Optimal Metabolism

What if the way you're aging has more to do with your metabolic health than your age itself? In this episode of Optimal Metabolism, I sit down with longevity physician Dr. Jennifer Timmons to discuss the powerful connection between insulin resistance, hormone health, disease prevention, and aging well. Dr. Timmons shares how her experience in traditional primary care led her to pursue advanced training in functional medicine, precision medicine, and longevity medicine. Together, we discuss what it really means to optimize health as we age, why insulin resistance accelerates many age-related conditions, and how women can navigate menopause with a long-term health strategy in mind. We also explore the growing interest in peptide therapies, where they may fit into a comprehensive health plan, and the foundational lifestyle habits that matter far more than the latest longevity trends. If you're interested in protecting your metabolic health, maintaining vitality as you age, and increasing your healthspan—not just your lifespan—this episode is for you. WHAT WE DISCUSSED: Why insulin resistance may accelerate the aging process The difference between lifespan and healthspan Menopause as a long-term metabolic and cardiovascular transition The role of muscle mass in healthy aging How longevity medicine differs from traditional healthcare Preventive testing and early disease detection Peptide therapies: benefits, limitations, and considerations Common mistakes people make when pursuing longevity Why consistency often beats biohacking Practical steps women can take today to age well FOR MORE INFORMATION FROM DR. JENNIFER TIMMONS: Website: https://timmonswellnessmd.com/ Instagram: @jennifertimmonsmd LET'S GET IN TOUCH: Instagram: @shana.hussin.rdn Facebook: Shana Hussin Wellness Website: https://shanahussinwellness.com/ START HERE: My 90-Day Metabolic Reset If you're struggling with stubborn weight, blood sugar issues, fatigue, cravings, or suspect insulin resistance may be contributing to your symptoms, my RESET program is the perfect place to start. My COMPASS Reset is designed to help you identify what's driving your metabolic dysfunction and begin implementing simple, sustainable strategies that support blood sugar balance, hormone health, and lasting energy. Learn more here: https://shanahussinwellness.com/programs-courses/reset/

Type 2 diabetes is often presented as a chronic, progressive disease that inevitably requires increasing medications over time. But what if that's not the full story? In this week's episode of Optimal Metabolism, I sit down with Dr. Jason Shumard to discuss the root causes of type 2 diabetes, why conventional treatment approaches often fall short, and what it actually takes to reverse blood sugar dysfunction. Dr. Shumard shares his perspective on insulin resistance, metabolic health, nutrition, and lifestyle factors that contribute to diabetes progression. We explore common misconceptions about blood sugar management and discuss practical strategies that can help people regain metabolic health and reduce their reliance on medications. If you've been told that type 2 diabetes is something you'll simply have to manage forever, this conversation may challenge what you thought you knew. What We Discussed Why type 2 diabetes develops in the first place The relationship between insulin resistance and blood sugar dysfunction Common myths about diabetes treatment Why medication alone may not address the root cause Nutrition strategies that support healthy blood sugar levels The role of fasting and meal timing in metabolic health Lifestyle factors that influence insulin sensitivity What "diabetes reversal" actually means How long it may take to see meaningful improvements Practical first steps for listeners dealing with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes About Dr. Jason Shumard Dr. Jason Shumard specializes in helping people understand the underlying causes of type 2 diabetes and implement strategies to restore metabolic health. Through education and practical lifestyle interventions, he helps individuals take control of their blood sugar and work toward lasting health improvements. Links Mentioned Dr. Jason Shumard: https://drshumard.com/ START YOUR HEALING JOURNEY If you're struggling with insulin resistance, blood sugar instability, stubborn weight gain, fatigue, or metabolic dysfunction, here are the resources I recommend most: ✔ RESET – My step-by-step program designed to help you improve metabolic health, reduce inflammation, and create a foundation for lasting healing: RESET Program ✔ The Feel Great System – One of my favorite tools for supporting appetite control, blood sugar balance, energy, and weight loss: Order the Feel Great System Here

Cancer care is evolving, and today's conversation with Martha Tettenborn dives into one of the most overlooked aspects of healing and prevention: metabolic health. Martha is a cancer survivor, author of Hacking Chemo, and currently works with Dietary Therapies, where she helps support patients using evidence-based nutritional and metabolic approaches alongside conventional cancer care. In this follow-up conversation, we move beyond Martha's personal story and explore what she's seeing firsthand in patients today. We discuss the growing connection between insulin resistance, blood sugar dysregulation, inflammation, and cancer progression — and why metabolic health deserves a much bigger place in the cancer conversation. Martha also shares practical insights into keto therapies, fasting during treatment, common mistakes patients make when trying these approaches on their own, and the importance of individualized care and professional guidance. This episode is not only valuable for those navigating cancer, but also for anyone struggling with fatigue, inflammation, insulin resistance, stubborn weight gain, or chronic metabolic dysfunction. So many of the foundational principles that support metabolic healing apply broadly to overall health and disease prevention. ✨ How Martha's perspective has evolved from cancer survivor to working directly with patients at Dietary Therapies ✨ Common metabolic patterns she is seeing in cancer patients today ✨ The connection between insulin resistance, blood sugar dysregulation, and cancer progression ✨ What people are misunderstanding about keto and fasting for cancer care ✨ Who may not be a good candidate for fasting during treatment ✨ The biggest mistakes people make when trying dietary therapies on their own ✨ How metabolic therapies can work alongside conventional oncology care ✨ Why nutrition and metabolic health are still often overlooked in cancer treatment ✨ Lifestyle habits and strategies that may support long-term healing and recurrence prevention ✨ Why metabolic health matters even for those who have never faced a cancer diagnosis LINKS & RESOURCES: Learn more about Martha's work through Dietary Therapies Get Martha's book Hacking Chemo READY TO IMPROVE YOUR METABOLIC HEALTH? ✨ My 90-Day COMPASS Reset begins Monday, June 1st! This guided reset is designed to help you stabilize blood sugar, improve energy, reduce inflammation, and begin healing your metabolism with sustainable strategies focused on meal timing, metabolic flexibility, circadian health, and nervous system support. The only requirement to join is being on the Feel Great System. Get started here: https://ufeelgreat.com/c/SHANAH

What happens when a pharmacist of 30+ years realizes the system she was trained in isn't actually helping people heal? In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Amanda Yue, PharmD, to discuss her journey from conventional pharmacy to root-cause healing—and the life-changing results that followed. Amanda shares how her 80-year-old mother-in-law, who was facing foot amputation due to long-standing type 2 diabetes, was able to not only avoid surgery—but reverse her diabetes and regain her memory after early signs of cognitive decline. We also dive into Amanda's personal health struggles, including 27 years of psoriasis, leaky gut, hormonal imbalances, and chronic symptoms despite "normal" lab work—and what finally helped her heal. A major part of this transformation came from implementing the Feel Great System, which includes a concentrated yerba mate tea and a fiber matrix supplement. These tools helped address insulin resistance, reduce food cravings, and stabilize blood sugar—unlocking the body's ability to heal. This conversation goes beyond one success story. Amanda explains how the same approach helped improve her entire family's health, from blood sugar and weight to focus and hormonal balance. If you've ever felt stuck, frustrated, or like nothing is working—this episode will challenge what you've been told and show you what's actually possible when you address the root cause. Amanda's experience as a pharmacist and why patients keep getting worse Her personal struggles with leaky gut, psoriasis, and hormonal imbalance Why "normal labs" don't always mean you're healthy How her 80-year-old mother-in-law avoided amputation Reversing type 2 diabetes naturally The role of the Feel Great System (concentrated yerba mate + fiber matrix) The connection between insulin resistance and memory loss Improvements in cognitive function and early dementia symptoms Why medications like statins and PPIs may not address the real issue The role of insulin resistance in weight gain, inflammation, and chronic disease How this approach impacted her entire family (PCOS, Hashimoto's, ADD, and more) 👉 Learn more from Amanda: Website: https://restoredigestion.com/restoredigestion Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootcausepharmd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amanda.yue.79/ Compass: 90-Day Metabolic Reset (Starting June 1) If you're tired of guessing and ready for a step-by-step plan to finally fix your metabolism, balance your blood sugar, and lose weight in a sustainable way—this is for you. 🔗 https://shanahussinwellness.com/programs-courses/reset/

What if severe anxiety, depression, and brain fog aren't just mental health issues—but metabolic ones? In today's powerful conversation, I'm joined by Dr. Matt Bernstein, a clinical psychiatrist and leading voice in the emerging field of metabolic psychiatry. We dive deep into the connection between metabolism and brain health—and why conditions like insulin resistance, blood sugar instability, and circadian disruption may be at the root of many mental health struggles. If you've been dealing with fatigue, poor sleep, mood swings, or difficulty focusing—this episode will help you understand why your body feels out of sync and what you can start doing about it. This is a must-listen for anyone who feels like they've been missing a key piece of their healing puzzle, especially when it comes to more severe mental health issues. What We Discussed What "metabolic psychiatry" really means The connection between insulin resistance and brain function How blood sugar swings impact anxiety, mood, and energy Why mitochondrial health is critical for mental clarity The role of circadian rhythm in mental and metabolic health How modern lifestyle factors are contributing to the mental health crisis Where traditional psychiatry may be missing the mark Foundational steps to begin supporting both brain and metabolic health 🔗 Links & Resources 🌐 Learn more about Dr. Bernstein and his work: https://accordmh.com Dr. Bernstein on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accordmh/ Find me on Instagram: @shana.hussin.rdn Shana's 90 Day Insulin Reset: 90-DAY INSULIN RESET Thank you to GOOD IDEA for sponsoring this episode! Save 15% on your GOOD IDEA order with code SHANAH, or click THIS LINK TO SAVE.

Ashleigh Di Lello is an international speaker, mindset and trauma expert, and the creator of Bio Emotional Healing®, a method designed to help people break free from trauma, chronic pain, and subconscious patterns that keep them stuck. Ashleigh's journey is nothing short of remarkable. As a professional dancer who performed with legends like Michael Jackson and appeared on Dancing with the Stars, she seemed to be living a dream life. But behind the scenes, she was battling severe illness, chronic pain, and a life-threatening health crisis. Through her healing journey, Ashleigh discovered how deeply trauma, emotional stress, and subconscious programming can affect the nervous system and physical health. This realization led her to develop a method that helps people retrain their brain, regulate their nervous system, and unlock their body's ability to heal. In this episode, we explore how unresolved emotional trauma can keep the body stuck in survival mode, how it affects hormones and overall health, and what it takes to finally break those patterns so the body can move toward healing. This conversation will open your eyes to the powerful connection between emotional healing, nervous system regulation, and physical health. What We Discussed Ashleigh's journey from professional dancer to health crisis and healing Her experience performing on Dancing with the Stars How trauma and emotional stress can affect the nervous system and physical health Why many people stay stuck in survival mode without realizing it The connection between subconscious programming and chronic illness What Bio Emotional Healing® is and how it works Signs your body may be stuck in a trauma loop Practical ways to begin retraining the brain and nervous system for healing How emotional healing can support physical recovery and overall wellness Connect with Ashleigh Di Lello Website: http://ashleighdilello.com/ Instagram: @ashleighdilello Let's Connect Instagram: @shana.hussin.rdn Facebook: Fast To Heal With Shana Hussin Website: https://shanahussinwellness.com 90 Day Insulin Reset: https://shanahussinwellness.com/programs-courses/reset/

GLP-1s like Ozempic and Wegovy are dominating the conversation around weight loss — but what happens when the prescription ends? In this episode, Shana sits down with Lindsay Venn, PA-C, RD, and Clinical Director of Insulin IQ, to unpack how to reverse metabolic dysfunction without relying on lifelong medication. They explore why insulin resistance is the real root issue, how to safely taper off GLP-1s without losing your progress, what labs can reveal your true healing status, and why many chronic diseases — including cancer — are deeply tied to your metabolism. This episode is a must-listen if you're struggling with fatigue, weight, hormonal chaos, or feeling like your body just isn't responding anymore. What We Covered: Why GLP-1s may help but not heal your metabolism The most important labs to run before tapering off Common mistakes when weaning off Ozempic & Wegovy How insulin, mitochondria, and inflammation connect to cancer The role of fasting insulin, meal timing, and light in true healing The #1 lifestyle shift to calm your hormones and burn fat naturally Links & Resources: Learn more about Lindsay: vennintegrativemedicine.com Reverse insulin resistance, fatty liver, and cholesterol issues: https://shanahussinwellness.com/fattyliverguide/ Join my 90-Day Insulin Reset: https://shanahussinwellness.com/programs-courses/reset/ Connect with Shana: Instagram: @shana.hussin.rdn Facebook: Shana Hussin Wellness

What if your body could heal—without more medications, specialists, or confusing diets? In today's episode, Wendy Knox shares her incredible journey of reversing Hashimoto's thyroiditis, terrible IBS, chronic pain, and losing 29 pounds—naturally—using the Feel Great system. After years of living in discomfort, inflammation, and fatigue, Wendy found a sustainable path to true healing. Her story will inspire anyone struggling with autoimmune issues, digestive distress, or unexplained pain. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Wendy's lowest point—and the health conditions she thought she'd live with forever How the Feel Great system helped her rebalance her thyroid and calm autoimmunity The unexpected gut and digestion improvements that resolved her daily IBS symptoms How reducing inflammation helped her finally break free from chronic pain The simple shifts that led to her 29-pound weight loss Her advice to anyone who feels like they've "tried everything" without success Links Mentioned: 🌟 Explore the Feel Great System: https://shanahussinwellness.com/programs-courses/feelgreat/ 🌿 Join the Metabolic Reset Program (for deeper support): https://shanahussinwellness.com/programs-courses/reset/ 📲 Connect with Wendy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Bmfd64BVe/?mibextid=wwXIfr

In this powerful interview, Shana sits down with Sam Hughes, VP of Sales at Unicity, to uncover the story and science behind the Feel Great System—a metabolic support protocol built on two potent products: Unimate and Balance. Sam shares his unique journey from working in customer service to helping roll out this system across North America. He breaks down the ingredients inside each product, why they were chosen, and how they're helping thousands reverse insulin resistance, balance blood sugar, and feel better—often fast. If you're ready to simplify your wellness journey and actually feel great, this episode is for you. What We Cover in This Episode Sam's journey from customer service to VP of Sales at Unicity How the Feel Great System was developed—and why it's so effective Ingredient breakdown: Unimate: Yerba mate extract, chlorogenic acid, mood + fat metabolism Balance: Biosphere fiber matrix, insulin + cholesterol control Success stories from the field Why metabolic health is in crisis (and what's working) How to integrate these nutraceuticals with fasting and circadian health strategies 🎁 Start your 90-Day Reset NOW: https://shanahussinwellness.com/programs-courses/reset/ Feel Great Ordering Link: https://shanahussinwellness.com/programs-courses/feelgreat/

The holidays bring joy, but they can also trigger emotional eating, guilt, people-pleasing, and that "I'll start over in January" mindset that sets you back. In this powerful re-air of one of Shana's most-shared episodes, you'll learn how to stay grounded and aligned with your health goals—without feeling deprived or isolated. Shana shares practical strategies to help you recognize and overcome the most common holiday eating traps, all through the lens of metabolic health and faith-based wellness. If you've ever struggled with holiday parties, food pressure, or all-or-nothing thinking, this episode is a must-listen. 🔗 Links Mentioned: 💥 Join the 90-Day Metabolic Reset 🏠 Visit the website: shanahussinwellness.com 🎯 What You'll Learn: Strategies to reduce hunger before gatherings How to respond to pressure from friends and family without guilt Whether or not to implement intermittent fasting over the holidays Food order to negate blood sugar spikes How to minimize binging at events What it really means to honor your body during the holidays If you want to truly reset your body, habits, and hormones going into the new year, the 90-Day Reset is your next step. It's designed for women who are ready to stop starting over—and finally experience breakthrough. Get all the details here »

Episode Summary: What if your chronic symptoms aren't your fault—but the result of being failed by a broken system? In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Dr. Aaron Hartman—author of UnCurable and founder of Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine—to explore the deeper reasons behind weight loss resistance, autoimmune illness, trauma, and more. We discuss the 4 reasons people struggle to lose weight (even when "doing everything right"), how to regenerate the body using light, food, and rhythm, and why addressing unresolved trauma may be the key to healing. Dr. Hartman's story of healing his daughter—and what he now knows about the body's design—is one you don't want to miss. What We Covered: Dr. Hartman's story: How healing his daughter reshaped his view of medicine The 4 root reasons you're not losing weight (and what to do instead) Why trauma can block metabolic healing GLP-1 drugs: useful tool or long-term concern? The real reason autoimmune disease is exploding—and what the immune system is trying to tell us How circadian biology, light, and rhythm affect healing What most doctors are missing about chronic illness and regeneration Simple ways to begin restoring your body—starting this week Links + Resources: 👉 Learn more about Dr. Hartman: https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com 📘 Grab his new book UnCurable 🎓 Dive deeper with my Low Insulin Academy: https://shanahussinwellness.com/programs-courses/low-insulin-academy-on-demand/ 🌙 Heal your circadian rhythm in Cortisol Calm: https://shanahussinwellness.com/programs-courses/cortisol-calm-signature-course/

Heart disease is still the number one killer in the U.S.—but are we even looking at the right markers to prevent it? In this eye-opening episode, Shana sits down with Dr. Urban Kiernan, founder and CEO of iMetabolic Biopharma Corporation, to break down what your lipid panel actually means, why total cholesterol and LDL often distract from the real risks, and how insulin resistance plays a central role in heart disease—especially during menopause. Dr. Kiernan shares how his biotech company is leveraging AI, protein therapy, and root-cause science to transform how we prevent and treat metabolic disease—and why most conventional approaches miss the mark entirely. If you've ever been confused by your labs, put on statins without a full explanation, or wondered why we're still seeing record rates of heart attacks and strokes, this conversation will bring clarity and direction. 🔑 What You'll Learn: The truth about cholesterol testing: which markers matter and which don't Why LDL-C alone is a poor predictor of heart disease risk How to quickly assess insulin resistance from standard labs The real drivers of the heart disease epidemic Why risk spikes during menopause—and what you can do about it How personalized, precision medicine could change the future of prevention About Dr. Urban Kiernan: Dr. Kiernan is the founder and CEO of iMetabolic Biopharma Corporation (iMBP), a precision biotherapeutics company creating AI-driven therapies that target the root causes of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. His work blends science, biotechnology, and deep personal mission after losing his wife to cancer—driving his pursuit of true root-cause solutions. 🔗 Links Mentioned: 🌐 Learn about iMetabolic Biopharma Corporation ✨ Explore the Feel Great System 🧪 Shana's Courses & Coaching Programs 🎧 More Episodes of the Optimal Metabolism Podcast

If you're dealing with anxiety, low mood, chronic stress, or hormonal chaos—you're not broken. You may just be out of rhythm. In this powerful episode, Shana is joined by Dr. Kelli Ritter—licensed counselor, functional nutritional therapy practitioner, and quantum circadian specialist—to unpack how circadian disruption is a hidden root cause behind so many modern symptoms. From anxiety and insomnia to burnout and hormone imbalance, Dr. Kelli reveals how our light environment, trauma history, and daily rhythms impact the nervous system—and what it really takes to heal. This conversation is both science-backed and soul-nourishing, especially for the woman who's doing everything right but still feels stuck. 🔑 What You'll Learn: Why anxiety and trauma are often symptoms of circadian chaos How modern life dysregulates the nervous system (and how to repair it) The link between hormone imbalance, poor sleep, and emotional instability Why rest and rhythm—not more willpower—are the real medicine How to build safety, stability, and regulation into your everyday life 🧠 About Dr. Kelli Ritter Dr. Kelli blends 25+ years of experience in counseling, functional nutrition, and quantum biology. Her approach helps women rewire the nervous system, reconnect with their bodies, and return to rhythm for true emotional and physical healing. 🔗 Links Mentioned: 🌿 Follow Dr. Kelli Ritter on Instagram ✨ Explore the Feel Great System endorsed by Shana 💻 Courses & Coaching with Shana 🎧 More Podcast Episodes