Healing Burnout: How Mothers and Environment Shape Our Health

Episode #218: Healing Burnout: How mothers and environment shape our health 

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Reflecting on Our Motherline: A Journey Towards Healing

Today, I invite you to explore a profound topic that begins with our mothers but extends far beyond. Whether you are a mother, hope to become one, or are simply interested in this essential aspect of life, this discussion is for you. Why are we collectively experiencing burnout and chronic health issues?

I believe many of us are born into a state of deficit. Degeneration is real, and if we want to shift toward more regenerative ways of living, we must first acknowledge this reality. The work of Weston Price and the insights from *Deep Nutrition* significantly influenced my understanding during my nutrition training. If you haven't yet delved into ancestral nutrition, I encourage you to do so—just remember to avoid becoming overly dogmatic about it.

In my last episode, I discussed how chronic health issues can lead to a breakdown in our bodies, akin to financial bankruptcy. Until we address this deficit and stop the drains on our health, we cannot achieve the stability or growth that are essential for healing.

Let’s explore the concept of the motherline and the “mother wound” that many of us carry. This connects us back to the Earth, our ultimate mother, which continues to nourish us if we learn to reconnect with it.

We begin with our birth mothers—the women who carried us in their wombs—and extend our thoughts to their mothers as well. Biologically, the eggs that would become us were formed while our mothers were still in their mothers’ wombs. This highlights the profound interconnectedness of generations. How each mother and grandmother was nourished directly impacts our health and equips us to face our environment. Acknowledging our lineage is crucial for nurturing ourselves and our children more effectively. For those preparing to be parents, understanding your mother’s health history can be invaluable.

Historically, before the Industrial Revolution, families and tribes prioritized deep nourishment across generations. Today, we rely on a few prenatal visits and standardized vitamins, yet many women struggle with morning sickness and inadequate nutrition during pregnancy. My own “mother wound” stems from being born into a weakened, depleted state. A mother’s nutrition significantly influences her child's health. If you're feeling burnt out, defeated, or frustrated on your healing journey, it's essential to accept this reality. Often, we resist what is, creating internal conflict when we should embrace our path.

What if part of healing from burnout involves accepting your life as a whole? If you're not ready for this exploration, it's perfectly fine to pause and seek modern nutritional solutions first. I took that route myself, and while it helped, it was merely a starting point for deeper self-discovery—a journey I believe is crucial for my children and future generations. I choose to repair and rebuild my motherline, especially in these chaotic times. Chronic health issues are on the rise, and we must confront this reality within ourselves. Women, we need you to engage in this process, and men, your involvement is equally vital. The health deficit we face is far more concerning than our economic deficit.

Over the years, I’ve witnessed the urgency of this situation in my own life and that of my children. Many women I speak with are disconnected from their mothers' health histories and lack understanding of their own bodies. It’s heartbreaking. After birth, the environment in which a baby grows is just as crucial as prenatal nutrition. Adequate nutrition—both macro and micronutrients—is essential for a baby’s growth and development. Insufficient nutrition can have lifelong consequences. Moreover, it’s not just about nutrition; the environment during and after birth plays a critical role in determining how well our bodies are equipped to survive or thrive.

Let’s embark on this journey together, acknowledging our past while nurturing a healthier future for ourselves and the generations to come.

 

 

Physical Body – Matter, Matrix, Mother Earth

Our physical bodies are intricate systems composed of matter, shaped by the matrix of our experiences, environment, and ancestry. In today’s world, many people find themselves in disarray, struggling with chronic health issues, fatigue, and a profound sense of disconnect. To understand this disarray, we need to explore how each of these elements influences our health.

At its core, our physical body is made of matter—cells, tissues, and organs that require proper nourishment to function optimally. The quality of the food we consume, the air we breathe, and the water we drink all contribute to our physical well-being. Nourishing ourselves with whole, nutrient-dense foods provides the building blocks necessary for healing and vitality. Conversely, a diet heavy in processed foods can lead to inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, and a host of health problems. Recognizing the importance of matter encourages us to make conscious choices about what we put into our bodies.

The concept of the matrix refers to the intricate web of relationships and systems that support our existence. This includes family dynamics, social connections, and cultural influences. The matrix in which we live shapes our beliefs, behaviors, and ultimately, our health. Stressful environments, lack of support, and negative thought patterns can significantly impact our physical well-being.

By nurturing healthy relationships and fostering a supportive community, we can create a positive matrix that promotes healing and resilience. Understanding our matrix allows us to identify and remove toxic influences that contribute to our physical disarray.

Finally, we must acknowledge our connection to Mother Earth, the source of our nourishment and vitality. The Earth provides us with the resources we need to thrive—fresh foods, clean water, and a balanced ecosystem. However, in our modern lives, we often become disconnected from nature, relying on artificial solutions that may not support our health. Reconnecting with the natural world can enhance our well-being, reminding us of the importance of seasonal eating, spending time outdoors, and practicing mindfulness in our environments. When we honor our relationship with Mother Earth, we tap into a source of healing and nourishment that can restore balance to our bodies.

Ultimately, our physical bodies do not exist in isolation. They are influenced by the matter we consume, the matrix of our relationships and beliefs, and our connection to Mother Earth. By recognizing the interplay of these elements, we can begin to address the disarray within our bodies and cultivate a holistic approach to healing that honors our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Together, as we embark on this journey of reconnection, we can foster a healthier future for ourselves and for generations to come.

 

A Personal Story: Generational Health and Its Impact

I’m a story kind of gal, so I’d like to share a bit of my own journey as an example. Let’s start with my grandmother. While I know she lived a long life, I don’t have much information about her pregnancies, births, or overall health before my mother was born. What I do know is that she lived in the 1920s, a time when the world was undergoing significant changes, especially in the aftermath of World War I. I can only imagine the challenges she faced while bringing children into the world during such tumultuous times.

Next, there’s my mother, the youngest of four. She was just 24 when she had me, weighing only around 90 pounds at 5 foot 7—quite frail, as you can imagine. During her pregnancy, she was diagnosed with anemia and likely relied on iron pills, which were the standard recommendation back then. She also had numerous silver fillings in her teeth and suffered from kyphosis, a back deformation that my grandfather experienced severely and that I also have. Breastfeeding was a struggle for her, and I don’t think she was able to continue for very long.

These challenges she faced could have a significant impact on her body and, consequently, on me as a developing fetus. In my last episode, I spoke about the cell danger response, which I believe can be inherited—though many people confuse this with genetics.

Let’s explore what anemia and being underweight (as in my mother’s case) can lead to:

- Increased Stress Response: Physical stress from anemia and being underweight can trigger an elevated stress response, contributing to feelings of anxiety or depression.

- Constant Fatigue: Anemia often results in tiredness and weakness due to a lack of red blood cells carrying oxygen throughout the body. This ongoing fatigue can diminish motivation and energy levels, making daily activities feel overwhelming.

- Mood Swings: Low energy levels can lead to irritability, mood swings, and increased feelings of sadness or anxiety. Individuals may find themselves struggling to cope with situations that would usually be manageable.

- Cognitive Challenges: Anemia can impair cognitive abilities, leading to difficulties with concentration, memory, and decision-making, which can result in frustration and decreased self-esteem.

Now, let’s discuss the implications of silver fillings—specifically amalgams, which contain primarily mercury, as well as copper, silver, and tin.

When mothers have these metal fillings, they may inhale mercury vapors, creating a chronic stressor on their bodies that can lead to:

- Cognitive Decline: Exposure to mercury can affect memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities, leading to frustration and anxiety about cognitive performance.

- Mood Disorders: Mercury exposure has been linked to mood disorders, resulting in increased irritability, depression, or anxiety. The toxic effects on the brain can disrupt neurotransmitter systems, contributing to mood changes.

- Chronic Fatigue: Ongoing mercury exposure can lead to fatigue, further affecting motivation and energy levels, making it challenging to engage in social activities.

- Sleep Disruption: Mercury can interfere with sleep patterns, resulting in insomnia or restless sleep. Poor sleep quality can exacerbate mood disorders and cognitive issues, creating a cycle of stress.

As cognitive and emotional symptoms worsen, individuals may withdraw from social interactions, leading to isolation and further mental health decline. In severe cases, long-term mercury exposure can lead to serious psychological disorders, including neuropsychiatric symptoms like tremors, memory loss, and mood swings.

These stories remind us of the deep connections we share across generations and the importance of understanding how our ancestors' health choices and experiences can influence our own well-being today.

Understanding the Impact of Maternal Stress on Health: A Personal Journey

In this episode, I reflect on my own health struggles and how they shaped my approach to motherhood. Growing up, I wasn't well-nourished and faced typical health challenges—ranging from a standard American diet to fluoride treatments and regular immunizations. While my home environment was stable, it was not without stressors, including significant water damage that went unrecognized as a potential source of mold.

When I became a mother, I had already been grappling with immune issues for over a decade—battling respiratory problems, seasonal allergies, and asthma. By the time I was pregnant for the first time, I was in less than optimal health, which ignited my passion for diving deeper into health studies.

Research now shows that prenatal stress can heighten health risks, particularly affecting mental health. Many expectant mothers experience stress, often compounded by inadequate nourishment. It's vital to address these issues and explore deeper solutions.

Stress during pregnancy can alter a mother’s physiological responses, impacting the developing brain of the fetus. This critical period is when most brain development occurs, making it especially vulnerable to external influences. While not every child exposed to stress in the womb will develop mental health issues, we must recognize the nuanced relationship between prenatal stress and long-term outcomes.

The environment after birth plays a crucial role as well. How mothers cope with stress can influence their caregiving. High stress levels can hinder a mother’s ability to connect with her baby, increasing risks for the child. However, nurturing environments can help mitigate these effects.

Reflecting on my own pregnancies, I faced significant stress during my first and last pregnancies, resulting in complications for those two children. My first pregnancy ended in an emergency C-section at 36 weeks, and my second child faced numerous complications in his early years. Despite these challenges, my commitment to learning about health and well-being allowed me to support my children effectively over time.

Understanding my own history—and my mother’s—has been invaluable. It sheds light on how our backgrounds shape our health. This journey led me to focus on mineral balancing and microbiome work, essential for rebuilding gut health that mothers pass to their babies in utero.

While I sometimes experience grief for not having done better in the past—what many call "mom guilt"—I am grateful for the intimate knowledge of our family’s history. It has not only helped me build a foundation for my children but also enables them to seek my guidance on their health journeys.

Recognizing where we come from is powerful. Many people lack a deep understanding of themselves, which can perpetuate cycles of decline. To interrupt chronic patterns, we must confront our histories. Acknowledging these experiences allows us to choose new paths instead of repeating old ones rooted in ignorance.

Healing from chronic issues also involves repairing our relationship with ourselves. This process cultivates the soil from which our roots grow. It’s essential to consider both our inner ecosystem and outer environment when discussing the root causes of health challenges.

The principle of "putting your own oxygen mask on first" is crucial. Prioritizing my well-being enables me to be present and supportive for my children, equipping them to grow into healthy men and, eventually, fathers. Together, I believe we can redefine generational health as the new wealth.

Let’s Get Practical

It’s crucial that we don’t fall into the trap of blaming our health solely on genetics. It frustrates me when people assume their health issues are predetermined by their genes. This mindset is not only disempowering but also irresponsible, as it overlooks the opportunity to take personal responsibility for our health and that of our children.

Health isn't merely a matter of chance; it’s influenced by a multitude of factors. Educating ourselves empowers us to take control of our well-being. Don’t you believe we can all do better? I certainly do. While it won't be easy and will require effort, the more we strive for improvement, the more we inspire others. As we normalize healing modalities, we can break free from the "ignorance is bliss" paradigm and combat the social stigma surrounding health issues.

Understanding my mother’s health history has given me valuable insights into my own. It serves as a reminder to never take my well-being for granted and helps me identify vulnerabilities that I can strengthen. Being aware of my health status—and that of my children—enables me to recognize what influences their well-being and how I can support their growth.

This journey of self-awareness exemplifies bio-individuality in action. It’s not about seeking quick fixes, as so many still do; it’s about achieving deep, meaningful healing by addressing the root causes of chronic health issues. It’s time to build back better, for real.

For lasting recovery and deeper healing, we must focus on nourishing our bodies and creating a safe, stable environment—step one is commitment. You need to carve out the time and space in your life to heal before you can build upon that foundation.

So, what can you do in light of this?

Educate Yourself:

Start by learning about your mother’s health during her pregnancy with you. Investigate any health issues she faced, and consider exploring your grandmother’s health and early upbringing. Understanding these patterns can empower you to make informed health choices and recognize how they may relate to your own chronic health issues.

Create Healthy Habits Today:

Don’t wait to start building healthy habits—implement small, manageable changes in your lifestyle. Focus on improved nutrition, regular exercise, and stress management techniques to enhance your overall well-being. Even if you didn’t have a strong example of health in your life, you can still become a cycle breaker for your family.

Regularly Assess Your Health:

Identify your personal vulnerabilities. What are your weak points, and how can you strengthen them? If this feels overwhelming, seek support from a professional who can tailor a health plan to your needs. I offer functional nutrition and mind-body coaching to help with this process.

Focus on Mineral Balance and Microbiome Health:

Understanding mineral imbalances and heavy metal exposure can reveal stress patterns in your body and their effects on your organs, digestion, and mental health. Additionally, assessing your gut microbiome can highlight imbalances that may be impacting your health, leading to inflammation or other chronic issues. By identifying these patterns, we can start the repair process in a targeted way, guiding your body out of its stress response.

I hope you found this episode insightful. I encourage you to take one small action step today—whether it’s researching your family health history, starting a new healthy habit, or having a conversation with a loved one about health. Your future self will thank you!

 

 

 

 

Work with me:

• Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis - HERE
• Minerals & Microbes [HTMA & BIOME FX ]  HERE
• Mind Body Coaching [ w/ HTMA & BIOMEFX ] HERE
• Practitioner Mentorship - Application HERE