Podcast
Hormone Healing RD
Hosted by Amanda Montalvo · EN
Welcome to the Hormone Healing RD Podcast, where you’ll get clear, practical guidance for your healing journey. I’m Amanda Montalvo, women’s health dietitian and mineral expert. After helping thousands of women and navigating my own healing, I know how overwhelming the wellness world can be. This show cuts through the noise with simple, research-backed insights on hormones, minerals, and what your body truly needs to heal. So let’s dive in and take one intentional step forward together.
12episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
15: What Your Mineral Ratios Say About Your Health
Dec 2200:35:12Tap to summarizeJoin patreon to get access to HTMA case studies here!Normal blood work doesn't mean your minerals are actually working.In this episode, I wrap up the 4 part mineral series by zeroing in on hair test ratios and why they often matter more than whether a single mineral looks high or low. These ratios reveal patterns in your metabolism, stress response, thyroid, adrenals, blood sugar and even mood, so you can see what your body is actually doing, not just what the first page of your hair test says. Maybe you've stared at a hair test and had no idea what the numbers actually mean. This episode connects those ratios with the tired, anxious, bloated, cold and “hypothyroid” feelings that can show up even when your blood work looks fine. You’ll finally be able to make sense of the patterns without obsessing over every single number. These patterns hint at fast or slow metabolic types, burnout or overdrive in your adrenals, and trouble using your thyroid hormones even if you can still make them.Once you see what your minerals are really doing together, it's hard to unsee what they're telling you about your body.This is part 4 of 4 of my Mineral Series. Tune into episodes 12, 13 and 14 to deepen your knowledge.You’ll Learn:[00:00] Introduction[01:07] What mineral ratios reveal that individual levels never show[03:23] The thyroid ratio that explains symptoms even when labs look normal[10:29] Why some women still feel hypothyroid despite “good” test results[12:34] The mineral demands required to actually use thyroid hormone[26:52] How copper imbalances hide and what the copper detox ratio uncovers[27:55] Why molybdenum can help or overwhelm depending on timing[29:42] When balancing macro minerals matters more than adding supplementsResources Mentioned:Hormone Healing episode on How to do mineral testing | Listen NowMaster your minerals. Harmonize your hormones. Start your mineral journey here.Find more from Amanda:Hormone Healing RD | InstagramHormone Healing RD | WebsiteHormone Healing RD | FacebookHormone Healing RD | YouTubeHormone Healing RD | TikTokCheck out the Functional Thyroid course here.
Transcribe →14: 5 Underrated Minerals That Support Detox & Balance Your Nervous System
Dec 1500:24:10Tap to summarizeJoin Patreon to get access to HTMA case studies here!What if the reason you feel worse on detox supplements isn't your body failing, but your minerals waving a red flag?In this episode, I continue my December mineral series by zooming in on a handful of underrated minerals that quietly shape detox, emotional balance, and nervous system support. Instead of obsessing over the usual labs, I walk you through what these trace minerals actually do in your body and why a hair test can reveal patterns that blood work completely misses. There is a connection between seemingly random symptoms like brain fog, mood swings, and sulfur sensitivity to specific mineral patterns, and this episode will help you finally make sense of them. If you're pushing detox and still feel anxious, wired, or wiped out, you will soon understand why that keeps happening.This is part 3 of 4 of my Mineral Series. Tune into episodes 12, 13 and 15 to deepen your knowledge.You’ll Learn:[00:00] Introduction[00:30] Why five overlooked minerals quietly shape detox, mood, and nervous system balance[02:18] How cobalt and molybdenum reveal hidden issues with B12 activation, sulfur sensitivity, and detox overload[03:18] What sulfur status shows about glutathione, repair pathways, and why detox may feel “blocked”[03:52] How micro-dose lithium supports mood stability, sleep quality, and postpartum copper swings[05:16] Why rubidium uncovers adrenal burnout, stress load, and thyroid regulation issues[07:33] The right way to interpret highs and lows on HTMA without assuming deficiency or overload[10:53] How digestive inefficiencies mimic sulfur problems and stall detox progress[19:05] Why molybdenum should never be introduced early in a protocol and how binders prevent symptom flares[21:43] When to consider these minerals on a retest to unlock deeper detox and emotional resilienceResources Mentioned:Hormone Healing episode on How to do mineral testing | Listen NowMaster your minerals. Harmonize your hormones. Start your mineral journey here.Find more from Amanda:Hormone Healing RD | InstagramHormone Healing RD | WebsiteHormone Healing RD | FacebookHormone Healing RD | YouTubeHormone Healing RD | TikTokFind your Healthy Period Starter Guide here.
Transcribe →13: These Overlooked Minerals Can Improve Your Hormones, Fertility & Metabolism
Dec 800:30:19Tap to summarizeJoin Patreon to get access to HTMA case studies here!Some of your loudest hormone symptoms are actually mineral problems in disguise. In this episode, I pick up our December mineral series and move from the foundation minerals into the tiny trace players that run the control panel. Minerals like copper, zinc, iron, manganese, chromium, selenium and boron act as cofactors for hormones, thyroid and blood sugar, and they can make or break energy, mood and cycles even when the basics look ok. On paper, a lot of women are told everything looks “normal” while their bodies are clearly not ok. I get into what it feels like when minerals are out of balance, from emotional spikes and wired-tired nights to heavy, painful cycles and those nagging aches that never quite go away. Instead of chasing every new fix, I zoom out to show how your system compensates and what that reveals about where support actually needs to go.This is part 2 of 3 of my Mineral Series. Tune into episodes 12 and 14 to deepen your knowledge.You’ll Learn:[00:00] Introduction[01:32] Why trace minerals act like the body’s control panel even when macros look good[03:36] The real reason copper makes symptoms worse when it isn’t bioavailable[04:22] The overlooked signs your body isn’t tolerating a copper IUD[11:11] How hair testing reveals hidden copper stored in tissues when blood looks normal[12:53] What zinc really does for fertility and thyroid function beyond immunity[13:48] Why zinc backfires when sodium is low and the surprising symptoms that follow[19:19] The connection between gut health, iron overload, and “mystery” fatigue[22:46] How manganese supports joints, blood sugar, and the nervous system in ways most women miss[26:38] The thyroid-protective role of selenium and why depletion hits detox hard[27:41] The way boron helps hormones communicate and why stress quietly drains itRelated Hormone Healing Episodes:Master Your Minerals Course | WebsiteHow to do mineral testing | EpisodeCalcium deep dive | EpisodeMagnesium deep dive | EpisodeSodium deep dive | EpisodePotassium deep dive | EpisodeMaster your minerals. Harmonize your hormones. Start your mineral journey here.Find more from Amanda:Hormone Healing RD | InstagramHormone Healing RD | WebsiteHormone Healing RD | FacebookHormone Healing RD | YouTubeHormone Healing RD | TikTok
Transcribe →12: Top 5 Minerals Every Woman Must Check for a Healthy Body
Dec 100:34:32Tap to summarizeJoin Patreon to get access to HTMA case studies here!You can feel exhausted, anxious, and inflamed and still be told your labs are normal. In this episode, I'm kicking off a mineral series that pairs with the daily posts I'm sharing in December so I can give you the depth and context that I just can't squeeze into a single post. You will learn about the five macro minerals as the big players that run your electrical system, stress response, thyroid, blood sugar, and detox pathways, and why I always start with a straightforward hair test before worrying about smaller numbers.What is really happening when these core minerals drift out of balance and you feel fatigued, anxious, constipated, bloated, unable to sleep well, or emotionally numb while your blood work keeps looking normal? Chronic stress, mold, gut and absorption issues, restrictive eating, big hormonal transitions, and even over filtered water can quietly drain these minerals long before anything shows up clearly on your standard labs. Your body has been compensating for years using every mineral trick it has to keep your blood looking stable, and the question is whether you'll help it move from survival back into actually feeling good.This is part 1 of 4 of my Mineral Series. Tune into episodes 13, 14 and 15 to deepen your knowledge.You’ll Learn:[00:00] Introduction[02:49] What a cellular-level mineral test reveals long before blood work changes[04:57] How calcium can steady your system or silently block hormonal signals[05:51] The surprising ways low magnesium derails energy, mood, and digestion[06:52] What sodium levels expose about your stress load and resilience[18:52] How mold strips key minerals and creates the “four lows” pattern[20:26] Why arsenic and other heavy metals rise when minerals crash[32:40] What it really takes to move from mineral survival mode back to stabilityResources Mentioned:Master Your Minerals Course | WebsiteOther Hormone Healing episodes to listen to:Zinc deep dive | EpisodeCopper deep dive | EpisodeIron deep dive Part 1 | EpisodeIron deep dive Part 2 | EpisodeAll about the Copper IUD | EpisodeSelenium deep dive | EpisodeNothing boring about Boron | EpisodeMaster your minerals. Harmonize your hormones. Start your mineral journey here.Learn about helpful nutrition habits, the different phases of your cycle, how to track, signs of good metabolic health, and so much more in my Free Healthy Period Starter Guide.Find more from Amanda:Hormone Healing RD | InstagramHormone Healing RD | WebsiteHormone Healing RD | FacebookHormone Healing RD | YouTubeHormone Healing RD | TikTok
Transcribe →11: How to Heal From Mold Naturally | Gracie Sanchez, RD
Nov 2400:36:49Tap to summarizeJoin our Patreon for bonus episodes with more mold resources!What if the reason your mold protocol isn’t working is because your body’s not ready for it? In this episode, I’m joined again by Gracie Sanchez, RD, our brilliant mold expert here at Hormone Healing. If you’ve ever thought that jumping straight into a mold detox was the way to go, Gracie will teach you why this mindset often backfires and how to focus on rebuilding the basic systems that mold has already broken down.It’s not uncommon for people to rush into binders and antimicrobials before their body can handle them. Doing so while ignoring vitally important things like your circadian rhythm, mineral intake, and nervous-system balance can easily keep your symptoms stuck on repeat. Pushing through reactions can do a lot more harm than good… so tune into this episode to learn what has to come first before you even think about detoxing.This is a part 2 of a 2-part series where Gracie and I cover everything about mold and how to prevent it.You’ll Learn:[00:00] Introduction[03:19] The foundational systems your body needs in place before addressing mold toxicity[05:22] How skipping these foundations can make you more symptomatic during detox[07:09] What really triggers a histamine storm and why calming your system first matters[08:38] The critical difference between pushing through symptoms and listening to your body[09:54] Which gentle tools can help stabilize your immune system before full detox support[14:07] Why food-based binders may be safer for sensitive bodies than supplements[16:13] How simple hydration and electrolytes can transform your body’s detox capacity[21:05] The pros and cons of mold testing, and when it’s actually useful[30:03] The key minerals and nutrients mold exposure rapidly depletes and why they matterYou can work 1:1 with Gracie here.Master your minerals. Harmonize your hormones. Start your mineral journey here.Learn about helpful nutrition habits, the different phases of your cycle, how to track, signs of good metabolic health, and so much more in my Free Healthy Period Starter Guide.Find more from Amanda:Hormone Healing RD | InstagramHormone Healing RD | WebsiteHormone Healing RD | FacebookHormone Healing RD | YouTubeHormone Healing RD | TikTok
Transcribe →10: The Fastest Ways to Prevent Hidden Mold In Your Home | Gracie Sanchez, RD
Nov 1700:47:03Tap to summarizeJoin our Patreon for bonus episodes with more mold resources!Ever wondered why some people get sick in a moldy house and others don’t? In this episode, I’m joined by Gracie Sanchez, a registered dietitian and one of our one-on-one practitioners here at Hormone Healing RD. Gracie’s known as our resident mold expert, her own experience with repeated exposures and years of functional training have given her a grounded, compassionate approach that takes the fear out of mold illness.We unpack what mold actually is, how it affects the body, and why it’s showing up for so many women today. There are hidden ways it grows, reasons you can’t “detox” while you’re still living in it, and simple ways to make your home less mold-friendly. Because sometimes the smartest move isn’t adding another supplement, it’s changing the environment your body’s trying to heal in.This is a part 1 of a 2-part video series where Gracie and I cover everything about mold and how to prevent it.You’ll Learn:[00:00] Introduction[01:13] The early signs of mold exposure that first showed up in Gracie’s college dorm[02:48] How mercury fillings, fertility struggles, and fatigue pointed toward deeper mold issues[06:06] The surprising barrier she faced as an RD trying to get mold training, and what changed everything[10:05] What mold actually is, and the three ways it spreads and harms the body[16:28] Why mold illness can look like “random” health issues from sinus infections to hormone chaos[20:39] How humidity, darkness, and even dust create the perfect environment for mold to thrive[31:24] The reason you can’t detox mold while you’re still living in it, and what happens if you try[36:40] Practical ways to prevent mold in everyday life, from humidity monitors to open windowsResources Mentioned:Dr. Jill Crista Mold Training Certification | CourseIntellipure Air Purifier | WebsiteAirfree Air Purifier | WebsiteIQAir Air Purifier | WebsiteThermoPro Humidity Meter | WebsiteThe Feminine Periodical Newsletter | WebsiteYou can work 1:1 with Gracie here.Master your minerals. Harmonize your hormones. Start your mineral journey here.Find more from Amanda:Hormone Healing RD | InstagramHormone Healing RD | WebsiteHormone Healing RD | FacebookHormone Healing RD | YouTubeHormone Healing RD | TikTok
Transcribe →9: How to Create a Simple Lymph Routine for a Healthy Lymphatic System | Leah Levitan
Nov 1000:55:39Tap to summarizeJoin our Patreon for access to bonus content and resources.We spend hours moving our bodies, but what about the system that moves everything else inside us? In this episode, I’m joined by Leah Levitan, founder of Lymph Love Club and a certified lymphedema therapist. She started out as a massage therapist frustrated by clients who weren’t improving, and her curiosity led her deep into the world of lymphatic health. Today, she’s one of the most approachable teachers in this space, making complex physiology feel simple, funny, and doable.We unpack what the lymphatic system actually does, why it matters for women’s health, and how small, daily actions like breath, movement, touch, and hydration can completely shift how we feel. It’s not about gadgets or perfection; it’s about reconnecting with what your body already knows how to do, and you’ll see why gentle, consistent care beats any quick fix.You’ll Learn:[00:00] Introduction[01:06] How Leah discovered lymphatic work after realizing some clients weren’t healing the same way[03:39] What your lymphatic system actually does and why it’s essential for immune and detox health[09:36] The daily habits that quietly block lymph flow, and why you should remove them before adding more routines[15:24] The two-minute ‘Big Six’ sequence created by Dr. Perry Nickelston that helps your body clear fluid efficiently[18:04] Why gentle joint movement and bouncing can restore natural circulation without fancy tools[24:12] How to do Leah’s five-step facial drainage routine at home, no oils or gadgets required[36:27] Simple fascia-release moves to open the neck and chest for better flow and less tension[44:20] The truth about tattoos, ink buildup, and what it really means for your lymph nodesResources Mentioned:Stop Chasing Pain with Dr. Perry Nicholson | WebsiteThe Big Six Lymphatic Drainage Routine by Dr. Perry Nickelston | WebsiteThe Feminine Periodical Newsletter | WebsiteHormone Healing podcast episode on Intro to Lymph Flow with Leah | WebsiteThe Morning Lymph Practice Leah Shares With All My Clients | YoutubePaleovalley Electrolytes (use code HORMONEHEALINGRD10) | WebsiteJoin Leah in her Lymph Love Club Community!Learn about helpful nutrition habits, the different phases of your cycle, how to track, signs of good metabolic health, and so much more in my Free Healthy Period Starter Guide.Find more from Leah:Lymph Love Club | InstagramLymph Love Club | YouTubeLymph Love Club | Head & Neck CourseFind more from Amanda:Hormone Healing RD | InstagramHormone Healing RD | WebsiteHormone Healing RD | FacebookHormone Healing RD | YouTubeHormone Healing RD | TikTok
Transcribe →8: How to Heal Your Gut Without a Stool Test
Nov 300:58:16Tap to summarizeJoin Patreon to learn about how minerals impact digestion and basic supports for your gut!What if you could heal your gut without stool testing or protocols? In this episode, I map a simple path that doesn’t require labs or fancy add-ons. You’re going to learn four specific areas that anyone can use to heal their gut for good (and none of them are pills). The real blocker is the common state many people are in that shuts down digestion and irritates the gut lining. There are small timing tweaks that get your digestive juices to show up when they’re supposed to, and things to change first so symptoms don’t boomerang a few months later. This episode will make you re-think everything you knew about gut health.You’ll Learn:[00:00] Introduction[04:20] What actually causes symptoms to come back after a ‘gut protocol’[08:01] The reason your gut still struggles even when you ‘eat clean’[26:21] The simple timing shift that gets your digestive juices working again[40:05] Why blood sugar swings mess with your microbiome[48:53] The overlooked body system that keeps your gut detoxing properly[54:59] The most important thing to think about when the goal is to repair your gut long termResources Mentioned:Holistic Healing for Nina-Marie Rueda | BookBon Charge | Website (use code HHRD for a 15% off discount)RA Optics | WebsiteViva Rays | Website (use code HHRD for a discount)Spectra 479 | GlassesSleep ZM | GlassesPaleo Valley Essential Electrolytes | Website (use code HORMONEHEALINGRD10)Hormone Healing podcast episode Intro to Lymph Flow with Leah | Listen Now Hormone Healing podcast episode How To Have Healthy Digestion | Listen NowLearn about helpful nutrition habits, the different phases of your cycle, how to track, signs of good metabolic health, and so much more in my Free Healthy Period Starter Guide.Find more from Amanda:Hormone Healing RD | InstagramHormone Healing RD | WebsiteHormone Healing RD | FacebookHormone Healing RD | YouTubeHormone Healing RD | TikTok
Transcribe →7: What to Do When Your Child Gets Sick | Dr. Nina-Marie Rueda
Oct 2700:51:59Tap to summarizeJoin Patreon for a bonus Q&A with Nina where we discuss antibiotics.Panic is contagious, but so is calm.In this episode, Nina is back to talk about what to do when your kid gets sick. Nina created Primary Care Parent, which I keep on hand for quick, at-home decisions.We tackle fear first, because kids track our nervous system. Then we dig into foundations like rest and hydration before anything fancy. Screens get dialed back so sleep signals can do their job. Food stays simple, and the extra sugar that dulls immune cells gets a hard pass. And you’ll see why small, consistent moves beat complicated protocols.You’ll Learn:[00:00] Introduction[02:49] Nina’s checklist before reaching for over-the-counter options[03:15] Why rest and hydration come before supplements[05:02] The real impact of screen time on healing and sleep[11:29] The hidden immune cost of sugar during illness[12:55] Whole foods that speed up recovery during illness[20:53] Why your calm presence is the strongest medicine in the room[24:58] The surprising truth Nina learned from pediatrician about kids’ fevers[30:19] The natural medicine cabinet every parent needs[40:57] The gentle ear infection remedies that actually work[48:32] Natural sinus infection supportMaster your minerals. Harmonize your hormones. Start your mineral journey here.Find more from Dr. Nina:Dr. Nina Marie | InstagramDr. Nina Marie | WebsiteNerdy Notes with Nina Marie | SubstackHolistic Healing for Busy Parents | BookFind more from Amanda:Hormone Healing RD | InstagramHormone Healing RD | WebsiteHormone Healing RD | FacebookHormone Healing RD | YouTubeHormone Healing RD | TikTokGet your Paleovalley electrolytes here. (use code HORMONEHEALINGRD10)
Transcribe →6: The Complete Guide to Detox During Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Oct 2001:13:11Tap to summarizeJoin Patreon to get access to liver and bile guide bonus here.Your body doesn’t press pause on detoxing just because you’re pregnant.In this episode, I push back on the idea that detox is dangerous by default in pregnancy. I explain how it’s a constant, built in process led by the liver. I also set the record straight on what actually crosses the placenta and why milk still has protective checks.The real risk is forcing it and stirring up more than your body can clear. So I lay out gentle, everyday moves that support drainage without drama. Think basics like fiber to keep things moving and a daily rhythm that lowers stress.It comes down to working with your body’s detox systems, not against them.You’ll Learn: [00:00] Introduction[01:55] What “detox” really means during pregnancy and breastfeeding[03:35] The surprising truth about what the placenta and breast milk can’t filter out[11:30] The daily foundations that naturally support your body’s detox pathways[25:03] Why stress, light, and breath may matter more than any detox gadget[35:50] Specific movements that can change your sleep and comfort in late pregnancy[46:51] The safe supplements and minerals that actually make a difference[52:19] The one binder that supports detox without overstimulating your systemResources Mentioned:Paleovalley Whole Food Vitamin C | WebsitePaleovalley Electrolytes (use code HORMONEHEALINGRD10) | WebsiteBodyBio PC | WebsiteParis Latka YouTube Channel | YouTubeThe Feminine Periodical Newsletter | WebsitePsyllium Husk | WebsiteRA Optics Glasses (use code HHRD) | WebsiteHome Is Where The Sauna Is | ArticleLearn about helpful nutrition habits, the different phases of your cycle, how to track, signs of good metabolic health, and so much more in my Free Healthy Period Starter Guide.Find more from Amanda:Hormone Healing RD | InstagramHormone Healing RD | WebsiteHormone Healing RD | FacebookHormone Healing RD | YouTubeHormone Healing RD | TikTok
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