The Natural Navigator

Ariana
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Alternative Health
  • Updated Weekly

The Natural Navigator Host: Ariana | Future ND & Chronic Illness Warrior Welcome to The Natural Navigator, a podcast dedicated to connecting the dots of complex chronic illness, one puzzle piece at a time. Hosted by a naturopathic medical student navigating her own multi-system health journey, this show explores the overlapping webs of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), Dystautonomia, migraines, chemical sensitivities, and endometriosis. If you’ve spent years bouncing from specialist to specialist, feeling gaslit by “normal” lab results while your body tells a completely different story, you are not alone. Here, I blend medical research, root-cause naturopathic tools, and radical vulnerability to help you understand why your body makes sense, and help you find your answers faster than I did. Tune in weekly to map out your own path back to health.

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    Ep. 11 Nervous System Regulation & The Thermal Paradox

    If you live with a complex multi-system body, you've probably been told at some point to "just relax," take an ice-cold plunge, or sit in a sauna to reset your nervous system. But if doing those things has ever sent your body into a total physical spiral, you are not alone.  In this episode of The Natural Navigator, host Ariana dives into the science of why generic wellness advice can completely backfire on hypermobile and reactive bodies. We explore how chronic illness brains get stuck in a persistent "fight-or-flight" loop, how stress hormones act as a direct chemical trigger for your mast cells (explaining the link between stress, histamines, and hives), and why extreme temperature changes cause thermal dysregulation in EDS and dysautonomia.  In this episode, we explore: Why up to 65% of people with hypermobility experience autonomic dysfunction and constant sympathetic overdrive.The biological loop connecting a stressed nervous system directly to your "histamine bucket" and chemical sensitivities.The real clinical science behind why extreme heat and cold can trigger blood pooling, mast cell degranulation, and nervous system shock.Three safe, non-thermal, evidence-based naturopathic tools you can use today to engage your vagus nerve and calm your heart rate, including vocal toning, proprioceptive grounding, and sensory boundary-setting. If this episode helped you feel a little more understood, please follow, leave a review, or share it with a friend who needs to hear it. Your body makes sense, and you are not alone.  Let's connect! https://www.instagram.com/thenatural.navigator

  2. Aug 12

    Ep. 10 Unfolding the Map

    If you live with a complex body, you probably know what it's like to feel like a detective handed a puzzle with half the pieces missing. In this premiere episode of The Natural Navigator, host Ariana pulls back the curtain on her multi-year health journey—from joint pain, nervous system dysregulation, and chemical sensitivities to the recent plot twist of an endometriosis diagnosis. In this episode, we explore: Why multi-system symptoms (EDS, MCAS, and dysautonomia) are not isolated incidents, but interconnected branches of the same tree.The eye-opening medical research linking hypermobility, mast cell activation, and systemic inflammation.How a brand new endometriosis diagnosis fits into the wider web, and what the latest clinical data says about EDS and pelvic health.The core philosophy of root-cause naturopathic medicine and why we need both Western structural interventions (like surgery) and holistic terrain support.Four foundational naturopathic tools you can start using today—including vagus nerve regulation and managing your "histamine bucket."If this episode resonated with you, please hit follow, leave a review, or share it with a friend who needs to hear it. You are not alone, wellness warriors! Let's connect! https://www.instagram.com/thenatural.navigator

  3. 07/28/2025

    Ep. 9 The difference between living in fear and understanding my body's limits

    In today's episode, we'll explore the notion that everything can seem like fun and games until my hypersensitive body unexpectedly reacts. Join me as I delve into a compelling story highlighting the power of resilience and the importance of a positive mindset. Together, we'll navigate the intricate dance between fear and self-awareness, discovering how these elements shape our experiences and define our journeys. Let's connect! https://www.instagram.com/thenatural.navigator

  4. 05/19/2025

    Ep. 8 Healing my relationship with food and how I approach food intolerances and high histamine foods

    Welcome back! In this episode, I’m thrilled to share my transformative journey from an unhealthy relationship with food and exercise to embracing a harmonious and balanced lifestyle. After enduring fainting spells that left me feeling perplexed and unsettled, I received a diagnosis of dysautonomia and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), which shed light on the underlying issues I was facing. As I navigated this challenging period, I uncovered sensitivities to gluten and various foods rich in histamines, which significantly affected my well-being. Through trial and error, I learned the importance of tuning in to my body’s subtle signals, making thoughtful adjustments to my diet and lifestyle that truly honor my unique needs. I believe that healing is a deeply personal journey, and I encourage everyone to embark on it with an open heart, self-compassion, and a sense of curiosity. It has been such an enlightening experience, and I hope you enjoy listening to my story! Let's connect! https://www.instagram.com/thenatural.navigator

  5. 03/17/2025

    Ep. 7 Learning to live with anxiety in all of its forms

    Today, I want to delve into a topic that resonates deeply with many of us: anxiety. This complex emotion can creep up unexpectedly, often triggered by moments of heightened stress or significant life transitions that shake our sense of stability. Each of us experiences anxiety in unique ways, and when it becomes more pronounced, it can feel like an insurmountable weight pressing down on our shoulders. In light of this, I want to share the carefully cultivated tools and practices that I turn to during those challenging moments of high anxiety. These strategies have been my lifeline, guiding me through turbulent times and helping me regain a sense of calm and control. I truly believe that they could offer support to others who are grappling with feelings of overwhelm, providing a pathway to navigate through the fog of anxiety and find a clearer perspective. Let's connect! https://www.instagram.com/thenatural.navigator

  6. 02/24/2025

    Ep. 6 food relationships, body signals, owning a business, yoga, & hyponotherapy feat. Taylor Rometty

    In this episode, I'm excited to share my first interview with Taylor Rometty, an inspiring business owner blending her work as a yoga instructor and hypnotherapist. She has created a space for individuals to enhance their physical and mental well-being. Our conversation felt like a cozy girl chat as we explored how our journeys lead us where we need to be. A key takeaway was that being in a particular situation doesn’t mean we're trapped; every experience is a stepping stone. We discussed topics like food sensitivities, food freedom, and the connection between physical health and personal passions. We noted the importance of listening to our bodies and embracing the journey of discovering ourselves along the way. If you enjoy what you hear and want to collaborate with Taylor, here are the links to connect with her! https://www.homlistichealing.com/ https://www.instagram.com/homlistic.healing/ Let's connect! https://www.instagram.com/thenatural.navigator

  7. 02/10/2025

    Ep. 5 Small changes that make big changes

    Today, I want to delve into the intricate process of transforming our habits, lifestyles, or even the products we use. This journey can often feel like an overwhelming tide, especially when we feel the pressing weight of expectation to transform everything instantly. Social media is one of the most potent contributors to this sense of urgency. This platform can cultivate anxiety by showcasing seemingly perfect lives and making us feel inadequate if we can’t achieve rapid change ourselves. It’s vital to remember that change is a deeply personal and unique journey for each individual. We all progress at our own pace, influenced by our circumstances and experiences. Through my exploration, I’ve discovered that the secret to successful change lies in taking small, intentional steps. Each small victory leads to more significant progress. I’ve realized that crafting solutions specifically designed for my unique needs proves to be far more effective than adhering to a one-size-fits-all approach. Embracing this personalized method has made the journey manageable and profoundly transformative. Let's connect! https://www.instagram.com/thenatural.navigator

  8. 01/27/2025

    Ep. 4 How I started to listen to my body's signs to feel better

    Today, I will discuss the practices I mentioned last week regarding being mindful of the signs and signals from our bodies, as well as our inner intuition. This is particularly important for our health, encompassing both physical and mental well-being. If you can take a moment to pause and listen to your body’s cues, you’ll start to understand the messages it is trying to convey. We often overlook these signals, but through proper meditation and introspective work, you can learn to hear what your body is communicating. It may come as a gentle whisper, but over time, you will become more attuned to these cues and learn how to respond appropriately. This awareness could be crucial for those who are struggling to find solutions for their health issues. Let's connect! https://www.instagram.com/thenatural.navigator

  9. 01/21/2025

    Ep. 3 My Health Journey

    In today's episode, I am excited to take you on an in-depth exploration of my health journey, tracing the timeline from the very onset of my first symptoms to my current state of well-being. While I've shared fragments of my health history in previous episodes, I feel compelled to delve deeper today and share the full story. This journey has played a crucial role in shaping my identity and perspective, and although it has been filled with challenges and struggles, I find myself profoundly grateful for the path it has laid before me. Join me as I reflect on the highs and lows of my experience and the valuable lessons I've learned along the way. Let's connect! https://www.instagram.com/thenatural.navigator

  10. 01/13/2025

    Ep. 2 How I handle college in my 30s

    In this episode, I delve into my personal journey of returning to school, discussing the pivotal moments and inspirations that ignited my passion for pursuing a career in naturopathic medicine. I take the time to explore various time management strategies that have proven effective in my studies, as well as the daily rituals and practices I engage in to foster mental clarity. By sharing these insights, I aim to provide valuable tools for achieving academic excellence and building a successful career in the health field. Let's connect! https://www.instagram.com/thenatural.navigator

  11. 01/05/2025

    Ep. 1 The Introduction Episode

    Hello and welcome to The Natural Navigator podcast! My name is Ariana, and I’m thrilled to present the very first episode. In this episode, I’m excited to share a bit about myself and the journey that led me to create this podcast. I’ll delve into my personal story, the experiences that have shaped my perspective on health and wellness, and what you can look forward to in future episodes. Join me on this adventure, and I hope you enjoy the show! Let's connect! https://www.instagram.com/thenatural.navigator

  • 11 Episodes

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The Natural Navigator Host: Ariana | Future ND & Chronic Illness Warrior Welcome to The Natural Navigator, a podcast dedicated to connecting the dots of complex chronic illness, one puzzle piece at a time. Hosted by a naturopathic medical student navigating her own multi-system health journey, this show explores the overlapping webs of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), Dystautonomia, migraines, chemical sensitivities, and endometriosis. If you’ve spent years bouncing from specialist to specialist, feeling gaslit by “normal” lab results while your body tells a completely different story, you are not alone. Here, I blend medical research, root-cause naturopathic tools, and radical vulnerability to help you understand why your body makes sense, and help you find your answers faster than I did. Tune in weekly to map out your own path back to health.

Information

  • Creator
    Ariana
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Natural Navigator
  • Show Website
    The Natural Navigator