Nourishing the Mind and Body: Functional Medicine and Pregnancy Health

Podcast Cover: Nourishing the Mind and Body: Functional Medicine and Pregnancy Health
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In this enlightening episode, Mari Kharroubi, a bilingual pediatric speech-language pathologist and dedicated pregnancy coach, shares her deeply personal journey from overcoming learning disabilities to pioneering holistic approaches in maternal health. Listen as she explains the transformative impact of functional medicine on pregnancy, nutrition, and emotional well-being.

Key Takeaways:

  • Overcoming Speech and Language Challenges: Learn how Mari’s early struggles with learning disabilities inspired her to become an advocate and speech-language pathologist.
  • Functional Medicine’s Power: Discover Mari’s journey into functional medicine after becoming disillusioned with traditional treatments.
  • Nutrition and Cellular Health for Pregnancy: Understand the importance of nutrition and cellular health for a healthy pregnancy, especially at advanced maternal ages.
  • Emotional Healing in Pregnancy Preparation: Recognize the crucial role emotional healing plays in preparing for pregnancy.
  • Nutrient-Dense Foods for Maternal Health: Get practical advice on the best foods and supplements to support maternal and fetal health.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] Dealing with Speech and Language Disorders in Children

[5:57] Shifting to Functional Medicine

[14:36] Achieving a Healthy Pregnancy at 39

[22:11] Preparing for Pregnancy with Emotional Healing

[27:14] Importance of Hydration and Minerals

[34:37] Nutrient-Dense Foods and Supplements for Pregnancy

[41:27] Personalized Pregnancy Coaching

 

Mari also reflects on her own health struggles, including fibromyalgia and Bell’s Palsy, and how functional medicine improved her health and her ability to serve her clients.

Whether you’re a healthcare professional, an expecting mother, or simply curious about holistic health, this episode provides valuable insights and practical strategies.

Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional therapy.

 

00:00 Dealing with Speech and Language Disorders in Children
Discussions about speech and language disorders in children, including diagnosis and treatment begin. 0:00
◦ Personal experiences with learning disabilities are recounted, noting their impact on self-confidence and social interactions.
◦ A choice to become an SLP to assist others with learning disabilities and advocate for their rights is shared.
◦ The personal journey leading from experiencing speech and language disorders to building a career in speech language pathology is unfolded.
◦ There’s an expression of disillusion with the slow pace of progress in children’s treatment due to heavy, long-term caseloads.

 

05:57 The Significance of Functional Medicine on Health and Pregnancy
Discussions focus on functional medicine and its impact on health and pregnancy. 5:57
◦ Reflections on past experiences with children dealing with developmental delays occur, with the realization that treating symptoms rather than addressing the root cause was an ineffective approach.
◦ An inspiring journey through personal health issues leading to the pursuit of functional medicine is recounted.
◦ The challenging experiences of handling a heavy caseload as a bilingual pediatric speech language pathologist, leading to burnout and health issues are shared.
◦ Varied health challenges including Bell’s Palsy, fibromyalgia, and a weakened immune system are revealed; setting the context to explain why functional medicine was sought.
◦ The critical need for addressing root causes in healthcare as opposed to just treating symptoms is brought forward, highlighting the limitations of conventional medicine in doing so.

 

14:36 The Power of Preconception Health, Nutrition and Cellular Health on Maternal and Child Health
◦ A fascinating journey of learning about nutrition and trauma, which leads to a healthy pregnancy at 39 years old is shared.
◦ The joy and surprise of midwives at witnessing the lack of pregnancy symptoms, despite being 39 years old are discussed.
◦ The vital link between cellular health, nutrition, and child development is discovered and highlighted.
◦ The experience and strategies of a pregnancy coach who empowers moms with knowledge to heal their bodies and lead healthy pregnancies are shared.

 

22:11 Preparing Body and Mind for Pregnancy: Nutrition, Lifestyle, Stress Management, and Emotional Healing
◦ An inspiring personal journey of healing and conception shared, igniting others to take control of their health.
◦ Disagreements with the health industry’s focus on new supplements and protocols surface.
◦ A conversation stressing the importance of addressing emotional trauma in the healing process arises.
◦ Personal experiences with emotional trauma stemming from in utero experiences are unveiled.

27:14 Navigating Nutrition, Trauma, Stress, Exercise and Hydration during Pregnancy and Bridging to Overall Health
◦ An instance of maternal emotional trauma during pregnancy impacting a speaker’s nervous system and health unfolds.
◦ A transformative journey through emotional traumas and a reduced supplement use to health via a holistic approach is discussed.
◦ The importance of hydration and mineral-rich water for preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum health is stressed.
◦ The significant impact of mineral depletion during pregnancy on fetal development and overall health is highlighted.

 

34:37 The Role of Nutrient-Dense Foods in Pregnancy and Postpartum Periods
◦ The recommendation of Quinton Isotonic Minerals for remineralizing the body is made.
◦ The possible alternative options include Trace Minerals, Himalayan salt, and Celtic salt, but emphasize is made regarding the importance of brand’s purity standards and quality control.
◦ Discussions around postpartum hormonal changes and nutrition for women are involved.
◦ The role of cruciferous vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and choline-rich foods in supporting brain development and hormone production during pregnancy and postpartum is underscored.

 

41:27 The Gateway to Nutrient-Dense Foods for Pregnant Women to Boost Fetal Development and Maternal Health
◦ A recommendation is made to supplement with phosphatidylcholine for brain fog and iodine-rich foods for boosting baby’s intelligence and aiding in postpartum depression prevention.
◦ A nutrient-dense diet for postpartum women is advocated that includes fermented foods, fruits, and whole food vitamins.
◦ A personal journey with pregnancy and motherhood is shared, laying emphasis on the importance of preconception care and nutrition for fetal neural development.
◦ The unique coaching services and concierge program offered by a pregnancy coach are discussed, explaining how they help clients prepare for pregnancy and parenthood through personalized guidance and support.

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