In today’s episode of Integrative Wellness Radio, Dr. Nicole and Dr. Nick unfold the widely spread misconceptions about hormones. Hormones have a bad rap: they get blamed for so many things but it’s often not the root cause or the only issue present. Dr. Nicole digs deep into the types of testing that are best for uncovering the foundational issues that act as a stem for irregular hormone levels. She also discusses the many things that are influencing our hormone levels and how conventional medicine is just a quick fix. Listen to the full episode to learn more! Noteworthy Time Stamps: 2:44 People’s hormones are usually off  5:53 Supplements and herbs are just a ‘temporary relief’ 6:23 Things influencing our hormones 9:34 Fight or flight mode puts hormones on the back burner 10:18 The deficiencies that lead to hormonal imbalance 12:29 There’s no way it’s JUST hormones 13:13 Hormonal effects on menstrual cycle 15:50 IWG’s approach to low-grade infections 22:26 Stress is all perception  25:33 Most people utilize ‘dopamine high’ to overcome stress hormones 28:06 It’s impossible to balance out a neurological problem with a chemical fix 32:33 How blood sugar can impact hormones 35:34 Better testing will decipher the foundational issues in the body 

Integrative Wellness Radio

Your Hormones Might Not Be To Blame

In today’s episode of Integrative Wellness Radio, Dr. Nicole Rivera will discuss the MANY contributing factors that affect your mood. As we head into the colder months, the impacts of Seasonal Affective Disorder could be on the horizon for you. But a S.A.D diagnosis isn’t telling the whole story. You will learn how blood sugar, brain health, diet, and the environment directly affect your mental health and what you can do today for a happier tomorrow (cheesy but true). Dr. Nicole will dig deep into the difference between serotonin and dopamine issues and explain the trickle-down effect your cortisol levels could be having on your “happiness”. She will also debunk the common myths associated with mood imbalances. This episode is packed full of actionable tips and will really help you understand the importance of leveraging better testing to identify how your biochemistry and mental health are connected. Noteworthy Time Stamps: 3:44 Why are so many people being failed by conventional (or even functional) medicine? 12:57 The true definition of S.A.D. and a real-life example 15:05 The blood sugar crisis that’s affecting 90% of the population. 19:56 The huge difference between serotonin and dopamine’s impact on your mood 20:11 What a TRUE serotonin issue looks like 24:03 Feeding our dopamine deficiencies 26:20 Sleep issues and “cortisol stimulating” activities are another piece of the serotonin puzzle 30:59 You can have the most fantastic gut in the world but it’s not the end all be all 33:26 Lack of vitamin d or lack of social interaction? 36:22 Blue light and your diet’s impact on your mood. 40:23 Better testing and better solutions (therapy and antidepressants are not the only options) 45:50 The differences between functional and integrative medicine  

It’s Not All Sunshine & Rainbows: How Weather Affects Your Mood

In today’s episode of Integrative Wellness Radio, Dr. Nicole Rivera and Integrative Practitioner, Grace Farren uncover the leading causes of stress in the body, how inflammation can present itself, and the food-as-medicine approach to countering inflammation.  You will also learn the ins and outs of detoxification through food (hint: it's more than sprinkling charcoal on everything!) as well as what food CAN'T fix. Dr. Nicole and Grace will touch on the integrative testing approach they practice at IWG that ranges from food allergies to hormonal imbalances and much, much more. This episode of IWR was originally recorded and released as a live webinar. Click the links below to access Grace’s grocery shopping guide and superfood checklist! Grocery Shopping Superfood Checklist  Noteworthy Time Stamps: 02:56 Dr. Nicole’s frustrations with nutrition 09:18 How your food can create toxic overload 11:03 Why no diet is forever 14:07 Leveraging strategy in your diet and nutrition  18:26 Why all superfoods are not always “super” 23:49 All wine is not created equal 30:04 Real food, fake food 32:41 Want to make the changes? Take it piece by piece 35:26 Natural flavors: the kiss of death  39:56 Choosing the right animal proteins 46:44 Why you can’t digest fiber 52:01 Getting back to REAL food  1:02:51 Food can heal you or hurt you 1:15:36 IWG’s approach to nutrition, testing, and healing 

How to Turn Your Food Into Medicine

In this encore episode of Integrative Wellness Radio, Dr. Nicole & Dr. Nick discuss the toll stress can have on your physical health. Spoiler alert: It’s not all in your head! The couple discusses how stress, trauma, and emotions are a huge foundational roadblock for so many of us and the positive impacts letting go of those stressors can have on the body. It’s not just about the right diet, the right supplements, or the “best doctor” - sometimes it’s about peeling back the layers. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the connection between emotional stressors and physical symptoms. And, if this stress is playing an integral role in your health, how do you combat it? Maybe you should “screw it, just eat pizza” but then again, maybe not... Noteworthy Time Stamps: 01:12 The biggest thing holding your health back 03:43 The “screw it” mindset and your mind’s healing power 09:30 Limitations of subjective medicine and one size fits all protocols 12:31 How our human programming sets us back from healing  14:18 Connecting your biochemistry with mental and emotional stressors. 17:03 “Screw it and eat the pizza” but only in the name of balance 22:29 If you’re ignoring your emotional stressors, your body is keeping score 26:01 Talk therapy and medication aren’t the only options. What is the best way for YOU to release your emotional stressors?  29:07 Create balance by knowing more about your own body 

Physical Symptoms created by Emotional Stress? It, Let‘s Eat Pizza (Encore Episode)

Melatonin is commonly associated with sleep. However, unknown to most people, it also plays a major role in detoxifying our brain. Join Dr. Nick and Dr. Nicole as they discuss how melatonin contributes to neurological health and how it can be positively leveraged under the supervision of a physician. Disclaimer: Please listen to the whole podcast Noteworthy Time Stamps: 02:26 How melatonin and cortisol levels are supposed to work 04:00 Tips for balancing your melatonin levels 12:56 The gut-brain connection’s impact on sleep 14:06 What causes your melatonin production to decrease?  27:27 How to take supplement your melatonin to serve you 

Encore Episode: Melatonin; The Master Detoxifier of the Brain

In this episode of Integrative Wellness Radio, Dr. Nicole and Tara Pollifrone continue the conversation into birthing, breastfeeding, post-birth health, and vaccinations. As parents-to-be, women often get blanket advice like “avoid a c-section” or “breastfeeding is good” but how do you determine what is really best for you and your baby? Dr. Nicole explores Tara’s knowledge base as an expectant mother and provides insight on how to navigate these post-birth questions and begin making medical decisions for your child. During the conversation, the two discuss some of the unknown aspects of breastfeeding as well as the impact a mother’s energetic and emotional state can have on their baby. Dr. Nicole also explains her reasons for choosing home birth and how women who must have c-sections can boost their baby’s immunity. Finally, Dr. Nicole digs deep into the development of the immune system and how her baby's immune-boosting toolbox consists of much more than antibiotics and vaccines.

Navigating Pregnancy, Birth, and Infancy Part 2

In this episode of Integrative Wellness Radio, Dr. Nicole speaks to the fellow expectant mother and Life Coach, Tara Pollifrone. Together, they get real and raw about some of the most commonly asked questions surrounding the journey from pregnancy to infancy. Dr. Nicole discusses the obstacles to conception you may not realize and how to take an integrative approach to prenatal and pregnancy nutrition. During this conversation, Dr. Nicole helps expectant mothers understand how to maximize their health in order to maximize the health of their babies. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Nicole and Tara share some of their personal pregnancy and birthing choices and discuss how to navigate making informed decisions that uphold your individual values. Stay tuned for the next episode where Dr. Nicole and Tara continue the conversation and discuss how your birthing plan can impact your baby’s immune system, the unfortunate realities of breastfeeding, and vaccinations... Noteworthy Time Stamps: 2:10 How Tara discovered Integrative Wellness Group 6:01 Understanding how our bodies differ from one another 8:35 Tara shares her journey of pregnancy & healing 10:56 Obstacles to conception you may not be thinking about 14:22 Aspects of pregnancy and birth that contribute to your baby’s healthy immune system 21:05 The root cause of your morning sickness, acid reflux, and more 25:32 The “pregnancy palette” can transfer to your children 

Navigating Pregnancy, Birth, and Infancy Part 1

In this part two episode of The Integrative Wellness Radio, Dr. Nicole chats with Brendan Vermeire of Metabolic Solutions. The two cover their personal experience with toxics, abnormal but commonly accepted symptoms, and how they were introduced to functional medicine. Brendan provides insight on the misconception that illness is physical, when in fact it can and very often is psycho-emotional. Dr. Nicole shares a patient's story on Lyme disease, identity, and how having a future vision can affect your healing. Noteworthy Time Stamps: 2:15 Daily toxin exposure 3:26 Why Brendan got in functional medicine 7:17 “Normal” symptoms that aren’t so normal 10:40 A bruise to the nervous system 19:08 Badge of honor dilemma  21:05 Lyme disease & identity 23:00 Why you need to have a vision 

Back To The Basics: Having An Identity & A Vision ft. Brendan Vermeire

In this part 1 episode of The Integrative Wellness Radio, Dr. Nicole chats with Brendan Vermeire, Mental Health Scientist & Certified Health Practitioner who has a background in fitness. Brendan shares his unique journey starting as a Navy Seal who was released from duty due to a pre-existing medical condition and how he transitioned into health & fitness. Brendan’s personal experience with mental health drove him to pursue a career in the industry. Noteworthy Time Stamps: 2:20 Brendan’s journey 13:00 Gut-brain connection 23:30 Challenging conventional medicine & common beliefs 25:00 Manipulation of pathways 

Back To The Basics: The Gut-Brain Connection ft. Brendan Vermeire

In today’s episode of the Integrative Wellness Radio, Dr. Nicole discusses the true definition of a parasite and the sources of parasites that you may not have even considered. She also discusses several myths and common misconceptions about parasites. Dr. Nicole shares her own surprising experience with parasites and sheds light on why not all are bad. Meanwhile, Dr. Nick gives us an insight into the tests and protocols used to safely detoxify and say goodbye to your parasitic friends. Noteworthy Time Stamps: 2:57 How we get exposed to parasites 6:05 Infested sources & foods 08:40 The neurological impact of parasites 10:47 Not all parasites are bad 18:04 How Cellcore helped Dr. Nicole 26:03 Dr. Nick sheds light on enemas & colonics 34:10 The full moon’s impact on parasites 38:50 How parasites hijack your behavior 

If you have a pulse, you have a parasite

In this episode of the Integrative Wellness Radio, Dr. Nicole is joined by Dr. Stephanie Canestraro of the Vagus Clinic to discuss the issue with industry specialists, their personal histories dealing with parasites, and the often overlooked vagus nerve! Dr. Stephanie shares how she got into functional medicine and how nasal parasites propelled her journey. Dr. Nicole discusses the vagus nerve connection and IWG’s tool in regulating this pathway. Noteworthy Time Stamps: 2:29 Dr. Stephanie’s journey 9:15 Uncovering the foundational issue 10:22 Branches of medicine 12:33 Muscle testing & “woo woo” medicine 18:30 Learning from your patients 19:30 Dispelling myths & the lowdown on parasites 23:00 Nasal worms 36:32 Vagus nerve 

Parasites & Your Vagus Nerve

Dr. Nicole & Grace are jumping straight back into the concerning daily dose of toxins that most people are unaware of in this episode of the Integrative Entrepreneur. The duo covers everything from powdered eggs to Bluelight & botox to collagen peptides. Listen now to hear how to detoxify from these everyday toxins. Noteworthy Time Stamps: 1:24 Diving straight into coffee concerns 4:15 Food storage & mold 6:00 We are what our food eats 10:16 Sad truth about eggs 11:00 Household items & outdoor toxins 13:00 High fructose corn syrup 17:30 Jaime Oliver sugar talk 19:13 We eat fries too 19:40 Technology 20:30 Bluelight & your skin 23:00 Collagen 

Daily Dose of TOXINS: Part 2

In this episode of Integrative Wellness Radio, Dr. Nicole & Grace walk through a typical day for most people… laced with toxins. They’re diving into part 1 of this episode by exposing unknown irritants and underscoring the mantra “you don’t know what you don’t know.” Listen through the end to hear about the potential toxins you’re being exposed to on a daily… and solutions to eliminating them.  Noteworthy Time Stamps: 2:47 Where to start… how to eat & your day-to-day 4:00 Everyone’s a liar 6:14 Familial aspect 9:34 Overlooked toxin from your environment 13:15 What they’re doing to conventional celery 17:30 Morning through midday assessment 

Daily Dose of TOXINS: Part 1

In this episode, Dr. Nick and Dr. Nicole tackle the dreaded “D” word that every burnt-out entrepreneur fears. They walk you through delegation as a leader: which tasks to take off your plate, who to lean on, and how your business can thrive with this approach. Hear about Dr. Nicole’s personal AHA moment which turned their business on its head… for the better. The duo will teach actionable items to implement for a successful delegation roll-out to get you out of the burnout rut. Noteworthy Time Stamps: 1:39 The dreaded little word to beat your burnout 2:49 Dr. Nick’s analogy of burnout 4:55 How the number of employees affects how your business 6:11 ScalingUp & Dr. Nicole’s aha moment 8:04 How values contribute to your burnout  11:33 The 3 reasons why you’re not delegating 17:35 Helicopter bosses 20:10 Hierarchy in your business & department visionaries 22:06 How to lovingly have the hard conversation  24:56 Accountability 

The Solution to Burn Out… You’re Doing Too Much! Part 2

In this episode of The Integrative Wellness Radio, Dr. Nicole & Dr. Nick discuss the dreaded burnout… a symptom of nonstop hard work that we’re all too familiar with. They chat through their own personal experience with burnout and provide actionable tips to implement into your day to avoid it!  Noteworthy Time Stamps: 0:51 Dr. Nicole’s personal experience with burnout 3:29 How to go from the emotional limbic brain to the executive brain to make conscious decisions 4:32 The importance of thinking time 8:50 Determining the structure of your day 9:46 High productive actions vs. Low productive actions 10:54 The BIGGEST player when combating burnout 13:40 How to set structure… but not go too far 17:22 Inspire, fulfill, empower: how to reclaim these words 18:00 ROI: multitasking 23:27 Why resentment or pushback happens 25:30 Intermittent fasting vs. breakfast 

How to Go Beyond the Burn Out: Part 1

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