Optimize Paleo By Paleovalley

It’s no secret that poor sleep can cause irritability, decreased productivity and sugar cravings, but it may surprise you that according to sleep expert (and former Navy Seal) Dr. Kirk Parsley...  “Those who are chronically sleep deprived, those who work lifetime night shifts, chronic insomniacs and those who take sleeping pills chronically die (on average) 12 years earlier and have a higher risk of disease earlier in life.” Why?  Because sleep is literally one of the most (if not THE most) important thing you can do for your health.  So if you’re not getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night (or you have kids who aren’t great sleepers) check out this week’s incredible podcast with Doc Parsley on the importance of sleep, and the simple things you can do to get more of it.  Here are some of the fun tidbits we cover... How much sleep we actually need each night The #1 sleep disruptor The nutrient deficiency that can interfere with sleep The best sleep supplement on the market How to get your kids to sleep better T

Jumping from diet to diet, pill to pill and/or protocol to protocol without relief can be exhausting.  It’s a cycle many people (maybe even you) are trapped in today. But the truth is - in order to feel vibrant long term (which is your birthright), you need to identify the root cause(s) of YOUR suffering.  For example, breakouts can be caused by MANY things such as... Food allergies/intolerances Blood sugar/insulin imbalances Nutrient deficiencies Stress Hormonal dysfunction Gut issues Poor hygiene And more My cystic breakouts were tied to a garlic intolerance (of all things) which is why all of the other remedies I tried for YEARS (candida cleanse, lotions, microdermabrasion, face creams, etc.) didn’t help.   And why the paleo diet wasn’t enough for me to heal my skin. In other words, different people with the same symptom may need different interventions AND sometimes lab testing can be invaluable for identifying your root issues.  It was this realization that brought me to Functional Diagnostic Nutrition

Food quality is paramount, but it might surprise you to know WHEN you eat may be just as important. Why? Because light exposure profoundly impacts metabolism.  Meaning, there IS a time of day we can get away with a cheat meal and a time when even a healthy meal may not be doing our health any favors.  Tune into this week’s podcast with photobiology expert and founder of Ra Optics, Matt Maruca, to learn all about simple ways you can use light exposure to optimize (or negatively impact) your health. Here are a few of the fun facts you’re in for... The best time of day for a cheat meal A simple morning habit for healthier hormones Why light exposure may be as important as food quality The most important body part we need to expose to light The link between fish and light exposure (this is truly fascinating!) How to prevent a sunburn without sunblock Why you should ditch your sunglasses Why krill oil is different than fish oil The effect of sex on epigenetics The KEY to a long, happy life (hint: it’s not genetic

Many women suffer from hormonal imbalance that can lead to sudden and inexplicable weight gain in their late 30’s and/or early 40’s.  And while it may seem hopeless, according to triple board certified physician, author and hormone expert, Dr. Anna Cabeca, the weight gain that occurs during perimenopause and menopause is not unavoidable.  In fact, there are many simple research-backed strategies you can begin using TODAY to improve your hormonal health from the comfort of your own home.  (Strategies she has used to help her patients lose an average of 9 pounds in 16 days!) I know it sounds too good to be true, but it’s not so tune in now for all the juicy details.  Here are some of the other fascinating topics we delve into… The link between carbohydrates and healthy hormones The ideal time to stop eating every night How to identify your perfect macros How to lose 9 pounds in 16 days  How many hours women should fast each day The daily habit women over 40 need to break The most powerful hormone in our body (

Did you know experts estimate we’re exposed to THOUSANDS of toxins each day.  That’s why healthy detoxification is central to vibrant health.  And if we don’t detox, or fail to detox properly, it can result in health issues like fatigue, blood sugar dysregulation, digestive issues, sleep disturbance and much more!  Which is why I invited detox expert and #1 bestselling author of Limitless Energy: How to Detox Toxic Metals to End Exhaustion and Chronic Fatigue, Wendy Myers, on the podcast this week to discuss the truth about heavy metals and simple ways to detox every single day!  We talk all about... The top detox food on the planet Signs that you are not detoxing well  The detox supplement that fights fatigue The main mistake most people make when they detox The link between heavy metals and fatigue, hormones and blood sugar issues Why candida can be a result of heavy metal issues The 3 heavy metal that everyone has in their body (and how to get rid of them) The 4 basics of a detox protocol The 3 tests she

I think pretty much everyone today is aware that vitamin D is critical for immune (and overall) health. In fact, vitamin D deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of health issues like: Heart attack Cancer Diabetes Asthma Autoimmune disease Unfortunately, MANY people today are vitamin D deficient and don’t know it.  Not to mention the fact that vitamin D supplements are not always enough. Which is exactly why I invited Cort Christie (CEO and owner of Sperti Sunlamps) to talk all about the benefits of vitamin D and how to safely improve your levels in the comfort of your own home!  Cort has been in the therapeutic light space for over a decade and has partnered with experts like Dr. Holick (author of the Vitamin D Solution) to create the only FDA-approved at-home sun lamp that has been empirically shown to significantly raise vitamin D levels in only minutes a day! We have been using it in our home, and LOVING it! (even with my 5 year old son, Maverick!) There is no more important time to mind your v

Going gluten-free is all the rage these days for good reason. But, it’s not always easy.  So if you’ve ever struggled with questions like... How do I really know if gluten is a problem for me? How does gluten impact my gut and immune system? What are the most common hidden sources of gluten? Is going gluten free enough to heal my health issues? How do I get my family on board?  Please stop what you are doing and tune in to today’s podcast with gluten expert and creator of the Gluten Gauntlet System, Whitney Morgan! Whitney is one of my mentors, one of the most knowledgeable and discerning functional practitioners I’ve met and we take a deep dive into all things gluten and food sensitivity testing.  Here are some of the highlights... Her 3 favorite food sensitivity tests  Common signs and symptoms you are sensitive to gluten The #1 obstacle to going gluten-free (and how to overcome it) The difference between wheat sensitivity and gluten sensitivity 2 surprising sources of gluten  Why gluten sensitive folks

Today people are waking up to the fact that many diseases begin in the gut.  And while changing the foods we eat, the water we drink and taking supplements can make a world of difference for some people, it’s just not enough for everyone.  Which is why today I want to share the fascinating work of Dr. Jason Klop regarding a breakthrough gut-healing therapy called Fecal Microbiota Transplant, or FMT.  (And YES, it does involve what you think it does...) Now FMT is clearly not for everyone, but recent research and clinical experience has shown it can be INCREDIBLY beneficial for certain populations like… Autism C. Difficile IBS SIBO Crohn’s Disease Neurological Conditions such as Parkinson’s In fact, research out of Arizona State University revealed that those with autism who received FMT experienced an 80% reduction in digestive symptoms and a 40% reduction in autism-related symptoms like hyperactivity, sleep issues and cognition.  Pretty impressive, right? And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Tune in now

Many of us suffer from symptoms and mental health struggles we can’t explain.  We feel anxious. We self-sabotage. We experience depression. We have illogical fears. And despite our best efforts to lead a healthy lifestyle, something still feels “off.” According to new research, this may be due to inherited family trauma.  In fact, recent research has revealed we can inherit trauma (just like we do our hair or eye color) that can cause measurable changes in our DNA for several generations.  Which means you may be feeling or behaving in a certain way, because your parents or grandparents experienced a traumatic event rather than because there is something wrong with YOU. If this idea is as liberating and fascinating for you as it was for me, please tune in to this week’s podcast with award winning author of It Didn’t Start with You, Mark Wolynn!  We discuss the science behind inherited family trauma, how to identify it and (most importantly) what you can do today to overcome it.  The stories he shares will li

Anxiety. Resentment. Sadness. Overwhelm.  Feelings so many of us are experiencing right now.  And feelings that can negatively impact our health if left unaddressed. Fortunately, there is a SIMPLE research-backed way to work through negative emotions and shift your body into relaxation mode in under 5 minutes.  It’s called tapping, or the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT).   EFT has been empirically shown to reduce cortisol (stress hormone) levels more than talk therapy AND reduce cravings for foods like chocolate.   So if you’re feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, sad, and want to learn about a simple way to feel more relaxed anytime, anywhere, please check out today’s podcast with co-owner of The Tapping Solution, Alex Ortner.  Here are some of the things you’ll learn: What is EFT? How to consciously shift from the stress response to relaxation response (and why it matters) How to access your full brain to make your best decisions Why tapping can rewire the brain and reduce cravings HOW to tap A fun way to tea

By now you've likely heard that enzymes can improve digestion. It may surprise you, though, to know that enzymes can support optimal health in MANY empirically documented ways. Certain enzymes support healthy levels of inflammation. Others have been shown to reduce blood sugar and triglycerides.  There are even enzymes that can support immune function. BUT, not all enzymes are created equally. Some support health beautifully, while others can actually detract from it.  Tune in to today's fascinating podcast with health engineer and creator of HealthyGut.com, Steven Wright, to learn about how to tell the difference.  You’ll also learn why enzymes are one of the most powerful and often overlooked health strategies, how to identify high quality versions and where to try some of my favorites on the market!  Here are some highlights from our chat: A simple, super cheap supplement for a healthier brain, bigger muscles and better sleep Why enzymes are critical for optimal health\ The difference between systemic and

Imagine being a world champion skier, growing all of your own food and then being diagnosed with terminal malignant BRAIN CANCER and given 6 months to live. That’s what happened to today’s podcast guest, oncology nutrition expert, Alison Gannett.  Fortunately, today (7 years later) she is healthy and teaching others how to conquer and prevent cancer using targeted diet and lifestyle strategies.  Cancer takes over 600,000 American lives each year and approximately 1 in 3 Americans will develop cancer.  It seems to touch all of us in some way.  So do yourself a favor and listen in for Alison’s incredible story, the steps she took to conquer cancer and steps you can take to possibly prevent cancer. Here are some of the fascinating topics we cover: How many hours a day she fasts (and the specific changes she sees in her labs) Why her vitamin C was poisoning her The common food that can drive cancer growth 3 simple steps that may prevent cancer The personality type associated with cancer Why the carnivore diet sc

Many people today struggle with symptoms of hormonal imbalance like: Weight Gain Fatigue Irritability Constipation Acne Puffy skin PMS Anxiety Irregular periods Fortunately, there are many super simple ways to NATURALLY balance hormones and make your cycle work for you.  (It’s true...your period doesn’t have to be miserable). Tune in to today’s juicy discussion with Dr. Alex Golden, one of the smartest (and most wonderful) hormone experts I’ve ever had the privilege of working with, for all the awesome details!  Here are some of my favorite takeaways... The 2 strategies she’s using to keep her immune system strong while working in the ICU… A morning cocktail for inflammation reduction, blood sugar balance and healthy hormones… The essential oils she uses to break up congestion... The 4 phases of your cycle and how to take advantage of each one... A simple way to track ovulation at home (and why ovulation it SO important)... What feeling anxious can tell you about your hormones... A simple daily elixir for

  Dinner time with kids can be overwhelming.  Many kids only want to eat the white diet (bread, sugar, processed foods) and resist our valiant attempts to increase dietary diversity.  This pattern is not only stressful for the entire family, but can also lead to gut dysfunction that leaves our more children vulnerable to a number of health issues.  Which is exactly why I am thrilled to introduce you to Elissa Arnheim the creator of the Healthy Gut Happy Child Program. After her son’s cancer diagnosis, Elissa went on a mission to learn what it took to cultivate gut health in our littles.  The best part?  Along the way, she learned many simple strategies that make gut health fun for kids. (Including a trick that actually makes eating fermented foods fun!)  So if you’re ready to kiss picky eating goodbye and learn how to get your kids to eat fermented foods willingly, tune in now! Here’s what you’ll learn:  The main causes of picky eating in our kids 3 Ways to overcome picky eating (even for the pickiest kids!)

The quality of our romantic relationships can literally shape the course of our health for better or worse.  Positive relationships can lead to better pain control, less anxiety, fewer doctor’s visits and maybe even a longer life.   On the flip side, relationships with high levels of conflict are associated with higher blood sugar levels, elevated blood pressure and an increased risk of obesity.  Which is why I am THRILLED to share one of my favorite relationship experts in the world, Monica Berg.  Monica Berg is a dear friend, one of the wisest women I know and the author of Rethink Love: 3 Steps for Being the One, Attracting the One and Becoming One.  This podcast is FULL of surprising and practical strategies you can use today to improve the quality of your relationship AND your health dramatically. Here’s what you’ll learn... The one thing we all need to do more of to stay young (and in love) Why your partner actually pushes your buttons How much you really need to disclose in a relationship The simple a

Today I want to introduce you to one the most effective herbal supplements I’ve ever found for immune system support, gut healing, microbiome balance and overall wellness. In fact, this product has been around for more than 30 years and Great Smoky Laboratories has called it “one of the most powerful formulas” they have ever tested.    - I use it when I travel. - I use it when I feel run down. - Or when I want to prevent getting sick. I also use it in gut-healing protocol for my clients. And the results are truly impressive! So if you want to learn about a research-backed strategy to support a healthy immune response and balance your microbiome, check out this fascinating chat with Sara Treffert, Clinical Consultant for Bio-Botanical Research.  Here are just a few topics we cover: A simple strategy to help you eat less How to kill bad gut bacteria (and protect the good ones!) The film hiding in your gut that could prevent healing (and how to get rid of it!) What SIgA is and why it’s essential for your immune

I don’t know anyone today who isn’t feeling a little anxious.  And experts predict the mental health crisis will get much worse given our current pandemic.  Which is why I couldn't be more excited to share one of the most brilliant neuroscientists and psychiatrists I have ever met, Dr. Rabin. In this week’s podcast we talk all about the limitations of our current mental health treatments and breakthrough (and researched-backed) strategies for overcoming anxiety and other mental health issues.  As someone who is constantly searching for natural solutions for anxiety - this has been one of the most impactful podcasts I’ve ever recorded.  Here are some of the awesome topics we dive into: The shocking truth about most mental health medicines His brain-boosting daily smoothie recipe Little known and incredibly effective psychiatric medicines The benefits of medicinal mushrooms (and his favorite brands) The 2 things he’s doing everyday for a healthy immune system Why he doesn’t like the word anxiety How to get the

If you want to learn about 12 steps you can take today to build a resilient immune system - tune in to this week’s INCREDIBLE podcast with best selling author and immune expert, Dr. Tom O’Bryan.  Here are some of the fascinating facts we chat about: The little known cause of brain issues (and the simple fix)! Factors that make you vulnerable to viruses How to know if you have a strong immune system The mainstream medical procedure that killed over 80% of the people using it The most common causes of a weakened immune system The food that gives people leaky gut every time they consume it The commonly used substance that triggers your immune system The toxin that kills brain cells The bedroom toxin that triggers your immune system The question you must ask yourself to build a stronger immune system The simple natural home addition that improves air quality  The best food sensitivity (and leaky gut) test on the market  Why many people don’t get enough prebiotics The 5 step process for a healthier microbiome (an

We’ve all been hearing a lot about taking vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc.  But what if I told you that there is another, often overlooked, mineral that is CRITICAL for immune function? And that many of the things we’ve been told to do on a daily basis can interfere with its function? Hopefully you’d tune into this week’s fascinating podcast with mineral expert and founder of the Root Cause Protocol, Morley Robbins to learn more!  This will be the fourth time we’ve had Morley on the show because he consistently delivers evidence-based, often overlooked nuggets of nutritional wisdom that can help us all lead healthier lives. So tune in now to learn all about... The often-missed mineral that is CRITICAL for immune function Why attacking the virus is not enough The critical role of mitochondria in our immune system  The 2 ingredient tonic you can drink daily to support immune health The populations most at risk for covid-19 (and the common thread between them)  The misunderstood relationship between copper and ir

Insulin resistance (IR) is a silent disease affecting MILLIONS of people worldwide most of whom don’t even know they have it. It’s linked to diseases and disorders like… -Type 2 diabetes -Obesity -High blood pressure -Heart disease -Certain cancers (prostate and breast) -PCOS -Alzheimer’s Insulin resistance can also cause immune dysfunction.  The problem is, even when you go to the doctor, this condition is often missed.  Fortunately, there are super simple steps you can take today to reverse this condition and improve your health dramatically.  (This is literally the ONE thing I wish everyone understood - because you really do have the power to change this!:) This fantastic podcast with metabolic expert, Dr. Benjamin Bikman (a professor at BYU), takes a deep dive into the signs and symptoms of insulin resistance, and most importantly, the simple steps you can take today to decrease your risk or reverse this condition. Here are some of the topics we cover... Why IR is often misdiagnosed How to know if you hav