Healthful Elements

10/02/2026

Is hormone replacement therapy safe?

For nearly two decades, clients and others have asked me about what type of HRT they should take. How to dose it. Whether bioidentical is better. What the right delivery method is. How to best utilize and absorb it. How long to take it.

I don’t know. I’m not a doctor.

But I have some strong, well-researched, non-medical opinions about HRT that I finally put into a blog post.

As my new article states, most people think of “HRT” as referring only to estrogen and progesterone replacement. From my perspective, it encompasses the full endocrine system, not simply a gynecology-only definition. To that end, my article also covers thyroid hormone replacement, DHEA, testosterone, and pregnenolone.

Is HRT a game of chutes and ladders? Beyond potential benefits, what's the biological nuance with exogenous hormone intake? And are women getting in-formed con-sent?

New blog post: https://www.healthfulelements.com/blog/2026/01/why-i-don-t-take-hrt-any-type-and-never-will

27/07/2024

A lot of people ask me why/how I got into nutrition coaching. Three words: blood sugar mismanagement.

Research shows that a whopping 88% of Americans suffer from metabolic disorders related to imbalanced blood sugar. And that roughly 37 million people in the U.S. have Type 2 diabetes. And that 23% are undiagnosed.

Did you know that people with more than one autoimmune condition (MAS, or multiple autoimmune syndrome) are more likely to have insulin resistance or Type 2 diabetes?

Fact: Autoimmunity shares an inflammatory landscape alongside insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes.

Blood sugar mismanagement is said to be the single most important phenomenon that leads to rapid aging and all its ensuing diseases, including heart disease, stroke, dementia, and cancer.

On Tuesday, I’m teaching a class on how to get off of the metabolic bungee cord. And how it’s NOT as complicated as you might think. Trust me, this will unequivocally affect how you live and how you age.

It's only $77 and yes, it will be recorded for those who can’t make it live.

Does any of this sound familiar?

⊙ Weight gain/weight loss resistance, largely in the form of the "spare tire"
⊙ Uncontrollable cravings (what if I told you it's not about "willpower?")
⊙ Plummeting afternoon energy (and reaching for coffee/sugar)
⊙ Poor energy distribution throughout the day
⊙ Sleep disruption (including waking wide-eyed at the same time nightly and feeling exhausted in the morning)
⊙ Generalized inflammation
⊙ Muscle loss
⊙ Frequent urination
⊙ General lethargy
⊙ Migrating aches and pains
⊙ Unresolved endocrine/hormonal imbalances
⊙ Unmanaged autoimmunity

(Please know that you do NOT need to be overweight to have mismanaged blood sugar.)

When you miss a meal or lunch is late, do you experience...

⊙ Irritability/agitation (being "hangry")
⊙ Confusion
⊙ Lightheadedness
⊙ Being "glazed over"
⊙ Impatience
⊙ Headache
⊙ Sudden drop in energy
⊙ Loss of coordination/weakness/trembling
⊙ Emotional overreaction...near panic
⊙ "Get out of my way, I gotta eat"

If left unmanaged, blood sugar mismanagement can lead to:

⊙ Chronic, systemic inflammation and all its ensuing dis-eases
⊙ Elevated triglycerides
⊙ Obesity
⊙ Stroke
⊙ Hypertension
⊙ Heart disease
⊙ Muscle loss
⊙ PCOS (did you know there’s also a “male version” of PCOS?)
⊙ Male breasts
⊙ Early puberty

You’ll also receive a few bonuses/additional resources, including:

⊙ A functional testing guide (a simple fasting glucose doesn’t often cut it and I'm sharing a cheat sheet)

⊙ A simple supplement guide that can help tremendously (although many don’t need supplementation)

All roads lead back to blood sugar. Please join me on Tuesday, July 30 at 6:30pm Central Time.

Register here: https://healthfulelements.lpages.co/balance-your-blood-sugar-class/

18/04/2024

This time of year can be VERY difficult for many people. If you or a loved one are suffering through “allergy season,” you need to read my new post, especially if you have a history of autoimmunity.

🌱 If you have an autoimmune condition, you’re likely to experience more severe allergy symptoms.

🌱 According to experts, allergies ARE a mild autoimmune reaction.

🌱 Allergies “getting worse as you age” isn’t likely “more pollen in the air.”

From unknown source: “Disruptive seasonal allergies to things like pollen and grasses can be compared to blowing out the candles on a birthday cake with a fire extinguisher.” 🧯

Translation: Your immune response is overreacting. Because in the face of autoimmunity, it’s already overreacting.

My post addresses:

🌱 Why some experience severe symptoms before the buds even show up on the trees (depends on location/climate)

🌱 The difference between an H1 response (itchy/watery eyes, sneezing, post-nasal drip) and H2 response (a host of other symptomology not often associated with allergies)

🌱 How histamines are actually protective—they’re “the molecular double agent” because we need them for neurotransmitter production, modulating the immune response, cognitive function, regulating the sleep/wake cycle, and for making stomach acid

🌱 Why it's important to be mindful of your probiotic (It could be making your allergies worse and I tell you what to do.)

Allergies don’t show up because of a deficiency in Allegra. There’s another way to get near-immediate relief and support your immune system at the same time. Some of my suggestions have been shown to work better than Allegra and Zyrtec. 💪🏼

Grab your (nettles) tea and learn how to move through “allergy season” (and future seasons, including fall/ragweed) as unscathed as possible.

If you have an autoimmune condition, you may experience more pronounced allergy symptoms. And in fact, allergies ARE a mild autoimmune reaction. Here are 11 solutions.

09/03/2024

For the last 16 yrs, I’ve been helping people reverse autoimmunity, of which we’re unfortunately witnessing a tsunami of, both new and recurring cases.

I’m by no means a doom and gloomer, but it’s coming on hard and fast. (Did you know that long Covid is now thought to be autoimmune?)

I’ve written a great eGuide called Taming Autoimmunity. Link below.

I don’t claim to have the “cure” for autoimmunity—nor do I “treat” my clients. But many have seen their autoimmune antibodies plummet and their ANA flip from positive to negative—and with that, a reduction in the symptoms that were keeping them from living a fulfilled and prosperous life.

I believe the stark rising in autoimmune conditions is a direct byproduct of the modern world we live in. But that doesn’t mean you’re powerless against it. Even the most serious and life-altering cases of autoimmunity can be controlled.

Not only can you manage whatever manifestation you’re currently dealing with, but a holistic, whole-body approach will also help to prevent MAS (multiple autoimmune syndrome), which is “the combination of at least three autoimmune diseases in the same patient.” It’s also referred to as a co-occurrence or “kaleidoscope of autoimmunity.”

I’ve had MAS myself. And I’m focused on the umbrella of autoimmunity, of which I wrote about starting in 2016 in my post, Autoimmunity: It’s All One Disease. Link in comments.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed and think of these different manifestations as silos, as in, “I have multiple diseases that I need to manage.” There are always considerations for how different types of autoimmunity present themselves, but underneath it all, it’s one disease. And one that can be managed.

I’m here to give you hope. You can outsmart autoimmunity.

Get the eGuide >

I’m thrilled to share this newly updated guide with you.

21/02/2024

Many of my alopecia clients and Reversing Alopecia Masterclass participants know that mental/emotional trauma was a trigger for their alopecia.

I’m not saying this is the case for everyone. And yes, trauma can be one of the triggers for any manifestation of autoimmunity.

We’re going to discuss this phenomenon this week in a first-of-its-kind interview.

I’d love for you to join me this Thursday, February 22 at 2:00pm Central for a conversation with Sherry Schaefer of My Wig Coach for an up close and personal look into her journey going from hairdresser to alopecia sufferer. .wig.coach

Please know that this interview comes with a trigger warning.

Sherry is going to talk about:

▸ The traumatic event that “flipped the switch,” eliciting her first episode with alopecia. This will be the first time Sherry has shared these details publicly. Remember: trigger warning.

▸ How difficult life circumstances after that point sometimes initiated a major hair loss event.

▸ Her experience with the Paleo AIP (autoimmune protocol) diet and how her hair did grow back but fell back out again after transitioning to “regular” Paleo.

▸ How she found meaning in this disease by transitioning from hairdressing to wig selling/styling, which helped her accept the irony of being the hairdresser who lost her hair.

I’m so excited about this conversation—and honored that Sherry would choose a conversation with me (and you) to share, for the first time, some details of her life and experience with alopecia. 🙏🏼

It will be recorded, but you'll need to register to receive the replay.

Register here:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ixd0r86FTcySq-q5QbHL4Q

26/01/2024

I recently took part in a webinar about autoimmunity presented by some close colleagues. They asked, “If you had to name a triggering event for the onset of your autoimmunity, what would it be? Put your answers in the chat.”

Answers:

Trauma
PTSD
Childhood abuse
My divorce
An abusive relationship
Trauma
Trauma
The death of my mother
PTSD
Childhood abuse
The death of my father
Trauma
My divorce
An abusive relationship
Trauma

…and on and on.

Trauma is a vast topic. And it’s one I know a fair bit about insofar as its impact on gut, hormone, immune, lymph, mast cell, and neuro health. But I’m not a licensed mental health professional and have never claimed to replace one.

I’ve recently been collaborating with a licensed mental health professional and we’re hosting a webinar on 2/2. Free + recorded.

Cyndi Collen, LCSW-S, CIMHP, CKYT is a trauma-informed psychotherapist, licensed social worker, and certified integrative mental health professional specializing in anxiety, depression, and developmental or situational trauma. Her treatment modalities include mindfulness, attachment and polyvagal theories, self compassion, and integrative medicine.

We'll discuss:

▸ What constitutes “trauma” in the context of nervous + immune system dysregulation

▸ An overview of the vagus nerve, gut, + HPA (hypothalamic, pituitary, adrenal) connections to ANS (autonomic nervous system) + immune system

▸ How assisting the body to heal from trauma goes beyond therapy and EMDR

▸ The role of heavy metals on the brain + nervous system

▸ How certain meds can impact liver health (one of the liver's roles is to process emotions like frustration, anger, and bitterness)

We’ll cover some straightforward and effective strategies for supporting trauma’s impact on the body + nervous system.

If trauma has impacted you or a family member, join us!

It's a live event and you'll need to register to receive the recording.

Register here: https://bit.ly/3vQNtrr