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

Functionally Enlightened
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Alternative Health
  • Updated Biweekly

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. 1d ago

    Eps 89. Why You're Still Sick: How Neuroplasticity Can Help Calm the Nervous System | Natalie Rivans

    Can your nervous system keep symptoms going—even after you've addressed infections, inflammation, or toxic burden? In this episode of the Functionally Enlightened Podcast, Dr. Sharon Surita sits down with Natalie Rivans, Co-CEO of Re-origin and a certified somatic practitioner, to explore the science of neuroplasticity, brain retraining, and nervous system regulation in chronic illness recovery. After developing chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and nervous system dysregulation following years as a police officer, Natalie discovered neuroplasticity-based approaches that transformed her own health. Today, she helps people living with Long COVID, ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, POTS, dysautonomia, and other complex chronic conditions understand how the brain and nervous system can become stuck in protective patterns—and how those patterns can change. If you've addressed infections, mold, gut health, nutrition, or implant illness but still don't feel like yourself, this conversation may help explain why. In this episode we discuss: ✔️ What neuroplasticity actually is—and what it isn't ✔️ Why symptoms can persist even after the original trigger is gone ✔️ How brain retraining complements functional medicine ✔️ The difference between nervous system protection and pathology ✔️ Somatic practices for calming an overactive nervous system ✔️ Capacity-based pacing versus fear-based pacing ✔️ How to stop getting trapped in symptom fear loops ✔️ Why consistency matters more than perfection ✔️ Simple daily exercises you can begin today ✔️ Rebuilding trust in your body after chronic illness Whether you're navigating implant illness, Long COVID, dysautonomia, chronic fatigue, chronic pain, or another complex chronic condition, this episode offers practical tools and hope for supporting your nervous system alongside your medical care. Disclaimer: This episode is intended for educational purposes only. Neuroplasticity and brain retraining are complementary approaches and are not a substitute for appropriate medical diagnosis or treatment. 📚 Resources Mentioned 🌐 re-origin Learn more about the re-origin neuroplasticity program: www.re-origin.com ▶️ re-origin YouTube Channel Featuring the "Ask an Expert" series and educational content. https://www.youtube.com/@re_origin Additional Resources 📖 Meshed Up: A Guide to Healing from Implant Illness If you're navigating implant illness or another complex chronic condition, Meshed Up shares Sharon's personal story alongside a science-informed framework for identifying hidden stressors and improving function and quality of life. Meshed Up: A Guide to Healing from Implant Illness https://go.functionallyenlightened.com/home-page-3409 🤝 Join the Healing from Implant Illness Community Our community provides evidence-informed education, practical resources, and support for individuals navigating implant illness, chronic inflammation, dysautonomia, and other complex health conditions. Start Your Healing Journey Today: POINT Approach and FREE 1-2 Module access https://go.functionallyenlightened.com/implant-illness-point-approach-home

    Eps 89. Why You're Still Sick: How Neuroplasticity Can Help Calm the Nervous System | Natalie Rivans

  2. Sep 3

    Eps 88. Why You're Still Exhausted: The Hidden Root Causes of Chronic Fatigue & Long COVID | Dr. Evan Hirsch

    Why are so many people still struggling with debilitating fatigue—even when their labs look "normal"? In this episode of the Functionally Enlightened Podcast, Dr. Sharon Surita welcomes Evan H. Hirsch, also known as the EnergyMD, to discuss the underlying drivers of Long COVID, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), fibromyalgia, and other complex chronic illnesses. After overcoming his own five-year battle with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Dr. Hirsch developed the EnergyMD Method, a personalized, research-informed approach designed to identify and address what he calls the "Toxic 5"—the hidden contributors that may be draining your energy. For those living with implant illness, dysautonomia, mold illness, MCAS, autoimmune conditions, or unexplained fatigue, you'll discover why these conditions often overlap and why simply treating symptoms rarely restores lasting energy. In this episode we discuss: ✔️ The difference between acute fatigue and chronic fatigue ✔️ Why sleep alone doesn't restore your energy ✔️ The "Toxic 5" that may be driving chronic illness ✔️ Heavy metals, mold, chemicals, chronic infections, and nervous system dysfunction ✔️ Why conventional lab work often misses important answers ✔️ How Dr. Hirsch personalizes treatment instead of using a one-size-fits-all protocol ✔️ Understanding Herxheimer (die-off) reactions during treatment ✔️ Nervous system retraining: top-down and bottom-up approaches ✔️ The connection between Long COVID, ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, dysautonomia, and implant illness ✔️ Why healing requires addressing both deficiencies and toxic burden Whether you've been diagnosed with Long COVID, ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, implant illness, or you're simply exhausted without answers, this conversation offers a framework for understanding why your body may still be struggling. Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always work with your healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment plan. Additional Resources 📖 Meshed Up: A Guide to Healing from Implant Illness https://go.functionallyenlightened.com/home-page-3409 If you're navigating chronic illness after implants or unexplained inflammatory symptoms, Meshed Up shares Sharon's personal healing journey and the science-informed functional framework she developed to help uncover hidden stressors and restore function. 🤝 Join the Healing from Implant Illness Community Connect with others who understand the challenges of implant illness, dysautonomia, chronic fatigue, and complex inflammatory conditions while gaining access to education, resources, and support. https://go.functionallyenlightened.com/implant-illness-point-approach-home #LongCOVID #ChronicFatigue #MECFS #Fibromyalgia #Dysautonomia #MCAS #ImplantIllness #FunctionalMedicine #EnergyMD #FunctionallyEnlightened

    Eps 88. Why You're Still Exhausted: The Hidden Root Causes of Chronic Fatigue & Long COVID | Dr. Evan Hirsch

  3. Aug 20

    Eps 82. Stage 4 Cancer: Why I Didn't Accept "Incurable" | Dale Atkinson

    What would you do if you were told you had Stage IV, inoperable, incurable cancer and less than a year to live?In this powerful episode of the Functionally Enlightened Podcast, Dr. Sharon Surita sits down with Dale Atkinson to discuss his extraordinary journey after being diagnosed with Stage IV esophageal cancer in October 2024.Rather than accepting a terminal prognosis without question, Dale chose to become an active participant in his care. Drawing on a career spent designing governance and trust frameworks for global financial institutions, he applied the same analytical thinking to healthcare—reviewing thousands of scientific papers, seeking second opinions, utilizing genomic testing, and building an evidence-informed integrative care team alongside conventional oncology.Today, Dale has surpassed his original prognosis, continues to work internationally, and is dedicated to helping patients identify trustworthy clinics and practitioners while navigating complex healthcare decisions.In this episode, you'll learn:✔️ What happened after Dale was diagnosed with Stage IV esophageal cancer✔️ Why asking questions can change the trajectory of your healthcare✔️ How next-generation sequencing helped personalize his treatment plan✔️ The role of conventional oncology alongside integrative medicine✔️ Why finding collaborative healthcare providers matters✔️ Hyperbaric oxygen, targeted supplements, and supportive therapies✔️ How to evaluate healthcare claims and avoid misleading marketing✔️ Why patient advocacy is one of the most powerful tools in medicine✔️ Building a healthcare team you can trustThis episode isn't about rejecting conventional medicine—it's about becoming an informed partner in your healthcare journey and making thoughtful, evidence-informed decisions.📚 Resources Mentioned🌐 The Life Organic (Dale's Blog)https://thelifeorganic.com💼 Connect with Dale on LinkedInSearch: dalejatkinson🏥 Clear Signal PartnersHelping patients evaluate healthcare providers, clinics, and treatment pathways with greater confidence.Clear Signal Partners | Patient Trust Audits for HealthcareAdditional Resources📖 Meshed Up: A Guide to Healing from Implant IllnessIf you're navigating implant illness or another complex chronic condition, Meshed Up shares Sharon's personal story alongside a science-informed framework for identifying hidden stressors and improving function and quality of life.Meshed Up: A Guide to Healing from Implant Illnesshttps://go.functionallyenlightened.com/home-page-3409🤝 Join the Healing from Implant Illness CommunityOur community provides evidence-informed education, practical resources, and support for individuals navigating implant illness, chronic inflammation, dysautonomia, and other complex health conditions.Start Your Healing Journey Today: POINT Approach and FREE 1-2 Module accesshttps://go.functionallyenlightened.com/implant-illness-point-approach-home

    Eps 82. Stage 4 Cancer: Why I Didn't Accept "Incurable" | Dale Atkinson

  4. Aug 8

    Eps 81. Multiple Sclerosis: Is an Infectious Cause Being Overlooked? | Pam Bartha

    Is Multiple Sclerosis (MS) truly an autoimmune disease—or could chronic infections and parasites play a much larger role than we've been led to believe?In this thought-provoking episode of the Functionally Enlightened Podcast, Dr. Sharon Surita sits down with Pam Bartha, founder of Live Disease Free and author of Become a Wellness Champion.Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1988 and told to prepare for lifelong disability, Pam refused to accept that prognosis. Instead, she spent decades researching nutrition, chronic infections, gut health, parasites, and environmental stressors. More than 35 years later, she continues to live free from MS symptoms and has helped over 2,000 individuals across 15 countries explore a root-cause approach to chronic illness.Together, Sharon and Pam discuss why many chronic illness protocols fall short, the role of parasites and co-infections, and why supporting the body first may be essential before addressing deeper infectious burdens.In this episode you'll learn:✔ Why Pam believes MS has an infectious component✔ The relationship between parasites, gut health, and chronic inflammation✔ Why conventional parasite testing may miss many infections✔ The impact of microbiome disruption and antibiotic overuse✔ How diet may influence inflammation and immune function✔ Why mold, toxic burden, and environmental exposures matter✔ The importance of addressing the body as an interconnected system✔ Why mindset and consistency are essential during recoveryWhether you're living with MS, implant illness, autoimmune symptoms, neurological dysfunction, or another complex chronic condition, this conversation offers a different perspective on asking deeper questions and exploring potential root contributors to illness.Please note: The views expressed in this interview are those of the guest and are shared for educational purposes. They should not be interpreted as medical advice or as established scientific consensus regarding the causes or treatment of multiple sclerosis.Resources Mentioned Become a Wellness Champion by Pam Bartha🌐 Live Disease Free:https://livediseasefree.com🎓 Pam's Free Masterclass:How to Recover from Multiple Sclerosis🥗 Live Disease Free Diet Guidelines:https://livediseasefree.com/live-disease-free-diet-guidelines/📖 Meshed Up: A Guide to Healing from Implant Illnesshttps://go.functionallyenlightened.com/home-page-3409Start Your Healing Journey Today: POINT Approach and FREE 1-2 Module accessIf you're navigating chronic illness after implants or searching for answers beyond symptom management, Meshed Up shares Sharon's personal journey alongside a science-informed framework to help identify hidden stressors and support improved function and quality of life.🤝 Join the Healing from Implant Illness Communityhttps://go.functionallyenlightened.com/implant-illness-point-approach-homeConnect with others seeking education, encouragement, and practical resources for navigating complex chronic illness.

    Eps 81. Multiple Sclerosis: Is an Infectious Cause Being Overlooked? | Pam Bartha

  5. Jul 26

    Eps 80. Can Hernia Mesh Make You Sick? A Hernia Surgeon's Perspective on Mesh Implant Illness | Dr. Yunus

    Can hernia mesh cause chronic illness? How do you know if your symptoms are related to your implant? And when is mesh removal the right decision?In this episode of the Functionally Enlightened Podcast, Dr. Sharon Surita sits down with Jonathan Yunis, a board-certified hernia and abdominal wall reconstruction surgeon with over 30 years of experience specializing in complex hernia repairs and mesh-related complications.Dr. Yunis shares how he evaluates patients with suspected mesh implant illness, why a patient's timeline and symptom history are often more informative than imaging alone, and how he approaches complex mesh explant surgeries.As the surgeon who performed Sharon's own complex mesh explant surgery, Dr. Yunis also discusses her challenging case involving biosynthetic Phasix™ mesh implanted in the retrorectus space and explains why individualized care is critical for patients experiencing chronic symptoms after hernia repair.In this episode, you'll learn:✔ How surgeons evaluate possible mesh implant illness✔ Why imaging often fails to identify mesh-related complications✔ The importance of symptom timing after implant surgery✔ When mesh explant surgery should be considered✔ Risks versus benefits of removing hernia mesh✔ What patients should know about general anesthesia✔ Mesh recurrence concerns versus quality of life✔ Preventing hernia incarceration and strangulation while awaiting surgery✔ Why individualized surgical planning mattersWhether you're living with chronic pain, unexplained systemic symptoms, or considering hernia mesh removal, this conversation provides valuable insight from a surgeon who regularly treats patients with complex mesh-related conditions.📘 Resources Mentioned📖 Meshed Up: A Guide to Healing from Implant IllnessDr. Sharon Surita's book provides education and practical guidance for individuals navigating implant illness, nervous system dysfunction, inflammation, and recovery after implant surgery.https://go.functionallyenlightened.com/home-page-3409🏥 Center for Hernia RepairLearn more about Dr. Jonathan Yunis and his practice specializing in complex hernia repair and mesh complications.https://www.centerforherniarepair.com/

    Eps 80. Can Hernia Mesh Make You Sick? A Hernia Surgeon's Perspective on Mesh Implant Illness | Dr. Yunus

  6. Jul 9

    Eps 79. Restless Legs Syndrome & Sleep Deprivation: A Neurological Condition Explained with Andy Gritti

    What if the reason you can’t sleep isn’t just stress—but your nervous system?In this episode of the Functionally Enlightened Podcast, Sharon sits down with Andy Gritti to unpack the reality of living with Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)—a neurological condition that disrupts sleep, impacts dopamine signaling, and can significantly reduce quality of life.After decades of severe symptoms, including nights without sleep and increasing reliance on medications, Andy shares how he found meaningful relief through the Nidra by Noctrix Health—a non-drug, FDA-authorized wearable therapy designed to calm symptoms and improve sleep.In this conversation, we explore:-What Restless Legs Syndrome really feels like (beyond “just discomfort”)-The connection between dopamine, the brain, and nervous system dysregulation-How chronic sleep disruption impacts overall health and healing-Why many conventional treatments stop working over time-The role of stress and nervous system activation in worsening symptoms-How wearable therapies like Nidra may support symptom relief-The importance of tracking symptoms and advocating for proper care-This episode is especially relevant for those navigating:✔ Chronic illness and unexplained symptoms✔ Implant illness and nervous system dysregulation✔ Sleep disturbances and fatigue✔ Neurological or dopamine-related conditionsIf you’ve ever felt like your symptoms worsen at night—or your body won’t “shut off”—this conversation offers both validation and direction.📘 Featured ResourcesMeshed Up: A Guide to Healing from Implant Illnesshttps://go.functionallyenlightened.com/home-page-3409Learn more about RLS support and solutions:https://noctrixhealth.com/#RestlessLegsSyndrome #RLS #SleepDisorder #NervousSystem #ChronicIllness #ImplantIllness #Dopamine #HealingJourney #FunctionallyEnlightened

    Eps 79. Restless Legs Syndrome & Sleep Deprivation: A Neurological Condition Explained with Andy Gritti

  7. Jun 26

    Eps 78. Genetics, Detox Pathways & Implant Illness: What You Need to Know

    What if your symptoms aren’t random—but rooted in how your body is genetically wired to respond to toxins, hormones, and stress?In this episode of the Functionally Enlightened Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Laura Varden, PhD in Cellular Biology & Molecular Genetics, to break down how functional genomics influences detoxification pathways, hormone metabolism, and gut mucosal integrity.We explore how your genetic blueprint interacts with environmental exposures—and why two people can respond completely differently to the same toxin, implant, or stressor.Dr. Varden simplifies complex genetic pathways using real-world analogies and shares how to turn genetic data into clear, actionable health strategies.In This Episode, We Cover:-How genetics impacts detox pathways (Phase I & Phase II)-Key genes involved in inflammation, antioxidants, and hormone metabolism-Why some people struggle with detox, histamine, or estrogen clearance-The connection between cortisol, stress, and gut barrier integrity-How genetics influences insulin sensitivity and metabolic health-A systems biology approach to interpreting genetic data-How to use genomics to personalize your healing strategy🔬 Want to take a root-cause approach to your health?Book a free discovery call:https://functionallyenlightened.biocanic.com/selfbooking/657b12ff516c88076108095f🔗 Featured Resources📘 Book: Meshed Up: A Guide to Healing from Implant Illness👉 Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/meshed-up-sharon-surita/1149979444?ean=9781917496094👉 Amazon (eBook available now): https://a.co/d/0dLRuhFi🧬 Functional Genomics Testing & EducationLearn more at The DNA Company👉 https://thednacompany.com🎙️ Breast Implant Illness + Genetics (Candice Barley Feature)👉 https://thednacompany.com/blogs/dna-talks-podcast/navigating-through-breast-implant-inflammation-and-undergoing-explant-surgery-with-candice-barleyHave you ever done genetic testing for your health?I’m curious—did it clarify your next steps, or leave you feeling overwhelmed?

    Eps 78. Genetics, Detox Pathways & Implant Illness: What You Need to Know

  8. Jun 11

    Eps 77. Living with invisible illness: Misdiagnosis, Faith & Resilience | Sydney Anne Bennett

    What happens when your life changes overnight and healing doesn’t come the way you expected?In this deeply moving episode of the Functionally Enlightened Podcast, Sharon sits down with Sydney Anne Bennett, author of Fearfully and Wonderfully Broken, to explore her journey into disability just two weeks after her honeymoon.Diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder, Sydney shares what it’s like to live with daily seizures, chronic pain, and mobility loss and how she found meaning, faith, and identity in the midst of it.Together, we unpack:-The reality of invisible illness and medical dismissal-Parallels between FND, nervous system dysregulation, and implant-related illness-How chronic illness reshapes your relationship with your body--The difference between true hope vs toxic positivity-Navigating faith when healing doesn’t come-Parenting, purpose, and redefining strength through limitation-The role of social media in connecting chronic illness communitiesThis conversation is especially powerful for those navigating:✔ Chronic illness✔ Implant illness or unexplained symptoms✔ Nervous system dysregulation✔ Faith during prolonged sufferingSydney reminds us that even in the hardest seasons—nothing is wasted.📘 Featured ResourcesFearfully and Wonderfully Broken – Available nowMeshed Up: A Guide to Healing from Implant Illness – Your roadmap to understanding symptoms, reducing toxic load, and rebuilding trust with your body🔗 Connect with SydneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.annegirlYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the.annegirlWebsite: https://www.sydneyannebennett.com🧠 Who This Episode Is ForIf you’ve ever felt dismissed, misunderstood, or stuck in your healing journey—this conversation will meet you where you are.#ChronicIllness #InvisibleIllness #FunctionalNeurologicalDisorder #FaithAndHealing #NervousSystem #ImplantIllness #HealingJourney #FunctionallyEnlightened

    Eps 77. Living with invisible illness: Misdiagnosis, Faith & Resilience | Sydney Anne Bennett
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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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