The Functional Fueling® Podcast

Lauren Papanos
  • 5.0 (83)
  • Nutrition
  • Updated Daily

The Functional Fueling® Podcast is hosted by expert Functional Registered Dietitian and hormone specialist, Lauren Papanos. Join us every Wednesday for a brand new LOdown with Lo solo episode or expert guest interview. Host Lauren Papanos asks and answers the questions around how to live a vibrant life through harnessing the power of natural hormonal balance and medicinal foods. Inquire to work with Lauren’s practice at www.functionalfueling.com. Follow her on Instagram at @functional.fueling.

  1. 4d ago

    Episode 148: Osteopenia & Bone Stress Injuries in Pre- and Post- Menopausal Women with Dr. John Neustadt

    Osteopenia & Bone Stress Injuries in Pre- and Post- Menopausal Women with Dr. John Neustadt In this episode of the Functional Fueling® Podcast, Lauren sits down with John Neustadt to discuss the often-overlooked factors driving osteopenia, osteoporosis, and bone stress injuries in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Together, they explore the complex relationship between hormones, thyroid function, gut health, inflammation, stress, sleep, and bone remodeling, as well as the limitations of DEXA scans for assessing true fracture risk. You'll also learn how common medications may contribute to bone loss over time, the key macro- and micronutrients required for optimal bone density, and practical strategies to support long-term skeletal health and injury prevention. Whether you're an active woman concerned about bone health, have breastfed for an extended period, had low estrogen levels or are looking to prevent osteoporosis naturally, this episode provides evidence-based insights to help you build stronger bones at every stage of life.   A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 The hormone connection to bone loss and bone-related injuries The limitations with DEXA for understanding osteopenia and osteoporosis risk The connection between gut health, inflammation and bone loss How common medications many people are taking affect bone density over time How stress hormones, sleep and thyroid health influence bone remodeling The role of specific macro and micronutrients in bone health Important show links 👇👇👇 Purchase your Mineral Magic through our supplement shop Follow me on Instagram Learn more about Dr. John Neustadt at www.nbihealth.com Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

    37 min

  2. May 27

    Episode 147: [The LOdown] The Truth About Healing Timelines for Thyroid, Fertility & Autoimmunity

    [The LOdown] The Truth About Healing Timelines for Thyroid, Fertility & Autoimmunity   A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 The realistic root cause healing timelines for menstrual cycle recovery, immune dysregulation, infertility and thyroid recovery Understanding phased healing and its importance in long term recovery The role of energy leaks in healing timelines Why optimizing health before pregnancy is so essential Factors that influence healing timelines Recognizing signs of progress when healing Common mistakes when root cause healing   Important show links 👇👇👇 Apply for our 1:1 coaching program  Take our FREE energy leaks quiz  Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

    44 min

  3. May 20

    Episode 146: How to Stop Mouth Breathing with Dr. Douillard

    How to Stop Mouth Breathing with Dr. Douillard Breathing is something we do every second of every day, yet most people never stop to consider how their breathing patterns may be influencing their energy, metabolism, stress response, exercise performance, sleep, and overall health. In this episode of The Functional Fueling Podcast, we dive into the physiology of breathing and why chronic mouth breathing may affect far more than just your lungs. We explore the connection between breathing mechanics, nervous system regulation, lymphatic flow, circulation, thyroid function, cortisol patterns, and exercise tolerance — especially in active and high-performing individuals. A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 Why your breathing patterns may be affecting more than just your lungs How chronic mouth breathing can influence stress hormones and thyroid function The surprising connection between nose breathing and exercise performance What your breathing habits may reveal about your nervous system How diaphragmatic breathing supports circulation, detoxification and resilience A simple daily practice that can improve sleep, focus and daily energy Important show links 👇👇👇 Apply for our 1:1 Coaching program  Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

    52 min

  4. May 13

    Episode 145: [The LOdown] Energy Leaks: The 4 Root Causes of Thyroid and Hormone Disruption in Active Women

    Energy Leaks: The 4 Root Causes of Thyroid and Hormone Disruption in Active Women   A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 What “energy leaks” are  Why hidden energy leaks may keep you feeling symptomatic despite healthy habits How energy leaks impact thyroid function, the immune system, adrenal and sex hormones The connection between mitochondria, energy leaks, and histamine The most common energy leaks I see clinically How identifying your energy leaks can change your healing approach   Important show links 👇👇👇 Take my Find Your Energy Leaks Quiz to see if you have any energy leaks. Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

    35 min

  5. May 6

    Episode 144: [The LOdown] Low Pregnenolone vs DHEA-S: The Hormones Before the Hormones

    Low Pregnenolone vs DHEA-S: The Hormones Before the Hormones In this episode, we’re diving into two of the most overlooked hormones in women’s health: pregnenolone and DHEA-S — the hormones before the hormones. While estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone often get the spotlight, pregnenolone and DHEA play a foundational role in the hormone cascade and can significantly influence energy, metabolism, fertility, cycles, thyroid function and stress resilience. When these hormones become depleted or dysregulated, symptoms like fatigue, cycle irregularities, low libido, poor recovery, inflammation, brain fog, and hormone imbalances can follow.   A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 What pregnenolone & DHEA do in your hormone cascade Why they sit at the root of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone balance What low pregnenolone or DHEA can mean, even with “normal” labs How bottlenecks between pregnenolone & DHEA disrupt hormone balance How stress shifts pregnenolone into downstream hormone pathways How low DHEA impacts ovulation, cycles, and hormones The link between energy, mitochondria, and pregnenolone and DHEA production Why these hormones are often overlooked in standard testing and what that means for your results   Important show links 👇👇👇 Learn more about adrenal hormones in this blog  Learn more about my Mentorship Sessions & Course here  Apply to our 1:1 coaching program Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

    30 min

  6. Apr 29

    Episode 143: Why Most Pregnancy Lab Work Falls Short (And What Women Actually Need)

    Most pregnancy lab work is designed for the average non-pregnant person, not the rapidly changing physiology of pregnancy. In this episode, we break down why standard lab testing often falls short during pregnancy and postpartum, and what that means for thyroid function, nutrient status, metabolism, and immune health. You’ll learn how trimester-specific lab ranges impact interpretation, which critical markers are commonly missed, and why relying on standard reference ranges can overlook meaningful changes. We also cover the role of thyroid health in fertility, pregnancy, and fetal development, how autoimmunity influences pregnancy and postpartum outcomes, and why postpartum lab testing is essential for recovery, hormone balance, and long-term health of both mom and baby. A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 Why standard pregnancy labs often miss key changes How pregnancy affects thyroid, iron, glucose, and immune function Why trimester-specific lab ranges and interpretation matter Which important labs are often missing during pregnancy and postpartum How thyroid health impacts fertility, pregnancy, and baby’s development How autoimmunity can affect pregnancy and postpartum outcomes Why postpartum testing is essential for recovery and hormone recovery Important show links 👇👇👇 Follow Demetra Diagnostics on Instagram  Apply to work with us 1:1 at functionalfueling.com/coaching-page Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

    43 min

  7. Apr 15

    Episode 142: The Molecule That Supports Blood Flow, Hormones, and Fertility with Dr. Bryan

    The Molecule That Supports Blood Flow, Hormones, and Fertility with Dr. Bryan In this episode, we dive into the powerful role of nitric oxide, a key signaling molecule that directly impacts blood flow, hormone delivery, thyroid function, and fertility with leading researcher Dr. Nathan Bryan. We break down how nitric oxide supports circulation at the cellular level, why it’s essential for proper hormone signaling and tissue responsiveness, and how disruptions in nitric oxide production can contribute to fatigue, hormone imbalances, and fertility challenges. You’ll also learn how the oral microbiome, blood sugar regulation, and common exposures like mouthwash and antacids can influence nitric oxide levels and what you can do to support it naturally.   A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 What nitric oxide is and why it matters more than most people realize How nitric oxide affects circulation, hormones, thyroid function, and fertility How nitric oxide impacts hormone delivery and signaling The connection between the oral microbiome and nitric oxide production How mouthwash, fluoride, antacids, and blood sugar can affect nitric oxide Signs and symptoms that may point to low nitric oxide Simple ways to support nitric oxide production naturally   Important show links 👇👇👇 Learn more about Nitric Oxide and how it can benefit you. Use code “functionalfueling10” to save 10% at this link to try the Dr. Nathan Bryan's nitric oxide products Join our Strength in Hormones workout program Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

    45 min

  8. Apr 8

    Episode 141: [The LOdown] Understanding Stimulatory Hormones: LH, FSH, TSH

    Understanding Stimulatory Hormones: LH, FSH, TSH In this episode, we break down the role of key stimulatory hormones—LH, FSH, and TSH—and how they influence ovulation, thyroid function, and overall hormonal function. You’ll learn how to interpret LH:FSH ratios (including patterns seen in PCOS), what low vs. high levels really indicate, and why timing your labs is critical for accurate insights. We also discuss the limitations of urine hormone testing and the essential labs to run alongside these markers to uncover root-cause imbalances and optimize fertility, cycles and metabolism. A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 Why LH, FSH, and TSH are key hormone signals What’s missing from urine hormone testing When to test LH, FSH and TSH and why timing matters What your LH:FSH ratio can reveal about patterns like PCOS What low vs. high FSH and LH levels indicate What labs you should always run alongside these hormones   Important show links 👇👇👇 Apply to work 1:1 with us in our coaching program Get my thyroid inflammation lab decoder guide Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

    32 min
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5
out of 5
83 Ratings

About

The Functional Fueling® Podcast is hosted by expert Functional Registered Dietitian and hormone specialist, Lauren Papanos. Join us every Wednesday for a brand new LOdown with Lo solo episode or expert guest interview. Host Lauren Papanos asks and answers the questions around how to live a vibrant life through harnessing the power of natural hormonal balance and medicinal foods. Inquire to work with Lauren’s practice at www.functionalfueling.com. Follow her on Instagram at @functional.fueling.

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