The Functional Fueling® Podcast

Episode 152: The Hidden Immune Connection To Endometriosis, HPV, Herpes & Recurrent Vaginal Infections: Causes, Triggers & Solutions w/Christian Sohmen 01.07.2026 41min

The Hidden Immune Connection To Endometriosis, HPV, Herpes & Recurrent Vaginal Infections: Causes, Triggers & Solutions with Christian Sohmen A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 The immune connection to fertility & unexplained infertility The overlooked immune drivers of endometriosis Why recurrent BV, yeast infections, HPV, & herpes keep coming back Why antibiotics often don’t solve recurrent infections How immune balance influences women’s reproductive health Where micro-immunotherapy fits into a root cause approach Important show links 👇👇👇 Learn how Micro-immunotherapy can help with autoimmune conditions Book a Functional Clarity Session with one of our dietitians Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

Episode 151: [The LOdown] AMA: Navigating Toddler Sleep Deprivation and Balancing Business, Motherhood and Health 24.06.2026 38min

Episode 151: [The LOdown] AMA: Navigating Toddler Sleep Deprivation and Balancing Business, Motherhood and Health A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 How I balance motherhood with work and healthy habits The strategies I used to help my toddler finally become a better sleeper (no crying involved) How I make time for movement and self-care as a busy mom The productivity tools I rely on The non-negotiables and mindset reframes I've adopted since becoming a working mom Important show links 👇👇👇 Order your hormone potion in our FFN Shop Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

Episode 150: Are Seed Oils Really Harmful? The Truth Behind the Headlines with Cherie Calbom 17.06.2026 34min

Are Seed Oils Really Harmful? The Truth Behind the Headlines with Cherie Calbom A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 Why seed oils have become one of the most debated topics in nutrition The history of seed oils & how they entered the food supply How different oils are processed & why that matters The role of omega 6 fatty acids in human health What current research suggests about dietary fats & inflammation How seed oils may influence metabolic, hormonal, and skin health The challenges of avoiding seed oils in today's food environment Tips for choosing oils when grocery shopping & dining out Simple swaps for incorporating a wider variety of fats into your diet Important show links 👇👇👇 Join our Functional Thyroid Foundations Course to learn how to eat and exercise for thyroid health Purchase a copy of Cherie's book on Amazon 'The Truth Behind Seed Oils" Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

Episode 149: [The LOdown] The Strategy Behind My Daily Meals & Grocery Shopping 10.06.2026 30min

[The LOdown] The Strategy Behind My Daily Meals & Grocery Shopping A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 What my weekly meal planning routine actually looks like How I balance intentional nutrition, ease, and real life as a busy mom The grocery shopping strategies that help me stay consistent throughout the week Why I focus on repeatable routines rather than rigid meal plans The staple foods I always keep on hand How I structure meals and snacks to support energy, satiety, and hormone health My favorite shortcuts for simplifying healthy eating during busy seasons How I approach feeding both myself and my family without overcomplicating nutrition Important show links 👇👇👇 Sign up for our Functional Thyroid Foundation Course for more energy, less inflammation, and a Functional Nutrition Plan for your thyroid health Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

Episode 148: Osteopenia & Bone Stress Injuries in Pre- and Post- Menopausal Women with Dr. John Neustadt 03.06.2026 37min

Osteopenia & Bone Stress Injuries in Pre- and Post- Menopausal Women with Dr. John Neustadt In this episode of the Functional Fueling® Podcast, Lauren sits down with John Neustadt to discuss the often-overlooked factors driving osteopenia, osteoporosis, and bone stress injuries in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Together, they explore the complex relationship between hormones, thyroid function, gut health, inflammation, stress, sleep, and bone remodeling, as well as the limitations of DEXA scans for assessing true fracture risk. You'll also learn how common medications may contribute to bone loss over time, the key macro- and micronutrients required for optimal bone density, and practical strategies to support long-term skeletal health and injury prevention. Whether you're an active woman concerned about bone health, have breastfed for an extended period, had low estrogen levels or are looking to prevent osteoporosis naturally, this episode provides evidence-based insights to help you build stronger bones at every stage of life. A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 The hormone connection to bone loss and bone-related injuries The limitations with DEXA for understanding osteopenia and osteoporosis risk The connection between gut health, inflammation and bone loss How common medications many people are taking affect bone density over time How stress hormones, sleep and thyroid health influence bone remodeling The role of specific macro and micronutrients in bone health Important show links 👇👇👇 Purchase your Mineral Magic through our supplement shop Follow me on Instagram Learn more about Dr. John Neustadt at www.nbihealth.com Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

Episode 147: [The LOdown] The Truth About Healing Timelines for Thyroid, Fertility & Autoimmunity 27.05.2026 44min

[The LOdown] The Truth About Healing Timelines for Thyroid, Fertility & Autoimmunity A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 The realistic root cause healing timelines for menstrual cycle recovery, immune dysregulation, infertility and thyroid recovery Understanding phased healing and its importance in long term recovery The role of energy leaks in healing timelines Why optimizing health before pregnancy is so essential Factors that influence healing timelines Recognizing signs of progress when healing Common mistakes when root cause healing Important show links 👇👇👇 Apply for our 1:1 coaching program Take our FREE energy leaks quiz Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

Episode 146: How to Stop Mouth Breathing with Dr. Douillard 20.05.2026 51min

How to Stop Mouth Breathing with Dr. Douillard Breathing is something we do every second of every day, yet most people never stop to consider how their breathing patterns may be influencing their energy, metabolism, stress response, exercise performance, sleep, and overall health. In this episode of The Functional Fueling Podcast, we dive into the physiology of breathing and why chronic mouth breathing may affect far more than just your lungs. We explore the connection between breathing mechanics, nervous system regulation, lymphatic flow, circulation, thyroid function, cortisol patterns, and exercise tolerance — especially in active and high-performing individuals. A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 Why your breathing patterns may be affecting more than just your lungs How chronic mouth breathing can influence stress hormones and thyroid function The surprising connection between nose breathing and exercise performance What your breathing habits may reveal about your nervous system How diaphragmatic breathing supports circulation, detoxification and resilience A simple daily practice that can improve sleep, focus and daily energy Important show links 👇👇👇 Apply for our 1:1 Coaching program Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

Episode 145: [The LOdown] Energy Leaks: The 4 Root Causes of Thyroid and Hormone Disruption in Active Women 13.05.2026 34min

Energy Leaks: The 4 Root Causes of Thyroid and Hormone Disruption in Active Women A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 What “energy leaks” are Why hidden energy leaks may keep you feeling symptomatic despite healthy habits How energy leaks impact thyroid function, the immune system, adrenal and sex hormones The connection between mitochondria, energy leaks, and histamine The most common energy leaks I see clinically How identifying your energy leaks can change your healing approach Important show links 👇👇👇 Take my Find Your Energy Leaks Quiz to see if you have any energy leaks. Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

Episode 144: [The LOdown] Low Pregnenolone vs DHEA-S: The Hormones Before the Hormones 06.05.2026 29min

Low Pregnenolone vs DHEA-S: The Hormones Before the Hormones In this episode, we’re diving into two of the most overlooked hormones in women’s health: pregnenolone and DHEA-S — the hormones before the hormones. While estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone often get the spotlight, pregnenolone and DHEA play a foundational role in the hormone cascade and can significantly influence energy, metabolism, fertility, cycles, thyroid function and stress resilience. When these hormones become depleted or dysregulated, symptoms like fatigue, cycle irregularities, low libido, poor recovery, inflammation, brain fog, and hormone imbalances can follow. A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 What pregnenolone & DHEA do in your hormone cascade Why they sit at the root of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone balance What low pregnenolone or DHEA can mean, even with “normal” labs How bottlenecks between pregnenolone & DHEA disrupt hormone balance How stress shifts pregnenolone into downstream hormone pathways How low DHEA impacts ovulation, cycles, and hormones The link between energy, mitochondria, and pregnenolone and DHEA production Why these hormones are often overlooked in standard testing and what that means for your results Important show links 👇👇👇 Learn more about adrenal hormones in this blog Learn more about my Mentorship Sessions & Course here Apply to our 1:1 coaching program Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

Episode 143: Why Most Pregnancy Lab Work Falls Short (And What Women Actually Need) 29.04.2026 42min

Most pregnancy lab work is designed for the average non-pregnant person, not the rapidly changing physiology of pregnancy. In this episode, we break down why standard lab testing often falls short during pregnancy and postpartum, and what that means for thyroid function, nutrient status, metabolism, and immune health. You’ll learn how trimester-specific lab ranges impact interpretation, which critical markers are commonly missed, and why relying on standard reference ranges can overlook meaningful changes. We also cover the role of thyroid health in fertility, pregnancy, and fetal development, how autoimmunity influences pregnancy and postpartum outcomes, and why postpartum lab testing is essential for recovery, hormone balance, and long-term health of both mom and baby. A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 Why standard pregnancy labs often miss key changes How pregnancy affects thyroid, iron, glucose, and immune function Why trimester-specific lab ranges and interpretation matter Which important labs are often missing during pregnancy and postpartum How thyroid health impacts fertility, pregnancy, and baby’s development How autoimmunity can affect pregnancy and postpartum outcomes Why postpartum testing is essential for recovery and hormone recovery Important show links 👇👇👇 Follow Demetra Diagnostics on Instagram Apply to work with us 1:1 at functionalfueling.com/coaching-page Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

Episode 142: The Molecule That Supports Blood Flow, Hormones, and Fertility with Dr. Bryan 15.04.2026 45min

The Molecule That Supports Blood Flow, Hormones, and Fertility with Dr. Bryan In this episode, we dive into the powerful role of nitric oxide, a key signaling molecule that directly impacts blood flow, hormone delivery, thyroid function, and fertility with leading researcher Dr. Nathan Bryan. We break down how nitric oxide supports circulation at the cellular level, why it’s essential for proper hormone signaling and tissue responsiveness, and how disruptions in nitric oxide production can contribute to fatigue, hormone imbalances, and fertility challenges. You’ll also learn how the oral microbiome, blood sugar regulation, and common exposures like mouthwash and antacids can influence nitric oxide levels and what you can do to support it naturally. A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 What nitric oxide is and why it matters more than most people realize How nitric oxide affects circulation, hormones, thyroid function, and fertility How nitric oxide impacts hormone delivery and signaling The connection between the oral microbiome and nitric oxide production How mouthwash, fluoride, antacids, and blood sugar can affect nitric oxide Signs and symptoms that may point to low nitric oxide Simple ways to support nitric oxide production naturally Important show links 👇👇👇 Learn more about Nitric Oxide and how it can benefit you. Use code “functionalfueling10” to save 10% at this link to try the Dr. Nathan Bryan's nitric oxide products Join our Strength in Hormones workout program Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

Episode 141: [The LOdown] Understanding Stimulatory Hormones: LH, FSH, TSH 08.04.2026 32min

Understanding Stimulatory Hormones: LH, FSH, TSH In this episode, we break down the role of key stimulatory hormones—LH, FSH, and TSH—and how they influence ovulation, thyroid function, and overall hormonal function. You’ll learn how to interpret LH:FSH ratios (including patterns seen in PCOS), what low vs. high levels really indicate, and why timing your labs is critical for accurate insights. We also discuss the limitations of urine hormone testing and the essential labs to run alongside these markers to uncover root-cause imbalances and optimize fertility, cycles and metabolism. A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 Why LH, FSH, and TSH are key hormone signals What’s missing from urine hormone testing When to test LH, FSH and TSH and why timing matters What your LH:FSH ratio can reveal about patterns like PCOS What low vs. high FSH and LH levels indicate What labs you should always run alongside these hormones Important show links 👇👇👇 Apply to work 1:1 with us in our coaching program Get my thyroid inflammation lab decoder guide Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

Episode 140: My Morning Routine & Things I'm Loving (As a Functional RD + Mom) 01.04.2026 32min

My Morning Routine & Things I'm Loving (As a Functional RD + Mom) In this episode I’m sharing a realistic look at how my morning routine has evolved after having a baby—what’s changed, what I’ve simplified, and what I’ve kept as non-negotiables to support my hormone health, workout recovery, and overall wellness. We’ll cover how I structure my mornings when sleep is unpredictable, how to stay consistent with habits without relying on perfection, and how to integrate things like strength training, Zone 2 cardio, and nourishing meals into a busy schedule. Whether you’re newly postpartum or simply looking to build a more sustainable, functional wellness routine, this episode will help you focus on what actually moves the needle. A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 How my morning routine has evolved postpartum and what it realistically looks like now The biggest shifts I’ve made as a new mom to stay consistent with the most important habits How I structure my mornings when sleep is unpredictable Why I prioritize morning workouts and how I make them happen consistently My current weekly workout split (strength, zone 2, and recovery days) What my son and I eat for breakfast to support energy, blood sugar, and my workout recovery My simple morning beauty routine and products I use The role of simple routines vs. perfection in staying consistent Important show links 👇👇👇 Take our Free Low T3 Quiz on our website Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

Episode 139: Microdosing Peptides for Chronic Illness with Jay Campbell 25.03.2026 54min

Microdosing Peptides for Chronic Illness with Jay Campbell A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 What peptides are and how they function in the body What microdosing peptides means and how it differs from standard dosing How microdosing GLP peptides may help in chronic illness How peptides can influence metabolism, inflammation, and brain signaling The foundations that must be in place before starting peptides The difference between GLP-1, GLP-2, and GLP-3 peptides How peptide stacking works and when it may be appropriate Why hormone, thyroid, and metabolic health matter before starting peptides What to know about peptide sourcing, quality, and safety Important show links 👇👇👇 Visit JayCampbell.com and learn more hormone optimization, peptides, fat loss and fitness Apply to work 1:1 with us in our coaching program Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

Episode 138: [The LOdown] Is Your Immune System Overactive… or Exhausted? Understanding Immune Modulation 18.03.2026 32min

[The LOdown] Is Your Immune System Overactive… or Exhausted? Understanding Immune Modulation A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 What immune modulation is and why the goal is to regulate, not suppress, the immune system How autoimmune conditions develop when the immune system becomes stuck in a hyperactive state How immune dysregulation can drive inflammation, histamine symptoms, and thyroid autoimmunity The difference between hyperreactive and hyporeactive immune system patterns Lab markers that help identify immune activation and immune suppression Common triggers that disrupt immune regulation How targeted therapies help restore healthy immune signaling How immune modulation can improve symptoms and long-term health outcomes Important show links 👇👇👇 Listen to the micro-immunotherapy podcast episode Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

Episode 137: Prolactin: Understanding High Levels & Prolactinomas with Romana 11.03.2026 32min

Prolactin: Understanding High Levels & Prolactinomas with Romana Prolactin is most commonly known as the hormone responsible for breast milk production during pregnancy and postpartum. However, elevated prolactin levels outside of pregnancy or breastfeeding—known as hyperprolactinemia—are far more common than many people realize and can significantly impact cycles, fertility, and thyroid function. Together Romana and I explore the complex relationship between prolactin, dopamine signaling, thyroid function, and the reproductive hormones that regulate ovulation and menstrual cycles. We also discuss how chronic stress, inflammation, and underlying endocrine dysfunction can disrupt prolactin regulation. A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 What prolactin is, and when elevated levels are expected Why prolactin may be elevated when you are not pregnant or breastfeeding How elevated prolactin impacts ovulation, progesterone production, and cycle regularity The relationship between prolactin, dopamine, and reproductive signaling The relationship between thyroid function, stress and prolactin When to suspect a prolactinoma, and which lab ranges matter How prolactin influences immune function and inflammation Treatment approaches for hyperprolactinemia and prolactinomas Important show links 👇👇👇 Listen to podcast episode on the role of leptin in thyroid and reproductive function Apply to work 1:1 with us in our coaching program Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

Episode 136: [The LOdown] My Mold Remediation Story: Everything I Did, Used and How I Recovered 04.03.2026 23min

[The LOdown] My Mold Remediation Story: Everything I Did, Used and How I Recovered In this solo episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of my personal mold remediation experience (for the second time). I'm sharing signs that indicated mold, how I organized remediation to protect my family, how I'm recovering and all the tools and resources I used along the way. A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 Early signs mold may be affecting your health How my mold experiences shaped my personal and clinical perspective The exact remediation steps I required to ensure proper mycotoxin containment Air filtration, dehumidification, and ventilation strategies I implemented What I discarded, cleaned, or replaced to prevent re-exposure How and when I retested my home environment What supported my recovery during and after remediation Important show links 👇👇👇 Order your at home mold test and get a discount with GotMold? Use code: laurenpapanos10 Get $100 off your AirDoctor air filter with this link Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

Episode 135: Understanding MTHFR & Methylation for Fertility & Chronic Illness with Dr. Sam Shay 25.02.2026 57min

Understanding MTHFR & Methylation for Fertility & Chronic Illness with Dr. Sam Shay MTHFR is one of the most talked-about—and misunderstood—genes in the functional medicine world. But what does it actually mean to have an MTHFR mutation? How does methylation influence fertility, thyroid health, homocysteine levels, detox pathways, and chronic illness? And when is genetic testing truly helpful versus fear-driven? In this episode, I’m joined by functional medicine expert Dr. Sam Shay to break down the science of methylation in a practical, clinically grounded way. We discuss how MTHFR variants impact folate metabolism, vitamin B12 utilization, homocysteine regulation, and oxidative stress—and why these pathways matter deeply for women navigating infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, Hashimoto’s, PCOS, autoimmunity, and complex inflammatory conditions. We also unpack common myths about MTHFR, including when high-dose methylated supplements may backfire. If you’ve ever been told you have an MTHFR mutation and felt confused about what to do next—or if you’re struggling with unexplained fertility challenges, thyroid antibodies, chronic fatigue, or inflammatory symptoms despite “normal labs”—this episode will help you understand the bigger biochemical picture and how to approach methylation support in a personalized, root-cause way. This conversation is especially important for active women who are trying to conceive, managing autoimmune thyroid disease, or navigating chronic illness through a functional medicine lens. A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 What MTHFR actually does, and why it is often misunderstood How methylation works, and why inflammation drives the process Why slow methylation may have been protective evolutionarily, but problematic today How methylation affects estrogen detoxification and hormone balance What homocysteine reveals about methylation efficiency and cardiovascular risk The three pathways the body uses to clear homocysteine Which genetic variants matter most for fertility, autoimmunity, and chronic illness How vitamin D receptor genes influence immune regulation and inflammation Important show links 👇👇👇 Learn more about Dr. Sam Shay at www.DrSamShay.com Apply to work with us 1:1 for fertility support Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

Episode 134: AMA: Low Luteal BBT, Mold Exposure, Thyroid Antibodies & Thyroid Inflammation—What It All Really Means 18.02.2026 15min

AMA: Low Luteal BBT, Mold Exposure, Thyroid Antibodies & Thyroid Inflammation—What It All Really Means In this AMA episode, I answer some of your frequently asked questions you submitted over on Instagram. We discuss the causes of low luteal phase basal body temperatures (BBT), progesterone dysfunction, mold-related inflammation, thyroid antibodies, and thyroid swelling. A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 What low luteal phase BBT can signal about ovulation and progesterone How progesterone drives body temperature and luteal phase health What delayed or weak temperature rises suggest about follicle development When low luteal temps indicate ovulation issues or luteal phase defects How low progesterone contributes to PMS heavy periods and histamine symptoms How low T3 and thyroid function impact the luteal phase How immune stress inflammation and mold exposure affect cycles and fertility What elevated thyroid antibodies or thyroid swelling may indicate Important show links 👇👇👇 Take our FREE Low T3 Quiz to find out if low t3 is driving your symptoms Receive a discount with GotMold? Home testing Kit use code Use code: laurenpapanos10 Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

Episode 133: Fertility Over 35: The Prenatal Supplement Roadmap for Women + Men with WeNatal Co-Founder 11.02.2026 40min

Fertility Over 35: The Prenatal Supplement Roadmap for Women + Men with WeNatal Co-Founder Trying to conceive after 35 requires more than just “taking a prenatal.” In this episode, we break down how to choose the right prenatal supplement for both women and men, and why fertility optimization starts months before conception. We discuss why the number of capsules per serving actually matters, how iron and calcium should be dosed and timed, and how modern food systems contribute to widespread nutrient depletion. You’ll learn why sperm health plays a critical role in fertility and pregnancy outcomes, how lifestyle toxins and oxidative stress damage egg and sperm quality, and why mitochondrial health becomes increasingly important with age. We also cover the key nutrients that support mitochondrial function, hormone balance, and reproductive health—and explain why the three months before conception are a critical window for both egg and sperm development. A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 Why the number of capsules per serving of your prenatal matters Why iron and calcium are separated and how iron needs change in pregnancy How modern food systems contribute to nutrient depletion What role sperm health plays in fertility and pregnancy outcomes How lifestyle toxins and oxidative stress impact egg and sperm quality Why mitochondrial health matters for fertility as women age Key nutrients that support mitochondrial and reproductive health Why the three months before conception are critical for egg and sperm development Important show links 👇👇👇 Visit WeNatal for supplements and receive a free magnesium bottle Apply to work with us 1:1 for fertility support Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app