Gutsy Health | Nutrition and Medicine

Why You Feel Sick at Home: CIRS, Mold vs. Actinomycetes & Endotoxins (with Mike Fisher)

Feeling worse at home? It might not be “just mold.” In this episode, Juanique talks with Mike Fisher (Vital Home Solutions—aka the mold dog guy) about the REAL environmental drivers of CIRS and chronic symptoms. We break down why actinomycetes and endotoxins often outweigh mold, how to lower your total toxin load without wasting money, and exactly what to clean first for the biggest impact.What you’ll learnWhy CIRS isn’t only about mold (think actinomycetes & endotoxin producers)The “low-hanging fruit” that moves the needle fast: toilet tanks, window tracks, bathroom overflows, dusty HVAC roomsSafe, simple chemistry for sensitives: soap + water for mold removal; hypochlorous acid or alcohol for bacteriaHow to use negative pressure (shop-vac exhausting outdoors) so you don’t re-aerosolize dustPractical tips for mattresses, pets, sheets, drains, and daily maintenanceWhy calming the nervous system matters as much as cleaningKey Takeaways & Timestamps12:50 – It’s not just mold: ~7% mold, 42% actinomycetes, 28% endotoxin producers, ~23% other toxins.27:40 – Fix what hits you daily: start with toilet tanks, window tracks, bathroom overflows, HVAC dust.31:58 – Method matters: mold = remove with soap + water; bacteria = hypochlorous acid/alcohol; avoid “paint-over” shortcuts.38:50 – HVAC hygiene: keep the furnace room dust-free; vent your vac outside for negative pressure.46:46 – Fear vs. intuition: you don’t need sterile—just lower the load so your body can heal.Resources & LinksCIRS Self-Assessment Quiz: provohealth.com/cirs-quizVital Home Solutions (Mike Fisher): vitalutah.com | IG: @thevitalhomesolutions & @chapmolddetectiondog | 801-657-3969Daily surface support: search for hypochlorous acid (250–300 ppm options)Skin support mentioned: Defense SoapDisclaimer: Educational only; not medical advice. Consult qualified clinicians and CIRS-literate assessors/remediators for your situation.Work with usGutsy Health Academy: protocols, mindset tools, and live coaching to help you become your own self-healing advocate.More resources: mygutsyhealth.comSend us a text

CIRS & Long COVID: Hidden Epidemic and Healing Steps with Dr. Brian Rodgers

In this episode of the Gutsy Health Podcast, Juanique sits down with Dr. Brian Rodgers to shed light on CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) — a condition affecting up to 25% of the population. They break down what CIRS actually is, why so many people are undiagnosed, and how it can be triggered by mold, Lyme disease, spider bites, and even COVID or the COVID vaccine.Juanique and Dr. Rodgers explore how CIRS impacts the gut, brain, mitochondria, and immune system — often showing up as fatigue, anxiety, depression, hormone imbalances, brain fog, and long COVID. They also dive into the 12-step protocol for treatment, with a focus on the first three critical steps: reducing environmental triggers, using the right binders, and treating MARCoNS (nasal bacteria).The conversation is equal parts science and lived experience, with Juanique sharing her personal journey with CIRS, the overwhelm of starting treatment, and the hope that comes from taking healing step by step.Key TakeawaysCIRS is common: Around 20–25% of people carry the gene that can trigger CIRS.COVID is a trigger: Both infection and vaccination have been shown to turn on CIRS genes, often presenting as “long COVID.”Multi-system impact: CIRS disrupts neuropeptides, hormones, and mitochondria, leading to mood disorders, fatigue, leaky gut, and hormone imbalance.Children are affected differently: Kids often show fewer symptoms (headaches, anxiety, chronic infections, bedwetting) but can still carry the condition.First 3 steps matter most: Safe environment, binders (like Welchol or cholestyramine), and MARCoNS treatment are non-negotiable for healing.Healing takes time: Most patients need 12–24 months to move through the 12-step protocol, with incremental improvements along the way.Adjunctive therapies: Tools like eBOO, hyperbaric oxygen, IVs, neurofeedback, and phospholipid therapy can help “jumpstart” depleted bodies.Hope is key: Even if progress feels slow, consistent steps lower the body’s toxin load and restore function over time.Chapters00:00 – Introduction & Juanique’s experience with CIRS03:25 – Why so many people are undiagnosed08:09 – The hidden pandemic of CIRS and COVID as a trigger10:32 – How CIRS affects the gut, brain, mitochondria, and immune system15:18 – Children and teenagers with CIRS: symptoms to watch for20:05 – The overlap between CIRS, MCAS, and histamine intolerance27:10 – Chronic infections, asthma-like symptoms, and immune dysfunction31:57 – Step 1: Safe environment and mold remediation39:04 – Step 2: Binders and reducing the toxin load43:49 – Step 3: Treating MARCoNS and brain fog relief48:40 – Why some patients need “bigger tools” to jumpstart healing53:22 – Steps 4–12: Gut, hormones, neuropeptides, and VIP therapy58:09 – How long CIRS healing really takesLinks & ResourcesJoin the Gutsy Academy! Enroll classes in a week! mygutsyhealth.com/academyFree classes, guides & resources: mygutsyhealth.comSend us a text

Your Body Can’t Heal What Your Mind Won’t Allow with Britt Lefkoe

 In this episode of the Gutsy Health Podcast, Juanique Grover talks with guest Britt Lefkoe about one of the biggest hidden barriers to healing: your mindset.So many people spend years cycling through diets, supplements, and protocols, yet still feel stuck in pain and fatigue. Juanique and Britt unpack why this happens, explaining how stress, self-worth, and unaddressed emotions silently block the body’s ability to repair — even when you’re “doing everything right.”They explore how the nervous system translates mental and emotional patterns into physical symptoms, why unresolved emotions often resurface as illness, and how long-held beliefs may be keeping you sick. You’ll also learn practical tools to retrain your nervous system, shift your mindset, and finally create the conditions your body needs to heal and thrive.This isn’t about quick fixes — it’s about removing the invisible roadblocks between you and lasting health.Key Takeaways & Timestamps02:45 – Why mindset is the foundation of healing10:18 – The nervous system’s role in physical symptoms18:33 – How emotions sabotage (or support) your health25:47 – The connection between self-worth and healing progress36:12 – Practical steps to rewire your mindset for lasting changeReady to do the inner work alongside the physical healing? Join the Gutsy Health Academy for step-by-step guidance on mindset, nutrition, and protocols that actually last. Learn more here.Send us a text

Why Healing Protocols Fail — And How to Finally Make Them Work

In this episode of the Gutsy Health Podcast, Juanique Grover and guest Gina Worful unpack why so many healing protocols don’t deliver lasting results—and how to turn things around.Drawing from their work with the Gutsy Academy, they explore the real reasons people get stuck in their health journey and share practical strategies for breaking free.You’ll hear why mindset is the foundation of sustainable healing, how to read and respond to your body’s unique language, and the role of mindfulness in creating real, lasting change. They also discuss how societal pressures push us away from self-care, the connection between emotions and physical symptoms, and why co-regulation in relationships and parenting can transform not only your health but that of future generations.If you’ve ever wondered why your healing plan feels like an endless cycle of starts and stops, or why even the “perfect” protocol doesn’t seem to work, this conversation will give you the missing pieces—from understanding your nervous system to redefining self-worth in your healing journey.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why mindset is the foundation of sustainable healingHow to interpret the body’s signals to identify root causesThe role of mindfulness in shifting patterns that block recoveryHow emotions and stress shape physical healthWhy co-regulation in parenting and relationships transforms well-beingHow societal pressures disconnect us from self-careKey Timestamps:02:56 – Why mindset determines healing outcomes05:48 – Learning your body’s unique language08:22 – The role of mindfulness in recovery14:17 – The impact of emotions on physical health42:45 – Co-regulation, parenting, and generational healthResources Mentioned in This Episode:Join the Gutsy Health Academy → mygutsyhealth.com/gutsyhealthacademyIf your healing feels stuck or your protocols never seem to last, the missing piece may not be another diet or supplement—it may be your mindset, nervous system, and emotional health.The Gutsy Health Academy gives you the tools, structure, and support to finally make healing sustainable. Join today and start creating lasting change.🔗 Gutsy Health AcademySend us a text

Bioidentical Hormones, Hormone Imbalance, and the 90/10 Rule of Healing

In this episode of the Gutsy Health Podcast, Juanique Grover is joined by Dr. Brian Rodgers and hormone consultant Tauscha Johanson to unpack what most people misunderstand about hormone health—especially when it comes to bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).They dive into the symptoms women often ignore or get gaslit over, explain how BHRT works, and discuss why quality of life—not just lab results—should guide your decisions.The conversation also highlights how sex hormones don’t function in isolation. If your thyroid, adrenals, or mitochondria are under stress, your hormones will be too. This episode is practical and empowering, especially for women who are tired of hearing “everything looks normal” when they clearly don’t feel normal.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone) influence nearly every system in the bodyWhy bioidentical hormones are easier to metabolize than synthetic versionsThe role of thyroid, adrenals, liver, and mitochondria in hormone therapy successCommon symptoms of hormone imbalance: low libido, brain fog, fatigue, mood swingsDelivery methods compared: pellets, creams, patches, and injectionsWhy the Women’s Health Initiative study created fear around HRT—and what newer research showsHow functional testing provides a deeper look than standard hormone labsThe “90/10 rule” of healing: why lifestyle still drives the majority of resultsWhy BHRT isn’t about vanity but about restoring vitality and quality of lifeThe importance of early support—don’t wait until you’re in full burnoutKey Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction to hormone health03:44 – Common signs of hormone imbalance07:20 – What are bioidentical hormones?10:32 – Delivery methods: pellets vs creams vs patches13:49 – Why thyroid health must be addressed first17:11 – The Women’s Health Initiative study and misconceptions21:58 – Who is (and isn’t) a good candidate for BHRT26:35 – Functional testing vs standard hormone panels30:42 – The 90/10 rule of healing34:50 – Hormone optimization and quality of life40:12 – Closing thoughts: how to advocate for your own healthResources Mentioned in This Episode:Enroll in the Gutsy Health Academy – now open! → https://www.mygutsyhealth.com/gutsyhealthacademyClosing:If you’re exploring bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) or struggling with symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, mood swings, or low libido, this episode will help you understand what your body truly needs before hormones can work.Healing starts with the foundations. When your gut, liver, thyroid, adrenals, and mitochondria are supported, BHRT can be an empowering tool—not a band-aid.Enrollment for the Gutsy Health Academy is now open. If you want a clear, step-by-step roadmap to balance hormones and restore energy, join us today and start your healing journey.🔗 Gutsy Health AcademySend us a text