The Elevated Health Podcast

In this episode Amanda Jones, a nurse practitioner and founder of Elevated Health, cuts through marketing noise to help you make calmer, smarter choices at the grocery store. She explains what GMOs (or "bioengineered" foods) actually are and why current evidence shows they’re safe and nutritionally similar to non-GMO versions. Amanda breaks down the broad term "processed foods" and explains the difference between helpful processing (like freezing vegetables) and ultra-processed foods designed to be hyper-palatable and easy to overeat. She encourages listeners to focus on the role a food plays in their overall pattern rather than labeling foods as strictly good or bad. Practical tips include flipping the package to read the ingredient list (ingredients are listed by weight), asking whether you could make it at home, and prioritizing foods closer to their original form most of the time. The episode emphasizes consistency over perfection: small, repeatable choices build better health over time.

In this episode Amanda Jones explains why pregnant people often feel like they get sick more frequently: pregnancy doesn’t weaken the immune system, it shifts it. To protect both parent and baby the body moves from a more aggressive, inflammatory response (Th1) toward a more tolerant, antibody-driven response (Th2), which can make viral infections, allergies, and fatigue more noticeable or prolonged. The episode covers common experiences—longer-lasting colds, worse allergies, increased fatigue—and why those happen. Amanda shares practical, evidence-based steps to support immune function during pregnancy, including prioritizing protein intake, optimizing key micronutrients (vitamin D, zinc, magnesium, and choline), protecting sleep, and supporting gut health with fiber and probiotics. She emphasizes realistic strategies for each trimester (ways to get tolerable protein sources when nausea is present, foods high in choline like eggs, and gentle solutions for constipation) and encourages communication with your obstetric provider about supplements and symptoms. The message is reassuring: these changes are an intentional and complex adaptation to pregnancy, not a sign of failure. The episode mixes science with everyday tips to help pregnant listeners feel understood and better equipped to support their health.

In this episode Amanda Jones reframes muscle as a powerful metabolic and endocrine organ — not merely for movement or aesthetics. Muscle helps clear glucose from the bloodstream via GLUT4 transporters, supports hormone balance, and plays a key role in long-term health, insulin sensitivity, and weight management. Practical strategies include prioritizing protein (a starting target of about 100 grams per day), aiming for roughly 100 grams of carbohydrates, and adding consistent resistance to your routine. Resistance doesn’t require a gym: bodyweight exercises, resistance bands, ankle weights, stairs, or short bursts of added load while doing daily tasks all count. Be mindful with appetite-suppressing medications (GLP-1s) — they can reduce protein intake and accelerate muscle loss if you’re not intentional. Women should note hormonal fluctuations and age-related muscle decline (often starting after age 25), so intentional fueling and resistance are especially important. For better blood sugar control, especially if you have insulin resistance, try short activity after carbohydrate-containing meals — a brief walk, calf raises, or a few squats can help muscles use glucose more effectively. To start: increase protein, include regular resistance (even small, frequent efforts), and move a bit more throughout the day to improve metabolic flexibility and overall wellbeing.

In this mini-episode of the Elevated Health Podcast, we explain how histamine — released during allergic reactions — can trigger not only sneezing and itchy eyes but also increased nervous system arousal, irritability, and anxiety. Youll learn why histamine acts as both an immune signal and a brain neurotransmitter that heightens wakefulness and sensory sensitivity. The episode covers how inflammation and poor sleep from congestion amplify anxiety-like symptoms, and why hormonal interactions (especially between histamine and estrogen) can make symptoms fluctuate across the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. It emphasizes that anxiety can have physiological drivers beyond purely psychological causes. Practical, easy strategies are offered: reduce allergen exposure, support nasal airway health with saline rinses and positional changes, and consider appropriate antihistamines for daytime or nighttime relief. The host encourages listeners to track patterns, discuss options with their healthcare provider, and reach out with questions or episode ideas.

In this episode Amanda Jones, nurse practitioner and host of the Elevated Hill podcast, reassures listeners that a weekend of different food, drink, or sleep doesn’t erase long-term progress. The focus is on what to do next, not punishing yourself. She explains common physiologic reasons you might feel off—blood sugar swings, dehydration, inflammation, and poor sleep—and why those symptoms (fatigue, cravings, bloating, brain fog, puffiness) are normal and reversible. Amanda walks through a simple four-part reset to recover quickly and intentionally: prioritize protein at meals to stabilize blood sugar, rehydrate with water and electrolytes, move gently to improve circulation and insulin sensitivity, and return to normal, balanced meals without restriction. The episode emphasizes mindset: avoid spiraling into restriction or overexertion, break the start-over cycle, and instead keep returning to baseline consistently. Small, consistent choices after a weekend are what build lasting health.

Are seed oils actually bad for you, or is this just another nutrition myth? In this episode, Amanda breaks down the science behind seed oils, omega-6 fats, inflammation, and cooking oils. We compare seed oils to butter, olive oil, and animal fats, explain oxidation and smoke points, and cover newer topics like C10 from dairy and the dairy fat paradox.   A clear, practical guide to choosing fats without fear or confusion.   Keywords: seed oils, cooking oils, omega-6, inflammation, butter vs olive oil, healthy fats, dairy fat paradox, metabolic health, nutrition myths

This episode uses that image to show how basic needs — and missing ones — shape mental health. Hosts Amanda Jones and guest Sarah Patschke continue the series on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, moving up from survival and safety into love and belonging, self‑esteem, and self‑actualization. They explore how connection, confidence, and purpose support well‑being and what happens when those needs go unmet. The conversation covers scarcity and “tunnel vision” (from Hidden Brain), the public‑health effects of loneliness (exacerbated by COVID), and why multiple layers of social contact — close relationships, regular social interaction, and group belonging — protect mental health. They also talk about how friendships, community roles, and clear values can ease the pressure on a single relationship to meet all needs. On esteem, Amanda and Sarah discuss imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and how control, criticism, and disrupted social learning after COVID can drive anxiety. Practical steps include checking and stabilizing foundational needs, doing introspective work to name values and strengths, finding supportive people, setting boundaries, asking for help, and using tools like CBT or counseling when needed. The episode closes with a reminder that growth is gradual and nonlinear: self‑actualization is a process of becoming who you’re capable of being, and rebuilding connection, confidence, and meaning happens one step at a time. Link to image of Maslow’s Hierarchy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow%27s_hierarchy_of_needs#/media/File%3AMaslow's_Hierarchy_of_Needs_Pyramid_(original_five-level_model).png Hidden Brain Episode 65: “Tunnel Vision” available wherever you listen to podcasts.      

In this episode Amanda Jones explores how alcohol affects metabolic health, blood sugar, sleep, hormones and anxiety ("hangxiety"). She explains why the liver prioritizes clearing alcohol over making glucose, how different drinks can cause blood sugar spikes or drops, and why alcohol can disrupt sleep and hormone balance. The episode breaks down short- and long-term effects—like higher morning glucose, increased cravings, disrupted cortisol rhythm and possible insulin resistance—and offers practical, non-judgmental strategies to reduce harm while still enjoying social occasions. Key tips include eating 30–40 grams of protein before drinking, choosing low-sugar drinks (dry wines, spirits with soda and citrus), spacing drinks with water or electrolyte beverages, eating a meal beforehand, and adding light movement after meals. Amanda emphasizes realistic, sustainable choices and self-compassion rather than perfection.

In this episode, Amanda Jones sits down with licensed clinical social worker Sarah Patschke, LCSW, to explore how Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs shows up in real life — especially for college students navigating stress, sleep deprivation, and unstable routines.   They discuss how foundational needs like sleep, nutrition, physical safety, and reproductive health directly influence mental health, academic performance, and emotional resilience. Sarah shares frontline experiences from her work in university counseling and integrated health, including stories of student-athletes struggling with inadequate calorie intake and students relying on campus food pantries to meet basic needs.   The conversation explores how physiological and safety needs form the base of mental well-being, and why issues like chronic stress, food insecurity, and lack of sleep can make it difficult to focus, regulate emotions, or pursue higher goals.   Amanda and Sarah also discuss:   How Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs applies to modern life The connection between unmet basic needs and anxiety or depression How early life instability and foster care shape a person’s sense of safety Practical tools like cognitive behavioral techniques and small routine shifts that help restore stability     This episode is Part 1 of a two-part series on Maslow’s hierarchy. In Part 2, they move up the pyramid and explore belonging, self-esteem, and self-actualization — along with practical ways individuals and communities can support these needs.   Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own foundational needs and revisit the classic Maslow framework (link below) as well as check out the Hidden Brain episode referenced in the conversation (Episode 65 “Tunnel Vision”)   https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/60/Maslow%27s_Hierarchy_of_Needs.svg  

Heart disease is the leading cause of death—but much of it is preventable.   In this episode, Amanda sits down with family physician Dr. David Bruce Clarke to discuss cardiovascular health through a modern, prevention-focused lens. With additional training through the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), Dr. Clarke blends traditional primary care with deeper metabolic evaluation to identify risk earlier.   They explain why basic cholesterol numbers don’t tell the full story and how inflammation, endothelial damage, insulin resistance, and chronic stress drive plaque formation long before symptoms appear. You’ll learn why LDL and HDL are only part of the picture and how metabolic dysfunction quietly increases long-term heart risk.   The conversation explores advanced cardiovascular testing beyond a routine lipid panel, including ApoB, Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], NMR lipids, hs-CRP, fasting insulin, A1C, coronary calcium scoring, and carotid imaging.   They also discuss practical prevention strategies—nutrition changes, reducing processed carbohydrates, resistance training, sleep optimization, stress reduction, and when medications like statins or low-dose aspirin are appropriate.   The takeaway: heart disease develops over decades, but so does prevention. Earlier, broader evaluation combined with sustainable lifestyle changes can significantly reduce cardiovascular risk.

Why are you eating healthy, counting calories, exercising, and still not losing weight?   In this episode, we explain the physiology behind weight loss resistance — including insulin resistance, cortisol, thyroid adaptation, perimenopause, and metabolic slowdown from chronic dieting.   You’ll learn:   • How elevated insulin blocks fat burning • What Set Point Theory means for weight regain • Adaptive thermogenesis and reduced metabolic rate • Why skeletal muscle improves insulin sensitivity and glucose disposal • How stress and poor sleep increase hunger hormones • A practical framework using approximately 100 grams of carbohydrates and 100 grams of protein to support metabolic health • When medications like glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1), metformin, and pioglitazone may help improve insulin sensitivity   This episode is especially relevant for women navigating perimenopause, insulin resistance, weight gain, and hormonal changes.   If you feel stuck despite “doing everything right,” this episode will help you understand why — and what you can control to improve fat loss and metabolic flexibility.   Your metabolism is adaptive. When you change the inputs, the physiology can change.

Fatty liver disease has a new name — actually, two. In this episode, we explain the shift from NAFLD to MASLD and MASH, what these updated terms mean, and why the change reflects a deeper understanding of metabolic dysfunction. You’ll learn: • Why NAFLD was renamed MASLD • The difference between MASLD and MASH • How insulin resistance drives fatty liver disease • Why you do not have to drink alcohol or be obese to develop fatty liver • The connection between triglycerides, cholesterol, and liver health • How fatty liver impacts hormones and long-term cardiovascular risk • Evidence-based strategies to reverse early liver dysfunction Fatty liver is not just a liver condition. It is a metabolic condition. If you have elevated liver enzymes, high triglycerides, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, or central weight gain, this episode will help you understand what is happening beneath the surface and what you can do about it.

How is ADHD treated in adults — and what actually helps? In Part 2 of our ADHD series, Amanda Jones and Shelly Moss discuss practical strategies for managing ADHD, including medications, sleep optimization, and nervous system regulation. You’ll learn: • The difference between stimulant and non-stimulant medications • How stimulants affect dopamine and focus • Why sleep is foundational for executive function • The role of magnesium and nervous system support • Behavioral tools for organization and task initiation • When lifestyle interventions make the biggest impact ADHD management is not one-size-fits-all. Effective treatment often combines medication, structure, sleep, and emotional support. If you resonated with Part 1 and want to understand what real-world ADHD support looks like, this episode provides practical, evidence-informed guidance.

ADHD in adults is often misunderstood — especially in women. In this episode, Amanda Jones sits down with licensed clinical social worker Shelly Moss, LCSW, to explore adult ADHD, executive dysfunction, and how symptoms often overlap with anxiety and depression. You’ll learn: • What ADHD looks like in adults • Why many women are diagnosed later in life • The difference between distraction and executive dysfunction • How ADHD affects dopamine, motivation, and focus • Why anxiety and ADHD are often confused • How nervous system dysregulation complicates symptoms ADHD is not a character flaw. It is a neurobiological pattern that affects attention, organization, and emotional regulation. If you struggle with focus, overwhelm, procrastination, or feeling chronically behind, this episode provides clarity and validation. Part 1 lays the foundation for understanding ADHD before diving into treatment strategies in Part 2.

Feeling constantly run down, exhausted, or stuck in a cycle of stress and illness? In this episode, we break down what true recovery requires — from immune resilience to nervous system regulation and metabolic repair. You’ll learn: • Why chronic stress depletes energy • How poor sleep disrupts hormone balance • The role of protein, hydration, and micronutrients in recovery • Why cortisol dysregulation prolongs fatigue • How illness and burnout overlap physiologically • Practical steps to rebuild energy and resilience Recovery is not just rest. It is a coordinated biological process involving the nervous system, immune system, hormones, and metabolism. If you feel like you never fully bounce back from stress, sickness, or busy seasons, this episode offers a clear framework for resetting your energy.

Your gut and brain are in constant two-way communication. In this episode, we explore the gut-brain axis and how gut health influences anxiety, depression, brain fog, focus, and stress tolerance. Inflammation, microbial imbalance, and poor detox pathways can alter neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA. You’ll learn: • How the vagus nerve connects the gut and brain • Why gut inflammation affects mood and cognition • The role of serotonin production in the digestive tract • How constipation and diarrhea impact detox and brain function • Why treating mental health symptoms requires a whole-body approach • Practical strategies to support both gut and brain health Mental health is not isolated to the brain. It is deeply influenced by metabolism, inflammation, and digestive function. If you struggle with anxiety, low mood, poor concentration, or brain fog, this episode explains why addressing gut health may be an essential part of the solution.

Do detox teas actually remove toxins? In this episode, we break down the science of detoxification — how the liver, gut, kidneys, and lymphatic system work together to eliminate waste — and why most detox teas fail to deliver what they promise. You’ll learn: • How phase I and phase II liver detox pathways function • The role of bile, stool, and regular bowel movements • Why constipation can impair toxin clearance • How diarrhea reduces nutrient absorption • The difference between marketing claims and physiology • What truly supports healthy detoxification Detox is not a 7-day cleanse. It is a continuous biological process. If you’ve been told you need a special tea, powder, or cleanse to “reset” your body, this episode explains what actually matters — and how to support your natural detox systems through nutrition, sleep, hydration, and metabolic health.

This foundational nutrition episode is worth revisiting. Understanding macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates, and fat) is essential for metabolism, blood sugar stability, hormone balance, and sustainable weight management. In this episode, we break down: • What macronutrients are and how they differ from micronutrients • How protein supports satiety, muscle, and recovery • How carbohydrates affect insulin and blood sugar • The role of dietary fat in hormones and inflammation • Why balance matters more than restriction • How to structure meals for metabolic stability Macros are not just numbers. They influence energy, cravings, body composition, and long-term health. If you’re confused about how to build balanced meals or optimize nutrition without extreme dieting, this episode provides a clear and practical framework.

How does alcohol actually affect your metabolism? In this episode, we break down how alcohol impacts blood sugar, liver function, hormones, sleep, and weight gain — and how to approach drinking in a way that protects your long-term health. You’ll learn: • How alcohol affects insulin and blood sugar control • Why drinking disrupts sleep and cortisol regulation • The connection between alcohol and triglycerides • How alcohol slows fat metabolism • What “moderation” really means • Practical strategies to reduce metabolic damage while drinking Alcohol is not neutral in the body. It directly influences liver function, inflammation, and hormone balance. If you enjoy social drinking but want to better understand how it impacts weight, energy, and metabolic health, this episode gives you a clear and balanced framework.

The holidays are not joyful for everyone. For many, Christmas and the holiday season intensify grief, loneliness, and emotional pain. In this episode, Amanda Jones sits down with licensed clinical social worker Shelly Moss, LCSW, to discuss how to navigate grief during the holidays. You’ll learn: • Why loss feels heavier during the holiday season • The difference between grief and seasonal depression • How traditions can trigger emotional pain • Practical coping tools for holiday gatherings • How to set boundaries while protecting your mental health • Ways to honor loved ones while creating space for healing Grief does not disappear because the calendar says it is time to celebrate. If you are navigating loss, strained relationships, infertility, illness, or unmet expectations during the holidays, this conversation offers compassion, validation, and practical guidance.

Why do cravings feel stronger during the holidays? In this episode, we break down how stress hormones — especially cortisol — impact blood sugar, appetite regulation, and emotional eating. Holiday stress does more than affect your mood. It changes your physiology. You’ll learn: • How cortisol influences insulin and blood sugar • Why stress increases cravings for sugar and refined carbohydrates • The connection between sleep loss and hunger hormones • How chronic stress contributes to weight gain • Practical strategies to regulate cortisol during busy seasons • How to enjoy holidays without metabolic backlash Stress is not just emotional. It is hormonal and metabolic. If you struggle with holiday overeating, late-night cravings, or seasonal weight gain, this episode explains what is happening in your body and how to regain balance.

The menstrual cycle is more than just a period. In this episode, we break down the 28-day menstrual cycle, explaining what happens hormonally during each phase and how estrogen, progesterone, and ovulation shape mood, metabolism, energy, and fertility. You’ll learn: • The four phases of the menstrual cycle • What estrogen does in the follicular phase • How ovulation affects energy and insulin sensitivity • Why progesterone rises in the luteal phase • Why PMS symptoms occur • How cycle timing influences sleep, cravings, and workouts Understanding your menstrual cycle is foundational to hormone health, fertility awareness, and metabolic stability. If you want to better interpret mood shifts, cravings, energy changes, or irregular symptoms, this episode offers a clear, physiology-based guide to what is happening each week.

This episode is one of our most listened-to conversations — and it is worth revisiting. Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges today. But what actually drives it, and how do we move toward peace? In this conversation, Amanda Jones sits down with licensed clinical social worker Shelly Moss, LCSW, to discuss anxiety, stress, nervous system dysregulation, and emotional resilience. You’ll learn: • What anxiety is from a clinical perspective • The difference between stress and anxiety disorders • How nervous system dysregulation fuels chronic overwhelm • Therapy tools that help restore emotional balance • The connection between physical health and mental health • Practical strategies for moving toward peace This conversation remains timely and relevant — especially in seasons of stress, illness, or burnout. If you struggle with anxiety, emotional overload, or persistent stress, this episode offers both compassion and clinical clarity.

What does it really take to build a functional medicine practice from the ground up? In this five-year anniversary episode, Amanda Jones reflects on launching Elevated Health in 2020, navigating COVID-era pivots, expanding into telemedicine and metabolic care, and growing a practice centered on root-cause medicine. You’ll learn: • How functional medicine fits into a modern healthcare landscape • The realities of entrepreneurship in medicine • What building a private practice teaches about patient care • Lessons learned about time, energy, and sustainability • Why metabolic health and realistic nutrition remain foundational • The importance of community, resilience, and long-term vision Amanda shares both challenges and milestones — from travel testing during the pandemic to opening a downtown clinic, growing a team, expanding GLP-1 and wellness services, and launching a podcast. This episode is not just a celebration. It is a reflection on what sustainable healthcare, business ownership, and patient-centered medicine require. If you are a clinician, entrepreneur, or patient curious about the behind-the-scenes of modern functional practice, this conversation offers honest insight and practical perspective.

Self-care is often framed as indulgent. In reality, it is physiological. In this episode, Amanda Jones sits down with Gloria Hargrave, Licensed Massage Therapist, to discuss how chronic stress, muscle tension, and nervous system overload impact physical and emotional health. You’ll learn: • How chronic stress dysregulates the nervous system • The connection between muscle tension and emotional strain • Why massage therapy supports parasympathetic activation • How burnout affects hormones, sleep, and recovery • Practical ways to incorporate sustainable self-care • Why rest is a biological requirement, not a reward This conversation reframes self-care as a survival strategy in a high-stress culture. If you struggle with chronic tension, stress overload, or burnout, this episode explains how body-based therapies can support nervous system regulation and long-term resilience.

Is Body Mass Index actually a reliable measure of health? In this episode, Amanda Jones breaks down the history of BMI, why it was never designed to assess individual health, and how it can misclassify muscle, bone density, and body composition. You’ll learn: • Where BMI came from and how it became standard in medicine • Why BMI does not distinguish fat from muscle • How height, sex, and ethnicity influence BMI interpretation • Why some athletes and metabolically healthy individuals fall into “overweight” categories • The role of clinician bias in weight-based assumptions • Better tools for assessing health, including waist-to-height ratio, body fat percentage, fasting insulin, triglycerides, and HDL Health cannot be reduced to a single number. This episode offers a more nuanced, evidence-based way to evaluate weight, metabolic health, and overall wellness — without shame or oversimplification. If you’ve ever been told your BMI defines your health, this conversation will help you understand what matters more.

Can you enjoy vacation without undoing your progress? In this episode, we discuss how to approach travel, social events, and time off without food guilt or metabolic backtracking. A protein-forward plate and the 80/20 rule create structure without restriction. You’ll learn: • How protein supports satiety and blood sugar stability while traveling • Why extreme restriction leads to rebound overeating • What the 80/20 rule actually means in practice • How to build balanced meals in restaurants • Simple strategies to avoid vacation weight gain • Why metabolic flexibility matters more than perfection Healthy living is not about all-or-nothing thinking. It is about consistency over time. If you want to enjoy vacation, holidays, and social events while protecting your energy, blood sugar, and weight goals, this episode gives you a realistic framework.

Chronic sinus pressure, headaches, TMJ pain, and breathing dysfunction are often treated with medication. But what if the root cause is structural? In this episode, Amanda Jones sits down with Audrey Lamberson, DPT, to discuss the Nasal Release Technique (NRT) and how specialized manual therapy can improve airway function, cranial alignment, lymphatic drainage, and nervous system regulation. They cover: • What the Nasal Release Technique is and how it works • How turbinate restriction affects nasal airflow and sinus pressure • The connection between TMJ dysfunction, headaches, and breathing mechanics • Concussion recovery, brain fog, and tongue-tie considerations • Why pelvic floor coordination and airway function are linked • What patients can expect during treatment Audrey shares real patient examples, including long-standing headache relief after tongue-tie and nasal work, as well as Amanda’s personal experience recovering from facial trauma and brainstem surgery through coordinated breathing, pelvic-floor, and cranial therapy. This episode highlights a holistic, whole-body approach to complex symptoms that span posture, breathing, pain, and emotional health. If you struggle with chronic congestion, sinus headaches, jaw tension, mouth breathing, or unresolved post-concussion symptoms, this conversation offers a structural perspective beyond medication.

Recovery is not just physical. It is metabolic, hormonal, emotional, and nervous system driven. In this episode, we explore what true recovery requires — whether you are healing from surgery, intense workouts, illness, or chronic stress. You’ll learn: • Why protein intake is critical for tissue repair • How hydration and electrolytes support healing • The role of sleep in hormone balance and immune function • How stress and sympathetic overdrive impair recovery • Why movement matters, even during healing • Practical strategies to support faster, more complete recovery Recovery is about shifting from a sympathetic stress state into parasympathetic repair. Without that shift, healing is delayed. If you are navigating surgery recovery, burnout, illness, or simply want to optimize resilience, this episode gives you a clear framework to support your body’s repair systems.

Your circadian rhythm influences far more than sleep. In this episode, we explore how circadian rhythm regulates hormones, insulin sensitivity, and blood sugar control. Disruptions in light exposure, meal timing, and sleep patterns can directly impact metabolism, weight gain, and long-term chronic disease risk. You’ll learn: • What circadian rhythm actually controls in the body • How sleep affects cortisol, insulin, and glucose regulation • Why late-night eating alters blood sugar patterns • The connection between light exposure and hormone balance • How circadian disruption contributes to metabolic dysfunction • Practical ways to realign your rhythm for better energy and longevity Circadian biology is foundational to metabolic health. When sleep and light patterns are off, hormones and blood sugar follow. If you’re struggling with energy crashes, weight resistance, poor sleep, or blood sugar instability, this episode explains why your daily rhythm matters more than you think.

Healthy skin is more than topical products. It reflects what’s happening internally. In this episode, we discuss holistic skin health with Denise Dubois, exploring how hormones, inflammation, gut health, and lifestyle factors influence acne, aging, and overall skin quality. You’ll learn: • The connection between hormones and breakouts • How gut health impacts skin inflammation • Why topical skincare alone is not enough • The role of nutrition in collagen and aging • Common skincare misconceptions • How to approach skin health from the inside out This conversation bridges aesthetics and physiology, helping you understand how metabolic health, stress, and nutrition show up on your skin. If you struggle with acne, premature aging, or chronic skin inflammation, this episode offers a more comprehensive way to think about skin health.

Ozempic and Mounjaro are everywhere right now — but what are GLP-1 medications actually doing in the body? In this episode, we break down the science behind GLP-1 receptor agonists, including semaglutide and tirzepatide, and explain how these medications impact appetite, insulin resistance, blood sugar, and weight loss. You’ll learn: • What GLP-1 medications are and how they work• The difference between Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro• How these drugs affect insulin, gastric emptying, and hunger signals• Potential side effects and long-term considerations• Who may benefit from medical weight loss support• Why medication is a tool, not a substitute for metabolic health This episode offers a balanced, evidence-based discussion of GLP-1 medications — cutting through hype and fear to focus on physiology and appropriate use. If you’re considering Ozempic, Mounjaro, or other weight loss medications, this episode will help you understand the risks, benefits, and long-term strategy.

What are macronutrients, and why do carbs, protein, and fat all matter? In this episode, we break down macronutrients and explain how carbohydrates, protein, and fat work together to support metabolism, blood sugar balance, hormone function, and energy. You’ll learn: • What macronutrients are and how they differ from micronutrients• How carbohydrates affect blood sugar and insulin• Why protein is essential for muscle, satiety, and recovery• The role of healthy fats in hormones and inflammation• How macros influence weight loss and metabolic health• Why balance matters more than restriction Understanding macronutrients is foundational to sustainable nutrition. This episode simplifies the science so you can make informed food choices without confusion. If you’ve ever wondered how to structure meals for better energy, fat loss, or metabolic stability, this conversation gives you the framework.

How much of your diet is influenced by marketing rather than health? In this episode, we unpack processed foods, ultra-processed foods, GMOs, and how food marketing shapes consumer decisions. From misleading health claims to ingredient lists that are difficult to interpret, the modern food environment is engineered to drive consumption. You’ll learn: • What qualifies as a processed vs. ultra-processed food• The role of GMOs in today’s food system• How food marketing influences perception of “healthy” products• Why certain ingredient lists matter more than front-label claims• The connection between ultra-processed foods, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction This episode is not about fear. It’s about clarity. If you want to better understand food labels, make informed grocery decisions, and reduce metabolic stress, this conversation will help you see the food industry more clearly.

Spending time in nature isn’t just relaxing,  it’s physiologically restorative. In this episode, we explore the science-backed benefits of nature on stress, mental health, inflammation, and long-term longevity. From sunlight exposure to nervous system regulation, time outdoors directly impacts cortisol, sleep, immune function, and emotional resilience. You’ll learn: • How nature reduces stress hormones like cortisol • The connection between sunlight, circadian rhythm, and sleep • Why outdoor exposure improves mood and anxiety • The impact of fresh air and movement on metabolic health • Simple ways to incorporate more nature into daily life Nature is not a luxury-- it’s a biological need. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, inflamed, exhausted, or disconnected, this episode explains why stepping outside may be one of the most powerful health interventions available.

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges today — but what actually causes it, and how do we move toward peace? In this episode, I sit down with licensed clinical social worker Shelly Moss, LCSW, to discuss anxiety, stress, nervous system regulation, and the path to emotional resilience. We explore: • What anxiety really is (and what it isn’t)• The difference between everyday stress and clinical anxiety• How the nervous system becomes dysregulated• Therapy tools that help restore emotional balance• The connection between physical health and mental health• Practical steps to move from chronic stress toward peace This conversation is compassionate, practical, and grounded in clinical experience. If you struggle with anxiety, feel chronically overwhelmed, or want to better understand how mental health and physical health intersect, this episode offers clarity and hope.

  Should you be monitoring your blood sugar even if you’re not diabetic? In this episode, we discuss continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), metabolic health, and why blood sugar stability matters far beyond diabetes. Insulin resistance can develop years before a diagnosis, and early glucose patterns often reveal what standard labs miss. You’ll learn: • What a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) actually measures• How blood sugar spikes impact insulin, inflammation, and fat storage• Why insulin resistance develops silently• Who benefits most from glucose monitoring• Common misconceptions about “normal” A1c levels• How glucose tracking can improve energy, weight loss, and long-term longevity Glucose is not just a diabetes metric -it’s a window into metabolic function. If you’re interested in prevention, longevity, weight management, or optimizing your health before disease develops, this episode will help you decide whether glucose monitoring makes sense for you.

What’s the difference between functional medicine and conventional medicine, and why doesn’t insurance cover both? In this episode, we break down how insurance-based healthcare models shape modern medicine, why most appointments are limited to symptom management, and what gets missed when root causes aren’t investigated. You’ll learn: • How insurance reimbursement impacts testing and treatment• Why 10–15 minute visits limit chronic disease care• The difference between symptom suppression and root cause medicine• Why insulin resistance, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction require deeper evaluation• When conventional medicine is essential and when a functional approach adds value This episode clarifies common misconceptions about functional medicine while explaining how healthcare systems influence the care you receive. If you’ve ever felt like your labs were “normal” but you still don’t feel well — this conversation is for you.

In this first episode of The Elevated Health Podcast, I share how I went from studying nutrition to practicing functional medicine and why I believe root cause healthcare is the future of chronic disease management. If you’ve ever felt frustrated with symptom-based medicine, short appointments, or prescriptions that don’t address the underlying issue, this episode will resonate. We discuss: • The difference between conventional medicine and functional medicine• Why metabolic dysfunction is at the root of so many chronic conditions• How nutrition, insulin resistance, inflammation, and gut health connect• What it means to practice root cause medicine• Why patients deserve deeper investigation, longer visits, and personalized care This episode lays the foundation for everything we discuss on this podcast — including metabolic health, hormones, gut health, diabetes, weight loss, longevity, and preventative care. If you’re new here, this is the perfect place to start.