Fed up with those skin rashes that just won't go away? Join Jennifer Fugo -- a functional clinical nutritionist specializing in chronic skin problems -- to expl...
372: What Is Topical Steroid Withdrawal (And How To Advocate To Get TSW Recognized) w/ Briana Banos
If you’re not sure what is Topical Steroid Withdrawal… Imagine living through a condition so painful and misunderstood that it disrupts every aspect of your life, yet the medical community largely dismisses it.That’s the reality of topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) that also creates life-altering health challenges making it extremely difficult to function, sleep or work; show up as a present partner or parent; or live a fun care-free life for kids with TSW.And it presents significant challenges for parents caring for children with TSW who may end up being threatened with having the authorities (or child protective services) called on them for refusing more steroids.As of today, Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome still isn’t accepted by the medical community, often labeling those worried about TSW as “steroid-phobic.” Platforms like TikTok have given TSW warriors a voice thanks to millions of views for these videos, helping to raise awareness globally and sparking legislative efforts which document what causes TSW..In this eye-opening episode, filmmaker and advocate Briana Banos returns to share her journey and the powerful impact of her documentaries, Preventable, and the newly released follow-up, Still Preventable.Briana Banos is the creator of the first ever Topical Steroid Withdrawal documentary, Preventable, and the newly released TSW documentary, Still Preventable, which expands on her previous film. From anecdotal stories and doctor interviews, to the history of topical steroids and avenues of reform, Briana continues to shed light on this underrepresented subject.Her battle with TSW began after years of using topical steroids prescribed for eczema—a common treatment that left her dealing with a condition far worse than the original problem. Her first documentary, Preventable, brought awareness to a scattered and overlooked community. But as her own TSW journey stretched into its seventh year, Briana felt compelled to dig deeper, creating Still Preventable to highlight the systemic issues keeping this condition in the shadows and to empower others to use their voices.If you’re ready to learn what is topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) and discover ways to make a difference, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Let’s dive in!In This Episode:The inspiration behind Still Preventable and why Briana felt compelled to create itWhat is topical steroid withdrawal and how it’s misunderstood in medical settingsShocking historical facts about the FDA’s role in approving topical steroidsWhy TSW is being updated to include the term “syndrome”What does being a “long hauler” mean in terms of TSWAdvocacy wins: how states like Florida and Maine are acknowledging TSWWhy telling YOUR TSW story helps shift narratives and drives changeHow to get your state to recognize what is topical steroid withdrawal (it’s easier than you think)Long-term effects of untreated TSWTips to support individuals and families affected by TSWQuotes“We need to stop feeling helpless—if we use our voices together, we can push the needle forward and create change, even if it takes time.” – Briana Banos“The FDA told us, ‘This is not our problem—you need to bring it up with your doctor,' but patients shouldn’t have to educate their doctors on adverse effects.” – Briana BanosLinksFind Briana Banos online | Instagram | YouTubeITSAN Advocacy Page: https://itsan.org/advocacy/
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371: How To Stop Feeling Overwhelmed (And Balance Nervous System Regulation) For Healing w/ Eliza Kingsford
Most people who need help with nervous system regulation, don’t realize that they need this type of help on their healing journey.So, have you ever felt like no matter how hard you try, you’re stuck in a cycle of frustration with your skin or health? Maybe you’ve diligently followed every protocol, adjusted your diet, and practiced mindset shifts—yet progress feels just out of reach. It’s not your fault. In today’s episode, we uncover why mindset alone isn’t enough and how your nervous system could be the missing piece in your healing journey.I’ve long known that surface-level strategies like “positive thinking” or “stress management” don’t actually do anything. Maybe you’ve noticed this too.So if you’re familiar with “fight or flight” mode, then you likely know that staying in that state for an extended period is problematic for nervous system regulation.But what’s missing from the conversation is “shutdown”… essentially a third state that is your body’s ultimate protective mechanism—a state that often goes unnoticed because it doesn’t require a catastrophic event to trigger it.Eliza Kingsford joins me for this episode that is perfect for you if you’ve ever been paralyzed by overwhelm or struggling to follow through with even the simplest self-care steps. Eliza is a licensed therapist who helps people experience breakthroughs using a unique combination of applied neuroscience and nervous system regulation training to guide her clients to permanent change, even if they’ve been struggling for decades.Because how balanced your nervous system is directly impacts chronic skin issues. This is why learning practical ways to shift your nervous system out of overwhelm and into a state of healing can be a significant step you need toward lasting progress.Let’s dive in!In This Episode:The nervous system’s role as the body’s “control panel” for healing and balance.What most people don’t realize about “Fight or flight” mode.How nervous system regulation that’s out-of-balance can block mindset work from being effective.Signs that your nervous system is in overload or shutdown mode.The connection between nervous system health and chronic skin flares.Simple tools for nervous system regulation to reduce stress.How to manage your nervous system so it doesn’t hit shutdownWhy addressing your nervous system is foundational to root-cause healing.Quotes“Your nervous system is your control panel—it governs everything you think, feel, say, and do. Without addressing it, true healing can’t happen.”“It’s not your mindset holding you back; it’s your nervous system’s ability to handle the load. Without tools to regulate it, even small stressors can feel overwhelming.”“Mindset hacks won’t work if your nervous system is stuck in a protective state. You can’t think your way out of a physiological response.”LinksFind Eliza online | InstagramGet Eliza’s FREE Guide: Transform Your Life by Mastering Your Nervous SystemHealthy Skin Show ep. 361: How To Change Your Mindset (So Your Skin Doesn’t Control Your Mood) w/ Brad BizjackHealthy Skin Show ep. 368: How To Create A Positive Mindset (Even If You Have A Negative Outlook Right Now) w/ Dr. Sue VarmaHealthy Skin Show ep. 297: Deconstructing Trauma + Chronic Skin Problems w/ MaryCatherine McDonald, PhD
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370: Why The Leaky Gut Diet Doesn’t Work (And Other Ways Functional Medicine FAILS Eczema, Psoriasis + Other Skin Problems)
If you’ve ever googled “leaky gut” or “leaky gut diet” because you’ve seen wellness experts claim that leaky gut is why your skin is a mess…This episode is for you.To be fair, there’s a pretty big chance you have leaky gut.BUT, it’s not a root cause of chronic eczema or psoriasis or any of the other skin issues we talk about on the show.Leaky gut syndrome (also known more formally as gut permeability) is caused by other factors. So while it’s a problem, it’s just not THE problem.So in today’s episode I’m sharing an interview that I did on the Balanced Bites podcast hosted by Liz Wolfe where we got into this topic along with others that I know will hit home for you.It’s my hope that this perspective will offer you some much needed insight about what’s really causing skin problem. (If you want to learn more about this, JOIN ME HERE.)So let’s dive in!In This Episode:My inspiration to work in the integrative health field (beyond my own skin problems)What functional medicine gets wrong about skin issues by treating them like autoimmunity + leaky gutWhy an elimination diet + leaky gut diet often make skin worseCan you “starve” yeast if you have candida overgrowth?“Steroid phobia” + being traumatized by conventional medical systemQuotes“Functional medicine does a really bad job of actually helping people understand chronic skin problems because they treat them like autoimmunity and they're not.”“If you have chronic skin problems, it's likely you have leaky gut. You don't need to go do a test for it.”LinksREGISTER NOW – Fix My Gut Workshop series starting January 8th!Healthy Skin Show ep. 305: Eliminations Diets, Food Fear + Healing Skin Rashes {NEW RESEARCH}Healthy Skin Show ep. 356: Troubleshooting Candida In Stool Tests (+ Other Labs)Healthy Skin Show ep. 275: Why You're So Itchy (HINT: It's Probably Not Histamine)Healthy Skin Show ep. 279: Chemical That Triggers Eczema (Oh My!)
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369: Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) Review (Especially If You Have Psoriasis, Liver Detox or Metabolic Health Concerns)
If you’re curious to try a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), this episode is a must-watch!Blood sugar regulation and metabolic health are HOT topics right now, and considering that some skin issues (like psoriasis) make you prone towards having issues, I frequently have these conversations with clients.Being that I’m perimenopause with a family history of diabetes, I thought it would be a good idea to try a over the counter CGM monitor purely to gain insight into my blood sugar balance and metabolic health.The most frequent question is “is trying a continous glucose monitor worth it?”While using a CGM monitor is quite straightforward, I can see why someone might wonder about this. And while I went into my two-week experiment with a bit of skepticism, I discovered a few crazy important things that I couldn’t have figured out any other way.So let’s dive into why I do believe that a continuous glucose monitor can be a useful tool, who should (and shouln’t) use this type of device, what the experience was like putting on and removing the CMG monitor, and what I wish I knew before I tried it the first time.Let’s dive in!In This Episode:Who should (and shouldn’t) try a continuous glucose monitorHow to use a CGM monitorWhat I learned about my blood sugar from using an over-the-counter continuous glucose monitorWhat NOT to do with a continous glucose monitor (I wish I knew this when I tried it the first time)How often should you use a CGM (if you’re not diabetic)?CGM monitor tips: What’s actually stuck to your arm?The over the counter continuous glucose monitor I triedQuotes“And the group of people who I think…should probably work with a nutrition or medical professional while using a CGM would be somebody who has a history of eating disorders…and those who have significant disordered eating patterns. If you feel like knowing that a particular meal or food is going to make you terrified to eat that food, don't do this on your own.”“The other thing that did seem to spike my blood sugar was when I didn't eat soon enough…if I just pushed through the hunger and pushed off eating in a window of time, that's when I would start to see my blood sugar spike on its own.”LinksUse THIS LINK to save $50 off of your first month on NutrisenseHealthy Skin Show ep. 217: Health Concerns Linked to Psoriasis (You SHOULD Know About)Healthy Skin Show ep. 347: Adult Hormonal Acne + Blood Sugar Dysfunction: What’s The Connection?
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368: How To Create A Positive Mindset (Even If You Have A Negative Outlook Right Now) w/ Dr. Sue Varma
There is power in having a positive mindset, even if you have a negative perspective right now.No, I’m not talking about toxic positivity, which encourages people to always look on the bright side (often ignoring or glossing over loss, pain, grief, etc.).I’m talking about practical optimism, a concept I learned about from the book Practical Optimism by Dr. Sue Varma.Practical optimism is a way to change your mindset that holds space for negative feelings and experiences, while equipping you with skills to deal with what you are facing and even possibly turn your challenges into opportunities.This may seem impossible, especially if you are dealing with mental health challenges as a result of debilitating chronic skin rashes. But I encourage you to give this episode a listen with an open mind!Joining me to discuss this concept and how to develop a positive mindset is Dr. Sue Varma who is a distinguished psychiatrist and cognitive behavioral therapist based in New York City. With over two decades of private practice experience, she has made significant contributions to the field of mental health, including serving as the pioneering Medical Director and Psychiatrist for the esteemed 9/11 mental health program at NYU for which she was awarded the Mayoral Proclamation. She’s also the author of the book Practical Optimism: The Art, Science, and Practice of Exceptional Well-Being.In This Episode:The devastating situation where Dr. Varma discovered optimismAre optimism and a positive mindset genetic?Toxic positivity practical optimismPessimism vs skepticism: what's the difference?Which personality type are you?The eight pillars of practical optimismHow to change your mindset even if you feel like you are “broken”How to know if you're emotionally dysregulatedBenefits of committing to therapyQuotes“A lot of times people dismiss optimism as a variety of things. It's woo-woo thinking, it's pollyannaish, it's very naive, it's toxic positivity, or it's something you're either born with or not. So why do we bother studying it? And what I found instead was that optimism, yes, there is a genetic component, but the reality is that only 25% of it is genetic. Seventy-five percent of it is learned.”“Practical optimism…says, ‘I invite space for your loss and your grief, but I'm also going to equip you with skills that will help you deal with what you're facing right now, but also in the future, and help you prevent some of the bad things that might be coming your way.’”LinksFind Dr. Varma online | InstagramGet Dr. Varma’s book Practical Optimism HERE!Healthy Skin Show ep. 131: Mindset: What To Do When Nothing Seems To Help Your RashesHealthy Skin Show ep. 361: How To Change Your Mindset (So Your Skin Doesn’t Control Your Mood) w/ Brad Bizjack
Fed up with those skin rashes that just won't go away? Join Jennifer Fugo -- a functional clinical nutritionist specializing in chronic skin problems -- to explore alternative ways to look at what's driving your skin nuts. Together, we'll dive deep to help you discover connections between your symptoms from a totally different perspective. Each episode tackles a wide range of chronic skin rash issues including (but not limited to) eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, chronic urticaria (chronic hives), and seborrheic dermatitis. You'll discover ways to address your skin issues using a root cause approach steeped in nutrition, diet, liver detoxification, lifestyle changes, and innovative published research that seems to take years to trickle down to your doctor.
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