer from any related mental health issue, please speak with a qualified professional on these issues. The book referred to in this podcast is You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hays. A list of potential links of our emotional health to our health issues by Louise Hays can be found here: https://laurakopec.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/SYMPTOMS-LIST-by-Louise-Hays.pdf For more information about Laura, her website is www.laurakopec.com

Join Laura Kopec as she breaks down terminology in genetics so that we have a more thorough understanding of nutrigenomics, epigenetics and single nucleotide polymorphisms and why we need to know about this side of genetics. Take a new and fresh look at what matters and how it might impact your health.  For a copy of this episode click here. And for more information about Laura go to her website www.laurakopec.com. This episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice.

Join Laura Kopec in a discussion with Hillary Jarrard, clean eating coach. Listen to Hillary's journey from mom on a mission to coach and find out why a clean eating coach might be a good first or second step in your journey to better health. You can find Hillary on her website: hillaryjarrard.com and for more information about Laura her website is laurakopec.com Today's episode is for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or diagnosis. 

Join Laura Kopec as she discusses why other countries have little to no menopausal symptoms and what we are not being told about the menopausal transition and what we can do about it. Health Matters with Laura Kopec is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. For more information about Laura or scheduling an appointment with her, go to laurakopec.com

Join Laura Kopec as she discusses Insomnia, the misnomers and the unusual underlying causes you might never have thought about. Take a new and fresh look at insomnia in an easy to understand way and how it might impact your health.  For the handout that goes with today's episode click here: https://laurakopec.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Sleep-Information-Handout-2021.pdf For more information about Laura go to www.laurakopec.com This podcast and all of Laura's podcasts are for informational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice or a medical diagnosis.

Join Laura Kopec as she chats with Melissa, a holistic mom. Laura's mission with moms of difficult or challenging children is to help educate moms with real strategies to make significant changes in their lives. For more information about Laura go to www.laurakopec.com This podcast and all of Laura's podcasts are for informational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice or a medical diagnosis.

Join Laura Kopec as she reads the Introduction and the first chapter in her book Let's Get Real about Eating. Laura is the author of Let's Get Real about Eating, My Kids a Picky Eater and The Linked Diet. Laura's mission with her books is to make nutrition easy to understand with real strategies to make significant changes in our lives. Let's Get Real About Eating ISBN: 9781452574271 was published in 2013 and is available for purchase at Barnes and Noble, Amazon or Balboa Press. This podcast and all of Laura's podcasts are for informational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice or a medical diagnosis.