Health Hacks

Dr. Jeni St. Onge, DC, CFMP and Tara Peterson

Health Hacks is a functional medicine podcast for women who are done being told their labs are "normal" while still feeling exhausted and hormonally imbalanced. Hosted by Dr. Jeni St. Onge, DC, CFMP and Tara Peterson, we cover hormone optimization, perimenopause, metabolic health, thyroid function, gut health, and women's longevity — with real answers and actionable insights every episode. Dr. Jeni and Tara practice in Branson, MO with Telehealth available nationwide. www.thrivecfh.com

  1. vor 2 Tagen

    Functional Medicine Weight Loss

    Functional Medicine Weight Loss: Why Diets Fail and What Actually Works Have you ever felt like you're doing everything right—eating healthy, exercising consistently, and trying every diet imaginable—yet the scale refuses to budge? In this episode of Health Hacks, Dr. Jeni St. Onge and Tara Peterson explore why weight loss is often much more complex than simply eating less and exercising more. Through a functional medicine lens, they discuss the hidden factors that can make weight loss feel impossible, even when you're working hard. You'll learn how insulin resistance, hormone imbalances, thyroid dysfunction, chronic stress, poor sleep, inflammation, and gut health issues can all contribute to weight gain and weight loss resistance. Dr. Jeni explains why weight gain is often a symptom rather than the root problem, and why understanding your body's physiology is essential for lasting results. The conversation also includes a real patient success story highlighting how addressing blood sugar balance, digestive health, stress, inflammation, and lifestyle factors led to significant improvements in energy, sleep, metabolic health, and sustainable weight loss. In this episode, you'll discover: • Why traditional diets often fail despite your best efforts• The connection between insulin resistance and stubborn weight gain• How stress and poor sleep impact metabolism and fat storage• Why hormones and thyroid health matter for weight loss• The role of gut health in metabolism and inflammation• Practical strategies you can start today, including protein intake, strength training, sleep optimization, and sustainable lifestyle changes• How functional medicine identifies and addresses root causes rather than simply treating symptoms If you've been frustrated by stubborn weight gain, low energy, slow metabolism, or a cycle of dieting without lasting success, this episode offers a fresh perspective and actionable solutions. Key Takeaway:Successful weight loss isn't about eating less forever—it's about understanding why your body is holding onto weight in the first place. Learn more about our functional medicine approach and schedule a complimentary health consultation. Thrive Chiropractic & Functional HealthBranson, Missouri Topics: Functional Medicine Weight Loss, Weight Loss Resistance, Hormones and Weight Loss, Insulin Resistance, Thyroid Health, Metabolic Health, Sustainable Weight Loss, Women's Health, Healthy Aging, Root Cause Medicine

    13 Min.
  2. 20. Mai

    The Root Cause of Autoimmune Conditions (And Why Women Are Most Affected)

    Autoimmune Conditions: Why They Happen (and Why Women Are Most Affected) Autoimmune conditions are on the rise—and if you’re dealing with symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, or hormone imbalances, you’re not alone. What many people don’t realize is that autoimmune conditions are not random. They are often the result of underlying imbalances in the body. At Thrive Functional Health, we take a root-cause approach to help uncover what’s really driving these conditions—and more importantly, how to support the body in healing. An autoimmune condition occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. Instead of protecting you from harmful invaders, the immune system becomes dysregulated, leading to chronic inflammation and tissue damage. https://www.thrivecfh.com/functional-medicine⁠ This can affect many areas of the body, including: Thyroid (Hashimoto’s, Graves’)Joints (Rheumatoid arthritis)Gut (Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis)Skin (eczema, psoriasis)Autoimmune symptoms often develop gradually and may include: Chronic fatigueBrain fogJoint pain or stiffnessDigestive issues (bloating, food sensitivities)Hormonal imbalancesSkin issuesAnxiety or mood changesThese symptoms are often early warning signs that the immune system is under stress. Approximately 80% of individuals with autoimmune conditions are women. This is due to several key factors: Estrogen stimulates immune activity, increasing antibody production and immune responsiveness. Women have two X chromosomes, which carry many immune-related genes, increasing susceptibility to immune dysregulation. Chronic stress impacts cortisol levels, which play a critical role in regulating inflammation and immune function. Puberty, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause all create shifts in the immune system. Research suggests that up to 75% of autoimmune conditions are driven by environmental factors. Some of the most common include: The health of the gut is central to immune function. Issues like leaky gut and dysbiosis can trigger immune activation. Gluten can increase intestinal permeability and trigger immune responses in susceptible individuals. Exposure to heavy metals, mold, pesticides, and chemicals increases inflammation and immune burden. Chronic or past infections can keep the immune system in a constant state of activation. Chronic stress disrupts immune regulation and increases inflammation. Nutrition plays a powerful role in calming inflammation and supporting immune balance. Leafy greensHealthy fats (olive oil, avocado)Wild-caught fish (rich in omega-3s)Fermented foodsHerbs and spices like turmeric and gingerGlutenProcessed foodsRefined sugar and artificial sweetenersIndustrial seed oilsOne of our favorite supportive tools in the clinic is a high-quality omega-3 supplement. Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) have been extensively studied for their role in: Reducing inflammationSupporting joint healthModulating immune functionImproving brain and mood healthFor individuals dealing with autoimmune symptoms—especially joint pain and stiffness—this can be an important part of a comprehensive plan. At Thrive Functional Health, we don’t just manage symptoms—we look for the root cause. This includes: Advanced lab testingPersonalized nutrition plansGut healing protocolsHormone and stress supportBecause no two autoimmune cases are the same. Autoimmune conditions are not something you simply have to live with. When you begin to understand the “why” behind your symptoms, you can take meaningful steps toward healing. If you’re ready to explore a root-cause approach, we’re here to help. Schedule your Free Health Consultation today:https://www.thrivecfh.com/functional-medicine Let’s uncover what’s really going on—and create a plan that works for you.

    15 Min.
  3. 24. Feb.

    Why Resistance Training Is Essential for Insulin Sensitivity & Long-Term Metabolic Health

    Insulin resistance isn’t just about sugar—and it’s not just about weight. In this episode of Health Hacks, Tara Peterson and Dr. Jeni explain why resistance training is one of the most effective tools for improving insulin sensitivity and protecting metabolic health. Using current research and clinical insight, they break down how insulin works, why muscle is the body’s largest glucose sink, and how strength training improves blood sugar control, reduces visceral fat, lowers inflammation, and slows metabolic aging—even after the workout is over. You’ll also learn why up to 93% of U.S. adults are metabolically unhealthy, why muscle loss accelerates insulin resistance after age 30, and how just 2–3 strength training sessions per week can make a meaningful difference. If you’re struggling with blood sugar swings, fatigue, inflammation, or stubborn weight gain—this episode is for you. 💚 Interested in a personalized plan?Schedule a FREE Health Consultation with Thrive Functional Health to address your metabolic health from the inside out. www.thrivecfh.com In This Episode, We Cover: What insulin does and how insulin resistance develops Why insulin resistance can exist even at a normal weight NHANES data showing 93% of U.S. adults are metabolically unhealthy The role of skeletal muscle as the body’s largest glucose sink How excess blood sugar is stored as fat—especially visceral fat Why visceral fat worsens inflammation and insulin resistance How resistance training improves insulin sensitivity for 24–48 hours post-workout The connection between muscle mass, mitochondria, and metabolic aging Why adults lose 3–8% of muscle mass per decade after age 30 How strength training protects against metabolic decline and chronic disease Practical guidance on how often to strength train for metabolic health Resistance training isn’t just about strength—it’s about blood sugar control, inflammation reduction, hormone balance, and long-term metabolic resilience. NHANES Metabolic Health DataEstimates indicate that ~93% of U.S. adults meet criteria for poor metabolic health, defined by abnormalities in blood glucose, triglycerides, blood pressure, HDL cholesterol, or waist circumference. Wildman RP et al.The metabolic syndrome in normal-weight individuals: the importance of visceral adiposity.Arch Intern Med. 2008. DeFronzo RA, Tripathy D.Skeletal muscle insulin resistance is the primary defect in type 2 diabetes.Diabetes Care. 2009. Strasser B, et al.Resistance training improves insulin sensitivity and metabolic health.Sports Medicine. 2010. Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine (2024)Resistance training as a key intervention for insulin sensitivity, mitochondrial function, and metabolic aging.👉 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11994356/ Phillips SM, et al.Sarcopenia and the role of resistance training in aging.Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2016.

    13 Min.

Info

Health Hacks is a functional medicine podcast for women who are done being told their labs are "normal" while still feeling exhausted and hormonally imbalanced. Hosted by Dr. Jeni St. Onge, DC, CFMP and Tara Peterson, we cover hormone optimization, perimenopause, metabolic health, thyroid function, gut health, and women's longevity — with real answers and actionable insights every episode. Dr. Jeni and Tara practice in Branson, MO with Telehealth available nationwide. www.thrivecfh.com