Made to be Whole

In this episode of Made to Be Whole, Krista outlined some of the profound ways hormones influence energy, mood, and cognitive well-being. Unpacking foundational hormone education, the discussion explored why hormone imbalances can be at the root of chronic fatigue, mental health symptoms, and more. Listeners will learn about the interconnectedness of the endocrine system, reasons for hormone testing, and practical steps for seeking root causes rather than quick fixes. The episode emphasizes how understanding hormones can advance personal healing and wholeness.Topics discussed in this episode:What Are Hormones? Understanding the Basics of the Endocrine SystemWhy Energy, Mood, and Cognition Are Tied to Hormonal HealthKey Hormones to Test First When Experiencing Fatigue or Mood ChangesThe Pitfalls of Focusing on Only One Hormone (like Thyroid or Adrenal Function)How Hormone Receptors and Genetics Affect SymptomsThe Role of Sex Hormones in Men and Women’s Cognitive and Physical HealthThe Surprising Influence of Fat Tissue, the Gut, and Other Organs on Hormone ProductionHow Specialized Testing Brings Clarity—Saliva, Blood, and DNA-Based ApproachesRisks of Quick Medication Fixes for Mental Health Without Hormonal AssessmentPersonalized Approaches and the Importance of Compounding PharmaciesPractical Steps for Getting to the Root Cause of Hormonal ImbalanceHow to Advocate for Yourself When Seeking Answers to Energy and Mood IssuesResources mentioned in this episode:Compounding pharmacies and their role in custom hormone therapyGoodRx for affordable medication options: https://www.goodrx.com/Past episode on thyroid healthHave a question about hormones? Text or call the show’s info line at 330-439-0686 to get answers on a future episode!Ready to uncover your root cause? Explore hormone and genetic testing options at https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/Share your journey or episode suggestions—your question could inspire our next discussion!Stay tuned, and remember: You were made to be whole.All resources mentioned on the show can be found at: https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/Any references to any particular people, including family, have been shared with prior consent.Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands. Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

In this episode of Made To Be Whole, host Krista Michener dives deep into the multifaceted world of gut health, exploring what it really means to heal your gut—beyond just food choices and testing. Discover the pivotal role of micronutrient deficiencies, environmental exposures like mycotoxins, and the complexities of gluten sensitivity. Krista Michener walks you through how the “Foundations of Healing” package uncovers root causes, and shares insights on diet, hormone balance, mold, and why true wellness is always individualized. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating digestive issues, chronic gut symptoms, food sensitivities, or looking to understand holistic approaches in functional medicine.Topics discussed in this episode:What gut health really means: looking beyond diet and traditional stool testingThe essential role of micronutrients (B-vitamins, glutamine, zinc, and more) in digestive healingUnderstanding leaky gut: Causes, consequences, and why it’s not the root problemThe power of advanced testing for uncovering hidden drivers of gut dysfunctionHow mold and mycotoxins impact the gut microbiome and overall healthSeparating fact from fiction around gluten, dairy, and “trigger foods”The importance of hormone balance in gut health and healingPersonal stories of transformation: Navigating dietary changes and chronic symptomsTaking a practical, personalized approach to gut healing strategiesResources mentioned in this episode:SpectraCell micronutrient testing (SpectraCell Labs Research Library)Orthomolecular Products: GlutaShield and InflammaCORE Vanilla ChaiImmune Function Testing | Food Sensitivity+Environmental Toxins & Mycotoxin Testing (see Mosaic Diagnostics | Revealing the Complete Picture and RealTime Laboratories: Mycotoxin Mold Testing Kits for testing options)MicroGen and MicrobiologyDx nasal swab testingACS Colloidal Silver Nasal Spray - https://www.resultsrna.com/acs-nasal-2/ Journal references: Toxins 2020 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/toxins/issues & Microbiology Spectrum 2023 -https://journals.asm.org/loi/spectrum/group/d2020.y2023 Curious about what's driving your gut symptoms? Explore our "Foundations of Healing" package and take the first step to get personalized answers and a holistic healing plan!Not sure if gluten or dairy are right for you? Try a mindful elimination for a few weeks and tune in to how your body responds—then share your discoveries with our community!Want to dig deeper into your own health story? Download our free resources and explore transformative testing options at AHPI Integrative Health.Stay tuned, and remember: You were made to be whole.All resources mentioned on the show can be found at: https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/Any references to any particular people, including family, have been shared with prior consent.Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands. Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

In this episode of Made to Be Whole, host Krista Michener dives deep into rare, often misdiagnosed causes of headaches, including compression syndromes, empty sella syndrome, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks. Krista shares her personal journey through challenging, persistent symptoms and offers crucial guidance on decoding your own lab results, effectively leveraging online resources, and finding the right healthcare providers. This episode is a must-listen for anyone struggling with complex, chronic headaches, positional symptoms, or elusive diagnoses. Krista reveals the pitfalls of relying solely on standard imaging, underscores the importance of patient advocacy, and delivers hope for those on the path to healing.Topics discussed in this episode:How rare headache causes like compression syndromes and CSF leaks can be overlooked by standard medical protocolsThe importance of precise imaging orders and how qualitative vs. quantitative radiology reports affect diagnosisRecognizing and advocating through underdiagnosed conditions such as empty sella syndrome and intracranial hypotensionNavigating patient-driven resources vs. traditional healthcare adviceTips for finding experienced specialists and avoiding the internet algorithm trapWhy patient-driven foundations and support networks are vital for rare and chronic conditionsThe seven “medical sins” affecting diagnosis and care, according to Dr. Richard Asher’s classic frameworkCompassionate advice for self-advocacy and supporting chronically ill loved onesResources mentioned in this episode:Spinal CSF Leak FoundationEmpty Sella Syndrome OverviewCompression Syndromes Episode with MichelleFeeling stuck with unresolved headaches? Share your story or topic suggestions by texting or calling our info line at 330-439-0686!Advocate for your own healing: Review your lab results and seek multiple opinions if your symptoms don’t improve.Connect with a community—join patient forums or reach out to foundations for the support and wisdom you need on your journey.Stay tuned, and remember: You were made to be whole.All resources mentioned on the show can be found at: https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/Any references to any particular people, including family, have been shared with prior consent.Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands. Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

In this episode of Made To Be Whole, host Krista Michener dives deep into the world of sleep, focusing on insomnia and its wide-ranging impact on physical, mental, social, vocational, and financial health. Learn why sleep matters, explore various subtypes of insomnia, and discover practical, holistic strategies addressing root causes—from environmental factors and hormones, to trauma, inflammation, and nutrient deficiencies. This episode is packed with actionable tips and in-depth insights for optimizing your sleep and overall wellness. Topics discussed in this episode:What is insomnia? Exploring different types and root causesHow sleep impacts every dimension of health: physical, emotional, social, vocational, and financialEnvironmental, dietary, and routine factors contributing to insomniaThe role of hormones (progesterone, cortisol, melatonin) and neurotransmitters in sleep disruptionTrauma, PTSD, and the importance of safety for achieving restorative sleepNutrient deficiencies, inflammation, and their influence on sleep qualityPractical intervention strategies: environmental changes, supplements, routines, prescription medications, and sleep studiesRoot cause medicine: why personalized testing is key to lasting solutionsTips for balancing accommodation and boundaries within your householdHope for healing: You were made to be wholeResources mentioned in this episode:The Body Keeps the Score by Dr. Bessel van der KolkUltra Adapt supplementHome sleep studiesReady to improve your sleep? Explore our Foundations Package for personalized testing and interventions!Curious about your root causes? Book a consultation and discover actionable steps to holistic healing.Share this episode or leave a review—help others find hope and practical solutions for insomnia!Stay tuned, and remember: You were made to be whole.All resources mentioned on the show can be found at: https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/Any references to any particular people, including family, have been shared with prior consent.Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands. Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

In this episode of the Made To Be Whole podcast, host Krista Michener explores the parable of the blind men and the elephant, examining its profound relevance to chronic illness, especially conditions like Bartonella, POTS, EDS, and Lyme disease. Using her own health journey as a touchpoint, Krista discusses the complexities of diagnosis and healing, the importance of a supportive care team, and the vital role each person plays in their own recovery. This episode is filled with practical advice for chronically ill patients and their families, focusing on wholeness, hope, and holistic approaches to health.Topics discussed in this episode:The Parable of the Elephant: How perception shapes experiences with chronic illness and healingNavigating chronic conditions: Why no single solution or diagnosis tells the whole storyWhat to do when your main provider is unavailable: Exploring resources, building a strong support system, and personal accountabilityThe importance of kindness, collaboration, and resilience in your journey to being wholeEncouragement and strategies for self-advocacy and proactive healingCall or text the podcast info line at 330-439-0686 with your questions or suggestions for future episodes!Explore new avenues of support—reach out to a counselor, nutritionist, or provider to broaden your healing journey.Reflect on your own healing process: Are you taking an active role in your journey to wholeness?Stay tuned, and remember: You were made to be whole.All resources mentioned on the show can be found at: https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/Any references to any particular people, including family, have been shared with prior consent.Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands. Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

On this special 100th episode of the Made to Be Whole podcast, we celebrate a hundred candid conversations about chronic illness, chronic infection, and the ongoing journey toward wholeness. Eric returns to reflect on essential lessons learned, the shifting landscape of medical understanding, and the surprising realities of parenting and partnership in the context of long-term health challenges. This powerful milestone episode dives into what it truly means to be “made to be whole,” even when facing persistent medical mystery and adversity.Topics Discussed in This Episode:The Limits of Medical Certainty and Our Relentless Search for AnswersParenting and Family Dynamics Amidst Chronic IllnessLiving with Autoimmune Encephalitis: Experiences from Both SidesHow to Support Loved Ones Through Mental and Physical Health FlaresRedefining Success, Flexibility, and Self-Compassion in Chronic Health JourneysThe Interplay Between Body and Mind, and Why It MattersPractical Coping Tools for Patients and Caregivers alikeFamily Lessons Learned: Expectations, Advocacy, and Support SystemsResources Mentioned in This Episode:AHPI: Integrative Health and Family ResourcesUltra Adapt (ashwagandha supplement)AIM (anti-inflammatory supplement)- https://aimstore.net/collections/inflammation-1Celebrate with us! Be one of the first 100 listeners to contact the podcast for exclusive Made to Be Whole pens, stickers, ball caps, and bags.Have a story or question about your own chronic illness journey? Text or call the podcast line featured at the end of the episode to share and connect.Missed past episodes? Catch up on all 100 enlightening conversations at AHPI Integrative Health.Stay tuned, and remember: You were made to be whole.All resources mentioned on the show can be found at: https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/Any references to any particular people, including family, have been shared with prior consent.Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands. Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

In this episode of Made to Be Whole, the conversation focused on the critical role of the blood brain barrier (BBB) in brain health, exploring what it is, why it matters, and how its integrity impacts risk for neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. Listeners are guided through prevention strategies, treatment options that effectively cross the blood brain barrier, lifestyle interventions, and targeted supplements to support optimal brain function. Keywords: blood brain barrier, neurological health, integrative medicine, supplement strategies, neurodegeneration, brain inflammation.Topics discussed in this episode:What is the Blood Brain Barrier & Why Is It Essential?The Link Between BBB Dysfunction and Neurodegenerative DiseasesHow to Safeguard and Support Your Blood Brain BarrierChoosing Treatments That Can Cross the Blood Brain BarrierIntranasal, IV, and Liposomal Treatment Routes: Pros and ConsTop Supplements and Nutraceuticals for BBB HealthLifestyle Factors That Strengthen the Blood Brain BarrierMedications That Penetrate the BBB – and Those That Don’tSpecial Considerations for Traumatic Brain InjuryPractical Steps for Prevention and Long-Term Brain WellnessResources mentioned in this episode:Blood Brain Barrier: Structure, Regulation, and Drug Delivery (Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, 2023)HP Integrative Health Online Store for Luma and Calm MindBDNF Essentials by Research to NutritionalsMemoractiv by ThorneVinia Long-Acting ResveratrolWePrevent.org – Blood Brain Barrier Integrity TestAHPIH Vitamin D + K FormulationPure Encapsulations CogniphosTake charge of your brain health—review your current supplements and see if your regimen supports blood brain barrier integrity!Dive deeper into the studies and supplements mentioned; visit our website for detailed resources and product links.Have questions about your neurological wellness? Reach out through the info line or schedule a personalized consultation.Stay tuned, and remember: You were made to be whole.All resources mentioned on the show can be found at: https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/Any references to any particular people, including family, have been shared with prior consent.Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands. Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

In this insightful episode of Made to Be Whole, the discussion centers on navigating the challenges of venous access for plasmapheresis (therapeutic plasma exchange), especially for patients with autoimmune encephalitis and related conditions. Gain practical knowledge on alternatives like midline catheters and ports, understand how inflammation and other factors can impact vascular access, and learn why a personalized, hopeful approach is essential for both patients and families. This episode is rich with firsthand experiences, real-life family stories (shared with consent), and actionable advice for anyone facing complex autoimmune and neuropsychiatric disorders.Topics discussed in this episode:What to do when standard IV access fails for plasmapheresisUnderstanding midline catheters, PICC lines, and specialized ports: procedures, pros, and consThe real-life challenges of vascular inflammation, anxiety, and autoimmune encephalitis in both adults and childrenWhy supportive communication matters for families navigating chronic illnessThe dangers of misdiagnosis with sudden onset mental health symptoms in adultsHow to access the right counseling and support resources for autoimmune-related neuropsychiatric issuesResources mentioned in this episode:More information and resources: https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/If you or a loved one is struggling with autoimmune encephalitis or plasmapheresis access issues, schedule a consultation to review your options and get personalized support.Explore our website for educational articles, resources, and to connect with our integrative health team!Don’t navigate this road alone. Reach out to join our support programs or coaching to bridge the gap between medical care and emotional resilience.Stay tuned, and remember: You were made to be whole.All resources mentioned on the show can be found at: https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/