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Send us Fan Mail Being told “you’re inflamed” can feel like an answer. It’s actually where the question starts. Inflammation is your immune system responding to something, and calming it down without finding that trigger is like turning off the smoke alarm while something is still burning in the oven. In the third episode of our inflammation series, I cover the main places chronic inflammation tends to come from and the testing that can help you work out which ones matter for you. It’s rarely just one thing, and it isn’t the same answer for everyone.  In this episode: Why anti-inflammatory medications and supplements can help in the short term, but don’t remove the triggers for inflammationThe blood sugar markers I look at beyond fasting glucose, and why insulin can rise years before HbA1c changesWhat hs-CRP, homocysteine, and a CBC with differential can tell youChecking for autoimmune activity with ANA and thyroid antibodiesKey nutrients for inflammation and immune health: vitamin D, B12, folate, and ferritinWhy “normal” and “optimal” lab ranges aren’t the same thingFood sensitivities vs. true allergies, and a simple elimination-and-reintroduction approachHow toxins such as heavy metals, plastics, pesticides, and mold can keep your immune system on alertWhy your gut, home to 70–80% of your immune system, is often the first place I lookWhat a GI Map can show, including hidden infections, dysbiosis, calprotectin, and secretory IgA Subscribe to the Aligned to Rise Podcast: Apple | Spotify Connect w/ Alyssa: InstagramWebsiteWork w/ Alyssa: Free Period Pain PlaybookWork with me 1:1Cycle Clarity Panel Learn more about Alyssa Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. This may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

Send us Fan Mail You’re eating well and exercising, and on paper you’re doing everything right. So why is the scale going up instead of down? If that frustration sounds familiar, this episode is for you. This month on Aligned to Rise, we’re digging into inflammation and all the ways it can affect your health and your life. Today I’m joined by double board-certified hormone nutritionist Monika Eva to talk about one of the most confusing parts of it: how inflammation can quietly get in the way of weight loss. In this episode, we cover: Why weight gain can happen even when your lifestyle looks “perfect”How inflammation affects your body’s ability to release weightThe connection between inflammation, hormones and metabolismHow functional lab testing can help uncover what’s really going onWhere to look that your doctor hasn't looked beforeWhat you can gain in your life when you lose the inflammation and that stubborn weightAbout Monika Eva Monika Eva is a double board-certified hormone nutritionist who has helped over 1,300 women regain their energy, release stubborn weight and feel confident again through holistic nutrition and functional lab testing. She also hosts the Balanced Body Podcast, where she covers the health topics women won’t hear about from their doctors. Connect with Monika:  Weight Loss & Energy Blocker Assessment Instagram Listen to The Balanced Body Podcast Subscribe to the Aligned to Rise Podcast: Apple | Spotify Connect w/ Alyssa: InstagramWebsiteWork w/ Alyssa: Free Period Pain PlaybookWork with me 1:1Cycle Clarity Panel Learn more about Alyssa Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. This may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

Send us Fan Mail "You're just inflamed." If you've heard that and walked away with more questions than answers, this episode is for you. This kicks off a month-long series on inflammation, one of my favorite topics to nerd out on. Inflammation is one of the most overused and least understood words in health. Too often it's treated as the end of the conversation, when it should be the beginning. In this episode, I break down what inflammation really is: a normal, protective immune response that your body needs to heal. It can also go sideways and stick around far longer than it should. Using a fire analogy, we look at the cast of characters inside your immune system. There are the "arsonists" that light the fire, the "firefighters" that put it out, and the accelerants and retardants that turn the flame up or down. You'll learn why chronic inflammation shows up so differently from person to person, and why there's no one-size-fits-all fix. Being in a state of chronic inflammation doesn't mean you have to stay there. It just means that's where you are right now. In this episode The difference between acute inflammation and chronic inflammation Three ways inflammation can go wrongSigns of acute inflammationSigns of chronic inflammationConditions linked to chronic inflammation, from endometriosis and autoimmune disease to IBD, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseaseWhy inflammation is never random: it's always your immune system responding to somethingThe immune "fire crew": frontline pro-inflammatory cells, resolving cells like M2 macrophages and T regulatory cells, and the molecular signals (DAMPs, PAMPs, SAMPs) that turn the fire up or downWhy balance, not elimination, is the goalTimestamps 00:00 Welcome and the October inflammation series01:14 What inflammation is (and isn't)02:05 Acute vs. chronic inflammation03:28 The fire analogy, and three ways inflammation goes wrong06:03 What acute inflammation looks and feels like07:35 Signs and symptoms of chronic inflammation08:58 How common this is, and conditions linked to chronic inflammation10:35 Why understanding your body matters11:24 Inflammation is your immune system at work12:40 Meet the arsonists, firefighters, accelerants, and retardants15:39 What happens when the balance tips18:01 What's coming up in the series Subscribe to the Aligned to Rise Podcast: Apple | Spotify Connect w/ Alyssa: InstagramWebsiteWork w/ Alyssa: Free Period Pain PlaybookWork with me 1:1Cycle Clarity Panel Learn more about Alyssa Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. This may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

Send us Fan Mail So many women are told their hormones are "off" and sent home with birth control and no real explanation. I know that was my story. But hormones are chemical messengers: they respond to signals from the rest of your body. When they're out of balance, it's a sign something deeper needs support. In this episode, I break down the seven main things I look at in my practice that impact your hormones, so you can see the bigger picture and know there's something you can do about it.  In this episode, we cover: Why hormone imbalance is a symptom, not the root causeHow your gut affects estrogen detox (and why I always start there)Your liver's role in hormone detox and thyroid conversionEveryday toxins, endocrine disruptors, and a slow-and-steady way to reduce themHow stress, cortisol, and your nervous system affect your hormonesWhy blood sugar balance might be the most impactful dietary change you can makeThe nutrients your body needs to build hormonesHow your thyroid and sex hormones interactTimestamps: 00:00 Why hormones aren't the problem01:47 A client story: from birth control to real answers04:01 #1: Your gut06:18 #2: Your liver07:51 #3: Your environment and toxins12:30 #4: Your nervous system14:46 #5: Blood sugar16:51 #6: Nutrition20:26 #7: Your thyroid21:58 Quick recapResources mentioned: Episode 146: The Gut–Hormone Connection Free Hormone Assessment: find out if your gut might be impacting your hormonesBook a free consultation with me  Subscribe to the Aligned to Rise Podcast: Apple | Spotify Connect w/ Alyssa: InstagramWebsiteWork w/ Alyssa: Free Period Pain PlaybookWork with me 1:1Cycle Clarity Panel Learn more about Alyssa Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. This may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

Send us Fan Mail Have you been told your hormones are off and that birth control is the fix? Or that your labs look "normal," even though your periods say otherwise? In this episode, I'm walking you through why standard serum (blood) hormone testing only gives us a tiny snapshot, and what testing can actually show us why your hormones are out of balance in the first place.  In this episode, you'll hear: Why high estrogen doesn't look the same for everyoneWhat a GI Map and DUTCH test can reveal that blood work can'tHow your body detoxes hormonesWhy supporting your liver first can sometimes backfireMy take on DIM, and why I don't recommend it without testing firstWhy hormones are a symptom, not the root causeMy own journey from chronic endo pain to feeling good in my body again Subscribe to the Aligned to Rise Podcast: Apple | Spotify Connect w/ Alyssa: InstagramWebsiteWork w/ Alyssa: Free Period Pain PlaybookWork with me 1:1Cycle Clarity Panel Learn more about Alyssa Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. This may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

Send us Fan Mail If you've ever sat in a doctor's office describing period pain that knocks you flat, only to walk out with a birth control prescription and zero answers, this one's for you. I've been there. Years of debilitating periods, stage 4 endometriosis, and a whole lot of "everything looks normal." One of the things that made a real difference for me (and that I see move the needle with my clients over and over) wasn't something I was ever told to look at. It was my gut. Now, I'm not here to tell you your gut is the one magic fix. You know I don't believe in that. But I am here to show you why ignoring it means missing a big piece of the puzzle. In this episode, we get into: Why I don't believe hormones are ever the root cause, and the question I ask insteadThe bathtub analogy that explains why I work "back to front" with clients, and why focusing on your liver first can backfireThe enzyme that can quietly send estrogen back into circulationThe "estrobolome" — yes, it's a real thing, and yes, it's fascinatingHow food sensitivities fit into the pain pictureWhat the research is showing specifically for my endo ladies Why I test instead of guess, and what I look for when a client comes to me with painful or heavy periodsReady to stop guessing? My Cycle Clarity Panel includes the GI Map test plus a one-on-one session with me, so you understand what your results mean and how they connect to your symptoms. I have a few spots open right now.  Subscribe to the Aligned to Rise Podcast: Apple | Spotify Connect w/ Alyssa: InstagramWebsiteWork w/ Alyssa: Free Period Pain PlaybookWork with me 1:1Cycle Clarity Panel Learn more about Alyssa Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. This may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

Send us Fan Mail One in six people will struggle with fertility in their lifetime, and especially if you've ever been handed a diagnosis of "unexplained infertility," this episode is for you. I know this journey intimately. It took me about nine years to bring my miracle girl into the world, including a stage four endometriosis diagnosis and being told IVF was my only option. Spoiler: it wasn't. And I've watched clients walk that same path (even ones told the same thing I was) go on to conceive naturally once we dug deeper. So in this episode, I'm giving you the inside scoop on what a typical fertility workup actually covers and the key pieces that so often get left out. Because "unexplained" usually just means no one has looked deep enough.  When you understand what's really worth investigating, a whole new set of answers opens up and that changes everything about how you support your body. If fertility is your journey right now, I want you to walk away from this one knowing you have more options than you've been told, and more options than you've been given. Subscribe to the Aligned to Rise Podcast: Apple | Spotify Connect w/ Alyssa: InstagramWebsiteWork w/ Alyssa: Free Period Pain PlaybookWork with me 1:1Cycle Clarity Panel Learn more about Alyssa Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. This may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to Aligned to Rise! I wanted to start off with my take on the broader picture of what women's health care really SHOULD look like.  As a mama to a baby girl who will someday grow up to be a woman herself, I'm more passionate about women's healthcare than ever. Give it a listen and let me know your thoughts! Subscribe to the Aligned to Rise Podcast: Apple | Spotify Connect w/ Alyssa: InstagramWebsiteWork w/ Alyssa: Free Period Pain PlaybookWork with me 1:1Cycle Clarity Panel Learn more about Alyssa Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. This may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

Send us Fan Mail Hey my friend, I hope you've thoroughly enjoyed your summer! Get excited because the wait is over: a brand-new episode of Aligned to Rise is coming your way next week! Give this episode a listen to see what's coming on the podcast and beyond. Looking forward to getting back in action! Subscribe to the Aligned to Rise Podcast: Apple | Spotify Connect w/ Alyssa: InstagramWebsiteWork w/ Alyssa: Free Period Pain PlaybookWork with me 1:1Cycle Clarity Panel Learn more about Alyssa Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. This may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

Send us Fan Mail This summer, Aligned to Rise is taking a pause, and today's episode is all about why. This isn't goodbye, it's a pause with a purpose. Inside this episode, I share what I'll be working on behind the scenes this summer, gives a sneak peek at the topics and offerings coming this fall, and let you know how to work with me while the podcast is quiet. In This Episode Why I'm is stepping back from the podcast for the summer What it really means to practice what you preach as a health practitionerA behind-the-scenes look at what I'm working on this summer: a podcast refresh, new episode research, a new course, and a live workshopA sneak peek at fall topics, including more on GLP-1s, "unexplained infertility," and hormone balance, endo, and inflammation from a root-cause lensWhy the podcast will feature more guest interviews this fallHow to keep in touch with me this summer, even while the podcast is on pauseA limited-time opportunity to start the Cycle Clarity Panel this summer Work With Me This Summer: Just a few spots are open for the Cycle Clarity Panel this summer if you've been wanting real answers about your cycle, hormones, or symptoms, now is a great time to get started. Check it out Subscribe to the Aligned to Rise Podcast: Apple | Spotify Connect w/ Alyssa: InstagramWebsiteWork w/ Alyssa: Free Period Pain PlaybookWork with me 1:1Cycle Clarity Panel Learn more about Alyssa Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. This may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

Send us Fan Mail *Out of the vault! This episode originally aired October of 2024, but I've had so many questions coming in about endo surgery that I thought it was time to bring it back!* Today, we’re diving into one of the most frequently asked questions: How to prepare for endometriosis surgery and what to expect. If you’ve been feeling uncertain about the process, this episode will give you the guidance you need to feel more confident going in and recover more smoothly afterward. We’ll cover everything from pre-surgery preparation to post-op recovery tips, ensuring you have the tools and knowledge to support your healing journey. Let’s make this experience as smooth as possible! In this episode, you’ll hear: -Myth-busting common misconceptions about endometriosis surgery. -How to plan ahead, from researching your surgery to practical tips like what clothes to wear and how to set up the support you need for recovery. -Meal prep ideas and food considerations to help reduce inflammation and promote healing after surgery. -Natural tools for managing pain and inflammation, beyond just what your doctor prescribes. -The importance of patience and resting your body for full recovery. -How long-term diet and lifestyle changes can help prevent multiple surgeries, plus alternative treatments and healing modalities to explore. I’ve curated a list of anti-inflammatory recipes linked below! Whether you're preparing for surgery or looking to manage your endo symptoms long-term, these recipes will nourish and support your body. Check it out and start planning for your healing journey! Resources: Alyssa's Anti-Inflammatory Recipe List Nancy's Nook iCareBetter Subscribe to the Aligned to Rise Podcast: Apple | Spotify Connect w/ Alyssa: InstagramWebsiteWork w/ Alyssa: Free Period Pain PlaybookWork with me 1:1 Learn more about Alyssa Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. This may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here. Subscribe to the Aligned to Rise Podcast: Apple | Spotify Connect w/ Alyssa: InstagramWebsiteWork w/ Alyssa: Free Period Pain PlaybookWork with me 1:1Cycle Clarity Panel Learn more about Alyssa Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. This may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

Send us Fan Mail GLP-1s are everywhere right now, and the conversation around them has gotten loud, polarized, and honestly a little exhausting. You've got one camp calling them a miracle drug and another saying you're taking the easy way out. I'm not here for either of those takes. What I am here for is giving you the full picture: the questions, the considerations, and the context you actually deserve before making any decision about your body.  As a functional nutritionist who works primarily with women navigating endometriosis, hormone imbalances, and gut health issues, I'm seeing this topic come up constantly, from clients, from my community, from women who've been told this is their only option. So let's talk about it. In This Episode We Cover What informed consent actually means (and why it matters more than you think)The real benefits of GLP-1sPractical questions to bring to your prescribing practitioner before startingWhat GLP-1s are actually doing inside your bodyThe gut health considerations nobody is talking about Muscle mass, nutrition, and why "eating less" isn't always the whole storyHow chronic inflammation connects to blood sugar, gut health, and your hormones, and why quieting symptoms isn't the same as addressing root causesThe fertility and hormone questions that still don't have clear answersWhy having an exit strategy matters if you do choose to startHow to use GLP-1s as a tool alongside foundational work, not instead of it Subscribe to the Aligned to Rise Podcast: Apple | Spotify Connect w/ Alyssa: InstagramWebsiteWork w/ Alyssa: Free Period Pain PlaybookWork with me 1:1Cycle Clarity Panel Learn more about Alyssa Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. This may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

Send us Fan Mail If you've been eating a near-perfect diet and still struggling with hormonal imbalances, period pain, bloating, or fatigue, this episode is for you. I break down why the stress around clean eating can be just as damaging to your body as the food itself, and how the pursuit of dietary perfection can actually keep you stuck. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why chronic food stress and anxiety trigger the same cortisol response as a physical threat and what that does to your hormonesWhy highly reactive women who restrict more foods are often making things worse, not betterThe difference between short-term elimination and long-term restriction, and why one helps while the other harmsHow social media and wellness culture can fuel fear-based eating and the comparison trapWhy food reactivity is a symptom to investigate, not a life sentence of restrictionWhat I actually eat now vs. during my most restrictive phase and why she feels better with more flexibilityA real client story: from food fear and constant gut symptoms to balanced hormones and an enjoyable relationship with foodKey Takeaway Your nervous system cannot tell the difference between a lion chasing you and a food fear spiral. If you're eating beautifully but living in a state of anxiety about every bite, your body is still under chronic stress, and that stress is disrupting the very hormones you're trying to heal. Resources & Links Mentioned: Episode 140: 5 Things That Will Determine You Success With a Holistic Approach to EndoGI Map stool testing: the gut health tool I use with nearly every one-on-one client📅 Book a free 30-minute consultation with me Subscribe to the Aligned to Rise Podcast: Apple | Spotify Connect w/ Alyssa: InstagramWebsiteWork w/ Alyssa: Free Period Pain PlaybookWork with me 1:1Cycle Clarity Panel Learn more about Alyssa Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. This may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

Send us Fan Mail Trying a holistic approach to endo but not seeing the results you hoped for? In this episode, I'm breaking down the 5 things that will truly determine your success, and it goes way beyond what's on your plate. In this episode, we cover: Why your mindset is the foundation of everythingThe importance of committing to the long game (and how to stay motivated when progress feels slow)Why having the right coach or support system is a game-changerWhat a true holistic approach actually looks likeHow cultivating gratitude for your body can transform your healing journeyReflection question: Which of these 5 pillars is your weakest area right now? Subscribe to the Aligned to Rise Podcast: Apple | Spotify Connect w/ Alyssa: InstagramWebsiteWork w/ Alyssa: Free Period Pain PlaybookWork with me 1:1Cycle Clarity Panel Learn more about Alyssa Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. This may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever felt like your body was sending you signals you just didn't know how to read? In this episode, I'm sharing everything I wish I had known years earlier — before a nine-year fertility journey that could have looked very different if I had understood what my cycle was trying to tell me all along. Whether you're actively trying to conceive, trying not to conceive, or simply want to understand your body better, this episode is for you. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why your menstrual cycle is your fifth vital sign — and what that actually means for your overall healthThe four phases of your cycle and what's happening hormonally in each oneWhat a truly healthy cycle looks and feels like (hint: it's probably not what you were taught in school)The three key symptoms to track so you always know where you are in your cycleWhat common cycle irregularities are trying to tell you about your hormones and fertilityWhy birth control doesn't actually "regulate" your hormones — and what it does instead Resources Mentioned Tempdrop wearable basal body temperature trackerRead Your Body app (my personal favorite for cycle tracking)Kindara app (another great option for cycle tracking) Work With Me If this episode resonated and you're ready to get your cycles back on track naturally, I'd love to connect. Book a free consultation with me to explore how functional nutrition can help bring your body into balance, just like it did for me and the clients I work with every day. Loved this episode? Share it with a friend who needs to hear it, and don't forget to leave a review. It means the world and helps more women find this information. 🤍 Subscribe to the Aligned to Rise Podcast: Apple | Spotify Connect w/ Alyssa: InstagramWebsiteWork w/ Alyssa: Free Period Pain PlaybookWork with me 1:1Cycle Clarity Panel Learn more about Alyssa Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. This may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.