The Liver: Your Body’s Metabolic Powerhouse

On this episode of Take Charge of Your Health, host Corinne Furnari and co-host Carol Petersen welcome Dr. John Trowbridge to discuss Candida overgrowth, yeast-related health concerns and its potential impact on overall health. Dr. Trowbridge explains that Candida albicans is a yeast naturally present in the body that can become problematic when the body's microbial balance is disrupted. Factors such as antibiotic use, dietary habits and a weakened immune system may contribute to yeast overgrowth. The discussion explores the possible connection between Candida and various chronic health concerns, including digestive disturbances, sinus infections, inflammation, skin conditions and immune dysfunction. Dr. Trowbridge suggests that Candida may release toxins and antigens that contribute to inflammatory responses and place additional stress on the immune system. Another important topic is Candida's ability to form protective biofilms, which can make certain infections more difficult to treat. Dr. Trowbridge also discusses the possibility of yeast-related conditions being overlooked or misdiagnosed, emphasizing the importance of investigating underlying factors when dealing with persistent health concerns. The episode also addresses the Herxheimer or "die-off" reaction, a term used to describe symptoms that some practitioners attribute to the breakdown of microorganisms during treatment. However, this explanation has not been firmly established for Candida infections. Throughout the conversation, the guests emphasize the importance of nutrition, reducing excess sugar and refined carbohydrates, supporting digestive health and exploring individualized approaches to wellness.

In this episode, Carol Petersen and Corinne Furnari sit down with Dr. Michael Platt, author of Adrenaline Dominance, to explore his perspective on how excess adrenaline may play a role in a variety of often misunderstood symptoms and conditions, including ADHD, anxiety, fibromyalgia, fatigue and sleep disturbances. Dr. Platt explains how adrenaline, a hormone designed to support the body during stress, can become problematic when it is produced too frequently. He discusses its relationship with blood sugar, metabolism and cellular energy, and how the body may begin converting protein into glucose in an effort to maintain a steady fuel supply. The conversation also explores nutritional strategies Dr. Platt recommends to help support more stable energy, including eating smaller meals throughout the day and incorporating green vegetables and healthy fats such as coconut oil. Dr. Platt also discusses the role of progesterone in his approach, including his belief that progesterone may help moderate the effects of excess adrenaline and support insulin balance. Throughout the episode, Carol, Corinne and Dr. Platt examine the importance of looking beyond individual symptoms and considering the hormonal and metabolic factors that may be contributing to how a person feels.

In this episode of Take Charge of Your Health, hosts Corinne Furnari and Carol Petersen take a closer look at one of the most debated topics in nutrition: how much protein we actually need. They explore why recommendations can vary so widely, from basic government guidelines designed to prevent deficiency to the much higher amounts commonly promoted for athletes, muscle building, and healthy aging. The discussion also examines what happens inside the body when protein intake increases. The hosts consider the role of protein in maintaining muscle, supporting recovery, and preserving strength as we age, while also raising concerns about whether excessive intake may place additional demands on the kidneys in certain individuals. They discuss mTOR, a cellular pathway stimulated by nutrients such as protein, and how constantly activating growth signals may potentially interfere with processes such as autophagy, the body’s cellular recycling and cleanup system. Another focus is the difference between animal- and plant-based protein sources. The program looks beyond protein quantity to consider amino-acid profiles and nutrients that may be more difficult to obtain from exclusively plant-based diets, including vitamin B12 and creatine. The hosts also discuss why food quality, nutrient density, and the overall composition of the diet may be just as important as simply reaching a particular number of grams of protein each day. Ultimately, the episode challenges the idea that there is one ideal protein target for everyone. Age, activity level, muscle mass, health status, dietary pattern, and longevity goals can all influence individual needs. Rather than treating protein recommendations as universal, the discussion encourages listeners to consider their own circumstances and find a balanced approach that supports both metabolic health and long-term wellness.

Hormone replacement therapy has been surrounded by fear, confusion, and conflicting information for more than two decades. In this episode of Take Charge of Your Health, Corinne Furnari and Carol Petersen revisit the conversation around HRT and explore how one major study changed the way millions of women viewed hormone therapy. The discussion looks back at the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative and the lasting impact it had on women’s health. Corinne and Carol explain the differences between older forms of hormone therapy and today’s use of bioidentical hormones, while addressing why so many women became hesitant to consider treatment during perimenopause and menopause. They also examine the important roles of estrogen and progesterone throughout the body, from bone strength and cardiovascular health to mood, sleep, cognition, energy, and overall well-being. The conversation highlights how hormonal changes can affect far more than hot flashes and why symptoms should be looked at as part of a much bigger picture. Listener calls bring the discussion into real-life situations, with Corinne and Carol emphasizing the importance of individualized care, thorough assessment, appropriate testing, and treatment plans based on each woman’s symptoms, history, and personal health needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. This episode encourages women to become informed, ask questions, and take an active role in understanding their hormonal health. The overall message is one of education and empowerment: women deserve clear information, personalized care, and the opportunity to make informed decisions that support their health and quality of life through every stage of life.

In this episode of Take Charge of Your Health, hosts Corinne Furnari and Carol Petersen explore how blood glucose and insulin affect weight, appetite, energy, and overall metabolic health. They explain that problems with blood sugar and insulin can develop long before a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and discuss why understanding these metabolic signals may help people make more informed decisions about their health. The hosts share 10 practical “glucose hacks” designed to help reduce blood sugar and insulin spikes throughout the day. Strategies include changing the order in which foods are eaten, starting meals with vegetables or fiber, eating protein and healthy fats before carbohydrates, choosing a savory breakfast instead of a sugary one, and pairing carbohydrates with protein, fiber, or fat. They also discuss how simple habits such as movement after meals can help the body manage glucose more effectively. A major focus is insulin resistance and the role chronically elevated insulin may play in increased hunger, fat storage, energy crashes, and difficulty losing weight. The conversation also explores GLP-1, a naturally occurring gut hormone that helps regulate blood sugar, slows digestion, reduces appetite, and promotes feelings of fullness. Corine and Carol discuss dietary and lifestyle choices that may help support the body’s natural GLP-1 response. The discussion then turns to GLP-1 medications used for diabetes and weight loss, including their benefits and potential side effects. The hosts raise questions about digestive symptoms, nutritional concerns, loss of lean muscle during rapid weight loss, and what can happen when these medications are discontinued. Listener calls add real-world perspectives on diabetes management, weight-loss medications, and the use of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to better understand individual blood sugar responses. Overall, the episode encourages listeners to look beyond simply avoiding sugar and consider the larger relationship between food choices, glucose, insulin, appetite hormones, movement, and metabolic health. The discussion emphasizes practical, everyday strategies that may help create steadier blood sugar, improve satiety and energy, and support better metabolic health over the long term.