Welcome to another insightful episode of the Nutrition and Life podcast! Today, host Lisa Franz sits down with the remarkable Dr. Anne Dunev, a naturopathic practitioner, clinical nutritionist, and functional medicine expert with over 30 years of experience helping people optimize their health from the inside out.
Dr. Dunev shares her personal story of overcoming ulcerative colitis as a college student, her evolution from English major to holistic health leader, and her passion for teaching clients how to truly understand their bodies. Today’s episode dives deep into the powerful connection between hormones, mindset, liver health, and sustainable wellness, plus practical tips you can use right now for better gut health, balanced hormones, and a more resilient mind.
If you want actionable advice on eating for your hormones, managing stress, and building a future with more health span (not just lifespan), this conversation is for you!
Timestamp Overview:
[00:00] - Introduction & Dr. Anne Dunev’s Journey into Naturopathic Medicine
[00:33] - Healing Ulcerative Colitis: The Role of Mindset, Nutrition, and Self-Education
[03:22] - Lifelong Learning: From Science Studies to Functional Medicine and Practice
[05:02] - Why Hormones Impact Gut and Whole-Body Health
[06:36] - The Endocrine “Orchestra,” Gut-Brain Connection, and Mental Wellness
[08:29] - Modern Hormone Disruptors & Why They’re on the Rise
[09:09] - Environmental Toxins, Additives, and Food Cravings
[11:14] - Food First: Digestion, Adaptation, and Functional Fundamentals
[13:02] - Practical Liver Health Tips: Detox, Herbs, & Cruciferous Veggies
[15:20] - Alcohol, Menopause, and How the Body’s Tolerance Changes
[16:23] - Supporting the Pituitary & HPA Axis in Stress Management
[18:00] - The Role of Adrenals, Vitamin C, and Evolutionary Nutrition
[22:20] - Optimizing the Thyroid for Fat Loss, Muscle Gain, and Energy
[23:05] - Iodine, Selenium, and Thyroid Testing—Plus Key Supplements Explained
[26:37] - Mindset Matters: How Thoughts Shape Healing & Resilience
[27:17] - The Power of Optimism, Hope, and Self-Talk in Healing
[30:28] - Facing Trauma, Letting Go of Negativity & the Book “Dianetics”
[34:52] - Labeling, Overwhelm, and Returning to Health Basics
[35:57] - Boundary Setting, Priorities, and The Art of Saying No
[39:39] - Longevity, Health Span, and Making a Plan for Every Life Stage
[40:36] - Key Takeaways & Resources
Connect with Dr. Anne Dunev:
Website: https://www.annedunev.com/
Instagram: @annedunev https://www.instagram.com/annedunev/
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