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  • In one of her most personal episodes, Functional Nutrition Practitioner Kristie Calise dives deep into Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)—a complex mast cell activation disorder that played a major role in her chronic illness journey long before it became widely recognized.

    MCAS is considered one of several mast cell disorders, where mast cells—an important type of immune cell and part of your immune system—release excessive chemical mediators such as histamine. This process, known as mast cell degranulation, can affect multiple body systems and contribute to a wide range of symptoms including brain fog, stomach pain, flushing, heart rate changes, low blood pressure, allergy-like symptoms, histamine intolerance, and severe reactions.

    In this episode, Kristie discusses:

    • The history and diagnosis of MCAS and how it differs from systemic mastocytosis
    • Common MCAS symptoms and why many patients have normal blood tests and serum tryptase levels
    • Current diagnostic criteria, blood samples, urine tests, and genetic testing options
    • The connection between MCAS, mold exposure, chronic infections, long COVID, autoimmune diseases, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
    • Common triggers including environmental triggers, temperature changes, high-histamine foods, stress, and infections
    • Pharmaceutical treatment options such as mast cell stabilizers and cromolyn sodium
    • Natural approaches including a low-histamine diet, lifestyle changes, nervous system support, and symptom management strategies

    Kristie also shares why she believes MCAS is often a symptom of deeper dysfunction rather than a known cause itself. Whether you're dealing with MCAS flare-ups, severe symptoms, or trying to understand the root causes behind mast cell activity, this episode offers both scientific insight and personal perspective.

    If you've been told your labs are normal but you're still experiencing wide-ranging symptoms, this episode may provide the validation, education, and next steps you've been searching for. 🖤

    Start feeling better today — download the Balance App and start your FREE trial!
    Your home for gentle workouts, nervous system support, anti-inflammatory recipes, and healing-focused wellness tools.
    ➡️ https://balanceworkoutapp.com

    Interested in 1:1 Functional Nutrition support?
    Schedule your Root Cause Clarity session to see if a root-cause approach is right for you.
    🌿 https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/

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    Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, medications, supplements, or lifestyle.

  • Mold exposure can contribute to a wide range of chronic health issues—but because symptoms vary so drastically from person to person, indoor mold is often overlooked as a root cause of chronic illness.

    In this episode of Balance Banter, Kristie Calise shares her personal experience with mold toxicity, Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), MCAS, POTS, and severe histamine symptoms after long-term exposure to indoor mold. After spending years searching for answers, she eventually discovered that mold growth and poor indoor air quality were major drivers of her unexplained symptoms and inflammatory response.

    Kristie breaks down some of the most common warning signs that mold exposure may be affecting your health, including:

    • Mold allergy symptoms like runny nose, itchy eyes, nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, and allergic reactions
    • Respiratory problems such as chest tightness, shortness of breath, asthma symptoms, and difficulty breathing
    • Histamine-related symptoms including flushing, mast cell activation, bloating, itchy skin, migraines, and food sensitivities
    • Brain fog, memory loss, mood swings, chronic fatigue, and unexplained symptoms
    • Gut dysfunction and immune system imbalance caused by mold spores and chronic inflammation

    You’ll also learn:
    • Why some people feel better away from home or while on vacation
    • How high humidity, water damage, leaky pipes, poor ventilation, crawl spaces, ceiling tiles, and damp areas increase mold risk
    • Why visible mold isn’t always present—even with serious mold problems
    • The difference between mold allergies, mold infection, and mold toxicity
    • Why individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic diseases may be at higher risk

    Kristie also discusses the importance of controlling humidity levels, improving indoor environments, and taking the first step toward uncovering whether mold could be a piece of your health puzzle.

    If you suspect mold exposure may be contributing to your symptoms, this episode will help you better understand the health effects of toxic molds and what next steps to consider.

    Start feeling better today — download the Balance App and start your FREE trial!
    Your home for gentle workouts, nervous system support, anti-inflammatory recipes, and healing-focused wellness tools.
    ➡️ https://balanceworkoutapp.com

    Interested in 1:1 Functional Nutrition support?
    Schedule your Root Cause Clarity session to see if a root-cause approach is right for you.
    🌿 https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/

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    Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, medications, supplements, or lifestyle.

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  • Gut health plays a crucial role in overall health, immune function, and long-term healing—especially for those navigating chronic inflammation, autoimmune diseases, irritable bowel syndrome, and other chronic health conditions. When the gut lining becomes compromised—often referred to as leaky gut syndrome or intestinal permeability—it can lead to food sensitivities, brain fog, abdominal pain, and systemic inflammation.

    In this episode of Balance Banter, Kristie Calise breaks down the 5R protocol, a functional medicine approach and framework used to restore gut integrity, support the gut microbiome, and improve digestive system function.

    Rather than guessing, Kristie emphasizes the importance of a stool test as a first step to identify bacterial overgrowth, pathogenic bacteria, poor digestive function, and underlying root causes affecting the digestive tract.

    You’ll learn how each step of the 5R protocol supports gut healing:

    • Remove & Replace: Address harmful substances, bad bacteria, and food intolerances while supporting digestion with digestive enzymes, stomach acid (hydrochloric acid), bile acids, and digestive support
    • Repair: Heal the intestinal lining using key nutrients, amino acids, aloe vera, and gut repair strategies to improve nutrient absorption and reduce gut inflammation
    • Reinoculate: Reintroduce beneficial bacteria through targeted use of probiotics, probiotic foods, and prebiotic foods to support a healthy gut microbiome
    • Rebalance: Focus on lifestyle factors like stress management, sleep, and dietary changes to support the gut-brain axis and long-term gut health

    This step-by-step approach supports proper digestion, balances good bacteria, and helps reduce symptoms caused by poor gut health—from food allergies and joint pain to fatigue and autoimmune disorders.

    If you’re ready to move beyond temporary fixes and address the root causes of your digestive symptoms, this episode will help guide your next step toward true gut healing and whole-body health!

    Interested in 1:1 Functional Nutrition support?
    Schedule your Root Cause Clarity session to see if a root-cause approach and the 5R protocol is right for you!
    🌿 https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/

    Start feeling better today — download the Balance App and start your FREE trial!
    Your home for gentle workouts, nervous system support, anti-inflammatory recipes, and healing-focused wellness tools.
    ➡️ https://balanceworkoutapp.com

    Interested in 1:1 Functional Nutrition support?
    Schedule your Root Cause Clarity session to see if a root-cause approach is right for you.
    🌿 https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/

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    Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, medications, supplements, or lifestyle.

  • Cortisol—often called the body’s primary stress hormone—plays a crucial role in your overall health. Produced by the adrenal glands (located on top of your kidneys) and regulated by signals from the pituitary gland and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol helps control your body’s stress response, blood sugar levels, immune function, and circadian rhythm.

    But when cortisol levels become imbalanced—whether from chronic stress, poor sleep, inflammation, or underlying health conditions—it can lead to a wide range of symptoms that impact your daily life.

    In this episode of Balance Banter, Kristie Calise breaks down how cortisol affects the body, including:

    The difference between high cortisol levels and low levels of cortisolHow excess cortisol can contribute to weight gain, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and cardiovascular diseaseWhy low cortisol may lead to fatigue, low blood pressure, weakened immune response, and symptoms of adrenal insufficiencyThe connection between cortisol, mental health, autoimmune diseases, and chronic illnessHow cortisol follows a natural circadian rhythm—and what happens when that rhythm is disrupted

    Kristie also explains how cortisol is measured through a cortisol test or blood sample, why test results can vary depending on the time of day, and when it may be appropriate to consult a healthcare provider or primary care doctor for further evaluation.

    If you’ve been feeling wired, exhausted, or stuck in a constant state of high alert, this episode will help you better understand your body’s stress response—and take the first step toward restoring balance!

    Start feeling better today — download the Balance App and start your FREE trial!
    Your home for gentle workouts, nervous system support, anti-inflammatory recipes, and healing-focused wellness tools.
    ➡️ https://balanceworkoutapp.com

    Interested in 1:1 Functional Nutrition support?
    Schedule your Root Cause Clarity session to see if a root-cause approach is right for you.
    🌿 https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/

    Want more #BALANCE in your life?!
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    ⚫Facebook
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    Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, medications, supplements, or lifestyle.

  • After six months of behind-the-scenes work, it’s finally here!

    In this episode of Balance Banter, Kristie Calise shares an exciting announcement about the newly updated Balance: Chronic Illness Care app—completely redesigned to better support individuals navigating chronic illness, fatigue, inflammation, and flare-based lifestyles.

    Following the October relaunch, Kristie and Frank (husband & wife team) took a step back, listened to feedback, and reworked the app experience to make it more intuitive, supportive, and aligned with the needs of those managing chronic symptoms.

    ✨ What’s new inside Balance: Chronic Illness Care:

    • The Balance BaSIX—six foundational daily habits designed to reduce flares and support long-term healing—now at the center of the app
    • A clear separation between movement and nervous system support, allowing you to choose based on whether it’s a good day or a flare day
    • An expanded library of low-impact workouts, guided meditations, and nervous system tools
    • A growing collection of anti-inflammatory recipes, now filterable by therapeutic diet and food sensitivities

    This update reflects the core mission of Balance: to provide a space where healing feels accessible, flexible, and sustainable—not overwhelming or all-or-nothing. If you’ve been searching for a wellness app that truly understands chronic illness and meets you where you are, this is it!

    ✨ Start your complimentary trial today and explore everything inside Balance: Chronic Illness Care:

    ➡️ https://balanceworkoutapp.com

    Start feeling better today — download the Balance App and start your FREE trial!
    Your home for gentle workouts, nervous system support, anti-inflammatory recipes, and healing-focused wellness tools.
    ➡️ https://balanceworkoutapp.com

    Interested in 1:1 Functional Nutrition support?
    Schedule your Root Cause Clarity session to see if a root-cause approach is right for you.
    🌿 https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/

    Want more #BALANCE in your life?!
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    ⚫Facebook
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    Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, medications, supplements, or lifestyle.

  • Histamine intolerance is a complex and often misunderstood condition that can present with a wide range of symptoms—from digestive issues like abdominal pain and irritable bowel syndrome to allergy-like symptoms such as skin rashes, nasal congestion, runny nose, and headaches.

    In this episode of Balance Banter, Kristie Calise breaks down the most common symptoms of histamine intolerance and explains how histamine—an important natural chemical derived from amino acids—plays a key role in the immune system, blood vessels, nervous system, and inflammatory response.

    When there is too much histamine in the body or reduced activity of DAO (diamine oxidase), the enzyme responsible for breaking down dietary histamine, symptoms can begin to appear. This can be due to DAO deficiency, enzyme deficiency, gut dysfunction, or increased histamine production within the intestinal mucosa.

    You’ll learn about:
    • Common symptoms of histamine intolerance and allergy-like reactions
    • The role of mast cells, histamine receptors, and the release of histamine
    • How DAO enzyme activity impacts histamine levels
    • Possible causes including small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, gut infections, and underlying health conditions
    • The connection between histamine, the menstrual cycle, and hormonal imbalances
    • Why tools like a food diary, elimination diet, or low-histamine diet can be a helpful starting point

    Kristie also shares her personal experience navigating severe symptoms, uncovering root causes like mold, infections, and gut dysfunction, and why histamine intolerance should be viewed as a symptom—not the final diagnosis.

    If you’re dealing with unexplained health issues, food intolerance, or a wide range of symptoms that don’t seem to make sense, this episode will give you clarity, validation, and a new perspective on your healing journey.



    Start feeling better today — download the Balance App and start your FREE trial!
    Your home for gentle workouts, nervous system support, anti-inflammatory recipes, and healing-focused wellness tools.
    ➡️ https://balanceworkoutapp.com

    Interested in 1:1 Functional Nutrition support?
    Schedule your Root Cause Clarity session to see if a root-cause approach is right for you.
    🌿 https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/

    Want more #BALANCE in your life?!
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    ⚫Facebook
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    Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, medications, supplements, or lifestyle.

  • When daylight saving time arrives on the second Sunday of March, the clocks spring forward and most people suddenly lose an hour of sleep. While a one-hour shift might not sound like much, this sudden change can disrupt your circadian rhythm, affect your sleep schedule, and impact your body’s internal clock.

    Research from sleep experts—including findings discussed in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine and commentary from organizations like the American Academy of Sleep Medicine—shows that seasonal time changes can temporarily disrupt sleep patterns, energy levels, and even mental health. Some studies have even linked the annual change to increases in traffic accidents, heart attacks, and emergency room visits in the days following the shift.

    Why does this happen? Your circadian clock depends heavily on light exposure to regulate your sleep cycle. When the clocks change and evening light extends later into the night, your internal body clock can struggle to adjust to the new schedule.

    In this episode of Balance Banter, Kristie Calise explains how daylight saving time affects sleep quality, sleep routines, and the timing of other daily routines like meals and wake-up time. She also shares 6 simple strategies to help your body adapt to the new time.

    Whether you’re experiencing sleep disruption, fatigue, or struggling to maintain enough hours of sleep after the clocks change, these 6 simple adjustments can help your body transition more smoothly!

    Supporting your circadian rhythm during seasonal time changes can improve sleep quality, stabilize energy levels, and support long-term health.

    Start feeling better today — download the Balance App and start your FREE trial!
    Your home for gentle workouts, nervous system support, anti-inflammatory recipes, and healing-focused wellness tools.
    ➡️ https://balanceworkoutapp.com

    Interested in 1:1 Functional Nutrition support?
    Schedule your Root Cause Clarity session to see if a root-cause approach is right for you.
    🌿 https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/

    Want more #BALANCE in your life?!
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    ⚫Facebook
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    Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, medications, supplements, or lifestyle.

  • Chronic diseases are now the leading causes of death in the United States—impacting everything from heart disease and cardiovascular disease to diabetes mellitus, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, and even Alzheimer’s disease. But are these chronic conditions simply the result of genetic predisposition?

    In this episode of Balance Banter, Kristie Calise challenges the conventional medicine narrative that genes determine your destiny. Instead, she explores how lifestyle factors, environmental toxins, food sensitivities, chronic stress, and hidden infections often play a far more important role in the origins of disease.

    Drawing from a root cause medicine perspective, Kristie walks through the five underlying issues that drive most symptoms of chronic disease:

    Chronic stress & elevated stress levels affecting the immune system, blood vessels, hormonal imbalances, and mental healthEnvironmental toxins & heavy metals disrupting organ systems and increasing oxidative stressAdverse food reactions, trigger foods, and gut health imbalances contributing to irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, and autoimmune disordersChronic infections & infectious agents such as Lyme disease and Epstein-Barr virus impacting immune defensesNutrient deficiencies that impair immune response, energy production, and overall health

    Rather than focusing solely on symptom management or single-event diagnoses, this episode explores how modern medicine often overlooks the molecular mechanisms and systems biology behind chronic inflammation and chronic illness.

    If you’re navigating chronic pain, autoimmune conditions, high blood pressure, persistent fatigue, or other health issues, this episode offers important questions to consider and the first step toward building a personalized treatment plan.

    Your genes may load the gun—but environment pulls the trigger. And when you address the root cause of disease, significant improvements in your healing process are possible!

    Start feeling better today — download the Balance App and start your FREE trial!
    Your home for gentle workouts, nervous system support, anti-inflammatory recipes, and healing-focused wellness tools.
    ➡️ https://balanceworkoutapp.com

    Interested in 1:1 Functional Nutrition support?
    Schedule your Root Cause Clarity session to see if a root-cause approach is right for you.
    🌿 https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/

    Want more #BALANCE in your life?!
    ⚫Instagram
    ⚫Facebook
    ⚫Youtube

    Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, medications, supplements, or lifestyle.

  • In today’s episode of #BALANCE Banter, we’re taking a holistic approach to healing that isn’t about supplements, labs, or protocols. We’re talking about something that made a world of difference in my own healing process: healing hobbies.

    Before my health journey, I lived in constant hustle mode—14-hour days, nonstop productivity, and physical activity as my only “hobby.” But when chronic illness forced me to slow down, healing became my full-time job… and honestly? That hyper-focus kept my nervous system stuck in fight-or-flight and drove my stress levels (and cortisol levels) even higher. This episode is for anyone who feels trapped in symptom scanning, anxious thoughts, negative thoughts, or feelings of isolation—and wants a powerful way to create a safe space inside their daily lives again.

    In this episode, we’ll cover:

    Why the benefits of hobbies go way beyond “fun” (think: stress reduction, release of dopamine, improved mental well-being, and better emotional recovery)How meaningful activities help regulate the nervous system and support the healing processWhy social interaction and social support matter—especially when you’re dealing with feelings of lonelinessMy personal experiences with a book club, gardening, knitting, and paint-by-numbers (yes, even when you’re “bad” at it!)Practical tips for finding new hobbies at your own pace—without measuring their benefit or turning them into another task

    We’ll also talk about how healing hobbies can improve cognitive function, create new neural pathways, strengthen problem-solving skills, and bring a renewed sense of purpose—especially if you’ve lost your identity to illness.

    Whether your next step is joining local classes, trying a new hobby, learning a musical instrument, exploring visual arts, testing new recipes, starting a book club, or simply taking a short walk and letting your brain be in the present moment… this episode will help you start with manageable steps. Because sometimes healing doesn’t come from doing more “health things.” Sometimes it comes from peaceful pastimes, creative pursuits, and positive experiences that remind your body: I am safe. I am here. I can feel joy again.

    If you loved this episode, share it with a friend or family members who need emotional support and a sense of community right now. 🖤

    Start feeling better today — download the Balance App and start your FREE trial!
    Your home for gentle workouts, nervous system support, anti-inflammatory recipes, and healing-focused wellness tools.
    ➡️ https://balanceworkoutapp.com

    Interested in 1:1 Functional Nutrition support?
    Schedule your Root Cause Clarity session to see if a root-cause approach is right for you.
    🌿 https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/

    Want more #BALANCE in your life?!
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    ⚫Facebook
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    Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, medications, supplements, or lifestyle.

  • Medical gaslighting has become a silent epidemic within the healthcare system—especially for people living with chronic illnesses, invisible illnesses, and complex health conditions. In recent years, more voices across social media, online support groups, and media outlets have highlighted how often patients are dismissed, minimized, or told their symptoms are “just anxiety” despite very real physical suffering.

    In this episode of Balance Banter, Kristie Calise shares her own experience navigating the medical system for over a decade while living with chronic illness. From difficult medical encounters and poor communication in medical settings to emotional distress and medical trauma, Kristie understands firsthand how damaging medical gaslighting can be—especially when labs don’t yet reflect the full picture.

    This conversation is especially relevant for those navigating autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic pain, irritable bowel syndrome, long COVID, rare diseases, and women’s health issues, as well as individuals who have experienced bias within the medical community. Medical gaslighting disproportionately affects women, people of color, and those with invisible illnesses, often leaving patients feeling unheard and unsupported.

    In this episode, Kristie shares five practical strategies to help you prepare for medical appointments and reduce the likelihood of gaslighting—whether you’re seeing a new healthcare provider, seeking a second opinion, or feeling anxious after years of dismissal. You’ll learn how to organize your medical history, bring the right labs and test results, involve supportive family members, and set clear goals so appointments feel more collaborative and productive.

    If you’ve ever left a doctor’s office questioning your own reality, this episode is a reminder that your symptoms are valid—and that quality medical care starts with being heard! 🙌🏼

    Start feeling better today — download the Balance App and start your FREE trial!
    Your home for gentle workouts, nervous system support, anti-inflammatory recipes, and healing-focused wellness tools.
    ➡️ https://balanceworkoutapp.com

    Interested in 1:1 Functional Nutrition support?
    Schedule your Root Cause Clarity session to see if a root-cause approach is right for you.
    🌿 https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/

    Want more #BALANCE in your life?!
    ⚫Instagram
    ⚫Facebook
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    Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, medications, supplements, or lifestyle.

  • In this episode of Balance Banter, Kristie Calise, Functional Nutrition Practitioner and founder of the Balance App, dives into the science and lived experience behind vagus nerve stimulation—a powerful tool for nervous system regulation and healing.

    Kristie explains what the vagus nerve is, where it runs in the body, and why it plays such a critical role in heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, inflammation, and overall stress response. She explores how the vagus nerve can become dysregulated not only in chronically ill individuals, but also in those living high-stress, fast-paced lifestyles.

    Kristie also shares deeply personal insight into her own experience with nervous system overload, adrenaline surges, mast cell activation syndrome, and extreme fight-or-flight reactions—especially during treatments meant to help her heal. Vagus nerve stimulation became one of the most impactful tools in helping her body feel safe again.


    🔍 In this episode, you’ll learn:

    What the vagus nerve is and how it supports the parasympathetic nervous systemHow stress, illness, trauma, and inflammation affect vagal toneWhy nervous system dysregulation can worsen conditions like MCAS and POTSHow vagus nerve stimulation helped reduce adrenaline surges and reactivityAn overview of three vagus nerve stimulation devices Kristie uses or recommends:Truvaga (neck-based stimulation; Kristie’s personal go-to)VagusStim (ear-based stimulation with strong research backing)Pulsetto (bilateral neck stimulation with app-guided programs)

    If you feel wired but exhausted, stuck in fight or flight, or are navigating chronic illness or high stress, this episode offers education, validation, and practical insight into whether vagus nerve stimulation may be worth exploring with your healthcare provider.

    Start feeling better today — download the Balance App and start your FREE trial!
    Your home for gentle workouts, nervous system support, anti-inflammatory recipes, and healing-focused wellness tools.
    ➡️ https://balanceworkoutapp.com

    Interested in 1:1 Functional Nutrition support?
    Schedule your Root Cause Clarity session to see if a root-cause approach is right for you.
    🌿 https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/

    Want more #BALANCE in your life?!
    ⚫Instagram
    ⚫Facebook
    ⚫Youtube

    Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, medications, supplements, or lifestyle.

  • If mornings feel like your hardest struggle, this episode is for you! ☕

    In this episode of Balance Banter, Kristie shares 7 practical tools that helped her wake up with more clarity, energy, and consistency — despite years of living with adrenal fatigue, low cortisol, and chronic illness.

    This is a judgment-free, pressure-free episode for anyone who wants to start their day with more ease — and fewer symptoms.

    🎧 Hit play and try one new thing this week — your mornings may just surprise you!

    Start feeling better today — download the Balance App and start your FREE trial!
    Your home for gentle workouts, nervous system support, anti-inflammatory recipes, and healing-focused wellness tools.
    ➡️ https://balanceworkoutapp.com

    Interested in 1:1 Functional Nutrition support?
    Schedule your Root Cause Clarity session to see if a root-cause approach is right for you.
    🌿 https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/

    Want more #BALANCE in your life?!
    ⚫Instagram
    ⚫Facebook
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    Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, medications, supplements, or lifestyle.

  • If setting goals has ever left you feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or burnt out—this episode is for you.

    In this episode, Kristie Lengel, Functional Nutrition Practitioner and founder of the Balance App, walks through how to set SMART goals that actually support your body and your life—especially if you’re navigating autoimmunity, fatigue, hormone issues, or chronic stress.

    Kristie breaks down:

    What SMART goals really meanWhy broad, unrealistic goals failHow small, gentle goals create momentum and confidenceAutoimmunity-friendly goal examples for movement, food, sleep, and recoveryHow checking the box builds consistency without pressure

    This episode is about progress—not perfection—and creating habits that help you feel better, one small step at a time!

    Start feeling better today — download the Balance App and start your FREE trial!
    Your home for gentle workouts, nervous system support, anti-inflammatory recipes, and healing-focused wellness tools.
    ➡️ https://balanceworkoutapp.com

    Interested in 1:1 Functional Nutrition support?
    Schedule your Root Cause Clarity session to see if a root-cause approach is right for you.
    🌿 https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/

    Want more #BALANCE in your life?!
    ⚫Instagram
    ⚫Facebook
    ⚫Youtube

    Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, medications, supplements, or lifestyle.

  • In one of her most personal episodes yet, Functional Nutrition Practitioner Kristie Lengel dives deep into Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) — a condition that played a massive role in her chronic illness journey long before it became widely recognized.

    Kristie shares how her symptoms began in 2016, years before MCAS had an ICD-10 code or mainstream awareness. Despite “normal” labs, mast cell–targeted treatment was one of the biggest turning points in her healing. Once she realized MCAS was a syndrome—a reaction, not the root—she kept digging until she uncovered the triggers driving her body into overactivation.

    🔍 This episode blends storytelling, scientific research, and practical guidance, including:

    • The history of MCAS as a diagnosis and how it only recently gained scientific attention
    • Why so many people with MCAS have “normal” test results
    • The symptoms that point toward mast cell activation—even when labs don’t
    • The link between MCAS, chronic infections, mold exposure, long COVID, and nervous system dysregulation
    • Pharmaceutical treatment options (H1s, H2s, mast cell stabilizers)
    • Natural supports including diet, flavonoids, nervous system tools, and environmental changes
    • How to talk to your provider about testing (and why timing matters)

    MCAS can make everyday life unpredictable and overwhelming—but understanding how mast cells behave, what triggers them, and how to calm them is an empowering first step.

    If you’ve been brushed off, gaslit, or told “your labs are normal,” this episode is your validation and your roadmap.

    Start feeling better today — download the Balance App and start your FREE trial!
    Your home for gentle workouts, nervous system support, anti-inflammatory recipes, and healing-focused wellness tools.
    ➡️ https://balanceworkoutapp.com

    Interested in 1:1 Functional Nutrition support?
    Schedule your Root Cause Clarity session to see if a root-cause approach is right for you.
    🌿 https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/

    Want more #BALANCE in your life?!
    ⚫Instagram
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    Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, medications, supplements, or lifestyle.

  • In this episode, Kristie chats with Cory from ProShine Professional Cleaning about one of the most overlooked factors in chronic illness—environmental exposure to hidden mold.

    They discuss how humidity in the Lowcountry makes HVAC systems a breeding ground for mold, why indoor air quality matters more than most people realize, and how professional duct cleaning can make a world of difference in your healing journey.

    Plus, they tease an exciting Instagram giveaway coming this December, where one lucky listener will win a free professional duct cleaning from ProShine!

    If you’re healing from mold illness, fatigue, or chronic inflammation, this episode will help you connect the dots between your home and your health.

    ✨ Follow along for the upcoming giveaway:

    @balance.workout.app@proshineprofessionalcleaning

    💡 Learn more about the Balance App → https://balanceworkoutapp.com

    Start feeling better today — download the Balance App and start your FREE trial!
    Your home for gentle workouts, nervous system support, anti-inflammatory recipes, and healing-focused wellness tools.
    ➡️ https://balanceworkoutapp.com

    Interested in 1:1 Functional Nutrition support?
    Schedule your Root Cause Clarity session to see if a root-cause approach is right for you.
    🌿 https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/

    Want more #BALANCE in your life?!
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    Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, medications, supplements, or lifestyle.

  • What if balance isn’t about doing everything perfectly—but learning when to pause?

    In this empowering episode, Functional Nutrition Practitioner and Balance App founder Kristie Lengel shares what true balance looks like beyond the all-or-nothing mindset. After years of navigating chronic illness, burnout, and healing, Kristie has learned that real wellness isn’t about pushing harder—it’s about attuning to your body, regulating your nervous system, and practicing grace.

    You’ll learn:

    Why the “perfect wellness” mindset keeps so many of us stuckHow to rebuild trust with your body after burnout or illnessHow the all-new Balance App supports real-life bodies through gentle movement, functional nutrition, and nervous system tools

    ✨ The Balance App launches November 16th — join the waitlist and become a Founding Member at https://balanceworkoutapp.com

    Balance isn’t a destination—it’s a practice. And when you start listening to your body with compassion, everything changes!

    Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health or wellness routine.

    Start feeling better today — download the Balance App and start your FREE trial!
    Your home for gentle workouts, nervous system support, anti-inflammatory recipes, and healing-focused wellness tools.
    ➡️ https://balanceworkoutapp.com

    Interested in 1:1 Functional Nutrition support?
    Schedule your Root Cause Clarity session to see if a root-cause approach is right for you.
    🌿 https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/

    Want more #BALANCE in your life?!
    ⚫Instagram
    ⚫Facebook
    ⚫Youtube

    Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, medications, supplements, or lifestyle.

  • If you’ve been struggling with fatigue, weight gain, mood changes, hair loss, or feeling cold all the time — but your doctor keeps saying your labs look “normal,” this episode is for you.

    In this listener-favorite rerun, Functional Nutrition Practitioner Kristie Lengel dives into the overlooked world of thyroid testing and explains why so many women are being misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed.

    You’ll learn:

    Why standard thyroid panels often miss key markersThe full thyroid panel you should be requestingHow to advocate for proper testing and follow-up careSteps to support thyroid health naturally through lifestyle and nutrition

    Kristie also shares practical ways to speak up for your health and get the complete picture of what’s really happening with your hormones.

    Don’t let unexplained symptoms go unchecked—empower yourself with the knowledge to take back control of your thyroid and your energy.

    💡 Learn more:

    🌿 Explore the Balance App for healing-focused fitness and functional health tools → https://balanceworkoutapp.com

    Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health or wellness routine.

    Start feeling better today — download the Balance App and start your FREE trial!
    Your home for gentle workouts, nervous system support, anti-inflammatory recipes, and healing-focused wellness tools.
    ➡️ https://balanceworkoutapp.com

    Interested in 1:1 Functional Nutrition support?
    Schedule your Root Cause Clarity session to see if a root-cause approach is right for you.
    🌿 https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/

    Want more #BALANCE in your life?!
    ⚫Instagram
    ⚫Facebook
    ⚫Youtube

    Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, medications, supplements, or lifestyle.

  • What happens when chronic illness changes everything — your health, your marriage, your finances, and your future dreams?

    In this deeply personal episode, Kristie (Lengel) and Frank Calise share their honest and emotional story of navigating invisible illness, medical gaslighting, and years of searching for answers. They reveal the challenges, heartbreak, and helplessness that came with living through chronic illness as a couple — and the unexpected strength, resilience, and hope that grew from it.

    You’ll hear:

    The frustration of being dismissed by the medical systemThe emotional and financial toll of chronic illness on a relationshipHow they stayed connected through the hardest seasonsWhy their shared experience inspired the creation of the Balance App — a platform built for those living with chronic illness, fatigue, and inflammation

    ✨ This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt unseen, misunderstood, or stuck in survival mode. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest seasons, healing and purpose are possible.

    💡 Learn more & join the Balance community:

    🌿 Explore the new Balance App → https://balanceworkoutapp.com 📸 Follow on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/balance.workout.app

    Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health or wellness routine.

    Start feeling better today — download the Balance App and start your FREE trial!
    Your home for gentle workouts, nervous system support, anti-inflammatory recipes, and healing-focused wellness tools.
    ➡️ https://balanceworkoutapp.com

    Interested in 1:1 Functional Nutrition support?
    Schedule your Root Cause Clarity session to see if a root-cause approach is right for you.
    🌿 https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/

    Want more #BALANCE in your life?!
    ⚫Instagram
    ⚫Facebook
    ⚫Youtube

    Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, medications, supplements, or lifestyle.

  • This week, we’re revisiting one of the most loved episodes from the Balance Banter vault!

    If you or your child struggles with ADD or ADHD symptoms, you’ve probably heard about medication—but what about nutritional interventions that support the brain and nervous system from the inside out?

    In this episode, Functional Nutrition Practitioner Kristie Lengel explores powerful (but practical!) dietary strategies that can help improve focus, attention, and mood:

    Why going gluten-free may reduce neurological inflammationThe role of artificial food dyes like Red Dye 40 in behavior and attentionHow blood sugar regulation supports stable energy and cognitionHolistic tools that can complement medication or work on their ownA favorite wearable: the Stelo CGM to track glucose in real time

    Whether you're navigating this for yourself or supporting a loved one, this episode delivers real, doable strategies to help you feel more balanced—naturally.

    🔗 Mentioned in this episode: Stelo Continuous Glucose Monitor
    👉🏼 https://www.stelo.com/en-us

    Start feeling better today — download the Balance App and start your FREE trial!
    Your home for gentle workouts, nervous system support, anti-inflammatory recipes, and healing-focused wellness tools.
    ➡️ https://balanceworkoutapp.com

    Interested in 1:1 Functional Nutrition support?
    Schedule your Root Cause Clarity session to see if a root-cause approach is right for you.
    🌿 https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/

    Want more #BALANCE in your life?!
    ⚫Instagram
    ⚫Facebook
    ⚫Youtube

    Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, medications, supplements, or lifestyle.

  • Have you ever felt like you’re doing everything right and still feel exhausted, dizzy, or ungrounded?

    In this episode, Functional Nutrition Practitioner Kristie Lengel shares the eye-opening story of how her debilitating POTS symptoms disappeared every time she traveled to Europe—and what she discovered about trace minerals that changed everything.

    You’ll learn:

    What trace minerals are and why your body needs themWhy sodium alone isn’t enough to regulate hydration or support energyHow soil depletion, filtered water, and modern diets are leaving us overfed but undernourishedSigns you might be deficient in trace mineralsSimple, affordable ways to replenish them daily

    🎯 Want to try the trace minerals Kristie uses? ==> Concentrace Minerals

    Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement routine.

    Start feeling better today — download the Balance App and start your FREE trial!
    Your home for gentle workouts, nervous system support, anti-inflammatory recipes, and healing-focused wellness tools.
    ➡️ https://balanceworkoutapp.com

    Interested in 1:1 Functional Nutrition support?
    Schedule your Root Cause Clarity session to see if a root-cause approach is right for you.
    🌿 https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/

    Want more #BALANCE in your life?!
    ⚫Instagram
    ⚫Facebook
    ⚫Youtube

    Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, medications, supplements, or lifestyle.