Functional Moms Podcast

Raquel B. Cartagena and Kristin Brucker
  • 5.0 (18)
  • Alternative Health
  • Updated Weekly

Are you aging well as a woman over 40? Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by all things wellness -- losing weight, reducing stress, finding time to exercise, feeding yourself and your family healthy meals -- it goes on and on! Join us as we use lifestyle and functional medicine solutions, so we can age STRONG! Connect with your hosts Kristin Brucker and Raquel B. Cartagena on Instagram and YouTube @functionalmomspodcast *Always consult with a healthcare professional when making any healthy lifestyle changes. This podcast is for informational purposes only.

  1. 6d ago

    Cholesterol Rising After 40? Watch This Before Taking a Statin | Dr. Stephen Hussey (ep 119)

    Is your cholesterol rising in perimenopause or menopause, and your doctor is now talking about a statin? In this episode, Dr. Stephen Hussey explains why cholesterol often goes up for women over 40, what a standard cholesterol test may be missing, and what to consider before starting cholesterol medication. The American Heart Association identifies the menopause transition as a period of increasing cardiovascular risk, which makes understanding your heart health in this season so important. Dr. Stephen Hussey is a chiropractor and functional medicine practitioner. After suffering a heart attack at just 34, he went on to heal his own heart disease, and his story has become an inspiration to many. On his popular Instagram account, he shares educational content on heart health, metabolism, circadian biology, and nutrition. In this episode, we learn: Dr. Hussey's personal story of a heart attack at 34 How inflammation and lifestyle affect heart health The role of infrared light and structured water The limitations of traditional cholesterol testing Why environment and circadian rhythm matter for your heart Advanced testing that goes beyond a simple cholesterol panel Lifestyle strategies to improve heart health beyond your labs Testing service mentioned: https://ownyourlabs.com/ Documentary mentioned: The Cholesterol Code: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0GS8ZFCYN Connect with Dr. Hussey: https://www.instagram.com/drstephenhussey/ https://resourceyourhealth.com/ Shop the Functional Moms Podcast Supplement Store, 25 PERCENT OFF top-quality brands: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/functional-moms Connect with the Functional Moms: https://www.instagram.com/functionalmomspodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@functionalmomspodcast SUBSCRIBE on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@functionalmomspodcast/ DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Do not start or stop any medication, including statins, without talking to your healthcare provider. We do not prescribe supplements or provide personalized medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you take prescription medications, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a medical condition. #cholesterol #menopause #hearthealth #perimenopause

  2. Oct 13

    Weight Loss Resistance: Why It's SO HARD (And What Actually Works) | Dr. Katie DiNello (ENCORE)

    This episode is for you if you struggle with weight loss and have tried everything. We learn how taking a root cause approach may be the answer.  Our guest today is Dr. Katie DiNello, a naturopathic doctor who graduated from Bastyr University in Washington and completed her residency at Vida Integrated Health and the Institute for Functional Medicine.  Dr. DiNello specializes in integrative approaches for weight loss, metabolic disorders and balancing hormones.  We learn: Common patterns in weight loss resistance including hormonal changes, burnout and blood sugar dysregulation  Why perimenopause and menopause symptoms seem to be getting worse for women How tracking food intake can reveal hidden overeating patterns Healthy foods can still contribute to weight gain  The role of functional medicine and how it allows for personalized treatment plans Understanding cortisol pattern is crucial for effective treatments The roles of stress, sleep and medications in weight loss Protein consumption and gut health Exercise strategies to help support weight loss How added sugars can compromise results Dr. Katie DiNello's Added Sugar Detox Guide Connect with Dr. DiNello: https://www.instagram.com/katie.dinello https://www.wholehealthllc.com/ Thank you for listening to our show. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider giving us a review and subscribe. It will allow us to continue to bring more episodes your way! Kristin and Raquel info@functionalmoms.com  https://www.instagram.com/functionalmomspodcast https://www.youtube.com/@functionalmomspodcast

  3. Oct 6

    Dry Eyes & Blurry Vision in Menopause: What’s Really Going On? | Dr. Neda Gioia (ENCORE)

    Are your eyes feeling dry or blurry during perimenopause or menopause? You’re not alone—and this episode is for YOU. In this episode of Functional Moms Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Neda Gioia, a nationally board-certified optometrist in both nutrition and functional medicine, to explore how hormonal changes impact women’s eye health during midlife. Learn how to protect your eyes naturally—through food, lifestyle, and proactive care. We learn: Hormonal changes during menopause can lead to increased eye health issues Women are at higher risk for dry eye disease due to hormonal fluctuations Macular degeneration is a leading cause of blindness, especially in women Routine eye exams are crucial for early detection of eye disease Proactive management of eye health can prevent worsening conditions Nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining eye health Dry eye symptoms can include blurry vision and tearing Lifestyle factors significantly influence the risk of developing eye disease Understanding the connection between hormones and eye health is essential for women Dietary changes, such as increasing omega-3 intake, can support eye health. Patients should prepare for eye exams by reflecting on symptoms. Nutrition plays a crucial role in eye health and disease prevention Key nutrients like lutein and zeaxanthin are vital for vision Vitamin D is essential for ocular health and disease management Cataracts are a natural part of aging influenced by lifestyle factors Excessive sun exposure can damage the eyes and accelerate aging Red light therapy shows promise for improving eye health There is a lack of regulation in blue light blocking products making it difficult to know if they are actually working A Mediterranean diet supports overall eye health   About Our Guest: Dr. Neda Gioia is the founder of Integrative Vision, a cutting-edge optometry practice blending clinical eye care with functional medicine. She’s also the immediate past president of the Ocular Wellness and Nutrition Society. Connect with Dr. Neda Gioia https://www.drnedagioia.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnedagioia/ Website: https://integrativevision.com https://functionalmoms.com #Menopause #EyeHealth #FunctionalMedicine #WomenOver40 #DryEyes #BlurryVision #VisionHealth #HormonesAndHealth #HealthyAging #FunctionalOptometry #NutritionForVision #PodcastForWomen #NotAnAd

  4. Sep 29

    Menopause, Bone Loss & Osteoporosis: What Women Over 40 Need to Know | Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein (ENCORE)

    Want to rebuild bone strength, relieve joint pain, and prevent osteoporosis after 40? In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein, a leading orthopedic surgeon from Duke University to explain what every woman over 40 needs to know about bone health during menopause. Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein is an orthopedic surgeon specialized in sports medicine and associate professor of orthopaedic surgery at Duke University School of Medicine. Dr. Wittstein is co-investigator with Dr. Anne Ford of Duke Women’s Health for the Duke Musculoskeletal Systems of Menopause Registry. She is president of the Forum: Women in Sports Medicine, co-author of The Complete Bone and Joint Health Plan and a mom of 5! Her husband is also an orthopaedic surgeon. Dr. Wittstein breaks down: How estrogen loss affects bones and jointsWhy frozen shoulder and arthritis spike after menopauseHow to reverse bone loss with strength training and nutrition When to get a DEXA scan (and what it tells you) What foods and supplements support stronger bonesWhether hormone therapy or GLP-1s can help 🦴 It’s never too late to build bone strength — but you need the right science-backed plan. 🔹 Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein – Orthopedic surgeon (Duke University) – Co-author of The Complete Bone and Joint Health Plan – President, Women in Sports Medicine Forum – Mom of 5, and expert in menopause-related joint care 📘 Get her book here: https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Bone-Joint-Health-Plan/dp/1682689417 📲 Connect with Dr. Wittstein on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelyn_wittstein_md/ #DrJocelynWittstein #GabrielleLyonPodcast #BoneHealthAfter40 #MenopauseRelief #Osteoporosis #JointPain #WomenOver40 #ReverseBoneLoss #DEXAScan #HormoneHealth #FitnessOver40 #StrongerBones

  5. Sep 22

    Stem Cells & Exosomes for Joint Pain & Injuries | Dr. Jeff Gross (ep 118)

    Are you dealing with knee, hip, shoulder, neck, or back pain and wondering if surgery is your only option? In this episode of Functional Moms Podcast, Dr. Jeff Gross explains regenerative medicine, stem cells, exosomes, joint pain, arthritis, and emerging treatments for musculoskeletal injuries. Dr. Jeff Gross is a board-certified, fellowship-trained neurological surgeon with a background in spine surgery and athletic injuries. After years in traditional neurosurgery, he shifted his focus toward regenerative medicine and founded ReCELLebrate. In this conversation, we explore what stem cells and exosomes are, how they may influence healing and inflammation, and where regenerative medicine may fit into the treatment of joint and tissue injuries. In This Episode, You'll Learn: What regenerative medicine is and how it differs from traditional treatments How stem cells may support the body's healing processes What exosomes are and how they differ from stem cells The role of the stem cell secretome in tissue signaling How regenerative treatments are being explored for arthritis and joint pain Potential applications for tendon and other musculoskeletal injuries Why some people may consider regenerative options before surgery What factors can affect whether someone is a candidate for regenerative treatment How blood thinners and bleeding risk can affect treatment decisions How menopause and hormonal changes can affect bones, joints, tendons, and muscle The relationship between exercise, fasting, sauna, cold exposure and cellular health Emerging applications of exosomes in skin, hair, wounds, fertility and sexual health If you're considering regenerative medicine, speak with a qualified healthcare professional who can evaluate your symptoms, imaging, medical history and overall candidacy for any treatment. Connect with Dr. Jeff Gross: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recellebrate/ Website: https://recellebrate.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnIGHEVciqfY-e45PLCKPWA Get 25% off top-quality supplement brands: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/functional-moms *We do not prescribe supplements or provide personalized medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you take prescription medications, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a medical condition. Connect with the Functional Moms! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/functionalmomspodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@functionalmomspodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@functionalmomspodcast/ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not provide personalized medical advice. We do not prescribe supplements. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting a new treatment or supplement, especially if you take prescription medications, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a medical condition.

  6. Sep 14

    Why You're Waking Up to Pee in Menopause-And Other Signs Your Pelvic Floor Needs Help | Elizabeth Stryker (ENCORE)

    If you're waking up at night to pee, dealing with frequent UTIs, bladder leakage, painful sex, or chronic constipation during perimenopause or menopause — this episode is for you. In this ENCORE episode, we talk with pelvic health physical therapist Elizabeth Stryker about how hormonal changes impact your pelvic floor — and what you can do to fix it naturally. Many women are told these symptoms are “just part of aging.” They are not. You’ll learn how pelvic floor physical therapy can dramatically improve urinary health, reduce recurrent UTIs, relieve constipation, improve sexual health, and even help with TMJ symptoms. Elizabeth Stryker is a pelvic health physical therapist and founder of Pelvic Stability PT in New Jersey. She earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Thomas Jefferson University and completed advanced training at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation specializing in pelvic floor dysfunction and neurological impairments. In this episode, we discuss: ✔ Why pelvic floor dysfunction increases during perimenopause and menopause ✔ Why you keep waking up at night to pee (nocturia explained) ✔ How pelvic floor PT helps prevent recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) ✔ The surprising connection between TMJ and the pelvic floor ✔ Pelvic floor therapy for chronic constipation ✔ What to expect during a pelvic floor physical therapy session ✔ How to reduce bladder leakage naturally Connect with Elizabeth Stryker Website: https://www.pelvicstabilitypt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pelvicstabilitypt/ 🛍 Shop Functional Moms Podcast Supplement Store (25% OFF top quality brands): https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/functional-moms DISCLAIMER: We do not prescribe supplements or provide personalized medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you take prescription medications, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a medical condition. 🎧 Follow Functional Moms Podcast on Apple Podcasts & Spotify 📺 Subscribe to the YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@functionalmomspodcast/ #MenopauseHealth #PelvicFloorTherapy #FrequentUTIs #BladderLeakage #WomensHealth #Perimenopause #Nocturia #PelvicHealth #ConstipationRelief #HormoneHealth

  7. Sep 8

    How She Lost 55 Pounds and Put Hashimoto's Into Remission | Courtney Kassis, RD (ENCORE)

    Struggling to lose weight after 40 or during menopause? You’re not alone. In this episode of Functional Moms Podcast, we sit down with Courtney Kassis, registered dietitian, twin mom, and creator of the 90-30-50 Method, to learn how real food can help you balance hormones, boost metabolism, and finally lose weight — without restriction. Courtney teaches her tips on her wildly popular Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/dietitianwithtwins/ Courtney shares her journey with Hashimoto’s and how focusing on protein, fiber, and healthy fats helped her lose 55 pounds postpartum, reverse autoimmune symptoms, and reclaim her energy. Whether you’re navigating perimenopause or postmenopause, this conversation reveals a sustainable approach to fat loss, blood sugar balance, and hormonal health. What You’ll Learn: What the 90-30-50 Method is and how it works How protein and fiber support metabolism and fat burning The truth about fasting and women’s hormones Why perfection isn’t necessary — consistency is How alcohol affects weight loss and metabolismConnect with Courtney: Instagram → @dietitianwithtwins YouTube → Dietitian With Twins Shop the Functional Moms Podcast Supplement Store, 25 PERCENT OFF top quality brands: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/functional-moms⁠ *DISCLAIMER: We do not prescribe supplements or provide personalized medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you take prescription medications, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a medical condition. Connect with the Functional Moms: https://www.instagram.com/functionalmomspodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@functionalmomspodcast SUBSCRIBE on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@functionalmomspodcast/ #WeightLossOver40 #MenopauseWeightLoss #HormoneHealth #MidlifeWellness #FunctionalMomsPodcast

  8. Sep 1

    Menopause Weight Gain Won't Stop? When to Consider GLP-1 Medications | Monique Class (ep 117)

    Today’s conversation is for you if you can’t seem to lose weight no matter what you do. Perimenopause and menopause change your body and sometimes it feels like overnight we just start piling on weight! Monique Class is a board certified family nurse practitioner and co-founder of The Center for Functional Medicine. She recently spoke at the Institute for Functional Medicine’s Annual International Conference in San Diego and we were thrilled to watch her presentation about using lifestyle changes, botanicals and GLP-1 medications to lose stubborn weight.  We learn: Lower estrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause trigger insulin resistance, poor carbohydrate metabolism and a shift toward inflammatory belly fat. Fullness relies on gut-to-brian chemical signaling that requires slow eating to activate; eating too quickly causes overeating before the 15-20 minute signal registers. Eating daily fiber and fermented foods for 10 weeks lowers inflammation and permanently alters the gut microbiome to naturally boost satiety. Low-dose “micro-dosing” reduces cravings and turns off global inflammation. Rather than quitting abruptly, medications must be slowly de-escalated alongside permanent behavioral changes. How botanicals can be used to enhance GLP-1 Moving or walking for 15 minutes right after lunch and dinner tells the cells to burn food for fuel rather than store it, increasing glucose hit rate by 25 percent Ceasing all food intake 3 hours before going to bed prevents the body from storing unmetabolized food as fat. Connect with Monique: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moniqueclassfxmed/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monique-class-ms-aprn-bc-436260a0/ Shop the Functional Moms Podcast Supplement Store, 25 PERCENT OFF top quality brands: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/functional-moms⁠ *DISCLAIMER: We do not prescribe supplements or provide personalized medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you take prescription medications, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a medical condition. Connect with the Functional Moms: https://www.instagram.com/functionalmomspodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@functionalmomspodcast SUBSCRIBE on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@functionalmomspodcast/ #menopause #perimenopause #glp1 #weightloss #menopauseweightgain #ozempic #mounjaro #wegovy #functionalfedicine #hormones #womenshealth #over40 #midlifehealth #weightlossjourney #functionalmomspodcast #nursepractitioner #hormonalweightgain #metabolichealth #botanicals #weightmanagement The views expressed are those of the guest and this conversation is intended for general informational purposes only. The podcast and its associated materials should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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About

Are you aging well as a woman over 40? Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by all things wellness -- losing weight, reducing stress, finding time to exercise, feeding yourself and your family healthy meals -- it goes on and on! Join us as we use lifestyle and functional medicine solutions, so we can age STRONG! Connect with your hosts Kristin Brucker and Raquel B. Cartagena on Instagram and YouTube @functionalmomspodcast *Always consult with a healthcare professional when making any healthy lifestyle changes. This podcast is for informational purposes only.

Information

  • Creator
    Raquel B. Cartagena and Kristin Brucker
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    128
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Raquel B. Cartagena and Kristin Brucker
  • Show Website
    Functional Moms Podcast

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