Less Stressed Life: Helping You Heal Yourself

Christa Biegler
  • 4.9 (242)
  • Nutrition
  • Updated Semiweekly

Welcome to the Less Stressed Life. If you’re here, I bet we have a few things in common. We’re both in pursuit of a Less Stressed Life. But we don’t have it all figured out quite yet. We’re moms that want the best for our families, health practitioners that want the best for our clients and women that just want to feel better with every birthday. We’re health savvy, but we want to learn something new each day. The Less Stressed Life isn’t a destination, it’s a pursuit, a journey if you will. On this show, we talk about health from the physical, emotional and nutritional angles and want you to know that you always have options. We’re here to help you heal yourself. Learn more at www.christabiegler.com 

  1. 1d ago

    #465 When It's Not "Just Anxiety”: Diagnosing CIRS with Jenna De Kok, MS, RD

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Less Stressed Life, I'm joined by my associate registered dietitian, Jenna De Kok, to share the deeply personal journey she and her husband have been on with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). After multiple exposures to water-damaged buildings, they both began experiencing unexplained symptoms, with Jenna developing debilitating panic attacks, severe insomnia, neurological symptoms, and overwhelming fatigue. Despite being told by multiple healthcare providers that it was "just anxiety," she continued searching for answers until she finally received a CIRS diagnosis. We also discuss what CIRS is, how it differs from mold illness, why environmental testing matters, and the role of the Shoemaker Protocol in recovery. KEY TAKEAWAYS:  What is Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) Common neurological symptoms of CIRS  The difference between CIRS and mold illness  Trusting your body when answers don't add up  Why environmental testing matters  Finding the right tools for your healing journey ABOUT GUEST: Jenna is a registered dietitian via her business Nutritiously Jenna and associate practitioner at Less Stressed Life Nutrition. She started working with Christa in 2018 doing mentorship hours for her undergraduate degree. Her passion for women's wellness came from her firsthand struggles flaring with a variety of gut, detox/drainage, nervous system, and energy issues. In January 2026 was when she officially learned that CIRS was a piece of not only her health story but also, her husband's after a variety of exposures to biotoxins in their homes. Through this experience, her goal is helping other "misunderstood" clients better understand how their symptoms can be influenced by the health of their environment. WHERE TO FIND GUEST: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nutritiouslyjenna/ SPONSOR: Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎  Try their Electrolyte Supreme in the crowd-favorite Fruit Punch flavor this summer.🍓🍹Use code LESSSTRESSED10 on every order for 10% off!  NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE: 🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone ❤️ Do your best and leave the rest WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA: Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/ Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionist Podcast Instagram: @lessstressedlife YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlife More Links + Quizzes: https://www.christabiegler.com/links Protocols: https://www.christabiegler.com/protocolshop ❓Questions for Christa? Submit them here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questions

  2. Aug 5

    #464 Origin of Functional Medicine, Post-CV Immune Resilience, Mast Cells, Inflammaging and Fatty Acids with Dr. Jeffrey Bland, PhD

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Less Stressed Life, I'm joined by Dr. Jeffrey Bland for a conversation about the evolution of functional medicine and what we're continuing to learn about immune resilience. We explore why "immune boosting" isn't the goal, how the gut microbiome influences inflammation throughout the body, and why mast cells, the 4R gut restoration protocol, and post-COVID immune changes are important pieces of the immune health puzzle. We also discuss inflammaging (chronic inflammation associated with aging) and how nutrition and lifestyle choices can help support resilience and healthy aging. KEY TAKEAWAYS: • Why immune resilience matters more than immune boosting • How the gut microbiome influences inflammation • The role of mast cells in immune health • How the 4R protocol supports gut health • Understanding inflammaging and healthy aging • Nutrition and lifestyle strategies to build resilience ABOUT GUEST: Dr. Jeffrey Bland is a world-renowned nutritional medicine expert and is widely considered the "Father of Functional Medicine." A trained biochemist, he has authored more than 120 peer-reviewed publications and the bestselling book The Disease Delusion. He co-founded the Institute for Functional Medicine and the Personalized Lifestyle Medicine Institute and is the founder of Big Bold Health, where his work focuses on immune rejuvenation through nutrition, lifestyle, and regenerative health. WHERE TO FIND GUEST: Website: https://jeffreybland.com/ Website: https://bigboldhealth.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjeffreybland/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JeffreyBlandPhD SPONSOR: Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎  Try their Electrolyte Supreme in the crowd-favorite Fruit Punch flavor this summer.🍓🍹Use code LESSSTRESSED10 on every order for 10% off!  NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE: 🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone ❤️ Do your best and leave the rest WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA: Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/ Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionist Podcast Instagram: @lessstressedlife YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlife More Links + Quizzes: https://www.christabiegler.com/links Protocols: https://www.christabiegler.com/protocolshop ❓Questions for Christa? Submit them here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questions

  3. Jul 29

    #463 From the Archives: Life Lessons from the Oldest and Wisest with David Romanelli

    Send us Fan Mail The Less Stressed Life turns 10 next year🤯, and as I started looking back through some of the earliest episodes, I realized there were a few conversations I wanted to bring back because they're just as relevant today as when they were first recorded. This week, we're revisiting Episode 54 from 2019 with bestselling author and wellness innovator Dave Romanelli. While this conversation was recorded before the world experienced the isolation of the pandemic, its message about connection, loneliness, and learning from older generations feels even more meaningful today.  In this episode, Dave shares what he learned from years of connecting with people in their 80s, 90s, and even 100s through his Drinks With Your Elders events and the conversations that inspired his book, Life Lessons from the Oldest and Wisest. We explore the importance of preserving family stories, why slowing down to truly listen matters, and the perspective that only comes from a lifetime of experience. We also discuss parenting, resilience, loneliness, and why meaningful relationships—not accomplishments or possessions—are what matter most at the end of life.  Find David's books here: https://davidromanelli.com/#books KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Why older generations hold wisdom we can't afford to lose  The importance of preserving family stories before it's too late  Life lessons on parenting, resilience, and showing up for the people you love  How perspective can help us navigate life's everyday challenges  Why relationships matter more than achievements at the end of life  The value of creating connections across generations  Simple ways to start meaningful conversations with the elders in your lifeABOUT GUEST: Dave Romanelli is a bestselling author, wellness innovator, entrepreneur, and lifelong meditator. He is the author of several books, including Life Lessons from the Oldest and Wisest, and is known for bringing generations together through his Drinks With Your Elders events. His work explores connection, mindfulness, relationships, and the lessons we can learn from those who have lived the longest. His work has been featured in The New York Times, O Magazine, Newsweek, Food & Wine, and The Wall Street Journal.  WHERE TO FIND GUEST: Website: https://davidromanelli.com/# Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yeahdave/ SPONSOR: Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎  Try their Electrolyte Supreme in the crowd-favorite Fruit Punch flavor this summer.🍓🍹Use code LESSSTRESSED10 on every order for 10% off!  NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE: 🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone ❤️ Do your best and leave the rest WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA: Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/ Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionist Podcast Instagram: @lessstressedlife YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlife More Links + Quizzes: https://www.christabiegler.com/links Protocols: https://www.christabiegler.com/protocolshop ❓Questions for Christa? Submit them here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questions

  4. Jul 22

    #462 From the Archives: How to Be a Flavor Scientist with Olivia Wagner, RDN, IFNCP

    Send us Fan Mail The Less Stressed Life turns 10 next year🤯, and as I started looking back through some of the earliest episodes, I realized there were a few conversations I wanted to bring back because they're just as relevant today as when they were first recorded. This week, we're revisiting Episode 47 from 2019 with functional dietitian Olivia Wagner, whose practical approach to food as medicine continues to inspire how we think about nourishing our bodies.  In this episode, we explore how every bite of food provides information to the body, why becoming a "nutrient seeker" can transform the way you think about healthy eating, and simple strategies for building meals that are both nourishing and delicious. We also discuss practical meal prep techniques, easy ways to increase the variety of plants on your plate, creative tips for helping the whole family enjoy more nutrient-dense foods, and how small, consistent changes can have a lasting impact on your health.  Bonus Resource: Download the free Food as Medicine Checklist created for this episode, packed with simple, practical ways to put these nutrition strategies into action. KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Food as information and the food-as-medicine approach  How to become a "nutrient seeker"  Simple ways to build colorful, nutrient-dense meals  Practical meal prep and batch cooking tips  Easy strategies to help the whole family eat more vegetables  Flavor-building techniques to make healthy meals delicious  Kitchen tools and resources that simplify healthy cookingABOUT GUEST: Olivia Wagner, MS, RDN, LDN, IFNCP, is a functional women's health and fertility dietitian and the founder of Liv Nourished. She specializes in helping women uncover the root causes of hormone imbalances, fertility challenges, and metabolic concerns through a whole-woman approach that combines functional nutrition, advanced lab testing, and nervous system support. Olivia is passionate about empowering women to better understand their bodies and create lasting health from the inside out.  WHERE TO FIND GUEST: Website: https://livnourishednutrition.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livnourishednutrition/ SPONSOR: Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎  Try their Electrolyte Supreme in the crowd-favorite Fruit Punch flavor this summer.🍓🍹Use code LESSSTRESSED10 on every order for 10% off!  NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE: 🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone ❤️ Do your best and leave the rest WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA: Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/ Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionist Podcast Instagram: @lessstressedlife YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlife More Links + Quizzes: https://www.christabiegler.com/links Protocols: https://www.christabiegler.com/protocolshop ❓Questions for Christa? Submit them here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questions

  5. Jul 15

    #461 From the Archives: Functional & Medicinal Mushrooms for Beginners with Jeff Chilton

    Send us Fan Mail The Less Stressed Life celebrates 10 years next year🤯, and as I looked back through some of the early episodes, I realized there were a few conversations I wanted to bring back because they're just as relevant today as when they were first recorded. This week, we're revisiting Episode 39 from 2018 with Jeff Chilton, one of the world's leading experts on medicinal mushrooms and the founder of Nammex. In this episode, we explore the science behind functional mushrooms, what makes mushrooms like lion's mane, reishi, cordyceps, chaga, and shiitake unique, and why not all mushroom supplements are created equal. We also discuss beta-glucans, immune and cognitive support, how to identify quality mushroom products, and simple ways to incorporate mushrooms into your daily routine. KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Functional mushrooms and their unique benefits  Lion's mane, reishi, cordyceps, and chaga explained  Beta-glucans and immune support  How to choose a quality mushroom supplement  Mushroom myths and common misconceptions  Cooking with mushrooms for maximum flavor  Simple ways to add mushrooms to your wellness routineABOUT GUEST: Jeff Chilton is a mycologist, author, and founder of Nammex, one of the world's leading suppliers of certified organic functional mushroom extracts. With more than 50 years of experience in mushroom cultivation and research, Jeff has been a pioneer in bringing medicinal mushrooms to the North American natural health industry. He co-authored the bestselling book The Mushroom Cultivator and has spent decades working alongside leading mushroom researchers and growers throughout China to advance quality standards, education, and scientific research on functional mushrooms. Today, he continues to advocate for transparency, proper labeling, and evidence-based mushroom products.  WHERE TO FIND GUEST: Website: https://www.nammex.com/ Website: https://realmushrooms.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/real_mushrooms/ Educational: https://www.nammex.com/mushroom-education/ Research White Paper: https://www.nammex.com/redefining-medicinal-mushrooms/ SPONSOR: Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎  Try their Electrolyte Supreme in the crowd-favorite Fruit Punch flavor this summer.🍓🍹Use code LESSSTRESSED10 on every order for 10% off!  NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE: 🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone ❤️ Do your best and leave the rest WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA: Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/ Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionist Podcast Instagram: @lessstressedlife YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlife More Links + Quizzes: https://www.christabiegler.com/links Protocols: https://www.christabiegler.com/protocolshop ❓Questions for Christa? Submit them here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questions

  6. Jul 8

    #460 From the Archives: The Life Changing Benefits of Sauna Use with Dr. Raleigh Duncan

    Send us Fan Mail The Less Stressed Life celebrates 10 years next year🤯, and as I looked back through some of the early episodes, I realized there were a few conversations I wanted to bring back because they're just as relevant today as when they were first recorded. We're kicking off this replay series with Episode 30 from 2018, featuring Dr. Raleigh Duncan, one of the early pioneers in the infrared sauna industry. In this episode, we talk about what makes infrared saunas different from traditional saunas, what's happening in the body during a sauna session, and the research behind many of sauna's health benefits. We also discuss detoxification, nervous system regulation, recovery, cardiovascular health, and simple ways to get more out of your sauna routine. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Infrared vs. traditional saunasThe science behind saunaDetoxification and sweatingNervous system supportSauna and exercise recoverySimple sauna best practicesBuilding a sustainable wellness habitABOUT GUEST: Dr. Raleigh Duncan is a Doctor of Chiropractic and the founder and CEO of Clearlight®, one of the world's leading infrared sauna companies. A pioneer in infrared sauna technology for nearly three decades, he has dedicated his career to researching how infrared therapy can support healing, recovery, and overall wellness. Dr. Duncan has developed numerous patented infrared technologies and continues to advance innovations in sauna and wellness products used by individuals, health practitioners, and fitness professionals around the world. WHERE TO FIND GUEST: Website: https://infraredsauna.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clearlightsaunas SPONSOR: Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎  Try their Electrolyte Supreme in the crowd-favorite Fruit Punch flavor this summer.🍓🍹Use code LESSSTRESSED10 on every order for 10% off!  NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE: 🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone ❤️ Do your best and leave the rest WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA: Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/ Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionist Podcast Instagram: @lessstressedlife YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlife More Links + Quizzes: https://www.christabiegler.com/links Protocols: https://www.christabiegler.com/protocolshop

  7. Jun 24

    #459 Quantum Leap in Your Sleep with Louise Wilson

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Less Stressed Life, I’m joined by Louise Wilson for a conversation about dreams, intuition, and the possibility that some of our best ideas may arrive while we're asleep. We explore the concepts of 3D, 4D, and 5D reality, why Louise believes dreams can be a powerful source of guidance, and how sleep may be an overlooked opportunity for problem-solving, creativity, and personal growth. We also discuss the power of asking better questions, creating space for deeper rest, and why the answers we're seeking may be closer than we think. Take Louise's 90-Second Wealth Mapping Quiz and discover whether you're operating in 2D, 3D, 4D, or 5D: https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/68bb3263f9cddc0015d2b866 KEY TAKEAWAYS: • Ancient cultures viewed dreams as a powerful source of wisdom and guidance • How questions can shift your focus toward solutions and possibility • The difference between 3D, 4D, and 5D perspectives • Sleep may be an untapped tool for problem-solving and creativity • Dreams, even the strange ones, may contain valuable messages • Your intuition grows stronger when you learn to trust it • Some of the answers you're seeking may already be within you ABOUT GUEST: Louise Wilson is a Business and Quantum Manifestation Coach who helps entrepreneurs combine intuition, mindset, and practical action to grow thriving businesses. A former Finance Manager for Greenpeace International and successful serial entrepreneur, she has spent the past 15 years coaching business owners through her proprietary Quantum Leap In Your Sleep framework, helping them create greater clarity, alignment, and results. WHERE TO FIND GUEST: Website: https://louise-wilson.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.infinite.entrepreneur/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPptpAbR6oG-oXgkoQm2bPg SPONSOR: Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎  Try their Electrolyte Supreme in the crowd-favorite Fruit Punch flavor this summer.🍓🍹Use code LESSSTRESSED10 on every order for 10% off!  NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE: 🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone ❤️ Do your best and leave the rest WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA: Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/ Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionist Podcast Instagram: @lessstressedlife YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlife More Links + Quizzes: https://www.christabiegler.com/links Protocols: https://www.christabiegler.com/protocolshop

  8. Jun 17

    #458 Energy Leaks, Building Capacity & Martyrdom with Helen Eimers

    Send us Fan Mail This week, I’m joined by Helen Eimers for a conversation about the hidden beliefs, energy leaks, and patterns that may be keeping us stuck. Helen is also my sister-in-law and one of the very first guests I ever had on the podcast, so it was a special treat to welcome her back for a second conversation. We explore why so many high-achieving women find themselves exhausted despite doing all the “right” things, how self-sabotage often stems from parts of ourselves that simply want to be seen, and why healing isn’t about fixing or erasing our wounds. Helen shares her perspective on building capacity from the inside out, the role of self-compassion in lasting change, and how gratitude, curiosity, and learning to receive support can help us create more energy, fulfillment, and freedom in our lives. If you'd like to listen to Helen's first appearance on the podcast, you can find that episode here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/775589/episodes/2341202 KEY TAKEAWAYS: ✨ Stop fighting yourself and start getting curious ✨ Hidden beliefs may be draining more energy than you realize ✨ You can't think your way through everything—you have to feel it too ✨ Martyrdom, burnout, and people-pleasing often go hand in hand ✨ Receiving support is just as important as giving it ✨ Lasting change happens when you build capacity from the inside out ABOUT GUEST: Helen Eimers is a Success Coach, certified conscious heart hypnotherapist, speaker, and author who helps ambitious women overcome self-doubt, burnout, and inner resistance so they can create sustainable success and fulfillment. Drawing on her background as a registered nurse, Helen combines practical strategy, mindset work, and hypnotherapy to help women build confidence, clarity, and alignment from the inside out. She has spent more than a decade guiding women toward greater capacity, purpose, and intentional living.  WHERE TO FIND GUEST: Website: https://www.heleneimers.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helen.eimers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heleneimers/ SPONSOR: Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎  Try their Electrolyte Supreme in the crowd-favorite Fruit Punch flavor this summer.🍓🍹Use code LESSSTRESSED10 on every order for 10% off!  NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE: 🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone ❤️ Do your best and leave the rest WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA: Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/ Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionist Podcast Instagram: @lessstressedlife YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlife More Links + Quizzes: https://www.christabiegler.com/links Protocols: https://www.christabiegler.com/protocolshop

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Welcome to the Less Stressed Life. If you’re here, I bet we have a few things in common. We’re both in pursuit of a Less Stressed Life. But we don’t have it all figured out quite yet. We’re moms that want the best for our families, health practitioners that want the best for our clients and women that just want to feel better with every birthday. We’re health savvy, but we want to learn something new each day. The Less Stressed Life isn’t a destination, it’s a pursuit, a journey if you will. On this show, we talk about health from the physical, emotional and nutritional angles and want you to know that you always have options. We’re here to help you heal yourself. Learn more at www.christabiegler.com 

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