#071 Breaking the Cycle of Chronic Stress with Jessica Bruno MS, CNS
Join us on the Vibrant Wellness Podcast as we explore how stress can affect your health as much as a poor diet.
Chronic stress disrupts the HPA axis, throwing off cortisol levels and impacting overall health. We welcome Jessica Bruno, a functional medicine nutritionist, to share her personal journey. She rejected immunosuppressants without a clear diagnosis and instead found healing through functional medicine—emphasizing the importance of stress management, sleep, and movement in sustainable wellness.
We dive into the connection between stress and blood sugar, showing how effective stress management can help stabilize blood sugar levels. By incorporating simple lifestyle changes—such as consistent routines—we explain how these adjustments directly impact your health. We also highlight tools like glucose monitors and baseline blood work, offering practical ways to track blood sugar fluctuations and personalize nutrition and stress reduction strategies.
Our conversation also covers digestion and gut health, explaining how poor digestion can lead to nutrient deficiencies and heightened stress responses. We explore the benefits of intermittent fasting, the effects of caffeine on an empty stomach, and the importance of consistent meal patterns. You'll also hear tips for managing stress, including vagal toning exercises, and we discuss common nutrient deficiencies. Finally, we underscore the role of sleep—reducing screen time and aligning with natural circadian rhythms—as a key factor in improving health outcomes.
Chapters:
(00:00) Stress and Health Impact Interview
(05:09) Blood Sugar, Stress, and Hormones
(11:59) Nutrition and Blood Sugar Effects
(21:26) Nutrition and Stress Management Solutions
(30:23) Nutrition, Toxins, Sleep
(36:07) Sleep, Screen Time, and Blood Sugar
Links:
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