How do you navigate a "perfect storm" of health challenges for over 50 years? Today, we are joined by Beverly Meyer, a Certified Clinical Nutritionist who has been a "medical detective" since the 1970s.

Managing her own diagnoses of Celiac, Hashimoto’s, and CVID, Beverly shares her unique perspective on using precision nutrition to handle complex conditions like CKD, MS, and POTS. We dive into the evolution of the Paleo diet, preventing illness progression, and the "no-nonsense" mindset required to stay persistent on the road to wellness.

• The 70s Medical Detective: Navigating chronic illness before the digital age.

• Paleo for Autoimmunity: Why ancestral nutrition is a powerful lever for inflammation.

• The Clinical Tightrope: Tailoring nutrition for the specific needs of CKD and POTS.

• Halting the "Snowball Effect": Using food to prevent the progression of illness.

• The Persistence Mindset: Moving from grief into high-agency research and action.

Please Note: The views and opinions expressed by Beverly Meyer are her own and represent her clinical experience and personal journey. This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your physician or a qualified medical provider before making any changes to your diet, supplements, or treatment plan.

• Official Website: DietaryHack.com

• Podcast: Primal Diet – Modern Health

• Supplement Shop: On-Demand Clinical Resources

• Facebook: Beverly Meyer - Dietary Hack

• Instagram: @beverlymeyer_dietaryhack

What happens when your relationship with food becomes a medical battlefield?

For many in the chronic illness community, "normal" eating is complicated by more than just willpower—it’s tangled up in medical restrictions, clinical stereotypes, and a healthcare system that doesn't always see the full picture. In this episode of The Chronic Brew, we sit down with Jessica Setnick, MS, RD, CEDSS, an international leader in the eating disorder field who brings a unique, "human-first" perspective to nutrition.

As an anthropologist and dietitian, Jessica helps us peel back the layers of why we eat the way we do. We dive deep into the intersection of chronic health and dysfunctional eating, exploring how to find a "peaceful" relationship with food when your body feels out of sync.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Anthropological Lens: How understanding our history as a species can remove the shame from our eating behaviors.

• The "Wellness" Trap: Distinguishing between medical necessity and the rise of Orthorexia.

• Advocacy & The Nutrition CARE Act: Why we are fighting to make nutrition counseling a standard, covered service for everyone.

• Medical Gaslighting: Navigating a system that often mislabels physical symptoms as "all in your head."

• Redefining Food Peace: What it looks like to find a neutral, sustainable way to eat while managing chronic illness.

Whether you're a patient navigating a complex diagnosis or a healthcare professional seeking a more compassionate approach, this "Coffee Talk" session is the jolt of clarity you've been looking for.

• Bio-Behavioral Nutrition: Why your brain chemistry and biology drive your hunger more than your "discipline."

• Access to Care: Breaking down the stereotypes of what an eating disorder "looks like."

• Advocacy: How to support legislation that ensures better recovery protection for all.

• Main Website: JessicaSetnick.com

• Advocacy Platform: IFEDD (International Federation of Eating Disorder Dietitians)

• Professional Training: Eating Disorders Boot Camp

[Disclaimer: This episode discusses eating disorders and dysfunctional eating behavior. The content is for educational and supportive purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Please listen with self-care in mind.]

#ChronicBrew #JessicaSetnick #EatingDisorderRecovery #ChronicIllnessSupport #SpoonieLife #NutritionCareAct #FoodPeace #OrthorexiaAwareness #DietitianAdvocacy

When chronic illness enters a relationship, it often feels like an uninvited guest that takes up all the space at the table. But does a diagnosis have to mean the end of intimacy, joy, and connection?

In this episode of The Chronic Brew, we’re sitting down with Lisa Gray, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and author of the groundbreaking book, Thriving in a Relationship When You Have Chronic Illness. Lisa brings a unique "double-shot" of perspective to the show: she is a clinical expert in couples therapy and a fellow "spoonie" living with hEDS (hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome).

We dive deep into the first chapter of her book to discuss why communication is the ultimate lifeline, how to break out of the "caregiver vs. patient" trap, and how to protect your identity as a couple when the "how" of your life starts to change.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Sweet or Bitter: Lisa plays our signature icebreaker game, reacting to the relatable highs and lows of chronic life.

• The Communication Filter: Why "Chapter One" communication strategies are a game-changer for couples in crisis.

• Identity Protection: How to remember that your relationship is not your illness.

• The Espresso Shot Round: Rapid-fire advice for navigating flares, maintaining intimacy, and finding resilience.

About Our Guest: Lisa Gray, LMFT, is an author and therapist specializing in helping couples navigate the complexities of chronic illness. After a decade-long career as an air traffic controller, she transitioned into therapy to help others find calm in the turbulence of life. She is the author of Thriving in a Relationship When You Have Chronic Illness and Healthy Conflict, Happy Couple.

Connect with Lisa:

• Website: lisagrayauthor.com

• Clinical Practice: lisagraymft.com

• Instagram: @TherapyBookNook

Grab the Book: https://lisagrayauthor.com/books/thriving-in-a-relationship-when-you-have-chronic-illness-navigate-challenges-and-keep-your-relationship-strong-using-acceptance-and-commitment-therap-lisa-gray/9781648486081

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Keep your spirits high and your coffee hot.