Send us Fan Mail

In the functional medicine world, we view IBS as a "communication breakdown" between your brain and your gut. It's not just in your head, it's a multifactorial disorder involving motility, visceral hypersensitivity, and the gut microbiome. Whether it's the "fight or flight" response triggering the HPA axis or post-infectious dysbiosis, your gut is sending out an SOS.

Key Takeaways:

• The Science: IBS is a disorder of gut-brain interaction. Triggers range from severe infections to a "garden" of gut bacteria overgrown with the wrong weeds (dysbiosis).
• The Food Lab: While a Low-FODMAP diet is the "gold standard" for temporary relief, the goal is long-term healing. Focus on soluble fibers (oats, carrots) and nature's remedies like kiwifruit for motility and peppermint oil for cramping.
• Lifestyle Matters: Stress management, sleep hygiene and exercise are non-negotiable for gut health.

Your gut is resilient! By tracking your food and mood, you can start restoring the "Wi-Fi" between your brain and belly.

References:

1. American Gastroenterological Association. IBS in America: Despite advances, IBS remains a burden for many millions - American Gastroenterological Association
2. National Institute of Health (NIH) NIDDK (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases). Digestive Diseases Statistics for the United States - NIDDK
3. Mayo Clinic. Irritable bowel syndrome - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
4. StatPearls [Internet]. (2024). Irritable Bowel Syndrome. 2. MDPI Nutrients (2026). Nutritional Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
5. IBS Center. IBS Info - ibscenter.org
6. Frontiers in Nutrition (2025). An umbrella review of meta-analyses on the low-FODMAP diet in IBS.
7. Michigan Medicine (2025). Gut-Brain Axis (GBA) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Thank you for listening to Healthy California.

If you have tried all my suggestions and are still having trouble with your health, and would like an appointment with me, please email me, text, or call me via the contact information below.

My contact:

Linda Brown, MPT, Doctoral Candidate Functional Nutrition

916-426-2543

linda@heal-throughfood.com

www.heal-throughfood.com

Send us Fan Mail

Why Your Pet's Nutrition Matters

If your pet is family (and let's be honest—they are), then what's in their bowl matters just as much as what's on your plate. In this episode, we take a closer look at how nutrition impacts your pet's energy, longevity, and overall health—and why “just getting by” on basic kibble isn't enough.

I interview a local pet nutrition expert to break down how to spot early "check engine" warning signs, such as dull coats, digestive issues, and low energy, which can point to deeper nutritional imbalances. We also explore how to build a strong wellness foundation by focusing on weight management, gut health, reducing toxic exposure, and making informed decisions around vaccines and preventatives.

You'll walk away with simple, practical ways to upgrade your pet's diet—without overcomplicating things. From adding fresh foods and nutrient-dense "superfoods" to avoiding common ingredient pitfalls, small changes can make a big impact.

Because at the end of the day, we don't just want our pets to survive—we want them thriving, vibrant, and by our side for as long as possible.

Start small, stay consistent, and give your furry family the nutrition they deserve.

Stay Healthy California!

References for your research:

• www.Pets Wants.com/Roseville 916-547-2686 – for great dog snacks or check them out at a local Sacramento Farmers Market
• Omega-3s & Skin: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (Studies on EPA/DHA for joint and skin health).
• Obesity & Longevity: Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) annual reports.
• Gut Microbiome: Journal of Animal Science (Research on prebiotic fibers like beet pulp and FOS in pet diets).
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Tenafly Veterinary Center & NRC (National Research Council) guidelines for dog and cat nutrient requirements.

· Vaccination Guidelines: AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) Canine and Feline Vaccination Task Force.

· Titer Testing: Dr. Ronald Schultz’s extensive research at the University of Wisconsin on vaccine duration of immunity.

· Heartworm Maps: American Heartworm Society (provides regional risk data). https://www.heartwormsociety.org/veterinary-resources/incidence-maps

Liver Support: Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice (on the use of Silymarin/Milk Thistle for hepatic support).

Thank you for listening to Healthy California.

If you have tried all my suggestions and are still having trouble with your health, and would like an appointment with me, please email me, text, or call me via the contact information below.

My contact:

Linda Brown, MPT, Doctoral Candidate Functional Nutrition

916-426-2543

linda@heal-throughfood.com

www.heal-throughfood.com

Send us Fan Mail

Today, we're demystifying the labels in your pantry. We've all been told to avoid "ultra-processed foods" (UPFs), but what does that actually mean? Almost all food is processed for safety, but there's a massive difference between a bag of frozen strawberries and a chemistry project masquerading as a protein bar.

In this episode, we explore:

• The Four Categories: From minimally processed whole foods to the industrial formulations designed for profit, not health.
• The Bliss Point: How food scientists override your brain's full signal to create hyper-palatable addiction.
• Systemic Inflammation: Why your stiff joints might actually start in the middle aisles of the grocery store.
• Simple Lifestyle Shifts: My favorite strategies, like the Five-Ingredient Rule and the Swap, Don't Stop method, to reclaim your energy.

Your refrigerator should be your medicine cabinet. This week, I challenge you to swap just one UPF for a whole-food alternative. You have the power to influence the inflammation in your body. You can do this! Stay Healthy California

References:

1. Monteiro, C. A., et al. (2019). The UN FAO report on Ultra-processed foods, diet quality, and health. 2. Cell Metabolism. (2019). Ultra-Processed Diets Cause Excess Calorie Intake and Weight Gain. (The Hall et al. Study).
2. British Medical Journal (BMJ). (2024). Ultra-processed food exposure and adverse health outcomes.
3. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Distinguishing between processed and ultra-processed.

Thank you for listening to Healthy California.

If you have tried all my suggestions and are still having trouble with your health, and would like an appointment with me, please email me, text, or call me via the contact information below.

My contact:

Linda Brown, MPT, Doctoral Candidate Functional Nutrition

916-426-2543

linda@heal-throughfood.com

www.heal-throughfood.com