Naturally Nourished

Blastocystis…what? You may not have heard of it but Blastocystis Hominis is a common parasitic gut infection that can wreak havoc on digestion, skin, and immune health. Did you know that 3-5 pounds of your body is made up of bacteria, yeast, parasite, and virus? This microbiome impact can work for you or against you and if you have high stress, eat at risk foods, and travel, chances are it is working against you. In this episode Ali breaks down medical studies on Blastocystis, the role of natural compounds and research that supports successful gut cleanse tools, and how she used her Beat the Bloat Protocol to support metabolic, skin, and immune health.    In this episode you will also learn about the importance of liver detox prior to and during a gut cleanse, the best diet to support a microbiome reset, and food-as-medicine to amplify results.    Don’t miss our Beat the Bloat Masterclass on 4/7! Grab your FREE Spot here Join our April Beat the Bloat 12 week Gut Cleanse Register here Beat the Bloat Supplement Bundle.   

In this episode, we’re diving into the hot topic of protein sparing modified fasting (PSMF) and why short, strategic “3-day sprints” can be a powerful metabolic reset. Ali shares how these brief hypocaloric phases may help accelerate body fat loss while supporting anti-inflammatory processes and increasing autophagy, the body’s natural cellular cleanup system.  The literature consistently shows that most diets fail long term, with weight regain common within five years, and often much sooner with more aggressive interventions like GLP-1 medications or surgical approaches. In this conversation we explore who may benefit from protein sparing fasts, who should avoid them, where supplements fit in and how to implement this strategy. We also discuss research on autophagy. Also in this episode:  Beat the Bloat FREE Masterclass 4/7 Beat the Bloat Program starts 4/21 What is a protein sparing modified fast? A Systematic Review of Evidence on the Use of Very Low Calorie Diets in People with Diabetes - PubMed The protein-sparing modified fast for obese patients with type 2 diabetes What does a day of fasting this way look like? A protein sparing fast can be broken into 1 meal and 2 snacks or 2 meals or even 3 meals, but I typically do: Coffee with Pure Collagen and ½ scoop Whey Protect with 1 Tbsp heavy cream (26g protein, 150 cal) 1 jar FOND (15g protein 60 cal) 6oz filet of wild salmon (300 cal 33g pro) 1 jar of FOND  (15g protein 60 cal)  Naturally Nourished Teas Thoughts on dry fasting or water fasting  Does protein disrupt autophagy? A high protein meal does not change autophagy in human blood In Defense of Protein Effects Of Oral Glutamine on Inflammatory and Autophagy Responses in Cancer Patients Treated With Abdominal Radiotherapy: A Pilot Randomized Trial Bone Broth benefits Glycine Relieves Intestinal Injury by Maintaining mTOR Signaling and Suppressing AMPK, TLR4, and NOD Signaling in Weaned Piglets after Lipopolysaccharide Challenge Curcumin induces autophagy, inhibits proliferation and invasion by downregulating AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in human melanoma cells - PubMed Who should consider PSMF and who should not?  What supplements support PSMF? Detox Packs Multidefense  Relax and Regulate Berberine Boost Calm and Clear GabaCalm  

Are you perimenopausal or in your 30s-50s and your hormones feel off? In this guest episode with Dr. Jen Pfleghaar, Ali Miller RD digs into drivers of hormone imbalance and how women often find themselves in a state of overwhelm of overcommitment leading to overdrive mode. Dr. Jen shares her faith-based functional medicine pearls on ways to manage chronic stress as well as supplements and foods to support hormone balance.    In this episode we also talk about Cycle Syncing and Dr. Jen shares her approach to work with the body based on cyclical shifts to support hormone health, regulate period cycles, and feel your best. She also shares her perspective and experience working with injectable and nasal peptides as tools in clinical practice. This is a fun encouraging listen with a lot of tips and tricks to optimize and thrive in your body.   Want to be a Naturally Nourished Ambassador? Apply here Beat the Bloat Free Masterclass 4/7 at 12pm CST Register here! Relax and Regulate has been reformulated  Is stress messing with your hormones? Consider our Stress Support Bundle or Anti-Anxiety Jumpstart  Seeking Whole Health Conference in Ohio SOLD OUT   Where to find more about Dr. Jen www.healthybydrjen.com Get Dr. Jen’s free cycle syncing protocol https://www.healthybydrjen.com/cyclesyncing Welcome to the Naturally Nourished Podcast, you are joining me, Ali Miller for episode 485 The Perimenopause Reset with guest Dr. Jen Pfleghaar.  Dr. Jen Pfleghaar, DO, ABOIM BIO: Dr. Jen Pfleghaar is a double board-certified physician in Emergency and Integrative Medicine. She earned her medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, completed residency at St. Vincent’s Mercy Hospital, and fellowship at the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine. She believes true wellness thrives when body, mind, and spirit are aligned with God’s design. Diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, she became passionate about autoimmune healing, hormone balance, and root-cause medicine. Dr. Jen co-authored Eat. Sleep. Move. Breathe., serves on the boards of the Invisible Disabilities Association and American Board of Integrative Medicine. Through her practice, Healthy by Dr. Jen, she provides virtual care and shares education as @integrativedrmom. She lives on a mini farm in Tennessee with her husband and four children. She loves cheering at her kids’ games, lifting weights, reading Scripture, and tending to her chickens. Her newest book, The Perimenopause Reset, was written on a mission to change the health of 500,000 women navigating perimenopause—empowering them with faith-based, science-backed strategies to reclaim their energy, clarity, and joy. Working in the ER I realized medicine is broken and completely a fellowship in Integrative Medicine so I could change medicine one patient at a time.   Cycle Syncing Secrets: How to Eat, Train, and Thrive in Perimenopause  

Are ADHD and autism purely genetic and neurological, or could oxidative stress be a missing piece of the puzzle? In this episode of the Naturally Nourished Podcast, we unpack the growing conversation around how excessive oxidative burden and low antioxidant status may influence brain chemistry, behavior, and symptom expression. We explore how modern inputs like environmental exposures, dietary patterns, metabolic stress, and toxin load can contribute to neurological inflammation and why looking upstream at root drivers can shift how we approach support strategies. We also break down what actually helps lower oxidative stress in practical, sustainable ways, from stabilizing blood sugar and prioritizing protein to increasing antioxidant-rich produce and targeted nutrient support. This conversation connects the dots between physiology and daily habits, giving you tangible tools to support neurological resilience, mood regulation, and cognitive function using food-as-medicine.  Also in this episode:  Episode 138 Autism, ADHD and Functional Pediatrics with Guest Dr. Emily Gutierrez  Episode 201 Autism and ADHD: A Functional Approach Symptoms and presentation of ADHD & Autism Prevalence of ADHD & Autism Conventional treatment of ADHD & Autism Multiavail Kids B Complex Root Causes of ADHD & Autism Genetics Episode 214 Genetic SNP Review and Medical Autonomy Blood Sugar Balance A Ketogenic Diet and the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder Whey Protect A modified ketogenic gluten-free diet with MCT improves behavior in children with autism spectrum disorder Kids Essentials Bundle EPA DHA Liquid Microbiome Imbalance Kids Biotic Restore Baseline Probiotic  Antioxidant Status NAC & Glutathione A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial of Oral N-Acetylcysteine in Children with Autism - PMC The potential role of the antioxidant and detoxification properties of glutathione in autism spectrum disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis Sulforaphane Chemical derived from broccoli sprouts shows promise in treating autism The effect of sulforaphane on autism spectrum disorder: systematic review and meta-analysis - PMC Heavy Metals 10 Day Detox Micronutrient Panel Supplements for Support Cellular Antiox Relax and Regulate Kids Essentials Bundle Calm and Clear    Sponsors for this episode:  This episode is sponsored by FOND Bone Broth, your sous chef in a jar. FOND’s bone broths and tallows are produced in small batches with premium ingredients from verified regenerative ranches. Their ingredients are synergistically paired for maximum absorption, nutritional benefit, and flavor. Use code NATURALLY to save at fondbonebroth.com and check out their new demi glace and duck fat! 

Are peptides the wellness world’s newest miracle, or just the latest overhyped biohack? With ads for injectable weight-loss solutions everywhere you look and wellness influencers calling peptides the holy grail, we’re taking a step back to unpack what’s actually going on beneath the marketing. In this episode, we break down what peptides are, what they do in the body, and why they’ve suddenly exploded in popularity across both clinical and wellness spaces. We’re also diving into the questions we know you’re really asking—are peptide injections actually safe, who (if anyone) are they appropriate for, and what should give you pause? This conversation walks through the mechanisms, risks, and real-world considerations from a functional medicine lens as well as how you can get similar results without subjecting yourself to expensive weekly injections.   Also in this episode:  Relax and Regulate now reformulated - use RELAX15 for 15% off What are peptides? Episode 474 Hack Your Health Recap: A-ha's and New Products Ali is Stoked About Sourcing and mechanism of action Applications of peptides Naturally sequenced peptides vs. unnatural amino acids Cellular Antiox Pure Collagen Concerns of peptides Episode 323 Ozempic, Wonder Drug or Too Good to be True? Episode 359 Oh-No Ozempic Updates, Berberine and Keto How to naturally increase GLP-1 Berberine Boost Super Turmeric Adaptogen Boost EPA DHA Extra Restore Baseline Probiotic How to mimic tissue repair from BPC-157  Pure Collagen Bio-C Plus EPA DHA Extra GI Lining Support Super Turmeric Episode 293 How to Get More Fish in the Diet Tuna Salad with 2 Secret Ingredients What you can use for beauty besides GHK-Cu Lifewave Patches Micronutrient Panel Risks of peptides Why keto will make a comeback Archive Keto Program Advanced Metabolic Panel This episode is sponsored by Naturally Nourished Relax and Regulate Relax & Regulate has always been a superstar for sleep, stress, and hormone support, and we’ve taken a good thing and made it even better! We’ve seen incredible results with 1000’s of clients using Relax and Regulate literally every day for 10+ years now.    We have increased magnesium bisglycinate from 200 mg to 250 mg to match clinical sleep research dosing, kept myo-inositol at the full 4-gram therapeutic dose, and improved the supporting ingredients so the entire formula is better absorbed, better tolerated, and more aligned with what we’re seeing clinically every day. Use code RELAX15 to save 15% on our reformulated Relax and Regulate!   

Have you ever heard of inositol? Could you be deficient and not even realize it? If you’re struggling with blood sugar swings, irregular cycles, anxiety, or 2am wake-ups, could this overlooked compound be a missing piece? While magnesium, B vitamins, and electrolytes dominate most wellness conversations, myo-inositol plays a critical role in insulin signaling, ovarian function, and neurotransmitter balance, acting as an intracellular messenger that helps your cells properly respond to hormonal cues. This episode unpacks what myo-inositol actually is, how it functions in the body, and what the research shows in areas like PCOS, insulin resistance, fertility, mood disorders, and sleep. It also covers therapeutic dosing, food sources, and how to use supplementation strategically for clinical outcomes. Whether you’re navigating hormone imbalance, metabolic dysfunction, or nervous system dysregulation, this conversation takes a deeper look at why myo-inositol deserves far more attention in root-cause medicine. Also in this episode: What is inositol? What does it do in the body? What causes myoinositol deficiency? Symptoms of deficiency Episode 470: SSRIs on the Rise: Concerns and Safer alternatives Episode 430: Keto and PCOS Inositol and Metabolic Health Ovulatory and Metabolic Effects of d-Chiro-Inositol in the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome | New England Journal of Medicine Effects of inositol on ovarian function and metabolic factors in women with PCOS: a randomized double blind placebo-controlled trial - PubMed Potential role and therapeutic interests of myo-inositol in metabolic diseases - PubMed Myo-inositol effects in women with PCOS: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials - PMC  Myoinositol vs. Metformin in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial - PMC The Comparative Effects of Myo-Inositol and Metformin Therapy on the Clinical and Biochemical Parameters of Women of Normal Weight Suffering from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Inositol is an effective and safe treatment in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials - PubMed Full article: Comparison of metformin plus myoinositol vs metformin alone in PCOS women undergoing ovulation induction cycles: randomized controlled trial The effects of inositol supplementation on lipid profiles among patients with metabolic diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials Inositol for Mental Health Double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial of inositol treatment for panic disorder - PubMed Double-blind, controlled, crossover trial of inositol versus fluvoxamine for the treatment of panic disorder - PubMed Inositol treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder - PubMed D-Chiro inositol vs. Myoinositol Food sources of inositol Dosage, safety and tolerability 1-2 scoops Relax and Regulate  This episode is sponsored by Naturally Nourished Relax and Regulate Relax & Regulate has always been a superstar for sleep, stress, and hormone support, and we’ve taken a good thing and made it even better! We’ve seen incredible results with 1000’s of clients using Relax and Regulate literally every day for 10+ years now.    We have increased magnesium bisglycinate from 200 mg to 250 mg to match clinical sleep research dosing, kept myo-inositol at the full 4-gram therapeutic dose, and improved the supporting ingredients so the entire formula is better absorbed, better tolerated, and more aligned with what we’re seeing clinically every day. Use code RELAX15 to save 15% on our reformulated Relax and Regulate! 

Have you tried magnesium but felt like it didn’t help—or even made things worse? Are you confused by all the different forms and dosages? In this episode, Ali and Becki break down how magnesium actually works in the body, why so many people think they “don’t tolerate” magnesium, and why form, dose, and context matter far more than most realize. We also share the full story behind the reformulation of Relax & Regulate, our superstar magnesium product. You’ll learn why we chose magnesium bisglycinate paired with myo-inositol, how this combination supports nervous system regulation, sleep, anxiety, blood sugar, and hormone balance, and why it’s especially impactful for PCOS, perimenopause, and stress-driven symptoms.  Also in this episode: Why is magnesium so important? Signs of magnesium deficiency Testing magnesium status Cell Science Systems Micronutrient Panel Episode 440 What does HTMA say about your health with guest Kaely McDevitt Anxiety and Magnesium Deficiency Naturally Nourished Episode 470 SSRIs on the Rise The magnesium GABA connection GabaCalm How inositol supports serotonin Why the combination of magnesium and inositol for blood sugar balance Why magnesium deficiency is more pronounced in perimenopause Forms of magnesium and absorption Considerations of magnesium threonate Why glycine matters and antiaging effects Naturally Nourished Episode 331 Homocysteine and Methylation Dosage considerations 1 scoop for maintenance 2+ scoops for PCOS, constipation, high cortisol, pregnancy Kids can start with ⅛-¼ scoop as early as age 2-3 Teens ½-1 scoop to start for acne, anxiety, hormonal concerns This episode is sponsored by Naturally Nourished Relax and Regulate Relax & Regulate has always been a superstar for sleep, stress, and hormone support, and we’ve taken a good thing and made it even better! We’ve seen incredible results with 1000’s of clients using Relax and Regulate literally every day for 10+ years now.    We have increased magnesium bisglycinate from 200 mg to 250 mg to match clinical sleep research dosing, kept myo-inositol at the full 4-gram therapeutic dose, and improved the supporting ingredients so the entire formula is better absorbed, better tolerated, and more aligned with what we’re seeing clinically every day. Use code RELAX15 to save 15% on our reformulated Relax and Regulate!

Are you gluten-free or not tolerating gluten and wondering why? Have you heard the sourdough craze and are curious about the differences of heirloom vs. conventional gluten grains? In this week’s podcast, Ali interviews James Brown or Barton Springs Mill about stone ground flour and heritage whole grains. In this episode you will learn about the industrial agriculture growing and harvesting process including the use of glyphosate and other chemical additives and how to shop for truly chemical-free flour. James shares the story of partnering with American growers and the importance of relationships with real food farmers to fix the broken food system.    In this episode you will learn about the grain milling process and why synthetic enrichment is seen in most-flours including those certified organic. Learn how stone milling retains bioavailable nutrients, enzymes, and other key players in enhancing digestibility and nutrient density. Ali and James talk about best uses of stone milled flours and how to adjust recipes for best outcomes as well as their favorite blends from Barton Springs Mill.    Links from this episode: Use our Digestive Basics to support optimal digestion and reduce bloating https://alimillerrd.com/products/digestive-basics-bundle Not sure if your gut is working for you or against you? Take our probiotic challenge https://alimillerrd.com/pages/probiotic-challenge-protocol Explore heirloom stone milled flour at bartonspringsmill.com 10% ALIMILLERRD off first order

In this episode, we’re digging into a topic that underlies everything we do in functional medicine but rarely gets the airtime it deserves: somatic ways to reduce stress. We step outside the usual conversations about labs, supplements, pathophysiology, and food as medicine to talk about what it actually looks like to regulate your nervous system in real life. Because while “reduce your stress” is one of the most common recommendations in a healing protocol, very few people are ever taught how to do that in a tangible, embodied way. This is a deeply practical episode focused on helping you release stored tension and trapped stress from the body using simple somatic tools. We explore why trauma and chronic stress don’t just live in your brain--they can show up as disease, pain, and symptoms in your body and can get in the way of healing. You’ll walk away with approachable techniques you can start using immediately to calm your nervous system, improve resilience, and support your body’s ability to heal. Also in this episode:  Episode 447: Stress Management Tools to Reset your HPA-Axis Episode: 438 Vagus Nerve  Episode 424: How Daily Walking Can Transform Your Health Episode 171: Movement as Medicine  Adaptogen Boost 18% off with code ADAPT18 Signs of a dysregulated nervous system What is somatic therapy? How breath can regulate stress responds 4-7-8 Breath How scent can support stress response Episode 455: Jodi Cohen of Vibrant Blue Oils Tracing the scent of fear: Study identifies region of brain involved in fear response - Fred Hutch Aromatherapy through the lens of trauma-informed care: Stress-reduction practices for healthcare professionals - ScienceDirect Get a bottle of the Parasympathetic Blend for just $15 + free shipping! ($38.95) 5-4-3-2-1 technique Relaxing with Touch Movement as Medicine Walking Pad C2 Link https://collabs.shop/gzeqhw Episode 322: Nature as Medicine Sound and vibration 5 Reasons to Gargle Salt Water and How to Do it Naturally Nourished Episode 394 The Human Electrical Force Functional Medicine Support for stress How To Use NutriSense CGM (Reviewing 14 Days of Data) Labrix Neurohormone Panel Heart Rate Variability Adaptogen Boost Calm and Clear  Adrenal Support GABACalm Relax and Regulate Stress Manager Bundle Anti-Anxiety Bundle This episode is sponsored by:  This episode is sponsored by Naturally Nourished Supplements providing: Purity, Potency, and Efficacy at a value you can’t beat! My goal with Naturally Nourished supplements is to provide you with products that will enhance and reclaim the quality of life for you and your loved ones!    We will always price formulas 2-5% below market industry standard and competitors. On top of this we offer subscription discounts at an additional 10% off, bundled discounts at an additional 12% off, and seasonal promotions to ensure quality formulas are accessible.  Use the code PODCAST10 for 10% off your next purchase. 

This week on the Naturally Nourished Podcast, we’re digging into the newly released governmental nutrition guidelines. If you’ve been around here for any length of time, you know our core message has always been simple: eat real food. So imagine our surprise when these updated guidelines actually move closer to that exact philosophy, emphasizing whole foods, nutrient density, and fewer ultra-processed ingredients. It’s not perfect, but it’s a meaningful shift in the right direction, and one we never thought we’d see from official policy. In this episode, we break down what the guidelines got right, where they still miss the mark, and what this all means for real families navigating grocery stores, school lunches, and confusing nutrition messaging. We also revisit Ali’s Optimal Eating Wheel she developed back in 2014 and compare it side-by-side with today’s recommendations — and yes, she was about a decade ahead of her time. We share our top critiques from a food-as-medicine lens and unpack the potential ripple effects on schools, SNAP, and institutional food systems so you can understand how these changes may actually show up in everyday life. Also in this episode:  LIVE Food-as-Medicine Keto Reset Naturally Nourished Academy Mentorship Program starts 2/4 Naturally Nourished Episode 465 Naturally Nourished Academy Part 1 Naturally Nourished Episode 466 Naturally Nourished Academy Part 2 Naturally Nourished Episode 472 Good, Better, Best with Brenda Bennett  Our Thoughts on the New Guidelines Realfood.gov The Power of Protein Baby Led Weaning Naturally Nourished Kids use code GIVEHEALTH Naturally Nourished Food as Medicine for the Whole Family This episode is sponsored by:  This episode is sponsored by Naturally Nourished Supplements providing: Purity, Potency, and Efficacy at a value you can’t beat! My goal with Naturally Nourished supplements is to provide you with products that will enhance and reclaim the quality of life for you and your loved ones!    We will always price formulas 2-5% below market industry standard and competitors. On top of this we offer subscription discounts at an additional 10% off, bundled discounts at an additional 12% off, and seasonal promotions to ensure quality formulas are accessible. Use the code PODCAST10 for 10% off your next purchase.