The Functional Fueling® Podcast
The Functional Fueling® Podcast is hosted by expert Functional Registered Dietitian and hormone specialist, Lauren Papanos. Join us every Wednesday for a brand new LOdown with Lo solo episode or expert guest interview. Host Lauren Papanos asks and answers the questions around how to live a vibrant life through harnessing the power of natural hormonal balance and medicinal foods.
Inquire to work with Lauren’s practice at www.functionalfueling.com. Follow her on Instagram at @functional.fueling.
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Episodes
![Episode 95: [The LOdown] My Labor & Postpartum Experience](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/18338851/46528BEC-4533-4C9D-BF97-AEDF7C7CAB68_1_7jzf8_300x300.jpg)
Jan 29, 2025
Jan 29, 2025
31 min
[The LOdown] My Labor & Postpartum Experience
In this candid episode, I share the intimate details of my labor and postpartum experience, diving into the challenges I faced along the way. Join me as I discuss the emotional rollercoaster of being overdue and the various natural induction methods I tried, including castor oil, the Foley balloon, membrane sweep, and the Miles Circuit. I recount my transformative homebirth experience, starting from the initial symptoms of contractions to the moments of pushing and the unexpected birth complications. After my labor, I reflect on how I spent those crucial first few weeks—beginning with five days of resting in bed, savoring nourishing foods to aid in recovery. I then share how I gradually transitioned into more activity around the house in the following days before eventually getting back on my feet with some walking and pelvic floor physical therapy after 2.5 to 3 weeks. Whether you're a soon-to-be parent or just interested in the raw realities of childbirth, this episode offers insights and support.
A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇
What I did from Weeks 40 - 42 and my experience being "late"
The natural induction methods I tried to help facilitate labor
My real and raw experience of having a homebirth and my birthstory
What I did immediately after labor
How I spent the first few weeks postpartum (foods I ate, specialists I saw and more!)
Important show links 👇👇👇
Listen to My Labor & Postbirth Nutrition Plan episode
Follow me on Instagram
Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

Jan 15, 2025
Jan 15, 2025
42 min
Your Guide to Indoor Mold Testing with Jason Earle of Got Mold?
A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇
The prevalence of mold in homes and why it's on the rise
Why having a new build doesn't decrease your chances of mold
Signs to look for that may indicate mold growth in your home
The problems with mold testing and what to know before you hire an inspector or remediation company
How to handle mold on porous vs. non-porous surfaces
How to understand home mold testing results
When remediation vs. an air filter is needed. The best type of air filter for mold
Important show links 👇👇👇
Claim your free resources for GOT MOLD? Testing Kits
Learn about Testing Mold, Avoiding ERMI!
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Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app
![Episode 93: [The LOdown] The Link Between Oxalates & Inflammation](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/18338851/46528BEC-4533-4C9D-BF97-AEDF7C7CAB68_1_7jzf8_300x300.jpg)
Jan 8, 2025
Jan 8, 2025
15 min
[The LOdown] The Link Between Oxalates & Inflammation
A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇
What are oxalates and what foods contain them?
The role of oxalates in kidney stones, Hashimoto's thyroiditis and chronic inflammation
What is oxalate sensitivity and oxalate dumping?
How oxalates impact mineral balance
Minerals that can help bind up oxalates
Important show links 👇👇👇
Join Inflammation Hormony Today!
Follow me on Instagram
Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app
![Episode 92:[The LOdown] PMDD vs. PMS](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/18338851/46528BEC-4533-4C9D-BF97-AEDF7C7CAB68_1_7jzf8_300x300.jpg)
Jan 1, 2025
Jan 1, 2025
29 min
[The LOdown] PMDD vs. PMS
A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇
What is PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) and how does it compare to PMS?
The role of progesterone metabolism in PMDD
Why "optimal" progesterone levels may not be optimal for women with PMDD
Testing for PMDD
Common PMS symptoms and why they occur
The hormonal and inflammation-related causes of PMS
Natural treatment recommendations for PMS
Important show links 👇👇👇
Order Mineral Magic supplement
Get your hormones tested with our DUTCH test - learn more about our hormone testing packages
Follow me on Instagram
Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

Dec 18, 2024
Dec 18, 2024
45 min
Anti-Aging and Acne Mistakes with Esthetician & Acne Expert Danielle Gronich
A few things we chat about 👇👇👇
The top 3 skincare mistakes people make that are experiencing cystic and fungal acne
What is fungal acne and how does it compare to acne vulgaris?
The key differences and similarities in products and treatment recommendations between acne vulgaris and fungal acne?
The ingredients in most acne products that can cause your skin to age faster
The common "clean" products people are using that can clog their pores?
The best route to approach acne - root cause treatment vs. fancy topical treatments
Important show links 👇👇👇
Discount: www.clearstem.com use code "functionalfueling" to save 20%
Follow me on Instagram
Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app
![Episode 90: [The LOdown] Protein & Lean Muscle Building](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/18338851/46528BEC-4533-4C9D-BF97-AEDF7C7CAB68_1_7jzf8_300x300.jpg)
Dec 11, 2024
Dec 11, 2024
28 min
[The LOdown] Protein & Lean Muscle Building
A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇
How protein supports lean muscle building
Determining how much protein to eat, how to time it and how carbohydrate intake influences this number
Why you should focus less on total daily protein intake and more on sources and amount per meal
How soon after exercise you should consume protein
The benefits of leucine and creatine monohydrate and where to find them in food sources
Important show links 👇👇👇
Learn more about our Strength in Hormones workout program and join with a 7 day free trial.
Follow me on Instagram
Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app
![Episode 89: [The LOdown] AMA: Hypothalamic Amenorrhea, Appetite and Hunger Hormones, and Inflammation](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/18338851/46528BEC-4533-4C9D-BF97-AEDF7C7CAB68_1_7jzf8_300x300.jpg)
Dec 4, 2024
Dec 4, 2024
44 min
[The LOdown] AMA: Hypothalamic Amenorrhea, Appetite and Hunger Hormones, and Inflammation
A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇
Supporting healthy progesterone while trying to conceive
How to stimulate appetite and support digestion with REDS (relative energy deficiency in sport) or low energy availability
Blood markers for Insulin Resistance
How to know if you're eating too healthy or too much fiber for HA (hypothalamic amenorrhea) recovery
Can anxiety and bad sleep be a sign of HA recovery?
Top things I would do for fertility preparation again
What to do if CRP (c reactive protein lab) is too high - what else to test for and how to lower
Important show links 👇👇👇
Download our FREE HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE
Follow me on Instagram
Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

Nov 20, 2024
Nov 20, 2024
51 min
Holiday Survival Tips with Ro
In this episode I chat with my right hand gal, Romana Brennan. Romana is our other functional medicine registered dietitian here at Functional Fueling. In this episode we provide our best holiday survival tips, sharing with you how we navigate the holiday season, and what to do and what not to do to make this your healthiest year yet. You can find all of the practical strategies we discuss in this episode in this year's Holiday Guide here.
A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇
Our top traditional Thanksgiving recipe swaps
How to beat constipation and bloating with travel and holiday meals
Navigating conversations around your eating decisions at meals
How to set yourself up for success before Holiday meals with a step-by-step game plan for a morning and evening Holiday party
Our favorite supplements for digestion around Holiday meals
How to navigate alcohol - whats a safe amount, how to prep before and after for success. Healthier wine and drink alternatives.
Strategies to support your circadian rhythm during the Holiday season
How to manage time and financial stress with nutrition changes
Important show links 👇👇👇
Download our FREE HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE
Follow me on Instagram
Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

Nov 13, 2024
Nov 13, 2024
52 min
Understanding and Navigating Secondary Infertility with Functional Medicine with Dr. Kalea Wattles
Secondary infertility is when mothers experience difficulties conceiving or carrying their second baby to term. In this episode I interview naturopathic doctor and fertility expert, Dr. Kalea Wattles of Functional Fertility to share why secondary infertility occurs and how functional medicine is helping thousands of women overcome secondary infertility. Whether you are experiencing secondary infertility or trying to conceive with your first, second or fifth baby, this episode is a must listen to learn more about pre-conception health!
A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇
What is secondary infertility and who is most afflicted?
Are there things that occur during pregnancy or after that can put a woman at higher risk of experiencing secondary infertility?
Are there things a mom can do during her first pregnancy to decrease chances of secondary infertility?
The link between HLA antibodies and the risk of secondary infertility
Can secondary infertility be caused by a change in sperm morphology or motility or is it primarily changes in the mother’s health?
Dr. Kalea's recommended secondary infertility lab workup
The functional treatment options for secondary infertility
Important show links 👇👇👇
Learn more about Dr. Kaelea at www.drkaleawattles.com
Discount for Inito Fertility Tracker Use code: functionalfueling15
Follow me on Instagram
Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app
![Episode 86: [The LOdown] The Role of Bile and the Gallbladder in Hashimotos and Hypothyroidism](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/18338851/46528BEC-4533-4C9D-BF97-AEDF7C7CAB68_1_7jzf8_300x300.jpg)
Nov 6, 2024
Nov 6, 2024
26 min
[The LOdown] The Role of Bile and the Gallbladder in Hashimotos and Hypothyroidism
Bile is a digestive fluid that plays a profound role in thyroid health. Bile is made and released from the liver but stored in the gallbladder. In this episode we explore the connection between both the gallbladder and bile with the thyroid. I share about why many women are prone to hypothyroidism and estrogen dominance after a cholecystectomy or gallbladder removal surgery and how thyroid hormones also play a role in bile flow.
A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇
What is bile
How bile impacts thyroid hormone levels
How the thyroid impacts bile salt production
The benefits of bile on the gut, estrogen and thyroid levels, cholesterol and more
Labs that can indicate bile issues
My top foods and supplements for supporting bile flow
Important show links 👇👇👇
Sign up for my FREE The Missing Piece to Hormone Imbalances Workshop
Join our Inflammation Hormony program
Follow me on Instagram
Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app


