What happens when the body stays in a state of stress long after the original threat is gone?

In this episode of Following Your Gut, Roland Pankewich sits down with health coach Jen Moriya, CHHC, DC (non-practicing) to explore the connection between trauma, the cell danger response, and nervous system regulation.

Jen shares her personal journey from traditional chiropractic practice to a more integrative approach to health after her own experiences with stress and chronic health challenges changed the way she viewed healing. Together, Roland and Jen discuss how early-life experiences may influence the nervous system, how the body responds to ongoing stress, and why understanding the connection between the mind and body can be an important part of building resilience.

The conversation also gets practical. Jen shares accessible strategies for supporting nervous system regulation, including breathing exercises, grounding, movement, emotional awareness, and lifestyle practices such as walking and sauna therapy.

If you've ever wondered how stress and past experiences can influence the way you feel today, this episode offers a fascinating look at the nervous system—and practical tools for creating greater balance, resilience, and well-being.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• The cell danger response and its relationship to stress and health
• How childhood experiences may influence nervous system regulation
• The principles behind polyvagal theory
• Why mind-body integration matters
• Practical breathing, grounding, and movement techniques
• Lifestyle strategies that can support resilience
• Jen's personal journey and evolution as a health professional

Join Roland and Jen for a thought-provoking conversation about trauma, the nervous system, and the journey from simply managing symptoms to understanding the body as a whole.

About the Guest:

Coach Jen Moriya is a health coach with a career spanning over 15 years. She graduated from Palmer Chiropractic College in 2007 and spent a decade in private practice before transitioning to the operating room, where she monitored nervous systems. This environment led her to experience significant stress and health challenges, prompting her journey into understanding the cell danger response. Jen’s personal health struggles, including celiac disease and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), have fueled her passion for holistic healing. She is now focused on helping others through techniques rooted in polyvagal theory and nervous system regulation, emphasizing the integration of body and mind for effective trauma recovery and stress reduction.

Jen's Website: https://mygenetichealthsolution.com/home-130965

“The microbiome of our digestive tract is like the soil of our body."

Summary:

Join Roland Pankewich and Dr. Chris Meletis ND, as they explore the intricate world of holistic health care. This episode delves into the challenge of balancing traditional medical training with naturopathic approaches to uncover the root causes of health issues. With decades of experience, Dr. Meletis shares insights into the historical blending of disciplines like naturopathy and Chinese medicine, emphasizing an integrative perspective beyond quick-fix solutions. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on embracing continuous learning and cross-disciplinary collaboration to better serve patients in today’s complex health landscape.

About the Guest:

Dr. Chris Meletis ND, is a prominent naturopathic physician, educator, international author, and lecturer with more than three decades of experience in natural and integrative medicine. After initially pursuing conventional medical education, Dr. Meletis discovered naturopathic medicine and was drawn to its holistic approach to understanding health and the interconnectedness of the body.

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Meletis has served as Dean of Naturopathic Medicine and Chief Medical Officer at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine, now the National University of Natural Medicine, for seven years. He has authored more than 15 books and over 200 scientific articles and has lectured extensively on natural, functional, and integrative medicine, including for the Institute for Functional Medicine.

Dr. Meletis is a passionate advocate for lifelong learning and believes healthcare practitioners are best equipped to serve their patients when they remain open to diverse medical philosophies and continually expand their understanding. His approach integrates perspectives from conventional, naturopathic, and functional medicine while emphasizing the importance of foundational health practices, nutrition, and patient education.

His commitment to improving health extends beyond clinical practice. Dr. Meletis spearheaded the creation of 16 free natural medicine healthcare clinics serving underserved communities throughout the Portland metropolitan area. In recognition of his contributions to naturopathic medicine, he was named the 2003 Physician of the Year by the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

Dr. Meletis’s personal mission is simple: “Changing America’s Health One Person at a Time.” He believes meaningful change begins when people are empowered with knowledge about their bodies and the tools to make informed decisions about their health.

“Perseverance wins the race. I tell my patients that, keep on going, don’t lose faith and you will manifest.”

Resources:

Dr. Melides’ website: https://drmeletis.com/

“The microbiome of our digestive tract is like the soil of our body."

In this episode of the “Following Your Gut” podcast, host Roland Pankewich welcomes back Dr. Kelly Halderman. Known for her expertise in holistic health and product formulation, Dr. Halderman shares fascinating insights about the gut urinary axis. She underscores the importance of considering interconnected bodily systems, advocating an approach that acknowledges the complex relationships between the gut, urinary tract, and overall wellbeing. They dive into the significance of addressing the root causes of recurrent urinary dysfunction, moving beyond mere symptom treatment, and considering emotional and physiological barriers to health.

This engaging dialogue highlights the interconnectedness of the body and the importance of a comprehensive approach to healing, particularly for chronic issues like recurrent UTIs. With an eye towards practical solutions, Dr. Halderman shares her journey of formulating “Cranxym,” a supplement designed to support the gut-urinary pathways health by aiding microbial balance. The conversation unravels the role of emotional health and trauma in physiological conditions, drawing from both Western and Eastern medical perspectives. Filled with personal anecdotes and enlightening details, this episode is packed with strategies for optimizing whole-body health through both modern supplements and traditional wisdom.

About the Guest:

Dr. Kelly Halderman is a prominent figure in the field of holistic health and nutraceuticals. With a background in practicing medicine, she has pivoted her career toward research, education, and the development of nutraceutical products. Having held a position as a Chief Medical Officer in biotech, Dr. Halderman focuses on empowering individuals to enhance their health by strengthening their physiological terrain. As a passionate educator, she teaches both medical professionals and laypeople about holistic health and wellness strategies.

Key Takeaways:

• Gut-Urinary Connection: Understanding the intricate link between the gut’s microbiome and the urinary tract is key to addressing recurrent UTIs effectively.
• Holistic Treatment Approach: Focus on treating the root causes rather than only the symptoms of urinary dysfunction.
• Role of Emotional Health: Emotions and past traumas can significantly influence organ function, including the kidneys and urinary system.
• Supplements as Signals: View supplements like Cranxym as a way to support the body’s natural healing processes and improve physiological functionality.
• Hydration and Lifestyle: Importance of adequate hydration, fiber intake, and lifestyle factors in maintaining optimal kidney and urinary tract health.

Notable Quotes:

“Biology is going to follow your behavior.”

“Seek not for health, but seek the obstacles that are in the way of health.”

“Recurrent urinary dysfunction represents a breakdown of coordinated biological systems rather than a specific infectious event.”

“The microbiome of our digestive tract is like the soil of our body."