Digestion is the star of today’s show because of its main role in functional wellness! Zoa breaks down how the way you chew, swallow, and digest your food can totally change how you feel every day. Zoa meanders into the nitty-gritty of digestion, from the magic of stomach acid to the importance of a daily poo—yes, we’re keeping it real and a little cheeky! Stress can mess with your digestive groove so let Zoa help you find that sweet spot for optimal health. Grab a snack (and chew it well), and let's get into it!

Takeaways:

• Digestion starts in your brain, and good chewing is the first step to success!
• Stomach acid is crucial for breaking down food and keeping harmful bacteria at bay.
• Stress can really mess with your digestion, so chill out to keep that gut happy!
• Your small intestine's health is key for absorbing nutrients and keeping you feeling great!
• Daily pooping is a must for good health, so don't skip that bathroom break!
• Your gut microbiome is like a tiny army helping you digest and stay healthy, so feed it well!

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Find Zoa:

Zen and Vitality with Zoa (zenandvitality.com)

Intentional Vitality Retreats (intentional-vitality.com)

Music Credit goes to Lemon Music Studio at: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4XWZhZ32YrVV5lvpF7cr1E?si=tnbSklR7SJyPNKiHP4MbHA

Diet is a big deal when it comes to functional wellness, and today, Zoa is diving right into it! Zoa chats about how what we eat can totally flip the script on how we feel. You’ve got the power to change your health, no matter your age or situation, and it all starts with your plate. We’ll explore why nutrient density is key, how to figure out what foods work for you, and why eating locally can make a world of difference. So grab a snack, kick back, and let’s get into the tasty details of how to eat your way to feeling fabulous!

Takeaways:

• Diet is one of the seven fundamentals of functional wellness and is important you may not have considered yet.
• We all have unique bodies, so there's no one-size-fits-all diet solution for everyone.
• Eating nutrient-dense foods like avocados helps keep us healthy and happy.
• Avoiding toxins in our food is key to supporting a healthy inflammatory response.

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Find Zoa:

Zen and Vitality with Zoa (zenandvitality.com)

Intentional Vitality Retreats (intentional-vitality.com)

Music Credit goes to Lemon Music Studio at: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4XWZhZ32YrVV5lvpF7cr1E?si=tnbSklR7SJyPNKiHP4MbHA

Hydration is a big deal when it comes to feeling fabulous and living a vibrant life! In this episode, Zoa shares why hydration is a cornerstone in Functional Wellness and is way more than just guzzling down water. It's about balancing water intake with sodium, minerals, and, believe it or not, movement! Yep, you heard that right—getting your groove on helps keep things flowing in your body. If you're feeling tired or a bit cranky, it might just be your hydration game that needs a little boost. So, grab a drink and let’s chat about how to quench that thirst for wellness together!

Takeaways:

• Hydration is more than just drinking water; it includes minerals and movement too!
• Sodium plays a crucial role in hydration, so don't be afraid to enjoy some salt.
• Movement helps with hydration, so get up, dance a little, and keep fluids flowing!
• Balancing sodium and potassium is key to keeping our cells happy and healthy!
• Drinking water alone isn't enough; you need minerals to help it flow through your body.
• Dehydration can cause fatigue and cranky joints, so let's keep hydrated and rejuvenated!

Share this episode : https://sustain-your-vitality.captivate.fm/listen

Find Zoa:

Zen and Vitality with Zoa (zenandvitality.com)

Intentional Vitality Retreats (intentional-vitality.com)

Music Credit goes to Lemon Music Studio at: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4XWZhZ32YrVV5lvpF7cr1E?si=tnbSklR7SJyPNKiHP4MbHA

Nervous system regulation is a key player in the game of Functional Wellness, and Zoa wants you to know why it matters so much! Zoa shares how getting your nervous system in check can boost your energy, lower your stress, and help you feel fabulous! Zoa chats about how our bodies switch between stress and healing states, and why we need both to thrive. Think of it like being a lioness – you’ve got to know when to roar and when to lounge in the sun! So, grab your favorite beverage, kick back, and let’s explore how to keep that nervous system of yours happy and healthy!

Takeaways:

• Nervous system regulation is a key part of feeling fabulous and vibrant daily.
• We all need to switch between stress and healing states throughout our lives. Do you?
• Your body needs both stress for growth and calm for healing to thrive.
• Understanding your body's stress response helps you live a healthier, happier life.
• We shouldn't let stress run our lives; balance is vital for well-being.
• The ability to adapt between states is what makes us resilient and strong.

Share this episode : https://sustain-your-vitality.captivate.fm/listen

Find Zoa:

Zen and Vitality with Zoa (zenandvitality.com)

Intentional Vitality Retreats (intentional-vitality.com)

Music Credit goes to Lemon Music Studio at: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4XWZhZ32YrVV5lvpF7cr1E?si=tnbSklR7SJyPNKiHP4MbHA

Movement is a cornerstone of functional wellness, and Zoa dives into why it matters! Whether it’s a brisk walk, some yoga, or even bouncing on a trampoline, moving is about more than just breaking a sweat. Zoa shares how movement can boost your energy, support your mood, and help you feel fabulous at any age. Zoa chats about strength, flexibility, and the importance of keeping your body happy and healthy through everyday actions. So, let’s shake off the stiffness and get moving, because feeling better starts with a little bit of groove!

Takeaways:

• Movement is not just about hitting the gym; it's all about staying active throughout your day!
• Strength training is essential, whether you're lifting weights or just getting up and down from the floor.
• Flexibility training is super important, not just for athletes but for everyone to stay limber and agile.
• Cardio exercise helps pump blood and get your heart healthy; it's like a dance party for your insides!
• Lymphatic movement is vital for detoxing your body; think of it as a spring cleaning for your insides.
• Incorporating movement into your daily routine can help you feel younger and more vibrant, no matter your age!

Share this episode : https://sustain-your-vitality.captivate.fm/listen

Find Zoa:

Zen and Vitality with Zoa (zenandvitality.com)

Intentional Vitality Retreats (intentional-vitality.com)

Music Credit goes to Lemon Music Studio at: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4XWZhZ32YrVV5lvpF7cr1E?si=tnbSklR7SJyPNKiHP4MbHA

Zoa dives into one of the 7 fundamentals of functional wellness: Breathing. Zoa reminds listeners that our lifestyle holds the power to change how we feel, no matter our age or health hiccups. The star of this episode is breathing—yep, that thing we do all day! Zoa breaks down the four parts of breathing and how mastering it can lead to more energy, less stress, and an overall boost in vitality. So, if you're ready to inhale the good vibes and exhale the bad ones, you're in for a treat! Let’s get breathing!

Takeaways:

• Breathing is more than just automatic; it can be a conscious choice we make every day.
• Remember that your lifestyle holds the power to change everything!
• Effective breathing involves understanding your inhale, exhale, and the pauses in between them.
• When we breathe deeply, we allow our bodies to relax, energize, and feel more vibrant.
• Breath is essential for vitality, feeding our brains and muscles with much-needed oxygen.
• Breathing correctly can help reduce stress and enhance our overall wellness journey.

Share this episode : https://sustain-your-vitality.captivate.fm/listen

Find Zoa:

Zen and Vitality with Zoa (zenandvitality.com)

Intentional Vitality Retreats (intentional-vitality.com)

Music Credit goes to Lemon Music Studio at: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4XWZhZ32YrVV5lvpF7cr1E?si=tnbSklR7SJyPNKiHP4MbHA

Today, Zoa and Christine Gordon are diving into the Kapha Dosha of Ayurveda and trust me, it’s a big deal! Kapha is all about that grounding energy, and if you’ve ever felt a little sluggish or like you’re dragging your feet, we’re here to help you figure it out. We’ll chat about what being Kapha really means, from those sturdy frames to the cozy, comforting vibes they bring. Plus, we’ll share some tips on how to shake off that sluggishness and get moving again when you feel a bit too “stuck.” So grab your favorite snack, settle in, and let’s explore how to balance that Kapha energy together!

Takeaways:

• Kapha dosha is all about being steady and strong, like a sturdy oak tree.
• People with kapha dosha often have beautiful skin and thick hair that everyone envies.
• When kapha is balanced, they can be incredibly supportive friends, calm and forgiving.
• An imbalanced kapha can lead to feeling sluggish, depressed, and indecisive, so watch out!
• Kapha types generally sleep well and have good endurance, but need a nudge sometimes.
• It's essential to balance kapha energy with movement and lighter foods to stay vibrant.

Share this episode : https://sustain-your-vitality.captivate.fm/listen

Find Christine Gordon:

Bloom Herbal Clinic (bloomherbalclinic.com)

Instagram @ https://www.instagram.com/christineinbloom/

Find Zoa:

Zen and Vitality with Zoa (zenandvitality.com)

Intentional Vitality Retreats (intentional-vitality.com)

Music Credit goes to Lemon Music Studio at: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4XWZhZ32YrVV5lvpF7cr1E?si=tnbSklR7SJyPNKiHP4MbHA

Zoa and Christine Gordon, Clinical Herbalist at Bloom Herbal Clinic, dive into the fiery world of the Pitta Dosha in Ayurveda, where we learn that Pitta is all about that spark of life! Picture this: a blend of fire and water, not just cooking up a storm but also transforming our lives. Pitta folks are the go-getters, the ones who get things done with their sharp minds and fiery spirits. But hold on, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows! With that fire comes a tendency towards anger and jealousy if not balanced. Our hosts share some fun insights on how to identify a Pitta personality, from their moderate frame to that rosy glow of their skin. We even get to chuckle about the 'pain in the ass' side of being a Pitta—trust me, they’re the ones who’ll call you out and motivate you to reach for the stars! So, grab your cool cucumber drink, sit back, and enjoy this vibrant chat about harnessing that fiery energy for good!

Let’s take a trip into the balancing act of life with Pitta dosha! Zoa and Christine explore how this fiery energy, while motivating, can lead to some emotional rollercoasters. They discuss the importance of balance between fire and water in a Pitta person’s life, emphasizing that too much fire can lead to feelings of anger and irritation. The duo shares how to recognize these traits in ourselves and others, and the importance of cooling down both physically and emotionally. Christine, with her herbalist background, shares tips on how to calm that Pitta fire with foods and practices that promote balance. It’s a delightful mix of humor and wisdom as they discuss the fun quirks of Pitta personalities and how we can all appreciate our fiery friends a little more. So, if you’ve ever felt that spark ignite inside you or in someone else, this episode is a must-listen for navigating that fiery journey!

In this enlightening episode, Zoa and Christine unpack the intricacies of the Pitta dosha, focusing on how it manifests in our daily lives. Pitta, often seen as the driving force behind ambition and leadership, can also bring challenges like digestive issues and emotional imbalances. The conversation flows from personality traits to physical characteristics, painting a vivid picture of a Pitta individual—think sharp, determined, and at times, a little too fiery! Christine highlights the importance of understanding these traits, not only for self-awareness but also for better relationships with those who embody the Pitta energy. With humorous anecdotes and relatable insights, they remind us to appreciate the Pitta’s sharp tongue and keen intellect, while also encouraging balance with calming practices. Whether you’re a Pitta yourself or just know one, this episode is packed with laughter and valuable advice on how to harness that fiery energy in a positive way!

Share this episode : https://sustain-your-vitality.captivate.fm/listen

Find Christine Gordon:

Bloom Herbal Clinic (bloomherbalclinic.com)

Instagram @ https://www.instagram.com/christineinbloom/

Find Zoa:

Zen and Vitality with Zoa (zenandvitality.com)

Intentional Vitality Retreats (intentional-vitality.com)

Music Credit goes to Lemon Music Studio at: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4XWZhZ32YrVV5lvpF7cr1E?si=tnbSklR7SJyPNKiHP4MbHA