Root Cause Reset

April Blackford and Dani Larsen, Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioners

Root Cause Reset is a podcast dedicated to helping you uncover the root causes of your health challenges and reset your body for lasting wellness. Hosted by functional health practitioners, April Blackford and Dani Larsen, each episode dives deep into the holistic approaches that address the underlying issues behind gut health, hormone imbalances, stress, and more. Together, they bring their expertise and personal experiences to empower you with practical strategies, insightful interviews, and real-world solutions to help you reset your health, restore balance, and reclaim your energy. 

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  1. 1월 26일

    MCAS Explained: Why Your Body Reacts to Everything

    Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is one of the most misunderstood and underdiagnosed conditions out there — and for many people, it explains everything that never quite made sense about their health. In this episode, April and Dani break down MCAS in a way that finally connects the dots. You’ll learn what mast cells actually are, why they exist in nearly every tissue of the body, and how their overactivation can trigger symptoms far beyond “allergies.” From anxiety, insomnia, and neurological symptoms to gut issues, POTS, connective tissue pain, hormone sensitivity, and food intolerances — MCAS is truly a full-body condition. We dive into how MCAS differs from histamine intolerance, why no two people experience it the same way, and why labs often fail to tell the full story. You’ll hear why patient history matters more than a single marker, what “paradoxical reactions” can signal, and why people with MCAS often feel like their body gets angry when they try to do the “right” things. This episode also covers common triggers and drivers — including mold and mycotoxins, infections, gut imbalances, COVID, chronic stress, surgery, and more — and why healing is rarely about finding one single root cause. We talk honestly about the long game of stabilization, nervous system regulation, and rebuilding a sense of safety in the body. You’ll hear practical conversations around mast-cell-friendly living, including: Environmental and home considerationsFood triggers and blood sugar balanceNervous system regulation and vagal toneTraining and movement without flaringSupplements, medications, and why responses are highly individualWhy sleep, patience, and flare plans matter more than perfectionDani also shares her personal journey with MCAS, what it taught her about autonomy and self-experimentation, and how learning your own “normal” can be incredibly healing. If you’ve ever felt like your symptoms don’t fit neatly into one box, your labs don’t explain how bad you feel, or your body seems unpredictable and reactive — this episode is for you. Above all, this conversation is about keeping hope alive and learning how to work with your body, not against it. Healing isn’t linear — but it is possible.

    29분
  2. 2025. 12. 24.

    Parasites & Gut Health: Should You Be Doing a Parasite Cleanse?

    If you’ve been dealing with chronic bloating, stubborn gut symptoms, unexplained fatigue, nutrient deficiencies, histamine flares, or flare-ups that seem to get worse around the full moon… this episode is going to connect a LOT of dots. In today’s conversation, April and Dani dive deep into a topic that’s often misunderstood (and honestly, a little taboo): parasites — and whether a parasite cleanse is actually right for you. We break down: • Why parasites are far more common than people realize • Symptoms most women overlook (especially the full-moon flares!) • How parasites disrupt digestion, hormones, and histamine • Why killing parasites without opening drainage can make you feel worse • Who shouldn’t jump into a cleanse • The safe, phased approach we use with clients • Why nervous system and blood sugar support matter more than you think • Whether stool testing is necessary (and why it often misses parasites) You’ll walk away understanding not just what parasites do, but how to know if they’re part of your root cause picture— and what steps to take before even considering a cleanse. If you're tired of feeling inflamed, puffy, bloated, wired-and-tired, or stuck in a cycle of gut issues that never fully resolve, this episode will give you clarity and direction. Your body isn’t working against you — it’s giving you clues. And we’re here to help you interpret them.

    15분
  3. 2025. 12. 15.

    All Things Blood Sugar: Why It Matters More Than Ever (Especially in Your 40s & 50s)

    Blood sugar isn’t just about carbs, glucose monitors, or avoiding desserts — it’s one of the biggest, most overlooked levers affecting women’s gut health, hormones, mood, energy, sleep, and weight… especially during perimenopause. In this episode, April (Functional Practitioner + gut health specialist) and Dani (mold + environmental health expert) break down blood sugar in a way that finally makes sense — with real-life examples, practical tools, and a few laughs along the way. You’ll learn: • What blood sugar actually is — and why instability is the real issue • Why women in their 40s and 50s feel blood sugar swings more intensely • The hidden habits driving crashes, cravings, irritability, and 2–3am wake-ups • How cortisol, stress, and under-eating throw your metabolism off • Why weight loss resistance has more to do with insulin than cutting carbs • The most powerful habits to stabilize blood sugar (that don’t require dieting) • Which labs matter most — and why insulin is the secret early indicator • Simple supplements that can support metabolic balance If you’re feeling tired-but-wired, craving everything, frustrated with weight loss, or riding the emotional rollercoaster of perimenopause, this episode is your roadmap to finally feeling steady again. Share this with a friend who might need a reset — and if you’re ready for personalized support or functional testing, April and Dani are here to help. Tune in, learn, breathe… and start giving your blood sugar the stability it’s been begging for. Root-cause healing starts here. 💛

    21분
  4. 2025. 11. 19.

    Winter Immunity Hacks: How to Stay Healthy During Cold & Flu Season

    Winter is officially here — and so are the sniffles, sneezes, and “it’s just allergies” coughs echoing through every classroom, office, and holiday gathering. But what if you could walk into the season with a stronger, more resilient immune system… instead of just crossing your fingers and hoping you don’t get sick? In this episode of Root Cause Reset, Functional Practitioners April Blackford and Dani Larsen break down the realstrategies that support winter immunity — not gimmicks, not quick fixes, and definitely not gummy vitamins disguised as wellness. Together, we dig into why winter hits our immune systems so hard, how the gut plays a major role in immune resilience, and what you can do daily to stay healthy from November through March. You’ll learn the science behind immune regulation, what nutrients actually matter, how stress impacts your defenses, and the simple habits that make the biggest difference (many of which cost nothing). We also share our signature Winter Immunity Kit, talk through practical nutrition hacks, and explain what to do if you do get sick so you can bounce back faster — with less inflammation, less misery, and more ease. This episode is educational, down-to-earth, and full of relatable moments, gut-health gems, and a little humor to keep things real. Whether you’re a busy mom, a career-driven woman juggling 1,000 tasks, or someone who wants to stop getting taken out every cold-and-flu season, this conversation will give you the tools you need to strengthen your body from the inside out. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why winter weakens the immune systemThe gut–immune connection and why it’s the ROOT of seasonal resilienceThe nutrients your body depends on (and how to optimize them)Why vitamin D levels tank in winter — and what to do about itHow protein intake, warm meals, and hydration impact immunityPractical hacks that support your mucosal barriersNervous system regulation tricks that calm inflammationThe herbs, teas, and natural remedies we personally useWhat to do when you inevitably get sick (the functional way)Our complete Winter Immunity Kit you can start using todayIf you’re ready to stay healthy, energized, and thriving all season long — this episode is your winter survival guide.

    31분

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Root Cause Reset is a podcast dedicated to helping you uncover the root causes of your health challenges and reset your body for lasting wellness. Hosted by functional health practitioners, April Blackford and Dani Larsen, each episode dives deep into the holistic approaches that address the underlying issues behind gut health, hormone imbalances, stress, and more. Together, they bring their expertise and personal experiences to empower you with practical strategies, insightful interviews, and real-world solutions to help you reset your health, restore balance, and reclaim your energy.