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

Functionally Enlightened
  • 5.0 (7)
  • 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. Eps 77. Living with invisible illness: Misdiagnosis, Faith & Resilience | Sydney Anne Bennett

    1d ago

    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

    49 min
  2. Eps 76. Autoimmune Healing Starts Here: The 6 Habits That Change Everything | Dr. Amy Behimer

    May 28

    Eps 76. Autoimmune Healing Starts Here: The 6 Habits That Change Everything | Dr. Amy Behimer

    Autoimmune conditions are often approached from a purely physical lens—but what if the missing piece is your mindset and daily habits?In this episode of the Functionally Enlightened Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Amy Behimer, pharmacist, board-certified health coach, and autoimmune specialist, to explore her powerful Habit Hub framework—a six-pillar approach to navigating chronic illness with more clarity, resilience, and control.Dr. Amy shares her personal journey with multiple sclerosis (MS), how she transitioned from pharmacy to coaching, and why “trusting in the tiny” changes can lead to lasting transformation.We dive into:The 6 core pillars of autoimmune healthHow mindset directly impacts physical symptomsWhy small, consistent habits outperform extreme protocolsThe role of stress in autoimmune diseaseHow to build sustainable health—even during setbacksIf you’ve been stuck in cycles of overwhelm, fear, or plateau—this episode will help you shift how you approach healing.Reach out to Dr. Amy:https://amybehimercoaching.com/https://thehabithubpodcast.amybehimercoaching.com/https://www.instagram.com/amybehimercoaching/Ready to go deeper with functional testing and root-cause healing?Book a free discovery call: https://functionallyenlightened.biocanic.com/selfbooking/657b12ff516c88076108095f📘 Meshed Up: A Guide to Healing from Implant IllnessAvailable now (eBook) | Paperback May 28https://go.functionallyenlightened.com/mesheduphomeLink in bio⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.

    40 min
  3. Eps 75. From Bedridden to Running Again: Healing Dysautonomia & Hidden Head Injury | Rita’s Story

    May 14

    Eps 75. From Bedridden to Running Again: Healing Dysautonomia & Hidden Head Injury | Rita’s Story

    In this powerful follow-up episode, Sharon reconnects with Rita to hear how her healing journey has evolved since their first conversation in 2023.After years of severe chronic illness—including dysautonomia, POTS, neurological symptoms, and being bedridden—Rita discovered a critical missing piece in early 2026: an untreated head and neck injury.Through specialized care with an upper cervical chiropractor, Rita began a new phase of healing using low-force, neurologically focused techniques, including:Upper cervical adjustmentsNetwork spinal analysisLogan Basic techniqueRed light and cold laser therapyThe results were profound—Rita went from being unable to function to running again for the first time in years.This conversation explores the connection between structural alignment, nervous system regulation, trauma, and chronic illness recovery, offering hope for those who feel stuck despite trying everything.🔬 What We Cover in This EpisodeRita’s progression since her original 2023 interviewThe discovery of an undiagnosed head and neck injuryThe link between trauma, nervous system dysregulation, and chronic illnessUpper cervical chiropractic care and its role in healingThe impact of low-force, precision-based techniquesCold laser therapy and mitochondrial supportWhy healing requires multiple modalitiesMindset, pacing, and self-compassion in recovery🌿 Key TakeawaysChronic illness may have structural and neurological contributorsHealing is layered and non-linearNervous system regulation is foundationalThe right practitioner can shift outcomes dramaticallyConsistency and safety outperform intensity👤 About RitaRita is a former police officer with over 15 years of service whose chronic illness journey included dysautonomia, neurological symptoms, and severe functional decline. Her recovery highlights the often-overlooked role of head trauma and nervous system dysregulation in chronic illness.🔗 Resources & LinksListen to Part 1 of Rita's story here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eps-17-rita-curley-dysautonomia-and-mcas-relief/id1675786285?i=1000637119942🧠 Upper Cervical Chiropractor (Dr. McCann):https://www.atlas-chiropractic.us/🌐 Functionally Enlightened:https://functionallyenlightened.com🌿 Join the Healing Community:https://go.functionallyenlightened.com/implant-illness-point-approach-home⚠️ DisclaimerThis content is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new treatment.🧾 Show NotesIn this follow-up episode, Rita shares a major turning point in her healing journey after discovering an untreated head and neck injury—something that had gone undetected despite years of severe symptoms.After being bedridden with dysautonomia, neurological dysfunction, and systemic inflammation, Rita explored upper cervical chiropractic care using low-force, highly targeted techniques. These interventions helped restore nervous system balance and led to significant functional improvements.The episode explores how trauma—particularly head and neck trauma—can contribute to long-standing dysregulation, and why these structural factors are often overlooked in chronic illness.Rita also shares insights from her time in law enforcement, noting that a significant percentage of officers experience head injuries that go unreported, which may contribute to long-term health consequences.The conversation reinforces that healing often requires a multi-layered approach, combining structural, biochemical, and nervous system support.

    39 min
  4. Eps 74. Meshed Up - The Truth about Implant Illness No One Told You

    Apr 30 ·  Bonus

    Eps 74. Meshed Up - The Truth about Implant Illness No One Told You

    In this special episode, I’m sharing something deeply personal—the release of my book:“Meshed Up: A Guide to Healing from Implant Illness.”This book was born out of my own experience following what was supposed to be a routine mesh implant surgery… that led to years of unexplained symptoms including:Chronic painDysautonomiaBrain fogFatigueNervous system dysregulationLike so many, I was told everything looked “normal.”But my body told a very different story.This episode walks you through:✔ Why implant illness is often misunderstood✔ How symptoms are frequently dismissed or misdiagnosed✔ The framework I used to rebuild my health✔ And how you can begin navigating your own healing journey📘 About the BookMeshed Up: A Guide to Healing from Implant Illness is structured into three core parts:1. Understanding What’s Really HappeningWhy symptoms aren’t random—and how immune, nervous system, and toxic burden intersect2. The 3D Detox ApproachHealing across:Body (physiology & biochemistry)Home (environmental exposures)Mind (nervous system & emotional health)3. Supporting Healing & Moving ForwardBuilding sustainable rhythms, self-advocacy tools, and long-term resilience🌿 Key Concepts Discussed“Detox is readiness, not aggression”Why consistency beats intensity in healingUnderstanding chronic symptoms as physiological overwhelm—not personal failureHow to rebuild trust in your bodyThe importance of pattern recognition over perfection🧠 Practical Tools You’ll LearnHow to track your top symptoms for clarityHow to use labs as guidance, not absolutesHow to reduce toxic exposure without overwhelmHow to stabilize your nervous systemHow to advocate for yourself in medical settings👥 Who This Is ForThis episode—and this book—is for anyone experiencing:Unexplained chronic symptomsImplant-related concerns (mesh, breast, dental, orthopedic)Inflammation, fatigue, or nervous system dysregulationFeeling dismissed, misdiagnosed, or unheard🔗 Resources📘 Get the book: Meshed Up: A Guide to Healing from Implant Illness🌐 Learn more + resources:https://functionallyenlightened.com🌿 Join the Healing Community:https://go.functionallyenlightened.com/implant-illness-point-approach-home⚠️ DisclaimerThis content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition. Always consult with a qualified practitioner for personalized care.

    10 min
  5. Eps 73. Healing from Mercury Toxicity, Gut Dysfunction & Chronic Illness | Stephen Heuer

    Apr 12

    Eps 73. Healing from Mercury Toxicity, Gut Dysfunction & Chronic Illness | Stephen Heuer

    Why gut healing is foundational for detoxificationThe importance of trace minerals and metabolic functionStrategies to support liver detox pathways and glutathione productionThe connection between implants, inflammation, and systemic symptomsWe also discuss practical tools including probiotic protocols, detox strategies, and dietary shifts that can support long-term healing.This conversation is especially relevant for those navigating chronic illness, environmental toxicity, implant-related symptoms, and complex inflammatory conditions.🔬 What We Cover in This EpisodeStephen’s journey healing from mercury toxicityHow heavy metals impact the gut, thyroid, and energy systemsDetoxification strategies (including binders and liver support)The role of trace minerals in enzyme and cellular functionGut microbiome restoration and oxalate metabolismChronic inflammation and implant-related illness connectionsWhy healing requires a multi-system, bioindividual approach🌿 Key TakeawaysChronic illness is often driven by toxic burden + impaired detox pathwaysGut health is central to both detoxification and immune regulationMineral depletion can disrupt metabolism, hormones, and cellular repairHealing is not one intervention—it’s a coordinated system-wide process🔗 Resources & LinksLearn more about Stephen Heuer:🌐 https://synergisticnutrition.com📞 Phone: 864-895-6250🌱 Join Our CommunityIf you’re navigating implant illness, chronic inflammation, or complex health challenges, join our community for deeper support and guidance:👉 https://go.functionallyenlightened.com/implant-illness-point-approach-home⚠️ DisclaimerThis content is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any new protocol.

    42 min
  6. Eps 72. Healing Dysautonomia & Chronic Illness Through Nervous System Regulation | Elizabeth Stauder

    Apr 2

    Eps 72. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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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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