Functionally Enlightened - Better ways to heal from chronic pain and illness

Functionally Enlightened
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  • ALTERNATIVE HEALTH
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Welcome to the Functionally Enlightened podcast. We interview well-respected medical and functional practitioners as well as patients who have overcome disabling chronic conditions, such as dysautonomia. These important guests provide helpful tips on managing chronic pain and illness, using a combination of traditional and whole-body healing modalities, that you can begin to implement into your daily life. By listening, subscribing and leaving a review, you have already begun on your wellness journey.

  1. Eps 61. Can Red Light Therapy Heal You? | Healing, Fat Loss & Mitochondria Boost with Dr. Carl Rothschild

    AUG 21

    Eps 61. Can Red Light Therapy Heal You? | Healing, Fat Loss & Mitochondria Boost with Dr. Carl Rothschild

    In this episode of the Functionally Enlightened Podcast, Sharon Surita, PhD, BCFDNP, sits down with Dr. Carl Rothschild, a pioneer in red light therapy and infrared sauna technology, to explore the science, safety, and life-changing benefits of these therapies.With nearly five decades of chiropractic experience, Dr. Rothschild shares:-How red light therapy went from a dismissed idea to a cornerstone of his clinical success-Why this technology can help with skin conditions, fat loss, inflammation, and chronic illness-How it supports mitochondrial health—the energy engine of every cell-Why athletes, chronically ill patients, and health-conscious individuals alike can benefit-The truth about red vs. near-infrared light, and how to use them effectivelyWe also talk about diet, lifestyle changes, and the future of natural, non-invasive healing technologies. Whether you’re a practitioner, athlete, or someone dealing with chronic symptoms, this episode is packed with actionable insights.📌 Try red light therapy for 6 visits and see what it can do for you.📌 Learn more about Dr. Rothschild and Trifecta Light: https://trifectalight.comTimestamps:0:00 – Welcome & Dr. Carl’s journey into red light therapy4:30 – What makes red light therapy unique (and safe)9:15 – Breakthrough uses for fat loss & inflammation13:50 – Mitochondria, ATP & energy production explained18:40 – Red vs. near-infrared light: what’s the difference?24:15 – Impact on skin conditions like psoriasis30:40 – Supporting recovery for athletes & active individuals36:50 – Safe for implants? Dr. Carl’s perspective41:20 – Diet, lifestyle & whole-body wellness tips48:10 – How to try red light therapy for yourself📣 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share this episode!💬 Drop a comment with the topics you’d love for us to cover in future episodes.

    53 min
  2. Eps 60. The Science Behind Relax Sauna with Phillip Wilson

    AUG 7

    Eps 60. The Science Behind Relax Sauna with Phillip Wilson

    In this episode, Sharon sits down with Phillip Wilson, founder of Relax Saunas, to dive deep into the healing science of far infrared therapy—a game changer for those dealing with implant illness, ASIA syndrome, chronic fatigue, and detox struggles.Phillip shares how far infrared saunas differ from traditional saunas and why his ceramic semiconductor technology offers near 100% pure far infrared—able to vibrate water molecules, induce a healing fever, and promote deep parasympathetic relaxation.They explore:-Far infrared vs. full spectrum vs. steam saunas-How Relax Sauna boosts HRV and circulation-Detox benefits for people with dysautonomia & autoimmune symptoms-Sauna use for implants, plastics, and chemical sensitivity-How to use the sauna safely if you're sensitive, weak, or recovering-Phillip’s journey from math to medicine & the rise of his sauna empire🔥 $100 OFF Relax Sauna with code: FUNCTION👉 https://relaxsaunas.comThis episode is perfect for those navigating chronic illness, detoxification, and nervous system overload. Learn how 5-15 minutes a day in the right sauna could shift your entire healing journey.Make sure to "like" and "subscribe" so you don't miss an episode. Thanks for your continued support!

    1h 1m
  3. Eps 59. Gut Healing Starts Here: Food, Bacteria & the Nervous System with Natalie Earl

    JUL 23

    Eps 59. Gut Healing Starts Here: Food, Bacteria & the Nervous System with Natalie Earl

    In this episode, Sharon sits down with Natalie Earl, a functional nutritionist and founder of Nutrition with Confidence, to unpack how gut health, nervous system regulation, and ancestral eating can help reverse chronic illness—especially when conventional medicine falls short.Natalie shares her own story of recovery from eczema, PMS, and autoimmune symptoms, and how it led her to embrace functional medicine, deep gut healing, and food-based protocols. They dive into:-The GAPS protocol & healing the gut lining-How food sensitivities are a symptom, not the root cause-Strategic use of organ meats & meat stocks-Bacterial balance: good vs. opportunistic bacteria-Why sugar cravings could signal dysbiosis-Tools for nervous system healing (limbic retraining, breathwork, somatics)-How Natalie blends ancestral wisdom with modern lab testing💻 Learn more about Natalie’s work: https://nutritionwithconfidence.com🎙️ Don’t forget to subscribe if you’re on a chronic illness or gut healing journey!

    51 min
  4. Eps 58. The Truth About Autoimmune Healing: Nutrition, Hormones & Gut Health with Dr. Mathur

    JUL 9

    Eps 58. The Truth About Autoimmune Healing: Nutrition, Hormones & Gut Health with Dr. Mathur

    In this episode, Sharon sits down with Dr. Anju Mathur—founder of Angel Longevity Medical Center—to explore what truly works when conventional medicine fails. After years of practicing as a traditional MD, Dr. Mathur found herself chronically unwell with “normal” labs and no answers. That led her to discover the transformative power of functional testing, detoxification, metabolic nutrition, and hormone optimization.We cover:-Her personal shift from mainstream to integrative medicine-Why thyroid symptoms persist even when TSH looks “normal”-The role of selenium in Hashimoto’s support-Hormone, gut, and cellular efficiency testing methods-Nutrition’s massive role in autoimmune and chronic illness recovery-What metabolic typing is—and how it can be used to personalize care-Why detox needs to be done in the right order🔗 Dr. Mathur’s clinic: https://www.angellongevity.com🎙️ Stay tuned for the next episode and be sure to subscribe if you're navigating chronic illness, implant illness, autoimmune issues, or just looking for real answers to complex health problems.

    44 min
  5. Eps 57. Managing Chronic Illness & PANDAS Naturally: Ethan Pompeo on CBD, Dysautonomia & Hope

    JUN 20

    Eps 57. Managing Chronic Illness & PANDAS Naturally: Ethan Pompeo on CBD, Dysautonomia & Hope

    In this episode, Sharon Surita sits down with Ethan Pompeo, founder of Green Valley Nutrition, to explore his powerful personal healing journey through autoimmune disease, chronic pain, and neurological symptoms. Diagnosed with PANDAS and living with dysautonomia, Ethan opens up about how CBD oil changed his life—helping to relieve tics, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and inflammation. Now, he’s sharing what he’s learned with others navigating similar paths.🧠 Topics Covered: -What is PANDAS and why it's so often misunderstood-Ethan’s experience with misdiagnosis and neurological symptoms -The science of CBD vs THC-Benefits of CBD for children with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing -Ethan's clinical trial with the University of Virginia on CBD for post-surgical pain-Tips for dosing CBD safely and effectively -Why “quieting the noise” is essential for healing Whether you’re managing chronic pain, sleep issues, anxiety, or exploring natural alternatives for your child —you’ll walk away from this conversation with actionable insight and renewed hope. 📌 Visit Ethan's website: greenvalleynutrition.com 💚 Use code WELCOME25 for a discount on your first order 🧪 Try the CBD quiz to find your ideal formula 👇 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this! #PANDAS #ChronicIllness #CBDOil #Dysautonomia #AutoimmuneHealing #FunctionalMedicine #ChronicPainRelief #CBDforKids #GreenValleyNutrition #HealingNaturally #Neuroinflammation #FunctionallyEnlightened #WellnessJourney

    46 min
  6. Perimenopause Isn’t Supposed to Be This Hard: Real Talk with Jennifer Woodward, FDN-P

    JUN 7

    Perimenopause Isn’t Supposed to Be This Hard: Real Talk with Jennifer Woodward, FDN-P

    In this empowering episode, Sharon sits down with Jennifer Woodward, FDN-P, author of Easy Perimenopause: The Essential Guide to Modern Midlife. Jennifer shares her personal journey into functional nutrition—sparked by her son’s health struggles—and how it led her to specialize in supporting women through the often confusing and overwhelming hormonal shifts of perimenopause.Together, Sharon and Jennifer unpack:🌿 Early warning signs and commonly misunderstood symptoms of perimenopause🧪 The role of functional lab testing (like the DUTCH test) in identifying hormone imbalances🥩 How to handle protein intake with histamine sensitivity🧘‍♀️ The importance of circadian rhythm, stress reduction & feminine energy balance💊 Foundational supplements for mood, sleep, and adrenal support🧂 Why potassium-based electrolytes are essential during midlife✨ Jennifer also previews her upcoming guide on circadian rhythm optimization, designed to help women sync their health with their body’s natural rhythms.📌 Print it, bookmark it, and send it to a friend—because every woman deserves better perimenopause care.🔗 Resources from this episode:→ 💻 Jennifer’s Website: https://jenniferwoodwardnutrition.com/→ 📚 Book: Easy Perimenopause: The Essential Guide to Modern Midlife – Available on Amazon→ 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hormones.with.jennifer/🎧 Subscribe for more interviews with functional health experts, and don’t forget to hit the 🔔 to get notified when new episodes go live.#Perimenopause #HormoneHealth #EasyPerimenopause #FunctionalNutrition #WomensHealth #DUTCHTest #MenopauseSupport #MidlifeWellness #HistamineIntolerance #CircadianRhythm #FDN #FunctionallyEnlightened #WellnessJourney

    43 min
  7. Eps 55. Are breast implants making you sick? - with Dr. Tim Sayed

    MAY 26

    Eps 55. Are breast implants making you sick? - with Dr. Tim Sayed

    In this powerful and eye-opening interview, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Tim Sayed joins Sharon Surita, PhD, to dive deep into the complex and often controversial world of Breast Implant Illness (BII) and explant surgery.👉 Dr. Sayed shares his personal journey into explant-focused care and the science behind why some patients develop inflammatory symptoms after getting implants—from brain fog and fatigue to gut issues and mood changes.🎙️ What you'll learn in this episode:• What Breast Implant Illness really is and why it's hard to diagnose• The truth about biofilm and hidden bacteria on implant surfaces• The risks and benefits of explant surgery—what to expect before and after• Why functional medicine testing matters in the explant journey• The role of toxins, gut health, and genetic predisposition• Current gaps in FDA oversight and implant safety• Why better diagnostic tools and research are urgently needed• How The Scalpel’s Edge podcast is challenging outdated medical paradigmsWhether you're navigating breast implant symptoms, considering explant surgery, or supporting someone through their healing, this episode will give you insights, clarity, and hope.🔗 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this conversation.🎧 Listen to Dr. Sayed’s podcast: The Scalpel's Edge📲 Follow us on Instagram: @FunctionallyEnlightened

    57 min
  8. Eps 54. Adriana Shuman’s Blueprint for Detoxing Your Life, Healing Stress, and Living Well

    MAY 9

    Eps 54. Adriana Shuman’s Blueprint for Detoxing Your Life, Healing Stress, and Living Well

    In this powerful episode of the Functionally Enlightened Podcast, Sharon sits down with Adriana Shuman, Certified Nutritionist, Functional Medicine Health and Wellness Strategist, and founder of Your Wellness Made Simple. With a background in pharmacy and a deep understanding of holistic health, Adriana shares how addressing root causes — not just symptoms — is the real path to healing. 🌿✨We dive into: 🔹 Why mindset shifts are essential for true recovery🔹 How unresolved trauma and chronic stress impact the body🔹 Practical, everyday steps to detox your home and environment🔹 The critical role of sleep, gratitude, and emotional resilience🔹 Highlights from Adriana’s upcoming book, Live WellAdriana’s journey, from pharmacy to functional medicine, is packed with insights for anyone navigating chronic illness, toxin overload, or seeking sustainable wellness.👉 Pre-order Adriana’s book Live Well https://yourwellness-madesimple.com/livewellbook/👉 Connect with Adriana: https://yourwellness-madesimple.com/💬 We'd love to hear your thoughts — comment below with your biggest takeaway!#FunctionallyEnlightened #ChronicIllness #RootCauseHealing #EnvironmentalDetox #HolisticHealth #MindBodyHealing #AdrianaShuman #WellnessJourney #ToxinFreeLiving

    51 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Functionally Enlightened podcast. We interview well-respected medical and functional practitioners as well as patients who have overcome disabling chronic conditions, such as dysautonomia. These important guests provide helpful tips on managing chronic pain and illness, using a combination of traditional and whole-body healing modalities, that you can begin to implement into your daily life. By listening, subscribing and leaving a review, you have already begun on your wellness journey.

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