The Healing Power of Being Moved: Stories, Science, and the Art of Aging
Narrative Medicine, Functional Nutrition Andrea Nakayama Narrative Medicine, Functional Nutrition Andrea Nakayama

The Healing Power of Being Moved: Stories, Science, and the Art of Aging

Some moments in life take our breath away—not because of shock or fear, but because they strike a deep chord within us. Maybe the swell of music or a particular lyric leaves you wiping tears from your eyes, or a stranger’s act of kindness momentarily restores your faith in humanity. Perhaps it’s the quiet wonder of seeing someone you love embraced for exactly who they are or a faded photograph that brings a rush of memories—joyful, bittersweet, or both.

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When You’re Not Getting Better (And Why Protocols are Part of the Problem)
Narrative Medicine, Functional Nutrition Andrea Nakayama Narrative Medicine, Functional Nutrition Andrea Nakayama

When You’re Not Getting Better (And Why Protocols are Part of the Problem)

When managing your health becomes a full-time job, it’s easy to feel disheartened. You may have tried the latest diet trends and supplements, hoping that each new approach will bring lasting relief. But instead, it feels like the same place, the same symptoms, like you’re balancing on a tightrope that could give way at any moment.

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Self-Advocacy, Lab Testing, Autoimmunity, Functional Nutrition The Beauty Shop Studio Self-Advocacy, Lab Testing, Autoimmunity, Functional Nutrition The Beauty Shop Studio

The Problem with Conventional Medicine

In this episode, Andrea discusses the importance of looking beyond symptoms to understand the full context of a person's health journey, why conventional medicine often falls short in addressing chronic health issues and building a strong health foundation before pursuing advanced treatments. We also discuss how practices like dance, poetry, and art can play a crucial role in our overall well-being.

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Healing from Within

In this episode, Andrea discusses the importance of monitoring sleep, poop, and blood sugar, especially for women experiencing perimenopause. Andrea details the art of her practice—assess, recommend, and track—highlighting the need for a deep, individualized assessment to better address each person’s unique health challenges.

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The Web of Interconnections: Unraveling the Complexities of Omics for Everyday Health
Chronic Health Issues, Functional Nutrition Andrea Nakayama Chronic Health Issues, Functional Nutrition Andrea Nakayama

The Web of Interconnections: Unraveling the Complexities of Omics for Everyday Health

“In nature, nothing exists alone.” - Rachel Carson, Silent Spring Imagine a spider's web. Pull one thread, and the delicate structure shrinks, shrivels, or spoils. Each finespun fiber is essential to the stability of the whole. Similarly, the human body is an intricate web of interconnections.

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Functional Nutrition Approach to Mystery Health Issues

In this episode, Andrea discusses the importance of addressing non-negotiables such as sleep, poop, and blood sugar balance for overall health. She emphasizes the importance of a therapeutic partnership between patients and providers and the need to focus on the roots of chronic conditions, including many more important topics.

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Implementing Functional Nutrition in Your Family

In this episode, Andrea discusses practical tips on incorporating functional nutrition principles into your household, regardless of your children's ages. We discuss the importance of understanding when to seek tests or labs, and Andrea sheds light on some of the conflicting aspects of traditional and functional medicine. If you're ready to take control of your health and discover how functional nutrition can transform your life, this episode is a must-listen!

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Conventional Medicine vs Functional Medicine

In this episode, Andrea discusses the importance of understanding and addressing the root causes of health issues through a systems-based approach, investigating the roots (genes, digestion, inflammation), and encompassing food, movement, environment, and mindset.

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Unlocking the Myths of Health Hacking: You Can’t ‘Hack’ Your Health, Part 2

Unlocking the Myths of Health Hacking: You Can’t ‘Hack’ Your Health, Part 2

Last week, I recorded a podcast hosted by a naturopathic doctor. As we got into the conversation, we found ourselves talking about our personal journeys through perimenopause and menopause. While we both diligently drew labs and collected plenty of data and biomarkers, we each noticed that it wasn’t this quantitative data that shifted our symptoms.

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