The BeingBrigid Show: Top Science-Backed Women’s Health Podcast for Hormones, Inflammation, Gut Health & More

What if the number on the scale is the least important thing about your health? In this conversation, Brigid sits down with Dr. Robin Berzin, founder and CEO of Parsley Health, to talk about what actually predicts women’s longevity: muscle mass, bone density, blood sugar balance, and root-cause healing. They dive into DEXA scans, functional medicine, hormone health, gut health, and how to eat for longevity in a real-life way—especially if you’re juggling kids, a career, and chronic inflammation or pre-diabetes symptoms.If you’ve ever been told “your labs are normal” while you still feel exhausted, inflamed, or anxious, this episode will completely change how you think about women’s health.What You’ll Learn In This EpisodeWhy the scale is a terrible metric for women’s health and longevityThe body composition markers that matter most: bone density, lean muscle, and fat massWhen women should consider DEXA scans—and why waiting until 65 is a “travesty”How resistance training, impact, and protein help reverse osteopenia and osteoporosisThe connection between muscle mass, chronic disease, and early mortalityWhat functional medicine actually is—and how it finds the root causeHow nutrition, gut health, and food sensitivities can put autoimmune disease into remissionWhy food is medicine is not a slogan, it’s biologyReal-life strategies for eating a higher protein, lower sugar, anti-inflammatory dietHow Dr. Berzin balances CEO life, motherhood, and her own hormone & energy healthTimestamps01:40 – Why the number on the scale is the wrong health metric02:20 – When women should start getting full-body DEXA scans (it’s earlier than you think)03:50 – Osteoporosis meds, side effects & why lifting heavy actually builds bone05:00 – Reversing osteopenia & osteoporosis with strength training and lifestyle05:50 – Low muscle mass and early death: the shocking mortality statistic08:47 – Exactly how much protein women really need for muscle & hormones11:00 – What functional medicine is (and how it’s different from conventional care)12:27 – Migraines, root causes & why painkillers aren’t the real solution14:45 – The “medicine of why”: deeper testing, hormones, thyroid, toxins & lifestyle16:39 – Why Dr. Berzin founded Parsley Health & what she saw in exam rooms18:59 – Making functional medicine more accessible (without 100 supplements and $5k visits)20:30 – Longevity, wearables, and why this is the moment for health optimization22:48 – Can nutrition really reverse chronic disease? What the data shows28:45 – Why DIY elimination diets often fail (and what to do instead)31:56 – How a CEO + mom of 3 actually fits in self-care35:01 – Raising kids in a wellness-focused home37:07 – Why “perfect” can’t be the enemy of good enough38:56 – How to work with Parsley Health & where to find Dr. BerzinIf you’re ready to stop obsessing over the scale and start building real longevity from the inside out—bone, muscle, hormones, gut and blood sugar—this episode is your playbook.Next Steps & Resources:Watch the full episode on YouTubeBrigid’s WebsiteBrigid’s InstagramDr. Robin Berzin’s WebsiteDr. Robin Berzin’s InstagramLearn more about functional medicine & Parsley Health: https://www.parsleyhealth.com

What if your labs said pre-diabetic, your energy tanked every afternoon, your gut was a mess—and your doctor’s advice was basically “eat less and exercise more”? In this episode of The BeingBrigid Show, Brigid sits down with Angie Kopriva, a busy professional in her mid-40s, to talk about how she went from worsening labs, perimenopause symptoms, gut issues, and crushing fatigue…to losing inches off her waist, stabilizing blood sugar, improving energy, and finally feeling in control of her health again after going through the My Food Is Health program.If you’re a woman navigating perimenopause, pre-diabetes, chronic inflammation, or confusing lab results, this story will show you what’s possible when you use food as medicine and pair it with accountability, functional nutrition, and the right data.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Angie realized her “normal” labs and symptoms were not normalWhy midlife women are often dismissed with “eat less, move more”The power of personalized nutrient testing for gut health, blood sugar & hormonesHow My Food Is Health combines lab data, holistic nutrition, and accountabilityThe role of stress, perfectionism, and nervous system regulation in women’s healthHow small daily habits (like 5-minute walks and deep breathing) shifted her body composition, energy, and mindsetWhy Angie now feels confident she can change her trajectory and prevent diseaseTimestamps:00:00 – Angie’s story & why mid-40s changed everything00:47 – “Enough is enough”: What pushed her to join My Food Is Health02:25 – Labs, nutrient testing & how this approach differed from other functional medicine care05:19 – Using Function Health labs plus nutrient deficiency testing for deeper insight08:52 – Gut issues, hair thinning, fatigue & early autoimmune markers10:34 – Rising A1C, pre-diabetes, blood pressure, and metabolic health red flags12:33 – Results in just 10 weeks: inches lost, energy, gut health14:42 – How stress, grief, and perfectionism showed up in her labs and symptoms19:00 – Why walking and nervous system support became non-negotiables20:51 – Gluten, dairy, and discovering her personal food triggers23:00 – Strategic elimination & reintroduction instead of endless restriction26:37 – “I thought I ate healthy”: How personalization changed everything28:02 – The hidden power of the right supplement plan30:11 – What My Food Is Health is & why the investment matters31:22 – Angie’s advice if you’re on the fence about joiningNext Steps & Resources:If you’re a woman navigating perimenopause, pre-diabetes, gut issues, thyroid changes, or just feeling “off,” this episode is your reminder: you are not stuck with your current labs or symptoms. With the right functional nutrition strategy, blood sugar support, and accountability, you can shift your hormone health, energy, and long-term risk for chronic disease in just 10 weeks.Join the January Cohort of My Food Is Health here: https://beingbrigid.com/my-food-is-health Watch the full episode on YouTubeBrigid’s WebsiteBrigid’s Instagram

If you’ve tried every “healthy” diet and still feel exhausted, bloated, or foggy, this episode is your wake-up call. Brigid Titgemeier, functional medicine registered dietitian, breaks down why generic meal plans, random supplements, and trendy detoxes don’t work—and what actually does: personalized nutrition, functional lab testing, and understanding your unique nutrient deficiencies, gut health, and hormones so you can finally feel like yourself again.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy one-size-fits-all diets fail women’s health and hormone healthHow functional lab testing goes far beyond a standard doctor’s visitThe expensive supplement trap (and why “more” isn’t better)The 7 key factors that make your nutrition needs uniqueHow nutrient deficiencies drive fatigue, brain fog, gut issues, and inflammationWhy working with a functional nutrition practitioner can fast-track your resultsHow Brigid’s My Food Is Health program uses data-driven, food-as-medicine strategiesTimestamps01:52 – Why generic diets fail02:54 – IBS, gut health & why the same diagnosis ≠ same plan03:41 – Stop guessing, start testing: labs that actually matter07:55 – Why practitioner interpretation beats DIY labs & protocols10:14 – Nutrient deficiency testing: 67% of people are deficient11:19 – How nutrient gaps impact energy, metabolism & chronic inflammation13:30 – 7 factors that make your nutrition unique (age, hormones, meds & more)20:26 – Gut microbiome, bloating & using food as medicine for gut health22:22 – Michelle’s story: from “a shell of myself” to thriving23:24 – Inside My Food Is Health & how to work with Brigid’s teamNext Steps & ResourcesIf you’re ready to move beyond generic plans and truly personalize your nutrition, this episode will show you what’s possible when you pair functional medicine lab testing with expert guidance and food-as-medicine strategies.Learn more about the My Food Is Health program HEREWatch the full episode on YouTubeBrigid’s WebsiteBrigid’s Instagram

If “everything is normal” but getting or staying pregnant isn’t happening, this episode will change your playbook. Brigid sits down with double board-certified fertility specialist Dr. Natalie Crawford to unpack how chronic inflammation—from blood sugar swings to endocrine-disrupting chemicals—can quietly derail women’s health, hormone health, egg quality, and cycles. You’ll learn how to spot red-flag symptoms, track ovulation like a pro, and use functional nutrition to lower inflammation, stabilize blood sugar, and support gut health for real, root-cause healing.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy inflammation is a core driver of fertility problemsBlood sugar, insulin resistance & hormones: what’s really happeningEnvironmental toxins that impact hormones—and what to swapCycle tracking that worksA nutrition strategy for fertilityAMH testing: what it tells you (and what it doesn’t)Supplements Dr. Crawford recommendsMen’s factors that matterTimestamps00:50 How inflammation hijacks fertility03:55 Self-advocacy after dismissal & losses08:46 Endometriosis delay & why pain varies10:06 Dr. Crawford’s story: losses, research, root-cause lens18:39 Gluten, elimination trials & individualized nutrition22:09 Endocrine disruptors: air, water, plastics, cookware, coffee makers31:59 Building a hormone-supportive plate: fiber, fats, protein variety38:09 Blood sugar & insulin resistance + easy fixes44:41 Cycle tracking that’s actually accurate (Oura/Natural Cycles, OPKs, mucus)53:23 Prenatals & folic acid61:15 AMH testing, ovarian longevity & perimenopause clues66:49 Sneaky fertility killers & male factorsNext Steps & ResourcesIf you’re ready to improve energy, support hormones, and pursue root cause healing, start with small swaps and consistent nutrition accountability.Watch the full episode on YouTubeBrigid’s WebsiteBrigid’s InstagramDr. Crawford’s WebsiteDr. Crawford’s InstagramThe Fertility Formula Book

Think creatine is just for bodybuilders? Think again. Women naturally store up to 80% less creatine than men, and research shows it plays a critical role in brain health, energy, hormones, and muscle strength—especially during perimenopause, menopause, and postpartum. In this episode, Brigid Titgemeier delivers a masterclass on creatine, sharing the top four research-backed benefits for women, how to take it safely, and the best forms to choose. If you’ve ever wondered whether creatine could support your energy, focus, and long-term health, this episode is for you.What You’ll Learn In This Episode:What creatine is and why women need itThe top 4 research-backed benefits for women: muscle, brain, mood, and bone healthWhy creatine matters during perimenopause, menopause, pregnancy & postpartumSafe forms, doses, and how to minimize side effectsTimestamps:00:03 – Why creatine isn’t just for bodybuilders02:20 – How creatine works in the body04:46 – Why women have lower creatine stores than men09:27 – Top 4 benefits of creatine for women16:27 – How to take creatine safely (dose, form, brands)21:04 – Side effects, safety, and what to watch forClosing + Next Steps:Creatine isn’t just about muscle—it’s about building resilience for your body and brain at every life stage. Consider this your science-backed guide to using it wisely.Resources & Links Mentioned:Watch the full episode on YouTubeBrigid’s WebsiteBrigid’s InstagramCreatine Blog PostThe Creatine I useThorne CreatineBe Well By Kelly’s Micronized Creatine – Use code BRIGID at checkout for additional savings

What if your fertility “green light” starts 90 days before you try—and it’s a team sport? Brigid sits down with WeNatal co-founders Ronit and Vida to unpack the overlooked half of conception, why trimester zero changes outcomes, and how targeted nutrients and lower toxic load can improve egg quality, sperm parameters, and postpartum recovery. If you’ve heard “it’s just your age” or “there’s nothing you can do,” this conversation will change your game plan.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy fertility is a team sport (male factors play a part in around 50% of miscarriages)The big disruptors: stress, sleep debt, toxins, ultra-processed foodsTrimester Zero: how to prep eggs & sperm for better outcomesThe must-have prenatal nutrients and forms that matterPostpartum depletion and why prenatals still matter in this stageAMH perspective: egg quality vs. quantity and mitochondrial supportNew! WeNatal Protein+Timestamps00:25 – Meet Ronit & Vida + why fertility is a team sport02:00 – Stress as the umbrella disruptor (sleep, toxins, nutrient gaps)05:27 – Their miscarriage stories09:12 – Building the evidence stack (male antioxidants, sleep, detox basics)10:40 – Functional testing + formulation rigor26:54 – The big three drivers: insulin resistance, inflammation, oxidative stress29:40 – Ultra-processed diets, low movement, and simple wins31:10 – Stress, sleep, and why sleep sometimes beats exercise33:21 – Trimester Zero: 90–100 days before conception to influence egg/sperm quality35:38 – Labs that matter: insulin, hs-CRP, cortisol patterning41:42 – The two-year postpartum window & long-term health44:06 – Having kids later52:00 – Mindset: information without fear; choosing your stress boundaries01:05:08 – New: WeNatal Protein+ and heavy metals in protein powders01:12:45 – Where to learn more + free magnesium linkNext Steps & Links MentionedBuild your trimester-zero plan, focus on quality nutrients + sleep, and bring your partner in early.Watch the full episode on YouTubeBrigid’s WebsiteBrigid’s InstagramWeNatal WebsiteWeNatal InstagramWeNatal Free Fertility MasterclassGet a FREE Magnesium valued at $35 when you subscribe to WeNatal using Brigid’s link: https://wenatal.com/brigidJoin the WeNatal Protein+ Waitlist

If your afternoon crashes and cravings are calling the shots, your blood sugar—not your willpower—might be driving the show. In this episode, Brigid breaks down how daily spikes and crashes in blood sugar sabotage energy, hormone health, sleep, and body composition—and the simple, science-backed meal tweaks that will stabilize your day without going low-carb.What You’ll Learn In This EpisodeWhy blood sugar balance matters for energy, hormones, sleep, and longevityThe “roller coaster” effect—and how healthy foods can still spike glucoseWomen’s health: perimenopause/menopause, PCOS, postpartum & insulin sensitivityThe insulin “school bus” analogy you’ll never forgetReal-life fixes: plate-building, protein goals, fiber, and post-meal movementHow CGMs, cravings, and consistency fit into functional nutritionQuick wins to improve inflammation, cravings, and sleep quality—fastTimestamps00:03 – Intro: Why blood sugar is a women’s health power lever02:12 – The “roller coaster” & how common foods trigger spikes04:39 – Hormones, perimenopause/menopause & insulin resistance06:51 – Fatigue stats, cravings, and energy dips explained07:30 – Real client wins: labs, perimenopause symptoms, sleep09:09 – Blood Sugar 101: glucose, insulin & metabolic health11:29 – The insulin “school bus” analogy13:48 – Pregnancy, postpartum, gestational diabetes—what shifts20:55 – Beyond carb counting: functional nutrition for type 1 & type 223:17 – GLP-1s, HRT & why food-first strategies matter27:53 – Weight & body composition: insulin as a fat-storing hormone36:57 – Your plan: whole foods, protein, fiber, three meals44:00 – What’s Included in the 7-Day Blood Sugar Reset46:21 – How to join the Blood Sugar ResetNext Steps & LinksReady to get off the blood sugar roller coaster? Try the 7-Day Blood Sugar Reset for practical meal plans, dietitian coaching, and accountability to improve energy, mood, cravings, and sleep.Join the Blood Sugar Reset here Watch the full episode on YouTubeBrigid’s WebsiteBrigid’s Instagram

What if healthcare focused less on treating disease and more on creating health? In this powerful conversation, Brigid sits down with Dr. Toby Cosgrove, visionary former CEO of the Cleveland Clinic, to unpack the bold decisions he made that changed healthcare—from banning smoking and removing McDonald’s from hospital cafeterias to pioneering functional medicine on a global stage. Dr. Cosgrove shares his insights on why nutrition, prevention, and innovation (including AI) are essential to transforming healthcare.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why Dr. Cosgrove banned smoking and soda from Cleveland Clinic campusesThe backlash (and eventual success) of these groundbreaking health initiativesHow nutrition, obesity, and chronic disease are linkedThe pivotal role of functional medicine in the future of careHow AI could change the practice of medicine and patient outcomesTimestamps04:41 – Dr. Cosgrove’s vision: shifting from “sickness” to “health” care06:39 – Banning smoking at the Cleveland Clinic & backlash10:38 – Removing soda and McDonald’s from hospital cafeterias11:52 – The politics of sugar and its parallels to tobacco26:35 – Bringing nutrition into medical education33:11 – Founding the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine38:54 – Why doctors resist change & the potential of AI in healthcare43:06 – The future role of dietitians, health coaches & food prescriptionsNext Steps + ResourcesWatch the full episode on YouTubeBrigid’s WebsiteBrigid’s Instagram

Do your sugar cravings feel out of control? You’re not alone—and you don’t just need more willpower. In this episode of The BeingBrigid Show, registered dietitian Brigid Titgemeier reveals the three biggest myths about sugar cravings, the nine most common root causes, and three proven strategies to help you finally break free. If you’ve ever wondered why you can’t stop thinking about sugar or carbs, this episode will change how you see cravings—and help you reclaim your energy, balance, and confidence.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Willpower is NOT the solution for sugar cravingsThe 9 root causes that fuel cravings (including blood sugar, stress, gut health & more)3 science-backed strategies to reduce cravings and restore balanceHow the Blood Sugar Reset has helped 25,000+ women feel in control againTimestamps00:04 – Why your cravings feel out of control06:52 – 3 myths about cravings11:29 – 9 root causes of sugar cravings25:33 – 3 science-backed strategies to overcome cravings32:39 – How to start applying these tools in your daily lifeLinks & Resources Join The Blood Sugar Reset here: thebloodsugarreset.com Watch the full episode on YouTubeBrigid’s WebsiteBrigid’s Instagram

From PMS to perimenopause to post-menopause, your hormones shape every decade of your life—so why aren’t we taught how to support them? In this episode, Brigid breaks down the hormone pyramid and shows how functional nutrition and lifestyle shifts can calm stress, balance blood sugar, and ease symptoms from PMS to perimenopause and post-menopause. If you’ve been told “your labs look normal” but you don’t feel normal, this one’s for you.What You’ll Learn In This Episode:The “hormone pyramid” and why cortisol + insulin control the restHow blood sugar, insulin resistance, and PCOS tie into cycle issues and fertilityThe truth about HRT—when it helps and why basics still matterThyroid dysfunction (TSH vs full panels) and why it’s missed—especially postpartumNutrition that stabilizes blood sugar (protein, fiber, healthy fats)The hidden stressors: under-eating, over-caffeinating, poor sleep, intense workoutsEndocrine disruptors (plastics, fragrance, PFAS) and simple swaps that helpHow to apply Food is Medicine for women’s health across life transitionsTimestamps:00:03 – Intro: Brigid’s mission, why hormones matter for women’s health02:22 – Monthly cycle ebbs/flows & common PMS symptoms04:46 – Real-life hormone timeline: fertility → postpartum → perimenopause → menopause07:03 – HRT: benefits, myths & why it’s not the whole answer11:44 – The Hormone Pyramid: cortisol & insulin → thyroid → sex hormones14:06 – Cortisol: stress pattern, symptoms, and real-world story18:37 – Insulin, blood sugar, PCOS & inflammation21:04 – Thyroid (T3/T4, antibodies) & why TSH alone misses issues23:29 – Sex hormones: estrogen, progesterone, testosterone28:00 – The “basics” that move the needle: nutrition, sleep, stress, movement30:14 – Nutrient repletion (prenatal/postpartum, B vitamins, magnesium, choline)34:46 – Stress load, stimulants (alcohol, caffeine, sugar) & balance37:01 – Endocrine disruptors 101 + practical swaps44:01 – Recap & next stepsIf this episode resonated, share it with a friend and leave a review—it truly helps more women find functional nutrition support for hormone health, blood sugar, and thyroid balance.Links & Resources:Watch the full episode on YouTubeBrigid’s WebsiteBrigid’s Instagram