Amy Beard MD

The Gut-Brain Connection: How the Vagus Nerve Impacts Your Mood, Hormones & HealingYour gut and brain are in constant conversation—and the vagus nerve is the powerful messenger running the show. If you’re experiencing anxiety, poor sleep, irritability, mood swings, brain fog, or hormone imbalances, your gut could be the missing piece.In this episode, Dr. Amy Beard and Anna Allen unpack:✔️ What the vagus nerve does and why it’s crucial✔️ How inflammation in your gut impacts your brain✔️ Why trauma, stress, and even your thoughts disrupt digestion✔️ The role of SSRIs, GLP-1s, and neurotransmitters✔️ What to do to heal the gut–brain connectionDon’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it!👇 Links & ResourcesJoin our exclusive membership → https://amybeardmd.com/programs/dr-amys-table/Digestive enzymes & supplements → https://amybeardmd.com/shop/enzyme-support/"The Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve" Book on AmazonMore from Dr. Amy Beard → https://amybeardmd.com/🎙️ Key Takeaways & Facts:- 90% of serotonin is made in the gut- Antibiotic use can raise depression risk up to 56%- Gut inflammation = Brain inflammation- Thoughts, trauma, and toxic stress directly impact your microbiomeIf you feel like you're doing "all the right things" but still not healing—your gut-brain axis could be the missing link.This isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection.

Your nervous system is the command center of your body, impacting everything from hormone balance and gut health to mental clarity and immune resilience. But if it’s stuck in a state of dysregulation, it can silently sabotage your healing journey. In this episode, Amy and Anna break down why nervous system health is foundational to true wellness and why it’s often misunderstood in mainstream health.We discuss: ✅ Why nervous system dysregulation is one of the biggest hidden barriers to healing ✅ The surprising signs your nervous system might be stuck in overdrive ✅ How blood sugar impacts nervous system health ✅ The powerful connection between your gut, hormones, and nervous system balance ✅ Practical tools for supporting nervous system health and building resilienceIf you’ve been frustrated by slow progress in your healing journey, this episode will help you uncover the missing piece.Helpful Links: Books:Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve: Self-Help Exercises for Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, and AutismAltogether You: Experiencing personal and spiritual transformation with Internal Family Systems therapyVictory Over the Darkness: Realize the Power of Your Identity in Christ: Neil T. Anderson: 9780764235993Live Well Course and Planner:https://amybeardmd.com/programs/live-well/

Medication Weaning: What You Need to KnowComing off medications isn’t as simple as just stopping them—and for some, it can be dangerous without the right approach. In this episode, Amy and Anna Allen dive deep into the process of medication weaning, covering what to consider, what to test, and how to support your body naturally.They discuss:✅ Blood pressure medications—optimal ranges and safe weaning strategies✅ The hidden connection between blood sugar, gut health, sleep, and medication side effects✅ Why healthy individuals are shifting into a pre-diabetic state✅ The truth about PPIs and stomach acid—why “too much” and “too little” can look the same✅ Cholesterol myths, statins, and the real root cause of high cholesterol✅ Medications that impact brain chemistry and why you should not quit cold turkey✅ How hormones, anxiety, and depression play into medication dependence✅ Where to start when coming off of medications safelyIf you’ve ever wondered whether you need to be on a certain medication—or if you’re ready to start the process of coming off—this episode is packed with insight and practical guidance.Helpful Links:Book a free discovery call to become a patient:https://amybeardmd.com/programs/functional-medicine-consultations/Start with the foundations of health through our Live Well Course and Planner: https://amybeardmd.com/programs/live-well/Test Your Stomach Acid Protocol: https://us.fullscript.com/plans/amybeardmd-low-stomach-acid-protocolPPI Tappering Protocol: https://us.fullscript.com/plans/amybeardmd-paul-buch-ppi-taperingAntibiotic Repair Protocol:https://us.fullscript.com/plans/amybeardmd-antibiotic-mitigation-repair#FunctionalMedicine #MedicationWeaning #GutHealth #Hormones #RootCauseHealing #pharmaceutical

In this episode of Wellness Rewind, Dr. Amy Beard, MD, and Anna Allen, FDNP take a deep dive into Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS)—a growing yet misunderstood condition linked to tick bites and red meat allergies. They explore why Alpha-Gal cases are surging, the role of immune dysregulation, and why symptoms can be frustratingly inconsistent.Amy shares her personal journey with Alpha-Gal, detailing her mystery symptoms, testing process, and road to recovery. They also discuss how to properly test for AGS, when to seek support, and hidden Alpha-Gal triggers in everyday products like supplements, medications, and personal care items.If you’re dealing with unexplained allergic reactions, food sensitivities, or histamine intolerance, this episode will help you connect the dots and find real solutions.To Learn More About Alpha Gal: alphagalinformation.orgAlpha Gal Friendly Supplements:https://us.fullscript.com/plans/amybeardmd-alpha-gal-friendly-supplementsOptimize Healing Through the Foundations of Functional Medicine:https://amybeardmd.com/programs/live-well/

In this episode of Wellness Rewind, Amy and Anna take a deeper look at what really drives weight issues—and spoiler alert—it’s not just about eating less and exercising more! They chat about why the old “calories in, calories out” method doesn’t cut it, how toxins and stress can mess with your metabolism, and the real reasons people struggle with weight loss despite doing all the “right” things.We also dig into common habits that might be making things worse (like over-exercising or poor sleep) and share thoughts on current weight loss trends like Ozempic, carnivore diets, and using continuous glucose monitors.If weight loss is on your goal list for 2025, don’t miss their practical tips on getting started - It’s all about addressing the real root causes and ditching the quick fixes!Chapters:00:00 Introduction: The Root Causes of Weight Issues & Common Misconceptions03:31 Weight Issues within the United States11:25 My Response to the “Calories in, calorie out” methodology 17:47 Weight Gain habits making matters worse: Exercise, HPA axis dysfunction, & weight training23:40 Root Causes of weight gain in clinical practice: Peeling back the layers of the mediating factors related to weight loss resistance30:00 How toxins can impact weight gain 36:00 Weight loss trends: Ozempic, Cortisol Face, Carnivore, Continuous Glucose Monitors51:00 First Steps to Weight Goals in 2025: Nervous System, Food as Medicine, & Sleep Live Well Course & Planner!https://amybeardmd.com/programs/live-well/Live Well Boot Camp Waitlist!https://amy-beard.mykajabi.com/boot-camp-waitlist

In this eye-opening episode, Amy Beard, MD, and Memory Mayberry, RN, BSN, INHC, shine a spotlight on Breast Implant Illness (BII)—a condition that is far too common yet frequently dismissed. They explore how breast implants, as foreign bodies, trigger immune dysregulation, oxidative damage, and toxic reactions, leading to a cascade of health issues such as autoimmune disorders, hormone imbalances, and gut disruptions.Memory shares her personal journey with BII, from persistent anxiety and poor stress resilience to unexplained rashes and food sensitivities. After her explant surgery, she experienced symptom reduction but highlights the importance of patience and ongoing healing practices.Amy and Memory also introduce their BII Group Coaching Program, designed to support women through their recovery with small group sessions focusing on gut health, nervous system regulation, and alternative therapies. This episode is an essential resource for anyone navigating the challenges of BII and seeking a path to renewed health.Want to be the first to know about the group coaching program launch? Click here! #breastimplantillness #breastimplantstories #toxins #detox

In this episode of Wellness Rewind, Amy Beard, MD, gets real about med spas and the booming world of aesthetic treatments, taking a deeper look beyond the surface. From fillers and injectables to laser therapies and microneedling, she dives into the potential hidden risks these popular treatments pose for your immune system and overall health. Are they really safe, or could they be doing more harm than good?Dr. Beard also explores the root motivations behind aesthetic treatments, questioning whether they’re truly about prevention or if they’re more a result of the pressure from social media, Photoshop, and celebrity culture. She emphasizes that achieving lasting skin health requires more than just treating the outside—it’s about nourishing your body from within.For those seeking a more holistic approach to skincare and aging, Amy highlights the connection between gut health and skin vitality. By healing your gut, you can improve skin conditions like acne, eczema, and premature aging. Check out Amy's Total Gut Job for a comprehensive gut reset program that can dramatically improve your skin and overall health.Dr. Beard also stresses the importance of foundational health habits, which are essential for youthful, glowing skin. For a step-by-step guide on how to integrate these habits into your daily life, explore the Live Well Planner. This planner combines health, wellness, and lifestyle tips to help you create routines that support vibrant skin and long-term well-being.Whether you're curious about med spa treatments or searching for natural ways to enhance skin health and longevity, this episode is packed with practical advice and powerful insights you won’t want to miss!

In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Beard and her Pastor, Blake Harrell, continue to dive deep into the root cause spiritual approach to health—exploring the essential need for stillness in a world driven by hustle. What does it mean to quiet your mind so your heart can hear? We’ll break down the steps to getting to that place of stillness where you can truly hear from God and find the truth that sets you free.In our culture, we’ve normalized a constant posture of rush, and it’s impacting our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Stillness, though uncomfortable, is part of our design and necessary for aligning with God's voice. Join us as we explore what it looks like to carve out time for stillness and how it can recourse your life—shifting how you approach your health, relationships, and daily rhythms.What if we regularly came into a place of stillness with God? What kind of transformation would unfold in the rest of our lives? Let’s explore that together.If you want to learn more about creating lasting habits that transform your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health with Christ, our Live Well Course and Planner is the perfect next step. START LIVING WELL - https://amybeardmd.com/programs/live-well/Subscribe to our newsletter: https://amy-beard.mykajabi.com/signupInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amybeard_md/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/amybeardMD/*We apologize for the sound quality, we had some technical difficulties.#functionalmedicine #rootcause #holistichealth #christian #bible

Dr. Beard and her Pastor, Blake Harrell, continue their discussion on how unresolved emotional issues and errant spiritual beliefs can prevent physical healing. Physical and spiritual health are intertwined. Health issues can be a direct consequence of emotional and spiritual "sickness." Healing is absolutely possible and will occur when one's spiritual beliefs are in alignment with the Truth.

There are many things to consider before starting the journey towards opening your own functional medicine practice. There is no standard "business plan", and this type of practice is very different than those operating within the conventional medicine/insurance model. Don't make the mistakes I did! Paul and I discuss our journey, from leaving the ER to now owning and operating a telemedicine functional medicine practice.

Don't fall for it. Don't accept the excuses... "getting older" or "it's your genes" or "it's just something that happens". Chronic diseases are increasing at an alarming rate. And more testing and better treatments are not what's needed. We discuss what is contributing to this dramatic rise in diseases that were once considered uncommon, and what you need to do about it should you find yourself with a common but not normal disease.

If you want your child to thrive and reach their full potential, stop feeding them JUNK! Annie Hale, one of my health coaches and mother of 6, shares some of her tried and true strategies for providing healthy meals and snacks on a budget. She can help you change your child's mindset--they will WANT to eat healthy.