Embrace natural wellness

Episode #208: Let's Build Stronger Guts: The Sexy Truth About Fiber & Microbiome Health

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In this episode I take a dive into a topic that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves but thankfully it’s starting to -  is absolutely crucial to your health—fiber. Yes, fiber.

You may have heard it’s essential, but do you really know why? Let’s dig in and talk about the amazing, transformative power of fiber and its relationship with your gut and overall well-being.

But first  . . . I feel like in the holistic health space, it seems like everyone's been searching for solutions to their problems, and for over a decade, the main advice has been: "Just eliminate it."

But short-term relief doesn't equal true healing or recovery. Categorical eliminations galore—cutting out dairy because it’s "bad," going gluten-free because wheat is "bad," actually wait we should avoid all grains, oh and...

Episode #207: The Microbiome Revolution: Why It’s Time to Rethink Gut Health

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In recent years, we’ve learned so much about the microbiome and its impact on overall health. Our understanding of gut health has evolved dramatically, and with it, our approach to healing the gut. But what does it really mean to heal your gut? The answer lies in one simple truth: healing your gut means rebuilding your microbiome.

Microbes Matter More Than You Think

Our relationship with food and gut health has never been static. The way we eat and how food is produced has always evolved, driven by environmental changes, resources, and our ever-expanding understanding of what true health looks like. Yet, as humans, we cling to familiar patterns—especially when it comes to our health. We tend to defend our habits and resist change, even when they no longer serve us.

In the realm of gut health, this resistance often shows up in the form...

Episode #206: Mushrooms & Gut Healing: My Journey from the Kitchen to Deep Medicine

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**Unlocking the Healing Power of Mushrooms: From Culinary to Medicinal & Beyond**

Mushrooms have always held a special place in my heart and health journey. Whether I’m cooking them up for a nourishing meal or tapping into their potent medicinal properties, these little fungi have become some of my most trusted allies. In my recent podcast episode, I dove deep into the many ways mushrooms can support not only your gut health but also your overall wellness—from beginner-friendly culinary mushrooms to more advanced medicinal and entheogenic varieties.

Today, I want to expand on that conversation and offer you a deeper look into the fascinating world of mushrooms. Let’s explore the profound health benefits they provide, the science behind their healing properties, and how you can start incorporating them into your life with...

Welcome Back, Friends!

I hope you're all savoring September—my personal favorite month. We're on the cusp of the fall equinox, a beautiful time when daylight and night are perfectly balanced, aligning with Libra season—a time for harmony, balance, and recalibration in our lives and relationships.

We're also entering peak harvest season, where summer produce offers its final burst and fall veggies begin to roll in. I recently picked up my weekly CSA haul—deep green, spicy arugula, and delicata squash were the highlights. These small joys really root me in the present and remind me of the balance we’re all seeking in our health.

Shout-Out

A big thank you to Anna for her kind review on iTunes! She wrote:

*"Lydia is the most knowledgeable nutritional therapy and mineral practitioner I know. Listening to her podcasts as a professional in this space is a treat. Not only has the content enriched my personal health, but it has also helped expand my knowledge base to...

As parents, our primary focus is always the well-being of our children. But in a world where modern stressors, nutrient-deficient diets, and a fast-paced lifestyle have become the norm, ensuring our kids' health can feel like an uphill battle.

In my latest podcast episode of *A Joy To Be Me*, I dive deep into the topic of reclaiming our children's health through a holistic approach, centered on the principles of Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA), mindful nutrition, and the power of love in parenting. Listen here: Reclaiming the health of our kids.

The Reality Check That Changed Everything

One of the toughest challenges we face as moms is the realization that our children might be suffering from the same burnout we are experiencing. I had a serious wake-up call when I began using HTMA to assess my family's health. My youngest son, who was emotionally reactive and hyperactive, showed a pattern that society might quickly label as ADHD.

However, through HTMA, I identified it as a...

Listen to the blog post as a podcast episode as well : on Spotify [ HERE ] / iTunes [HERE] or find it just about anywhere else

As a single mom, the bar is often set higher for us. We don’t have the luxury of leaning on a partner to share the load, especially when it comes to nurturing and sustaining our families. The weight of making sure everyone is cared for falls squarely on our shoulders, and that’s no small task.

Moms are naturally the nurturers of the family, the glue that holds everything together. But in today’s world, we don’t live in tribes or close-knit communities anymore. We don’t have that built-in support system, whether it’s extended family or a small circle of like-minded local friends. Instead, it’s up to us to create that sense of community within our own homes, often from scratch.

When it comes to our kids, the instinct is to want to help all of them at once, especially when their needs are so apparent. But here’s...

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Listen to the podcast episode on Spotify [ HERE ] / iTunes [HERE] or find it just about anywhere else

As Above, So Below: What My Foot Injury Taught Me About Building a Strong Foundation for Optimal Well-Being

The phrase "As above, so below" recently took on new meaning for me. It’s a reminder of the harmony that exists in nature, where what happens on one level of reality is reflected on every other level. This balance is not just external—it’s mirrored within our bodies as well. Alchemists understood this deeply, seeing...

I'm the proud mom of four sons, aged 25, 21, 19, and 17. With three of them no longer living under my roof, I've had to master the delicate balance of letting go while still being a steady support system. It's been an interesting dance—letting them make their own decisions, learn from their mistakes, and occasionally throwing out my “mom life preserver” when necessary.

Growing up in a household where functional nutrition was the norm, my boys were immersed in a lifestyle focused on health and well-being. This immersion gave them a solid foundation to build upon, yet each one still has to find their own "why" for maintaining those habits. As we all know, everyone learns differently, and many of us have to take the hard road to really understand life’s lessons.

Recently, one of my older sons has been wrestling with his own "why." He’s finally taking the initiative to implement the healthy habits he once fought me on but undoubtedly benefited...

Episode #201: Let's Talk About Probiotics! 

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In this podcast episode I share a lot of perspective on why we need to consider probiotics in the modern world - my favorite one to start with. I talk about why fermented foods may not do what we think and what we need to consider beyond probiotics because they are not silver bullets. Lots of good insight in this one so you can consider the big picture of your health scape when it comes to considering probiotic use. 

Understanding Probiotics: Do You Need Them?

Today, let's dive into the topic of probiotics.

**Probiotic**
**PRO** = For
**BIOTIC** = Life

Do you need a probiotic? Does your gut need a boost in life?

Lately, in conversations with friends and colleagues, the subject of probiotics keeps coming up. Many are losing faith—do they actually work? Are they beneficial, or could they cause harm?

In the health and wellness community, I've noticed some saying that not everyone...

Episode #199: Is it mom guilt or mom grief? How we share our children's health

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Embracing Grief Over Guilt in Motherhood

In this episode, I explore the profound emotions surrounding motherhood, particularly the transition many mothers face when they realize that conventional approaches to health may not serve their children well. I delve into the concept of “mom guilt,” which often arises when mothers recognize that their choices—like using chemical cleaners or not prioritizing nutrition—might have negatively impacted their kids' health.

However, I propose an alternative perspective: instead of guilt, many mothers are experiencing grief. This grief stems from the realization that societal norms around health and child-rearing can often be misguided, leading to harm. As mothers, we are deeply connected to our children and naturally feel the weight of these realizations, which can be overwhelming.

I share my...