Functional Moms Podcast

Raquel B. Cartagena and Kristin Brucker
  • 5.0 (18)
  • Alternative Health
  • Updated Weekly

Are you aging well as a woman over 40? Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by all things wellness -- losing weight, reducing stress, finding time to exercise, feeding yourself and your family healthy meals -- it goes on and on! Join us as we use lifestyle and functional medicine solutions, so we can age STRONG! Connect with your hosts Kristin Brucker and Raquel B. Cartagena on Instagram and YouTube @functionalmomspodcast *Always consult with a healthcare professional when making any healthy lifestyle changes. This podcast is for informational purposes only.

  1. 6d ago

    Menopause, Bone Loss & Osteoporosis: What Women Over 40 Need to Know | Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein (ENCORE)

    Want to rebuild bone strength, relieve joint pain, and prevent osteoporosis after 40? In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein, a leading orthopedic surgeon from Duke University to explain what every woman over 40 needs to know about bone health during menopause. Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein is an orthopedic surgeon specialized in sports medicine and associate professor of orthopaedic surgery at Duke University School of Medicine. Dr. Wittstein is co-investigator with Dr. Anne Ford of Duke Women’s Health for the Duke Musculoskeletal Systems of Menopause Registry. She is president of the Forum: Women in Sports Medicine, co-author of The Complete Bone and Joint Health Plan and a mom of 5! Her husband is also an orthopaedic surgeon. Dr. Wittstein breaks down: How estrogen loss affects bones and jointsWhy frozen shoulder and arthritis spike after menopauseHow to reverse bone loss with strength training and nutrition When to get a DEXA scan (and what it tells you) What foods and supplements support stronger bonesWhether hormone therapy or GLP-1s can help 🦴 It’s never too late to build bone strength — but you need the right science-backed plan. 🔹 Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein – Orthopedic surgeon (Duke University) – Co-author of The Complete Bone and Joint Health Plan – President, Women in Sports Medicine Forum – Mom of 5, and expert in menopause-related joint care 📘 Get her book here: https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Bone-Joint-Health-Plan/dp/1682689417 📲 Connect with Dr. Wittstein on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelyn_wittstein_md/ #DrJocelynWittstein #GabrielleLyonPodcast #BoneHealthAfter40 #MenopauseRelief #Osteoporosis #JointPain #WomenOver40 #ReverseBoneLoss #DEXAScan #HormoneHealth #FitnessOver40 #StrongerBones

  2. Sep 22

    Stem Cells & Exosomes for Joint Pain & Injuries | Dr. Jeff Gross (ep 118)

    Are you dealing with knee, hip, shoulder, neck, or back pain and wondering if surgery is your only option? In this episode of Functional Moms Podcast, Dr. Jeff Gross explains regenerative medicine, stem cells, exosomes, joint pain, arthritis, and emerging treatments for musculoskeletal injuries. Dr. Jeff Gross is a board-certified, fellowship-trained neurological surgeon with a background in spine surgery and athletic injuries. After years in traditional neurosurgery, he shifted his focus toward regenerative medicine and founded ReCELLebrate. In this conversation, we explore what stem cells and exosomes are, how they may influence healing and inflammation, and where regenerative medicine may fit into the treatment of joint and tissue injuries. In This Episode, You'll Learn: What regenerative medicine is and how it differs from traditional treatments How stem cells may support the body's healing processes What exosomes are and how they differ from stem cells The role of the stem cell secretome in tissue signaling How regenerative treatments are being explored for arthritis and joint pain Potential applications for tendon and other musculoskeletal injuries Why some people may consider regenerative options before surgery What factors can affect whether someone is a candidate for regenerative treatment How blood thinners and bleeding risk can affect treatment decisions How menopause and hormonal changes can affect bones, joints, tendons, and muscle The relationship between exercise, fasting, sauna, cold exposure and cellular health Emerging applications of exosomes in skin, hair, wounds, fertility and sexual health If you're considering regenerative medicine, speak with a qualified healthcare professional who can evaluate your symptoms, imaging, medical history and overall candidacy for any treatment. Connect with Dr. Jeff Gross: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recellebrate/ Website: https://recellebrate.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnIGHEVciqfY-e45PLCKPWA Get 25% off top-quality supplement brands: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/functional-moms *We do not prescribe supplements or provide personalized medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you take prescription medications, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a medical condition. Connect with the Functional Moms! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/functionalmomspodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@functionalmomspodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@functionalmomspodcast/ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not provide personalized medical advice. We do not prescribe supplements. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting a new treatment or supplement, especially if you take prescription medications, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a medical condition.

  3. Sep 14

    Why You're Waking Up to Pee in Menopause-And Other Signs Your Pelvic Floor Needs Help | Elizabeth Stryker (ENCORE)

    If you're waking up at night to pee, dealing with frequent UTIs, bladder leakage, painful sex, or chronic constipation during perimenopause or menopause — this episode is for you. In this ENCORE episode, we talk with pelvic health physical therapist Elizabeth Stryker about how hormonal changes impact your pelvic floor — and what you can do to fix it naturally. Many women are told these symptoms are “just part of aging.” They are not. You’ll learn how pelvic floor physical therapy can dramatically improve urinary health, reduce recurrent UTIs, relieve constipation, improve sexual health, and even help with TMJ symptoms. Elizabeth Stryker is a pelvic health physical therapist and founder of Pelvic Stability PT in New Jersey. She earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Thomas Jefferson University and completed advanced training at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation specializing in pelvic floor dysfunction and neurological impairments. In this episode, we discuss: ✔ Why pelvic floor dysfunction increases during perimenopause and menopause ✔ Why you keep waking up at night to pee (nocturia explained) ✔ How pelvic floor PT helps prevent recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) ✔ The surprising connection between TMJ and the pelvic floor ✔ Pelvic floor therapy for chronic constipation ✔ What to expect during a pelvic floor physical therapy session ✔ How to reduce bladder leakage naturally Connect with Elizabeth Stryker Website: https://www.pelvicstabilitypt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pelvicstabilitypt/ 🛍 Shop Functional Moms Podcast Supplement Store (25% OFF top quality brands): https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/functional-moms DISCLAIMER: We do not prescribe supplements or provide personalized medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you take prescription medications, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a medical condition. 🎧 Follow Functional Moms Podcast on Apple Podcasts & Spotify 📺 Subscribe to the YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@functionalmomspodcast/ #MenopauseHealth #PelvicFloorTherapy #FrequentUTIs #BladderLeakage #WomensHealth #Perimenopause #Nocturia #PelvicHealth #ConstipationRelief #HormoneHealth

  4. Sep 8

    How She Lost 55 Pounds and Put Hashimoto's Into Remission | Courtney Kassis, RD (ENCORE)

    Struggling to lose weight after 40 or during menopause? You’re not alone. In this episode of Functional Moms Podcast, we sit down with Courtney Kassis, registered dietitian, twin mom, and creator of the 90-30-50 Method, to learn how real food can help you balance hormones, boost metabolism, and finally lose weight — without restriction. Courtney teaches her tips on her wildly popular Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/dietitianwithtwins/ Courtney shares her journey with Hashimoto’s and how focusing on protein, fiber, and healthy fats helped her lose 55 pounds postpartum, reverse autoimmune symptoms, and reclaim her energy. Whether you’re navigating perimenopause or postmenopause, this conversation reveals a sustainable approach to fat loss, blood sugar balance, and hormonal health. What You’ll Learn: What the 90-30-50 Method is and how it works How protein and fiber support metabolism and fat burning The truth about fasting and women’s hormones Why perfection isn’t necessary — consistency is How alcohol affects weight loss and metabolismConnect with Courtney: Instagram → @dietitianwithtwins YouTube → Dietitian With Twins Shop the Functional Moms Podcast Supplement Store, 25 PERCENT OFF top quality brands: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/functional-moms⁠ *DISCLAIMER: We do not prescribe supplements or provide personalized medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you take prescription medications, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a medical condition. Connect with the Functional Moms: https://www.instagram.com/functionalmomspodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@functionalmomspodcast SUBSCRIBE on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@functionalmomspodcast/ #WeightLossOver40 #MenopauseWeightLoss #HormoneHealth #MidlifeWellness #FunctionalMomsPodcast

  5. Sep 1

    Menopause Weight Gain Won't Stop? When to Consider GLP-1 Medications | Monique Class (ep 117)

    Today’s conversation is for you if you can’t seem to lose weight no matter what you do. Perimenopause and menopause change your body and sometimes it feels like overnight we just start piling on weight! Monique Class is a board certified family nurse practitioner and co-founder of The Center for Functional Medicine. She recently spoke at the Institute for Functional Medicine’s Annual International Conference in San Diego and we were thrilled to watch her presentation about using lifestyle changes, botanicals and GLP-1 medications to lose stubborn weight.  We learn: Lower estrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause trigger insulin resistance, poor carbohydrate metabolism and a shift toward inflammatory belly fat. Fullness relies on gut-to-brian chemical signaling that requires slow eating to activate; eating too quickly causes overeating before the 15-20 minute signal registers. Eating daily fiber and fermented foods for 10 weeks lowers inflammation and permanently alters the gut microbiome to naturally boost satiety. Low-dose “micro-dosing” reduces cravings and turns off global inflammation. Rather than quitting abruptly, medications must be slowly de-escalated alongside permanent behavioral changes. How botanicals can be used to enhance GLP-1 Moving or walking for 15 minutes right after lunch and dinner tells the cells to burn food for fuel rather than store it, increasing glucose hit rate by 25 percent Ceasing all food intake 3 hours before going to bed prevents the body from storing unmetabolized food as fat. Connect with Monique: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moniqueclassfxmed/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monique-class-ms-aprn-bc-436260a0/ Shop the Functional Moms Podcast Supplement Store, 25 PERCENT OFF top quality brands: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/functional-moms⁠ *DISCLAIMER: We do not prescribe supplements or provide personalized medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you take prescription medications, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a medical condition. Connect with the Functional Moms: https://www.instagram.com/functionalmomspodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@functionalmomspodcast SUBSCRIBE on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@functionalmomspodcast/ #menopause #perimenopause #glp1 #weightloss #menopauseweightgain #ozempic #mounjaro #wegovy #functionalfedicine #hormones #womenshealth #over40 #midlifehealth #weightlossjourney #functionalmomspodcast #nursepractitioner #hormonalweightgain #metabolichealth #botanicals #weightmanagement The views expressed are those of the guest and this conversation is intended for general informational purposes only. The podcast and its associated materials should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

  6. Aug 25

    How to DEPUFF Your Face & Body FAST: Lymphatic Drainage for Glowing Skin | Cortney Santos (ENCORE)

    This episode is for you if you’re looking to reduce puffiness, eye bags, look younger naturally and even create a more defined jawline. We are going to learn all about our lymphatic system and how to support it. Cortney Santos is a licensed bodywork therapist and certified lymphedema therapist, specializing in lymphatic health and TMJ dysfunction.  Cortney has an online wellness business for busy women and moms teaching lymphatic massage self-care. Cortney also owns Colysa Therapies in Bedminster, NJ where she supports post-op recovery for clients healing from a wide range of surgeries. We learn: The lymphatic system is crucial for overall health; it transports toxins, immune cells, and nutrients throughout the body Signs of a sluggish lymphatic system include puffiness and swelling Lymphatic massage can stimulate fluid movement and reduce puffiness  How to stimulate lymph nodes for effective lymphatic drainage Posture significantly impacts lymphatic flow and overall health Movement and hydration are essential for lymphatic function How to decrease swelling in the ankles and legs How to depuff the face and eye bags What is TMJ and how myofascial release techniques can help ease pain How buccal massage can reduce facial asymmetry and reduce puffiness A lymphatic gut reset can relieve bloating and discomfort Rebounding and legs up the wall can help lymphatic drainage, but lymph nodes must be stimulated first for it to be most effective  Connect with Cortney: https://www.instagram.com/co.ly.sa https://www.colysatherapies.com/ Thank you for listening to our show. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider giving us a review and subscribe. It will allow us to continue to bring more episodes your way! Kristin and Raquel info@functionalmoms.com  https://www.instagram.com/functionalmomspodcast https://www.youtube.com/@functionalmomspodcast #LymphaticDrainage #DepuffYourFace #NaturalFacelift #WellnessForWomen #HolisticHealth #surgeryrecovery

  7. Aug 18

    The Shocking Truth about Mammograms & Breast Cancer Prevention | Dr. Jenn Simmons (ep 116)

    Breast cancer prevention starts long before a diagnosis. In this episode of Functional Moms Podcast, Dr. Jenn Simmons, an integrative oncologist, former breast surgeon, author, and founder of PerfeQTion Imaging shares the latest insights on breast cancer screening, early detection, and lifestyle strategies that can help women reduce their risk. You'll learn why traditional mammograms may not be the best option for every woman, especially those with dense breast tissue, and how the innovative QT Scan offers a radiation-free approach to breast imaging. Dr. Jenn also explains the importance of understanding your individual breast cancer risk, the challenges of overdiagnosis, and what every woman should know before her next screening. Beyond screening, this conversation explores evidence based ways to support long-term breast health through nutrition, metabolic health, stress management, exercise, and healthy lifestyle habits. We also discuss DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ), the potential risks of repeated mammogram radiation, and the latest research on GLP-1 medications and cancer prevention. We learn: How to reduce your breast cancer risk naturallyThe differences between mammograms and the QT ScanWhy dense breast tissue matters during screeningBreast cancer screening recommendations for women over 40Lifestyle habits that support breast healthThe role of metabolic health in cancer preventionHow chronic stress may impact breast cancer riskEmerging research on GLP-1 medications and breast cancer Whether you're looking for the latest breast cancer screening options or practical ways to improve your long-term health, this episode offers valuable insights to help you make informed decisions.  Purchase The Smart Woman’s Guide to Breast Cancer Book: Amazon Connect with Dr. Jenn: perfeqtionimaging.com https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/ https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmons/ https://www.tiktok.com/@drjennsimmons https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons Shop the Functional Moms Podcast Supplement Store, 25 PERCENT OFF topquality brands: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/functional-moms⁠ *DISCLAIMER: We do not prescribe supplements or provide personalized medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you take prescription medications, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a medical condition. Connect with the Functional Moms: https://www.instagram.com/functionalmomspodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@functionalmomspodcast SUBSCRIBE on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@functionalmomspodcast/ DISCLAIMER The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended for the purpose of diagnosing, curing, treating or preventing any disease. We are functional medicine certified health coaches and not licensed medical professionals. The opinions and advice of guests are their own and also not considered to be medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional when making any healthy lifestyle changes.  Keywords: breast cancer prevention, breast screening, breast cancer screening after 40, breast cancer risk, breast cancer early detection, mammogram, mammogram alternative, QT Scan, dense breasts, breast imaging, breast health, women's health, women over menopause health, integrative oncology, functional medicine, cancer prevention, metabolic health, healthy aging, Dr. Jenn Simmons

  8. Aug 13

    Perimenopause Weight Loss: Why It's SO HARD (And Exactly How to Fix It) | Leslie Weidner (ENCORE)

    Leslie Weidner is a nutritionist with over a decade of experience in nutrition and dietetics. She specializes in guiding women through the complex journey of perimenopause, helping them navigate hormonal changes with personalized nutrition plans and lifestyle adjustments. Over the past 5 years, Leslie has empowered women in perimenopause to make sustainable, healthy habit changes. In 2023, she moved from Kirkland, Washington to Scotland where she lives with her family. She coaches women virtually through her company Leslie Weidner Nutrition.  We learn: Why keto, high protein and other fad diets fail The importance of fiber for perimenopausal women Weight cycling leads to extra weight gain in the long run Visceral fat is a concern for health, not just appearance Why the scale isn’t the best indicator for health Self-acceptance is important as bodies change with age How diet influences mental health How women metabolize alcohol differently during perimenopause Hormonal changes lead to increased fatigue and sleep issues Hormone replacement therapy can provide relief for some women Eating less and exercising more backfires during perimenopause Morning sunlight can regulate circadian rhythms How social media can contribute to stress and disrupt sleep Connect with Leslie: https://www.instagram.com/perimenopause_nutritionist/ Thank you for listening to our show. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider giving us a review and FOLLOW the show on Apple and Spotify. It will allow us to continue to bring more episodes your way! info@functionalmoms.com  https://www.instagram.com/functionalmomspodcast https://www.youtube.com/@functionalmomspodcast #PerimenopauseWeightLoss #WomenOver40 #HormonalWeightGain #HealthyAging #PerimenopauseDiet #HRT #MetabolismBoost #VisceralFat #PerimenopauseNutrition #FunctionalMoms

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Are you aging well as a woman over 40? Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by all things wellness -- losing weight, reducing stress, finding time to exercise, feeding yourself and your family healthy meals -- it goes on and on! Join us as we use lifestyle and functional medicine solutions, so we can age STRONG! Connect with your hosts Kristin Brucker and Raquel B. Cartagena on Instagram and YouTube @functionalmomspodcast *Always consult with a healthcare professional when making any healthy lifestyle changes. This podcast is for informational purposes only.

Information

  • Creator
    Raquel B. Cartagena and Kristin Brucker
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    125
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Raquel B. Cartagena and Kristin Brucker
  • Show Website
    Functional Moms Podcast

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