Optimal Metabolism

In this raw and deeply personal episode of Optimal Metabolism, I'm opening up about something far beyond food, fasting, or hormones: my spiritual transformation. Over the past several years, I've experienced tremendous success—and tremendous loss. What started as a nutrition therapy business rooted in service began to feel more like striving. I found myself chasing downloads, metrics, and content calendars… and losing sight of who I was really called to be. ✨ In this episode, I share: Why I stepped away from social media and podcasting for a season How I realized I was idolizing my business The power of obedience and stillness when life feels out of control What God is showing me about rest, identity, and true healing How I'm rebuilding my work around Him—not around hustle This is a heartfelt invitation to pause, reflect, and consider whether you're prioritizing spiritual health as much as physical. ✅ Key Topics Covered The unspoken pressure behind business success in the health world Recognizing when social media becomes spiritual distraction How stepping away brought clarity to your faith and family What it means to trust God with your business and your purpose Encouragement for others stuck in the cycle of "doing more" Want to connect with me personally or share your story? Message me on Instagram: @shana.hussin.rdn

Join Shana Hussin, RDN for an in-depth conversation with board-certified endocrinologist Dr. Cassie Smith of Modern Endocrine. We dive into: How gut health drives hormone balance, metabolic function, and cortisol regulation Practical strategies for reducing stress, improving circadian rhythm, and restoring foundations of health The lowdown on microdosing GLP‑1 medications—safe, effective, and who may benefit Testing guidance: what labs to run for insulin resistance, cortisol, gut markers, thyroid, and circadian balance Dr. Smith brings a unique blend of conventional endocrinology and functional medicine to help listeners understand testing, define root causes, and create sustainable solutions for metabolic and hormonal wellness. 🔗 Mentioned in This Episode Dr. Cassie Smith – Modern Endocrine Instagram @modernendocrine_ Low Insulin Academy Cortisol Calm Cortisol Crisis – How Did We Get Here and How to Overcome It Shana's Favorite Product Recommendations with discount codes ✅ Key Topics Covered Role of gut-health in modulating hormones, inflammation, and cortisol levels Microdosing GLP‑1s: protocols, effectiveness, and reducing side effects Strategies for supporting circadian health: sleep patterns, light exposure, cortisol rhythm Lab testing essentials: insulin, HgbA1c, cortisol panels, microbiome/gut intestinal permeability, thyroid Practical, foundational interventions for stress and metabolic optimization ➡️ If you're ready to take control of blood sugar, adrenal health, and hormone balance, check out the Low Insulin Academy and Cortisol Calm program—designed to support healing from the inside out. ➡️ Don't forget to grab your free e-book Cortisol Crisis – How Did We Get Here and How to Overcome It and take the first step toward lasting clarity and calm. ➡️ Subscribe to Optimal Metabolism, leave a review, and share with someone who needs this episode!

Episode Summary: Most women think their high morning blood sugar is from what they ate the night before—or not fasting long enough. But after tracking her own numbers with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), I discovered that the real culprits were much deeper. In this solo episode, I share how I brought her fasting blood sugar back to normal (hello 70s and 80s!), and what truly made the difference. This episode is for any woman who's tried "everything" and still feels stuck with stubborn glucose spikes. Links Mentioned: 🎧 Listen to the Podcast 📝 Aligned Wellness Audit 📲 Comment the word "AUDIT" on Instagram or Facebook to get the link Cortisol Calm Course for stress and high morning blood sugars Key Topics Covered: What CGM data revealed about my blood sugar patterns Common myths about high fasting glucose in women How cortisol, anxiety, poor sleep, and over-fasting raise blood sugar What lifestyle changes brought her numbers back to normal How women in midlife can shift from stress to stability

Episode Summary: If you're navigating midlife, battling stress, and struggling with sleep, this episode is for you. Shana welcomes Elizabeth Grosjean, founder of Baloo Living, to explore how cooling weighted blankets can naturally support nervous system regulation and sleep quality—without medications or synthetic materials. Learn how deep pressure stimulation improves HRV, calms cortisol, and why the right kind of blanket can make all the difference—especially for hot sleepers and hormonally sensitive women. Elizabeth also shares what makes her blankets different (hello, breathable cotton and glass microbeads!) and how to choose the right weight for your body. Links Mentioned: 🌿 Baloo Living Website 🧘‍♀️ Cortisol Calm Course 🏠 Visit Shana's Website Grab your Aligned Wellness Audit and save $47 by using the code AUDIT47 at checkout Key Topics Covered: How weighted blankets activate the parasympathetic nervous system The impact on sleep, cortisol, and heart rate variability (HRV) Choosing the right weight for your body Why most blankets overheat—and how Baloo's solves this Natural materials vs. synthetics: what to look for Why this tool is especially powerful for women 40+

Episode Summary: Are you sleeping enough but still exhausted, anxious, or gaining weight? The issue might not be how long you're sleeping—but when. In this episode, Shana explains why the circadian timing of your sleep is critical for hormone balance, metabolism, and adrenal health. Discover how getting to bed by 10 PM supports the natural flow of cortisol, melatonin, insulin, and leptin, and why late-night sleep (even if it's 8 hours) can disrupt your hormonal repair cycles. Links & Resources: Cortisol Calm Course – Reset your circadian hormones naturally: shanahussinwellness.com/programs-courses/cortisol-calm-signature-course Podcast Home: shanahussinwellness.com/podcast Free Resources + Starting Guides: shanahussinwellness.com What We Cover: The difference between circadian-aligned sleep and just "8 hours" How melatonin, cortisol, insulin, and leptin flow overnight The deep hormonal repair window between 10 PM and 2 AM What late-night sleep and blue light do to your metabolism Why getting back to God's design for rest is key for healing Steps to shift your bedtime gradually and restore true rest

Episode Summary: Are carbs really the enemy? Not when they're eaten in sync with seasons, hormones, and metabolic rhythms. In this episode, Shana breaks down why many women feel worse—not better—after long-term low-carb or keto, and how reintroducing seasonal, local carbohydrates can actually improve insulin sensitivity, hormone balance, and energy. You'll learn how to shift from fear and restriction to trust and flexibility—rooted in both biology and God's design. Links & Resources: Join Low Insulin Academy (On SALE the first week of June!): shanahussinwellness.com/programs-courses/low-insulin-academy-on-demand Free Fasting Guide + Starting Resources: shanahussinwellness.com Podcast Home: shanahussinwellness.com/podcast Shana's Carb Quiz: http://subscribepage.io/carbquiz What We Cover: Why going too low carb long term can sabotage hormones What seasonal eating really looked like for our ancestors How to reintroduce carbs safely without wrecking blood sugar Signs your body is asking for more carbs The difference between "low carb" and metabolically flexible Reconnecting to God's food design through local, seasonal eating

Episode Summary: In this eye-opening interview, Dr. Peter Martone reveals how the structure of your cervical spine could be the hidden culprit behind your blood sugar instability, adrenal fatigue, and infertility. We explore how modern posture—from phone use to poor sleep position—disrupts the central nervous system and hormonal balance. Dr. Martone also shares how his Neck Nest sleep pillow is helping people improve HRV, sleep quality, and overall nervous system health—without supplements or complex protocols. This episode is a must-listen if you've been doing "everything right" and still feel stuck, tired, or inflamed. Links & Resources: Shop the Neck Nest and save 10% with code SHANAH10: drsleepright.com/neck-nest Join the Low Insulin Academy: shanahussinwellness.com/programs-courses/low-insulin-academy-on-demand Explore Cortisol Calm: shanahussinwellness.com/programs-courses/cortisol-calm-signature-course Visit the Podcast Home: shanahussinwellness.com/podcast What We Covered: How modern lifestyle collapses the cervical spine The surprising link between neck alignment and blood sugar crashes Why poor spinal structure disrupts cortisol and adrenal function How the central nervous system impacts digestion, immunity, and fertility Using HRV to measure recovery—and how the Neck Nest supports it Dr. Martone's personal journey and what led him to create this unique sleep tool

📝 Episode Summary: Exhausted. Wired. Bloated. Belly fat. Stuck in survival mode. If you're nodding along, this episode is your invitation to pause, breathe, and believe that healing is not only possible—it's how your body was designed. In this deeply personal episode I share my own burnout story and walk you through the rhythms and rituals that brought me back to energy, clarity, and peace. You'll learn how to rebuild your cortisol curve naturally—without pills, caffeine, or extreme protocols. Plus, I introduce the Cortisol Calm course, now open with a special Mother's Day offer. Use code MOTHER100 at checkout to save $100! 🔗 Helpful Links: 💐 Cortisol Calm Course – Mother's Day Special 💤 Free 3 AM Wake-Up Guide 🏡 Homepage 🎧 Listen to More Episodes 🧠 Topics We Cover: The real root of burnout in women over 40 My story of collapse and recovery How circadian rhythm—not supplements—restores cortisol The LIGHT → RHYTHM → REST → FAITH framework Gentle steps to reconnect with God's healing design What's inside the Cortisol Calm course—and why it works

📝 Episode Summary: Are your adrenals "tired" or "shot"—or is your body just out of rhythm? In this episode I explain the critical differences between adrenal fatigue and circadian dysfunction, and why so many women are misled by quick-fix solutions that don't address the root cause. If you're waking at 3 AM, crashing by 2 PM, or feeling wired and tired all day… this is for you! You'll learn how light, timing, and God's natural rhythm are the missing pieces in true hormone healing—and why Cortisol Calm is designed to help you reset naturally. 🔗 Helpful Links: 💐 Cortisol Calm Course – Mother's Day Special 💤 Free 3 AM Wake-Up Guide 🏡 Homepage 🧠 Topics We Cover: Why "adrenal fatigue" is often a misdiagnosis How to know if your cortisol is out of sync with light Common patterns of circadian disruption (especially in midlife women) Top burnout triggers and how to avoid them First steps to heal naturally—without relying on pills or caffeine Why God's design for daily rhythm is the key to restoration

📝 Episode Summary: 3 AM wake-ups are an annoying and exhausting part ot your night.. OR you're sleeping 7–8 hours but still dragging through your day. Sound familiar? In this episode, I unpack the real reasons behind 3 AM wake-ups, and why you feel fatigued, even when your sleep seems "good on paper." From cortisol misfires to nighttime light exposure, I break down how your circadian rhythm and hormone patterns affect your energy, mood, and metabolism. This is essential listening for any woman who's doing all the "right" things… but still feels off. 🔗 Helpful Links: 🌿 Cortisol Calm Course – Mother's Day Special 🕶️ 3 AM Wake Up Guide 🏡 Homepage 🧠 Topics Covered: Why 3 AM wake-ups occur and how to achieve restorative sleep How blue light and screen time sabotage rest The "tired and wired" cortisol pattern—and how to reverse it Why timing your meals and light exposure matters more than supplements Practical shifts to support melatonin, leptin, and your metabolism