SHE Talks Health | Thyroid Health Tips, Functional Medicine, Hashimoto's, Hypothyroidism, Gut Health, Hormones, Holistic Healing cover art

SHE Talks Health | Thyroid Health Tips, Functional Medicine, Hashimoto's, Hypothyroidism, Gut Health, Hormones, Holistic Healing

SHE Talks Health | Thyroid Health Tips, Functional Medicine, Hashimoto's, Hypothyroidism, Gut Health, Hormones, Holistic Healing

By: Sophie Shepherd
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SHE Talks Health is for women interested in wellness and, more specifically, in women’s health. We aim to finally give you clarity around the widespread health issues plaguing women today, from the rise in infertility to epidemically high numbers of chronic illness like endometriosis and Hashimoto’s to the intricates of the female libido, hormonal fluctuations, the birth control pill and regaining optimal mental health for women. SHE Talks Health helps women reclaim their health through learning practical nutrition and holistic lifestyle changes. The show also empowers women by educating and exposing them to foremost leaders and experts in the world of Functional Medicine so they can finally have straightforward answers to their most mystifying symptoms and confidence to do the right things for their health.Sophie Shepherd Alternative & Complementary Medicine Hygiene & Healthy Living
Episodes
  • Ep. 177: MCAS and Histamine Intolerance: What’s the Difference? with Heather Orrichio | MCAS | Histamine Intolerance | Autoimmune Conditions | Thyroid and Histamine |

    Ep. 177: MCAS and Histamine Intolerance: What’s the Difference? with Heather Orrichio | MCAS | Histamine Intolerance | Autoimmune Conditions | Thyroid and Histamine |
    Jun 26 2026
    Could histamine intolerance be the missing piece behind your anxiety, insomnia, PMS, or gut symptoms? How do you know whether you're dealing with histamine intolerance, MCAS, or a deeper root cause that needs a different approach?In this episode, I sat down with histamine and MCAS expert Heather Oricchio to talk about one of the most misunderstood topics in women's health. We unpacked the differences between histamine intolerance and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), how these conditions show up in the body, and why so many women are struggling with symptoms that seem completely unrelated on the surface. We discussed the many root causes that can contribute to histamine and MCAS symptoms, including mold exposure, gut dysfunction, chronic stress, hormone imbalances, environmental toxins, and nervous system dysregulation. Heather explained why some people respond well to a low-histamine diet while others continue reacting to foods, supplements, chemicals, and even everyday stressors. We also discussed the testing she uses to uncover hidden contributors and how she approaches putting all of the pieces together.One of my favorite parts of this conversation was our discussion around stabilization. We talked about why some people cannot tolerate detox protocols, supplements, or even basic interventions until their nervous system and mast cells are more supported. Heather shared how she helps clients build those foundations for healing, what signs indicate someone is ready to move forward, and why addressing root causes requires patience and the right sequence of steps.We also spent time talking about the powerful connection between the nervous system and chronic illness. Regulating the nervous system before going on an intensive healing journey is one of the most important steps to getting back to normalcy, so I’m so glad we got to talk about that in depth in this episode. Heather shared practical strategies for nervous system regulation, how chronic stress can keep symptoms stuck in place, and why healing often requires more than just supplements and protocols. If you've been struggling with histamine intolerance, MCAS, mold illness, unexplained symptoms, or feel like you've tried everything without answers, this conversation offers a thoughtful and hopeful perspective on what might be missing from the healing process.Disclaimer: This information is being provided to you for educational and informational purposes only. It is being provided to educate you about how to take care of your body and as a self-help tool for your own use so that you can reach your own health goals. It is not intended to treat or cure any specific illness and is not to replace the guidance provided by your own medical practitioner. If you are under the care of a healthcare professional or currently use prescription medications, you should discuss any dietary changes or potential dietary supplement use with your doctor, and should not discontinue any prescription medications without first consulting your doctor. This information is to be used at your own risk based on your own judgment. If you suspect you have a medical problem, we urge you to take appropriate action by seeking medical attention.In This Episode: [00:00] Why histamine intolerance and MCAS are more common than ever[02:30] Heather's journey from mystery symptoms to histamine recovery[07:30] Histamine intolerance vs. MCAS: understanding the difference[13:00] The surprising symptoms linked to histamine dysfunction[17:00] Finding the root causes behind histamine and MCAS symptoms[18:00] The most valuable lab tests for histamine, mold, and toxic burden[20:15] Why SIBO is often a symptom rather than the root cause[24:30] Why stabilization must come before detoxification[28:00] When medication can help support MCAS recovery[33:15] Practical ways to reduce EMF exposure and support healing[35:45] The critical role of the nervous system in histamine recovery[40:30] Brain retraining, healing mindset, and final takeawaysFind more from Heather online:Website: https://revivewithheather.com/Instagram: @revive_with_heatherConnect with Sophie: Instagram: @shetalkshealthWebsite: shetalkshealth.comThyroid Breakthrough Call: https://thyroidhealthaudit.shetalkshealth.com/thyroid-health-auditApply to work with us: www.shetalkshealth.com/callThe Mineral Reset (HTMA): https://shethrives.shetalkshealth.com/htma-packageMineral Mocktail (get your energy back now!: https://shetalkshealth.com/mineral-mocktail-guide/Stop guessing with your thyroid & Get Answers Now: https://ace.shetalkshealth.com/home-front
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    48 mins
  • Ep. 176: What I Learned About The Standard American Diet From A Trip To Europe | Gluten Intolerance | Hashimoto’s | GMO Foods | Glyphosate | EU Food Regulations | Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma |

    Ep. 176: What I Learned About The Standard American Diet From A Trip To Europe | Gluten Intolerance | Hashimoto’s | GMO Foods | Glyphosate | EU Food Regulations | Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma |
    Jun 19 2026
    Why does bread in Europe not bother your gut the way it does in the United States — and what does glyphosate have to do with Hashimoto’s, hypothyroidism, and other serious health conditions? If wheat and dairy trigger inflammation, fatigue, anxiety, or loose stools at home, why can they feel totally fine abroad? In this episode, I share what happened when I recently spent two weeks in Spain and Portugal and ate gluten after being gluten-free for 14 years. Instead of feeling bloated, irritable, and anxious like I normally would after eating gluten, I actually felt completely fine. That’s right — no symptoms whatsoever. You’ve probably heard of others having similar experiences, but the science and history behind why this happens is fascinating. I explain why European wheat is different from U.S. wheat, and how the U.S. food system’s agricultural and dairy practices have created a perfect storm of problems since at least 1996. We’ll get into how glyphosate and other herbicides have infiltrated our food system, plus what the research says about gut bacteria disruption, intestinal permeability, and thyroid/endocrine impacts. There’s also a very real connection between glyphosate and non-Hodgkin lymphoma that has led to hundreds of thousands of lawsuits. Then we talk dairy: why the EU banned synthetic growth hormones, fatty acid profiles (grass-fed vs. grain-fed), and how mold-contaminated feed can contribute to issues that I often see show up in toxin testing. This may all seem like bad news from the U.S. perspective, but there are still things we can do here to protect our health without missing out on the good things in life. One major benefit of living in the U.S. is that there are unlimited options, and there are many swaps we can make that avoid the toxins and inflammatory ingredients. And maybe, this is even the sign you need to take that much-deserved vacation to test out Europe’s food system for yourself! Disclaimer: This information is being provided to you for educational and informational purposes only. It is being provided to educate you about how to take care of your body and as a self-help tool for your own use so that you can reach your own health goals. It is not intended to treat or cure any specific illness and is not to replace the guidance provided by your own medical practitioner. If you are under the care of a healthcare professional or currently use prescription medications, you should discuss any dietary changes or potential dietary supplement use with your doctor, and should not discontinue any prescription medications without first consulting your doctor. This information is to be used at your own risk based on your own judgment. If you suspect you have a medical problem, we urge you to take appropriate action by seeking medical attention.In This Episode: [2:30] The 2 most common food triggers in my clients[6:20] Why grains and wheat hit differently in Europe than they do in the US[7:45] What is GMO and glyphosate?[11:25] How glyphosate affects the body — the link to non-Hodgkin lymphoma[19:25] The night I decided to be a functional health practitioner[21:30] The regulatory environment that keeps food in the EU safer[22:43] Dairy in the EU vs. the US[26:25] The missing cultural piece in the US[29:35] How to support our health despite all the bad newsConnect with Sophie: Instagram: @shetalkshealthWebsite: shetalkshealth.comApply to work with us: www.shetalkshealth.com/callThyroid Breakthrough Call: https://thyroidhealthaudit.shetalkshealth.com/thyroid-health-auditThe Mineral Reset (HTMA): https://shethrives.shetalkshealth.com/htma-packageMineral Mocktail (get your energy back now!: https://shetalkshealth.com/mineral-mocktail-guide/Stop guessing with your thyroid & Get Answers Now: https://ace.shetalkshealth.com/home-front
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    34 mins
  • Ep. 175: Your Genetics Are Talking To You, Here’s How To Listen with Dr. Sam Shay | Genetics | Genetics Testing | Diet and Genes | Inflammation | Chronic Illness

    Ep. 175: Your Genetics Are Talking To You, Here’s How To Listen with Dr. Sam Shay | Genetics | Genetics Testing | Diet and Genes | Inflammation | Chronic Illness
    Jun 11 2026
    Can genetics explain chronic gut issues, thyroid symptoms, inflammation, and why one person can “eat poorly” and feel fine while another does everything right and still struggles? What if your best diet depends on your genetic carb tolerance, plus things like caffeine and histamine sensitivity?On this episode of the She Talks Health Podcast, I sat down with Dr. Sam Shay to talk about how functional genetics can validate what you’ve probably felt in your body for years and give you a practical roadmap forward.We started things off with Dr. Shay’s story of being really unwell as a child, and how that pushed him to seek out his own information about his health. As a kid, he struggled with things like years of crippling insomnia, violence in school, and developing a caffeine habit at only 6 years old. His desire to find answers about his health struggles led him to specialize in genetics and train other practitioners in this modality.Later, we got into the details of what our genetics really tell us about our health. We discuss that inflammation is a major driver of chronic illness, and that “bad genes” are often really an environmental mismatch with evolutionary tradeoffs. So if you’re feeling as though you’re chronically inflamed but are doing everything “right”, your genetics might be the missing piece to the puzzle here.Your genetics can even tell you about how well you digest carbs, and who does better with lower vs higher carb diets. If you’ve ever tried a diet that made you feel completely messed up but didn’t know why, this could explain a lot for a lot of people. We also touched on genes related to caffeine-induced anxiety/depression, histamine sensitivity, and why Dr. Shay focuses on testing “drivers of disease” (like inflammation, free radicals/mitochondria, etc.) rather than disease markers themselves.Our genetics make up every part of us, but they’re rarely considered when it comes to chronic and “unexplainable” health problems. If you’ve ever dealt with chronic inflammation, unexplained weight gain, strange food intolerances, or even mental health issues, but your labs are always “normal,” the answers just might be in your genetics.Disclaimer: This information is being provided to you for educational and informational purposes only. It is being provided to educate you about how to take care of your body and as a self-help tool for your own use so that you can reach your own health goals. It is not intended to treat or cure any specific illness and is not to replace the guidance provided by your own medical practitioner. If you are under the care of a healthcare professional or currently use prescription medications, you should discuss any dietary changes or potential dietary supplement use with your doctor, and should not discontinue any prescription medications without first consulting your doctor. This information is to be used at your own risk based on your own judgment. If you suspect you have a medical problem, we urge you to take appropriate action by seeking medical attention.In This Episode:[2:50] Dr. Shay’s story that led him to genetics testing[8:45] What Dr. Shay learned about himself from his genetics test results[14:15] What’s the benefit of having variations in how our bodies process different things?[19:45] Why a Mediterranean diet won’t work for everyone[24:41] “The Finger Rule” for helping to decipher our test results[27:40] What happens when people start following The Finger Rule to change their diet[31:35] What can genetics testing can tell us beyond carb tolerance[36:03] Change your environment to match your genetics[36:35] The 7 drivers of disease that we can see in test results[40:10] 3 types of genetics-based weight gain and how to eliminate them[47:00] How to work with Dr. ShayFind more from Dr. Shay online:Website: https://drsamshay.com/https://fitgenesusa.com/Instagram: @drsamshayYouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@DrSamShayConnect with Sophie: Instagram: @shetalkshealthWebsite: shetalkshealth.comApply to work with us: www.shetalkshealth.com/callThyroid Breakthrough Call: https://thyroidhealthaudit.shetalkshealth.com/thyroid-health-auditThe Mineral Reset (HTMA): https://shethrives.shetalkshealth.com/htma-packageMineral Mocktail (get your energy back now!: https://shetalkshealth.com/mineral-mocktail-guide/Stop guessing with your thyroid & Get Answers Now: https://ace.shetalkshealth.com/home-front
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    51 mins
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