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

Functionally Enlightened
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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. Healing Dysautonomia & Chronic Illness Through Nervous System Regulation | Elizabeth Stauder

    APR 2

    Healing Dysautonomia & Chronic Illness Through Nervous System Regulation | Elizabeth Stauder

    In this episode of the Functionally Enlightened Podcast, Sharon Surita, PhD, BCFDNP sits down with Elizabeth Stauder, practitioner and founder of Body and Soul Sanctuary, to explore the role of nervous system regulation, somatic trauma reprocessing, and mind-body repatterning in chronic illness recovery.Elizabeth shares her deeply personal healing journey after developing dysautonomia following a vaccine injury, compounded by profound personal loss. When conventional approaches failed to provide answers, Elizabeth began integrating her training in somatic trauma work, neuroscience, and ancient healing practices to reclaim control over her nervous system and restore balance in her body.Together we explore how hypervigilance, trauma physiology, and nervous system dysregulation can perpetuate chronic illness, and how simple daily practices can begin shifting the body out of survival mode.This conversation is especially relevant for individuals navigating implant illness, dysautonomia, mast cell activation, Lyme disease, autoimmune conditions, and chronic inflammation, where nervous system resilience often becomes a critical piece of recovery.In This Episode We Discuss• Elizabeth’s personal story of dysautonomia and recovery• How trauma and medical PTSD can affect chronic illness• Understanding hypervigilance and functional freeze states• The importance of validating emotions during illness• Somatic practices to help regulate the nervous system• Journaling, breathwork, and visualization tools for daily healing• How nervous system coherence supports immune and inflammatory balance• Reclaiming agency in the healing process• The role of community and guided support in recoveryAbout Our GuestElizabeth Stauder specializes in somatic trauma reprocessing and mind-body repatterning. Her work integrates neuroscience, trauma physiology, and ancient healing practices to help individuals restore nervous system regulation and reclaim personal agency during chronic illness recovery.Following a life-altering health crisis involving dysautonomia, Elizabeth applied her training and lived experience to develop practical approaches for healing that combine emotional validation, somatic practices, and daily rhythms that support the nervous system.She currently leads the Body and Soul Sanctuary, a membership program focused on somatic healing and developmental trauma work.Resources & LinksElizabeth StauderWebsite: https://www.bodyandsoulsanctuary.comYouTube https://www.youtube.com/@elizabethenteringthestreamFacebook https://www.facebook.com/elizabeth.stauder.5Free Community https://www.skool.com/body-soul-village-3993/aboutAbout the Functionally Enlightened PodcastThe Functionally Enlightened Podcast explores root-cause healing strategies for chronic illness, implant-related illness, autoimmune conditions, environmental toxicity, and metabolic dysfunction.Host Sharon Surita, PhD, BCFDNP interviews leading experts, practitioners, and individuals who have successfully navigated complex health challenges.Episodes are available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major podcast platforms.Chapters00:00 Introduction02:15 Elizabeth’s health crisis and dysautonomia journey06:20 When conventional medicine didn’t have answers10:40 Trauma, grief, and nervous system dysregulation15:10 Understanding hypervigilance in chronic illness19:30 Functional freeze and the body’s survival response24:45 Why emotional validation is critical to healing29:10 Somatic tools for nervous system regulation33:30 Breathwork, journaling, and visualization practices37:20 Reclaiming agency in the healing process40:00 Elizabeth’s Body & Soul Sanctuary community42:00 Final thoughts and resources

    38 min
  2. Eps 71. Overcoming Autoimmunity: Gut Healing, Detox & Mindset Shifts (Casey Hibbard | Rebuilding My Health)

    FEB 19

    Eps 71. Overcoming Autoimmunity: Gut Healing, Detox & Mindset Shifts (Casey Hibbard | Rebuilding My Health)

    In this episode of the Functionally Enlightened Podcast, Sharon Surita, PhD, BCFDNP interviews Casey Hibbard, founder of Rebuilding My Health, about her path from autoimmunity and inflammatory arthritis to recovery using a functional, root-cause approach.After conventional answers fell short, Casey explored anti-inflammatory nutrition, gut healing protocols, and detoxification strategies—and worked methodically through underlying gut infections and overgrowth patterns, including SIBO, H. pylori, Candida, and parasites. We also unpack the often-overlooked pieces that make healing sustainable: mindset shifts, stress regulation, community support, and reducing environmental toxin load (including mold exposure).This conversation is for anyone navigating chronic illness who feels overwhelmed, stuck, or discouraged—because Casey’s story (and the patterns she’s seen across hundreds of recovery interviews) reinforces a powerful message: healing is possible when you support the whole system, not just the symptoms.In this episode, we cover:Casey’s autoimmune + inflammatory arthritis recovery storyWhy gut healing often becomes the “hub” of chronic illness progressLessons from treating SIBO, H. pylori, Candida, and parasites step-by-stepHow paleo and anti-inflammatory eating can reduce systemic inflammationMold exposure, environmental inputs, and why detox is more than supplementsMindset, nervous system regulation, and finding the right community supportThe most “universal” healing levers Casey sees across chronic conditionsFree Resource: The Top 8 Steps That Helped ©Casey Hibbard Takeaways from “Overcoming Autoimmunity” --- https://rebuildingmyhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Top-8-download-1.pdf👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE this episode. 💬 Drop a comment with topics you’d like us to cover next on chronic illness recovery and root-cause healing.Key topics-Autoimmunity + inflammatory arthritis: symptom timeline and turning points-GI-focused healing: SIBO, H. pylori, Candida, parasites-Functional testing and “one change at a time” protocols-Dietary pivots: paleo, gluten/dairy/sugar removal, sustainability over perfection-Mold and environmental load: why inputs matter-Mindset + nervous system support: avoiding fear spirals and building resilience-What Casey sees as common denominators across chronic illness recoveries-Resources mentioned-Gut testing (GI-focused stool testing was discussed; specific brands may vary by practitioner)-Community support and recovery storytelling through Rebuilding My HealthConnect with CaseyWebsite: RebuildingMyHealth.comSocial: @rebuildingmyhealth (Substack / Instagram / Facebook)Free Resource: The Top 8 Steps That Helped ©Casey Hibbard Takeaways from “Overcoming Autoimmunity” https://rebuildingmyhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Top-8-download-1.pdfChapters 00:00 – Welcome + who is Casey Hibbard02:10 – Casey’s autoimmune & arthritis onset after pregnancy06:05 – When conventional medicine didn’t have answers08:40 – Starting point: diet shift + SIBO discovery12:30 – Methodical gut healing: H. pylori, Candida, parasites18:15 – Why gut work can take time (and why it’s worth it)22:10 – The role of community + mindset in recovery26:05 – Mold, environmental load, and “inputs vs outputs”30:10 – Sustainable anti-inflammatory eating (without perfectionism)34:20 – Universal healing levers across chronic conditions38:10 – Final encouragement + where to find Casey#Autoimmune #GutHealth #FunctionalMedicine #ChronicIllness #Detox #HealingJourney

    41 min
  3. Eps 70. Natural Pain & Inflammation Support: Turmeric, Gut Health, and Ayurveda | Dr. Shivani Gupta

    JAN 29

    Eps 70. Natural Pain & Inflammation Support: Turmeric, Gut Health, and Ayurveda | Dr. Shivani Gupta

    In this episode of the Functionally Enlightened Podcast, Sharon Surita, PhD, BCFDNP sits down with Dr. Shivani Gupta, PhD—Ayurvedic practitioner, founder of Fusionary Formulas, and a leading voice bridging ancient Ayurvedic wisdom with modern clinical science. We break down how Ayurveda approaches chronic inflammation, gut dysfunction, and persistent pain through a highly bio-individual framework—including the doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), “digestive fire,” and living in rhythm with your circadian clock.You’ll also hear a grounded conversation on turmeric/curcumin: what matters for quality and absorption, practical dosing considerations, and key safety notes (including situations where higher-dose turmeric may not be appropriate).If you’re navigating chronic illness and want a clearer, more personalized roadmap—this episode will help you connect the dots between food, lifestyle rituals, inflammation drivers, and sustainable healing.Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share. Drop a comment with topics you want us to cover next.Timestamps / Chapters 00:00 Intro01:15 Dr. Shivani’s story + why Ayurveda05:40 Doshas & “Elemental Design” in real life 12:10 Gut health, digestion, and daily rituals18:05 Inflammation patterns + chronic pain framework28:20 Turmeric: quality, absorption, and safe use 30:10 Practical first steps (low-friction habits)32:30 Wrap-up + resourcesWhat we cover-What Ayurveda is and why it remains clinically relevant today -The doshas (Vata/Pitta/Kapha): traits, tendencies, and how they inform protocols-Gut health through an Ayurvedic lens: “digestive fire,” meals, and simple daily practices-Inflammation + chronic pain: building a lifestyle-first plan before “more supplements”-Turmeric/curcumin: formulation considerations, absorption, and safety contraindications -How to start: small shifts that compound (sleep, rhythm, food-first upgrades)Key takeaways-Personalized care matters: your “type,” rhythm, and stress response change how you should eat and recover. -Chronic inflammation is rarely a single lever—Ayurveda organizes the chaos into patterns you can act on.-Turmeric quality and bioavailability matter; “more” isn’t always better, and safety context is essential. About Dr. Shivani GuptaDr. Shivani Gupta is an Ayurvedic practitioner with over 20 years of experience and is the founder of Fusionary Formulas. She’s known for translating Ayurvedic principles into practical, modern tools to support inflammation, pain, energy, and gut health. ResourcesDr. Shivani Gupta (main site): https://shivanigupta.com/Fusionary Formulas: https://fusionaryformulas.com/?sca_ref=10397658.v9lG6kUXPaJ3d0(USE CODE: ENLIGHTENED for 15% discount on first-time orders)Turmeric/Curcumin safety + usage overview (Fusionary blog): https://fusionaryformulas.com/blogs/news/turmeric-and-curcumin-everything-you-need-to-know-about-their-use-safety-and-scientific-benefitsThe Inflammation Code (book page / preorder): https://www.theinflammationcode.com

    38 min
  4. Eps 69. Healing Through Food: Diabetes-Free Eating, Gut Health & Implant Illness Insights

    12/27/2025

    Eps 69. Healing Through Food: Diabetes-Free Eating, Gut Health & Implant Illness Insights

    If you’ve ever wondered why your cravings feel uncontrollable, why blood sugar spikes happen even on “healthy” foods, or how diet impacts chronic illness—including implant and vaccine injuries—this episode is for you.Today, Sharon sits down with two powerhouse guests: • Dr. John Poothullil (“Dr. John”) – Type 2 diabetes and obesity researcher, author, and expert in mindful eating • Chef Colleen Cackowski – Award-winning healthy chef, culinary educator, and co-author of The Diabetes-Free Cookbook and Exercise GuideTogether, they explore the intersection of: • Blood sugar regulation • Mindful eating • Gut–brain connection • Food energetics and cravings • Chronic illness + implant illness nutrition needs • Sustainable, enjoyable eating patterns that support metabolic healingThis episode delivers practical tools for individuals navigating chronic inflammation, fatigue, immune dysregulation, post-infection syndromes, and implant-related illness.What You’ll Learn in This Episode• Why food sensitivities and blood sugar swings are so common in chronic illness • How gut bacteria drive cravings—and how to retrain them • The REAL difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes (beyond what most doctors discuss) • How to enjoy food while still balancing blood sugar • Which flavors support different organ systems (Chinese Medicine perspective) • The role of fiber, healthy fats, and bitter foods in metabolic repair • Why mindful eating (as toddlers naturally do) can reverse metabolic dysfunction • How to start healing without feeling overwhelmed by diet rulesEpisode HighlightsChronic Illness Diet StrategiesSharon, Dr. John, and Chef Colleen discuss nutritional needs for individuals with chronic illness—including implant-related illness and vaccine injury—where inflammation, dysregulation, and fatigue are common.Understanding Insulin ResistanceDr. John explains why Type 2 diabetes is not a disease of “not enough insulin,” and why eating for enjoyment (not fullness) is essential for restoring metabolic balance.Healing Through Food Chef Colleen breaks down how to create delicious, metabolic-friendly meals without grains, processed sugar, or simple carbs—while still experiencing joy around food.Gut Health & Cravings Why cravings aren’t about willpower—and how bacteria, stress, and nutrient deficits drive the cycle.Balanced Eating for Chronic Illness A deep dive into flavor energetics, hydration quality, and small foundational changes that can dramatically improve symptoms.📎 LinksLearn more about Dr. John:Website: https://www.drjohnonhealth.comYouTube: @DrJohnOnHealthConnect with Chef Colleen: Email: ChefColleenHello@gmail.comJoin the Functionally Enlightened Implant Illness Community: https://go.functionallyenlightened.com/implant-illness-point-approach-homeExplore more episodes + healing resources: https://functionallyenlightened.com

    48 min
  5. Eps 68. Oxygen, Inflammation & Healing: How EWOT Helps Chronic Illness Recovery

    11/26/2025

    Eps 68. Oxygen, Inflammation & Healing: How EWOT Helps Chronic Illness Recovery

    In this episode of the Functionally Enlightened Podcast, Sharon sits down with Brad Pitzele, founder of One Thousand Roads, to explore the powerful connection between oxygen utilization, inflammation, and chronic illness recovery. Brad shares his deeply personal health journey—from autoimmune arthritis and malignant melanoma to a later diagnosis of Lyme disease and Bartonella—and how conventional treatments failed to produce lasting healing. His search for answers led him to Exercise With Oxygen Therapy (EWOT), a modality that supports cellular energy production, detoxification, and nervous system resilience. We discuss: How oxygen metabolism breaks down in chronic infection and immune dysregulation The relationship between oxygen availability and systemic inflammation Why many chronic illness patients struggle with low cellular energy + “fatigue that doesn’t respond to rest” What makes EWOT different from hyperbaric oxygen therapy The synergy between oxygen therapy and red light therapy for mitochondrial support How oxygen-based therapy can support recovery in Lyme, autoimmunity, POTS/dysautonomia, chronic fatigue, long COVID, and implant-related inflammation Brad’s story is one of resilience, curiosity, and rebuilding a life when the traditional medical model had no more answers. This conversation is especially meaningful for: Those navigating implant illness / ASIA syndromeChronic Lyme and co-infections Persistent inflammation or immune dysregulationNervous system recovery and mitochondrial repair Anyone exhausted by protocols that feel overwhelming or unsustainable If you’ve been searching for a gentle, foundational way to restore energy and function, this episode offers clarity, hope, and strategy. 🔗 Guest Information Learn more about Brad’s work and oxygen therapy research: https://www.OneThousandRoads.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OneThousandRoadsHQ Email: hello@onethousandroads.com

    42 min
  6. Eps 67. Toxic Superfoods & The Oxalate Overload You Need to Know About | With Sally K. Norton, MPH

    11/13/2025

    Eps 67. Toxic Superfoods & The Oxalate Overload You Need to Know About | With Sally K. Norton, MPH

    In this powerful episode of the Functionally Enlightened Podcast, Dr. Sharon Surita, PhD, BCFDNP sits down with Sally K. Norton, MPH, nutrition expert, public health researcher, and author of Toxic Superfoods: How Oxalate Overload is Making You Sick—and How to Get Better.Sally holds a nutrition degree from Cornell University and a Master’s in Public Health, and her career has spanned major medical schools in medical education and public health research. After years of personal health struggles, Sally discovered the devastating effects of dietary oxalates — plant compounds found in many popular “superfoods” like spinach, almonds, sweet potatoes, and beets.In this conversation, Sharon and Sally explore how oxalates may be the missing link in chronic illness, autoimmunity, and implant-related inflammation, offering life-changing insights for anyone struggling with unexplained fatigue, pain, or inflammatory symptoms.🌿 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:-What oxalates are and how they act as plant defense toxins-How “healthy” foods like spinach and nuts can fuel chronic inflammation-The connection between oxalate overload, immune dysregulation, and implant illness-Why traditional detox methods can backfire — and what to do instead-How oxalates impact minerals, mitochondria, and the gut microbiome-Safe, gradual strategies for lowering oxalates without “dumping”-The link between oxalates, mold, and chronic infections-Why testing isn’t enough — and how to tune into your body’s signals-Sally and Sharon also discuss biofilm formation, surgical site inflammation, and how oxalates can worsen immune reactivity in those with mesh or implant illness.📚 About Sally K. Norton, MPHSally K. Norton holds a nutrition degree from Cornell University and a Master’s in Public Health, and has worked in medical education and public health research at major universities. Her groundbreaking book, Toxic Superfoods: How Oxalate Overload is Making You Sick—and How to Get Better (Rodale Press, 2023), has reached readers worldwide and is now available in Spanish, French, and soon Chinese.🔗 Resources Mentioned📘 Sally K. Norton’s Book: Toxic Superfoods: How Oxalate Overload is Making You Sick—and How to Get Better📗 Data Companion: sallyknorton.com/toxic_superfoods/data_companion🍳 Sally’s Recipe Collection: shop.sallyknorton.com/products/low-oxalate-recipe-book-pdf-only🌐 Website: sallyknorton.com📺 YouTube: Sally K. Norton, MPH📸 Instagram: @sknorton | @toxicsuperfoods_oxalate_book📘 Facebook: @BeFreeToThrive🐦 X (Twitter): @BetterLowOx

    53 min
  7. Eps 66. Healing Chronic Lyme: How Frédéric Roscop Recovered After 20 Years of Misdiagnosis

    10/30/2025

    Eps 66. Healing Chronic Lyme: How Frédéric Roscop Recovered After 20 Years of Misdiagnosis

    In this powerful episode of the Functionally Enlightened Podcast, Dr. Sharon Surita welcomes Frédéric Roscop, an award-winning osteopathic practitioner and scientist from the UK, who shares his deeply personal journey of living with undiagnosed Lyme disease for over 20 years—and how he ultimately healed himself when conventional medicine failed.💡 Frédéric reveals the science behind Liquid Intelligence™, his double-patented healing process that integrates biochemistry, frequency-based therapy, and cellular support to restore systemic balance. He explains how this approach addresses the root causes of fatigue, neurological issues, and immune dysfunction common in chronic Lyme and post-infectious syndromes.Together, Sharon and Frédéric explore:🧬 Why traditional Lyme diagnostics often miss the root problem⚡ How Liquid Intelligence™ helps restore cellular and energetic balance🧘‍♀️ The importance of addressing sensitivity and toxicity in chronic illness🌍 The growing epidemic of chronic Lyme and what patients can do to reclaim health💬 Real-life recovery insights for those navigating chronic fatigue, inflammation, and post-infectious syndromesFrédéric’s work has been recognized globally—earning him Osteopath of the Year (2024) and Wellbeing Startup of the Year for his company AEQUIL, which is bringing hope and healing to thousands.📦 Try Liquid Intelligence™: https://aequil.com/ 📩 Contact Frédéric’s team: support@aequil.com 🎙️ Tune in for an inspiring and science-backed discussion about what it takes to heal from chronic illness when “normal isn’t good enough.”#LymeDisease #ChronicIllness #HealingJourney #FunctionalMedicine #LiquidIntelligence #FrequencyMedicine #RootCauseHealing #PostInfectiousSyndrome #ChronicFatigue #Aequil #Detoxification #MitochondrialHealth #FunctionallyEnlightenedPodcast👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share this episode with anyone struggling with chronic illness or Lyme disease. 💬 Drop a comment below with topics or questions you’d love for us to cover in future episodes!

    50 min
  8. Eps 65. Lyme Missed, Lives Lost: Nicole Bell on Fixing Broken Diagnostics (GalaxyDx)

    10/16/2025

    Eps 65. Lyme Missed, Lives Lost: Nicole Bell on Fixing Broken Diagnostics (GalaxyDx)

    Lyme disease shouldn’t be a guessing game. In this episode, Nicole Bell—MIT/Duke engineer, author of What Lurks in the Woods, and CEO of Galaxy Diagnostics—shares how her husband’s undiagnosed Lyme and co-infections (Bartonella, Babesia) led to a tragic outcome… and why that drove her mission to change the standard of care for tick-borne illness. We break down: -Why antibody tests miss stealth infections -How direct detection (PCR, digital PCR) + sample enrichment improve sensitivity -Smart strategies to test co-infections (e.g., urine antigen for Borrelia, blood enrichment for Bartonella) -Practical tips (timing, pre-test movement/sauna, re-testing windows) -Advocacy: finding clinicians, navigating “normal” labs, and pushing for answers Resources mentioned: Galaxy Diagnostics: galexydx.com (education center + testing info)Center for Lyme Action “State of Lyme Disease Research” Pathways for non-licensed practitioners (via Mosaic Diagnostics, Evexia, Rupa) – coming online soon If you or a loved one is stuck with “inconclusive” results, this conversation offers a roadmap—grounded in science and born from lived experience. 👍 Like, subscribe, and share to help someone who needs this. 💬 Drop your questions in the comments—we’ll compile for a follow-up Q&A. Chapters 00:00 Intro & Nicole’s story 03:12 How Lyme was missed—and what it cost 08:20 Antibody tests vs direct detection (PCR, dPCR) 13:55 Sample enrichment: why it matters for stealth pathogens 18:30 Co-infections 101: Bartonella, Babesia, more 24:10 Practical testing tips (timing, prep, re-testing windows) 28:45 Why “normal labs” ≠ no infection 33:20 Access & upcoming practitioner pathways (Mosaic, Evexia, Rupa) 37:40 Advocacy for patients & caregivers 41:55 Resources + final takeaways

    42 min
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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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