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In this episode of Healthy California, I’m coming to you from the highest city in the world—La Paz, Bolivia—where breathing takes on a whole new meaning.

We’ll explore what really happens when we breathe, how oxygen moves through the lungs and tissues, and why this simple act is the foundation of life. You can go weeks without food and days without water, but only minutes without air. We’ll dive into the many factors that can reduce oxygen delivery—altitude, tight clothing, pollution, smoking, sleep apnea, anxiety, and even anemia—and why they matter more than you think.

You’ll learn practical ways to support your oxygen levels naturally: deep breathing exercises, movement to expand your ribs, better posture, good nutrition, and restful sleep. Whether you live at sea level or the top of the Andes, breathing well means living well.

I’ll close with a reminder that love and connection are also part of healing—because love, like oxygen, sustains life.

“Love one another as I have loved you.” — John 15:12
Stay healthy, California. 🌿

References:

Faria, A., Allen, AJH., Fox, N., Ayas, N., and Laher, I. (2021). The public health burden of obstructive sleep apnea. DOI: 10.5935/1984-0063.20200111

Espiritu, JRD., (2021). Health Consequences of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-54146-0_3

Kim, Y.H., Warren, S.H., Kooter, I. et al. (2021). Chemistry, lung toxicity and mutagenicity of burn pit smoke-related particulate matter. Part Fibre Toxicol 18, 45. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12989-021-00435-w

I want to share a helpful resource with you—a free health questionnaire designed to pinpoint the areas in your life that need focus for optimal wellness. If you're interested, simply click the link in my show notes or visit www.heal-throughfood.com to access it.

Thank you for listening to Healthy California.

If you have tried all my suggestions and are still having trouble with your health, and would like an appointment with me, please email me, text, or call me via the contact information below.

My contact:

Linda Brown, MPT, Doctoral Candidate Functional Nutrition

916-426-2543

linda@heal-throughfood.com

www.heal-throughfood.com

Send us a text

In this episode, we take a 30,000-foot view of the first 30 episodes — connecting the dots between food, movement, stress, sleep, and spiritual well-being.

Health is not just the absence of disease; it’s the presence of vitality, purpose, and balance. We began by addressing access to healthy foods and how food insecurity affects every stage of life — from development in utero to chronic disease in adulthood. From there, we explored gut health, inflammation, metabolism, hormones, and how nearly every system in the body begins in the gut.

We revisited stress as a major hormone disruptor, food sensitivities as hidden inflammation triggers, and brain and spiritual health as essential parts of healing. Movement, through physical therapy, ties it all together — because motion truly is medicine.

The take-home message? Start small. Eat clean food, move daily, breathe deeply, sleep well, and connect with others. Health is built one intentional choice at a time.

💬 “He will tend his flock like a shepherd…” — Isaiah 40:11

Stay healthy, California. 🌿

I want to share a helpful resource with you—a free health questionnaire designed to pinpoint the areas in your life that need focus for optimal wellness. If you're interested, simply click the link in my show notes or visit www.heal-throughfood.com to access it.

Thank you for listening to Healthy California.

If you have tried all my suggestions and are still having trouble with your health, and would like an appointment with me, please email me, text, or call me via the contact information below.

My contact:

Linda Brown, MPT, Doctoral Candidate Functional Nutrition

916-426-2543

linda@heal-throughfood.com

www.heal-throughfood.com

Send us a text

Physical therapy isn’t just about stretches or rehab—it's a science of movement. It is a clinical discipline focused on restoring motion, reducing pain, and improving function. PT goes deeper than exercise. It's about understanding biomechanics, neuromuscular patterns, and the body's natural healing timelines. PTs are true movement detectives—assessing, diagnosing, and guiding recovery with precision.

As therapists often say, "Motion is lotion." Movement heals—but only when it's intentional. When we stop moving, everything else slows down too. Research shows that physical therapy reduces reliance on opioids, prevents surgery, improves stroke and Parkinson's outcomes, supports heart health, and helps prevent deadly falls.

But PT isn't just reactive; it's proactive. From preventing injuries and improving posture to strengthening bones and muscles, proactive care keeps you living strong. Beyond the physical, PT empowers—building confidence, trust, and community.

What is your next step? See your PT for a baseline of strength, balance, and flexibility—don't wait for pain to start. Remember: physical therapy isn't a luxury; it's a lifeline.

Stay tuned for simple ways to stay strong, move well, and live healthy—because movement is therapy.

Stay healthy, California! 🌿

Thank you for listening to Healthy California.

If you have tried all my suggestions and are still having trouble with your health, and would like an appointment with me, please email me, text, or call me via the contact information below.

My contact:

Linda Brown, MPT, Doctoral Candidate Functional Nutrition

916-426-2543

linda@heal-throughfood.com

www.heal-throughfood.com

Send us a text

This week we're zooming in on micronutrients—the vitamins and minerals your body needs in tiny amounts to run big, life-sustaining processes.

In this episode, I break down what vitamins and minerals are, where they come from, and why they’re essential. You’ll hear how vitamins (organic compounds from plants and animals) power immunity, energy, vision, and repair—and how minerals (inorganic elements like calcium, magnesium, iron) support bones, muscles, nerves, electrolyte balance, and oxygen transport. We’ll connect familiar nutrients—vitamin D + calcium, B vitamins for metabolism, magnesium in 300+ reactions, iron for hemoglobin and mitochondrial energy, and vitamin C for collagen, antioxidant defense, and immune support—to everyday health.

We’ll also cover what deficiency can look like (fatigue, cramps, headaches, frequent illness, poor recovery) and when supplements can help—plus the pitfalls: overdosing fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), drug–nutrient interactions, and low-quality products. You’ll get practical strategies: food first (colorful produce, quality proteins, whole foods), smart supplementation, checking if meds deplete nutrients, and foundational habits—hydration, sleep, movement, and stress reduction.

Micronutrients may be “micro,” but their impact is massive. Tune in to learn how to shore up your daily essentials—safely and effectively.

References:

https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/druginduced-nutrient-depletions-what-pharmacists-need-to-know

Drug Induced Nutrient Depletion - Doctors Beyond Medicine

I want to share a helpful resource with you—a free health questionnaire designed to pinpoint the areas in your life that need focus for optimal wellness. If you're interested, simply click the link in my show notes or visit www.heal-throughfood.com to access it.

Thank you for listening to Healthy California.

If you have tried all my suggestions and are still having trouble with your health, and would like an appointment with me, please email me, text, or call me via the contact information below.

My contact:

Linda Brown, MPT, Doctoral Candidate Functional Nutrition

916-426-2543

linda@heal-throughfood.com

www.heal-throughfood.com

Send us a text

In this week’s episode, we’re diving into the world of protein—one of the three essential macronutrients alongside carbs and fats.

Proteins are often called the building blocks of life, but what does that really mean? Think of amino acids like Lego pieces—when linked together, they create the structures your body relies on every day. From building muscle and repairing tissues to producing hormones, enzymes, and antibodies, protein plays a vital role in growth, immunity, metabolism, and longevity.

We’ll explore the different types of proteins in your body—structural, contractile, transport, and more—plus the dietary proteins you need: complete, incomplete, and complementary sources. You’ll learn why quality matters, how much protein you should aim for, and why myths like “too much protein damages your kidneys” aren’t the full story.

Whether you’re eating animal protein or pairing plant-based sources, you’ll walk away with clear, practical tips for meeting your needs. Protein doesn’t just fuel athletes—it supports everyone.

Join me as we uncover how eating enough of the right protein can help you build strength, improve metabolism, and live a longer, healthier life.

References:

Hudson, J. L., Baum, J. I., Diaz, E. C., & Børsheim, E. (2021). Dietary Protein Requirements in Children: Methods for Consideration. Nutrients, 13(5), 1554. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13051554

I want to share a helpful resource with you—a free health questionnaire designed to pinpoint the areas in your life that need focus for optimal wellness. If you're interested, simply click the link in my show notes or visit www.heal-throughfood.com to access it.

Thank you for listening to Healthy California.

If you have tried all my suggestions and are still having trouble with your health, and would like an appointment with me, please email me, text, or call me via the contact information below.

My contact:

Linda Brown, MPT, Doctoral Candidate Functional Nutrition

916-426-2543

linda@heal-throughfood.com

www.heal-throughfood.com

Send us a text

Today we’re diving into a subject that often sparks confusion and controversy: fat. Last week, we explored sugar, and next week we’ll round out the macronutrient trio with protein. But today, it’s all about unpacking the complex world of dietary fats—what they are, why we need them, and how to make smarter choices for better health.

We’ll break down the different types of fats—saturated, unsaturated, trans fats, triglycerides, and cholesterol—clarifying their roles in the body. From energy storage and hormone production to brain health and cell membrane integrity, fats aren’t the villains they’ve been made out to be. In fact, healthy fats like omega-3s, olive oil, avocado, and coconut oil can protect against inflammation, support cognitive health, and help regulate appetite.

But not all fats are created equal. We’ll also cover the dangers of trans fats and poor-quality oils, their role in inflammation, and how processed foods sneak them into our diets.

By the end of this episode, you’ll understand why eating fat does not make you fat—and how thoughtful choices can protect your heart, brain, and long-term health.

Stay healthy, California—you’ve got this!

I want to share a helpful resource with you—a free health questionnaire designed to pinpoint the areas in your life that need focus for optimal wellness. If you're interested, simply click the link in my show notes or visit www.heal-throughfood.com to access it.

Thank you for listening to Healthy California.

If you have tried all my suggestions and are still having trouble with your health, and would like an appointment with me, please email me, text, or call me via the contact information below.

My contact:

Linda Brown, MPT, Doctoral Candidate Functional Nutrition

916-426-2543

linda@heal-throughfood.com

www.heal-throughfood.com

Send us a text

Welcome back to Healthy California! I’m here to empower you with the knowledge to make simple, sustainable, and science-backed health choices. In this episode, we dive into the sweet—and not-so-sweet truth about sugar.

From table sugar and honey to high-fructose corn syrup and stevia, we break down what sugar actually is, how it's metabolized in the body, and the difference between natural, added, and artificial sugars. You’ll learn about the chemical structure of monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides, and how they function as energy, plus the role sugar plays in gut health, inflammation, weight gain, and chronic disease.

We also uncover how hidden sugars sneak into your diet under over 200 different names and explore why sugar-free doesn't always mean guilt-free. You'll hear how sugar affects your microbiome, blood sugar, insulin levels, brain, and even oral health.

Ready for change? I'll guide you through practical strategies to reduce sugar intake, tips to curb cravings, and how to take the 7-day sugar-free challenge—with journal prompts and daily wins along the way.

🎧 Listen now to learn how to recognize sugar's many forms, protect your health, and reclaim your energy—one sweet decision at a time.

Here are some the different names for sugar – hidden names?

| Beet sugar | Brown sugar/Dark brown sugar | Cane sugar/crystals/syrup
| Coconut sugar | Powdered sugar | Date sugar/syrup
| Demerara sugar | Golden sugar/syrup | Grape sugar
| Muscovado sugar | Panela sugar | Raw sugar
| Turbinado sugar | Yellow sugar | HFCS/corn syrup/corn sweetener
| Corn syrup | Agave nector/syrup | Barley malt syrup
| Barley malt sugar | Blackstrap molasses | Honey
| Maple syrup | Rice syrup | Sorghum syrup
| Rice syrup | Carob syrup | Dextrine/Dextran/Dextrose
| Fruit juice concentrate | Auamiel | Barbados
| Buttered syrup | Cane juice | Caramel
| Castor sugar/syrup | Clarified grape juice | Any fruit concentrate
| Confectioner’s sugar | Cooked honey | Crystalline
| D-mannose | Evaporated cane juice | Ethyl maltol
| Florida chrystals | Free flowing | Fruit sugars/sweeteners
| Galactose | glycerin | Anything hydrogenated
| Icing sugar inulin | Inverted sugar | Jaggery
| Anything malt | Maltodextrose | Maltodextrin
| Maltose | Treacle | Modified food starch
| All nectars | Organic raw sugars | Panocha
| Pectin | Xanthum gum | Succanat

Sugar Alcohols and Artificial Sweeteners
- Erythritol - Lactitol - Maltitol - Mannitol - Sorbitol - Xylitol | - aspartame - stevia - Splenda - equal |

📩 Have questions? Contact me at linda@heal-throughfood.com or visit heal-throughfood.com
✅ Subscribe, share, and follow to stay empowered!

I want to share a helpful resource with you—a free health questionnaire designed to pinpoint the areas in your life that need focus for optimal wellness. If you're interested, simply click the link in my show notes or visit www.heal-throughfood.com to access it.

Thank you for listening to Healthy California.

If you have tried all my suggestions and are still having trouble with your health, and would like an appointment with me, please email me, text, or call me via the contact information below.

My contact:

Linda Brown, MPT, Doctoral Candidate Functional Nutrition

916-426-2543

linda@heal-throughfood.com

www.heal-throughfood.com

Send us a text

Dairy: Is it the perfect food or a hidden trigger for inflammation and illness?

In this episode of Healthy California, I dive deep into the controversial world of dairy. With so much conflicting advice online and in the media, it's hard to know whether dairy should have a place on your plate. I break down the science, the pros and cons, and encourage you to make an informed choice based on your unique body—not a one-size-fits-all opinion.

I explore what dairy is (hint: it’s not just cow’s milk) and why it's considered a “perfect food” due to its balance of all three macronutrients—protein, fat, and carbohydrates—as well as micronutrients like calcium, vitamin D, B12, and potassium. Fermented dairy products like yogurt and kefir even provide probiotics that support gut health.

But here’s the catch: not everyone tolerates dairy well.

I outline the common downsides of dairy, including lactose intolerance, food sensitivities, acne, eczema, and mixed evidence around inflammation. Ialso discusses concerns over antibiotics and hormones in conventional dairy and how they can disrupt your gut and endocrine systems.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

• The differences between casein and whey proteins and their roles in cardiovascular and immune health
• Why full-fat dairy is more protective than low-fat or non-fat versions
• How linoleic acid in full-fat milk may support memory, reduce inflammation, and lower cancer risk
• When dairy may be causing hidden symptoms like joint pain, skin issues, or bloating
• What A2 milk is and whether it’s better for digestion
• The pros and cons of raw vs. pasteurized milk
• How plant-based milks compare—nutritionally, environmentally, and for gut health
• What additives in almond, oat, or soy milks may be doing to your microbiome

Throughout the episode, I emphasize bio-individuality—the concept that what works for one person may not work for another. I encourage listeners to listen to their bodies, try elimination diets, and journal their symptoms for greater clarity. And if you want to take it a step further, she offers simple mail-in food sensitivity testing.

💡 Key takeaway: Dairy isn’t essential, but it can be beneficial. Whether or not it belongs in your diet depends on your personal response, your symptoms, and the quality of the dairy you choose.

🧾 Want to explore your relationship with dairy?
I offer one-on-one consultations and food sensitivity testing. Contact me at linda@heal-throughfood.com or visit heal-throughfood.com to learn more.

📚 References

• Fernandez-Rico, S., Mondragon, A.C.,, Lopez-Santamarina, A. et al (2022). A2 Milk: New Perspectives for Food Technology and Human Health. Foods. Vol.11(16), 2387. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11162387
• Jakubowska, D., Dabrowska, A.Z., Staniewska, K., et al (2024). Health Benefits of Dairy Products’ Consumption – Consumer Point of View. Foods. 2024,13(23), 3925; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13233925
• Nieman, K.M., Anderson, B.D., & Cifelli, C.J. (2020). The Effects of Dairy Product and Dairy

Thank you for listening to Healthy California.

If you have tried all my suggestions and are still having trouble with your health, and would like an appointment with me, please email me, text, or call me via the contact information below.

My contact:

Linda Brown, MPT, Doctoral Candidate Functional Nutrition

916-426-2543

linda@heal-throughfood.com

www.heal-throughfood.com