Episode Summary

In this episode, JoAnn unpacks the deeper story behind female hair loss, exploring why it happens, what it reveals about your overall health, and how labs and nutrition can support regrowth. You’ll discover five key lab areas that highlight hidden imbalances, from thyroid and iron to hormones, vitamin D, and inflammation. JoAnn also shares practical nutrition strategies to restore balance, improve circulation, and rebuild confidence, reminding us that hair loss is often a messenger pointing to what’s happening inside.

⚠️ Disclaimer

This podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not create a doctor–patient relationship. The use of information on this podcast and in the show notes, or reliance on such information, is at the listener’s own risk.

The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Do not disregard or delay obtaining professional medical advice because of something you have heard on this podcast. Always consult your physician before beginning any exercise, nutrition, or wellness program.

By accessing this podcast, the listener acknowledges that the entire contents and design of this podcast are the property of Total Tissue Energetics, LLC dba Integrative Body Dynamics, and IBD Well Body Functional Nutrition, and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Listeners may download and use information contained in this podcast only for personal, non-commercial, educational purposes. No other use, including reproduction, retransmission, or editing, may be made without prior written permission of Total Tissue Energetics, LLC.

This podcast makes no representations, guarantees, or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of the information presented. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk.

Access the free Lab Guide to explore the labs we covered and sources for today's episode:

link.ibdwellbodynutrition.com/widget/form/oe52eucSBVtZnitQUMSs

Take the Hormone Harmony and Lymphatic Assessment:

https://link.ibdwellbodynutrition.com/widget/form/hbK7CzmOfvlv81ENvrHc

Hair Loss Prevalence - Harvard

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/treating-female-pattern-hair-loss

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Lymphatic System - Downstream from Everything Else

Your lymphatic system is so much more than a drainage ditch — it’s your body’s cleanup crew, nutrient transporter, and immune hub. When it feels sluggish, puffy, or heavy, it’s often a signal of deeper issues upstream.

In this episode, we explore:

• The Gut–Lymph Connection: How leaky gut and poor diet flood your lymph “river” with toxins and inflammation.
• Hormones & Fluid Flow: Why estrogen dominance, thyroid sluggishness, and stress hormones strain lymphatic balance.
• Immune System Overload: Chronic infections and autoimmune flare-ups that burden lymphatic function.
• Empowering Your Lymph: Simple, evidence-based steps such as anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and movement to keep your inner river flowing.

Your lymph isn’t just plumbing; it’s a mirror of your whole-body health. Tune in and learn how to decode its signals and support long-term balance.

⚠️ Disclaimer

This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information shared is based on research and clinical experience, but it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your physician or qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, lifestyle, or supplement routine, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medications.

Visit: https://integrativebodydynamics.com/

Book a complimentary connect call: https://l.bttr.to/7DNzF

References

Camilleri M. Leaky gut: mechanisms, measurement and clinical implications in humans. Gut. 2019 Aug;68(8):1516-1526. doi: 10.1136/gutjnl-2019-318427. Epub 2019 May 10. PMID: 31076401; PMCID: PMC6790068.

Fasano A. Zonulin and its regulation of intestinal barrier function: the biological door to inflammation, autoimmunity, and cancer. Physiol Rev. 2011 Jan;91(1):151-75. doi: 10.1152/physrev.00003.2008. PMID: 21248165.

Dixon JB. Lymphatic lipid transport: sewer or subway? Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2010 Aug;21(8):480-7. doi: 10.1016/j.tem.2010.04.003. Epub 2010 Jun 11. PMID: 20541951; PMCID: PMC2914116.

Petrova TV, Koh GY. Biological functions of lymphatic vessels. Science. 2020 Jul 10;369(6500):eaax4063. doi: 10.1126/science.aax4063. PMID: 32646971.

Rockson SG. Lymphedema. Vascular Medicine. 2016;21(1):77-81. doi:10.1177/1358863X15620852

Fontaine C, Morfoisse F, Tatin F, Zamora A, Zahreddine R, Henrion D, Arnal JF, Lenfant F, Garmy-Susini B. The Impact of Estrogen Receptor in Arterial and Lymphatic Vascular Diseases. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 May 4;21(9):3244. doi: 10.3390/ijms21093244. PMID: 32375307; PMCID: PMC7247322.

Calder PC. Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes: from molecules to man. Biochem Soc Trans. 2017 Oct 15;45(5):1105-1115. doi: 10.1042/BST20160474. PMID: 28900017.

Slavin JL. Dietary fiber and body weight. Nutrition. 2005 Mar;21(3):411-8. doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2004.08.018. PMID: 15797686.

Mortimer PS, Rockson SG. New developments in clinical aspects of lymphatic disease. J Clin Invest. 2014 Mar;124(3):915-21. doi: 10.1172/JCI71608. Epub 2014 Mar 3. PMID: 24590276; PMCID: PMC3938261.

Lane K, Worsley D, McKenzie D. Exercise and the lymphatic system: implications for breast-cancer survivors. Sports Med. 2005;35(6):461-71. doi: 10.2165/00007256-200535060-00001. PMID: 15974632.

Have you ever thought about the hidden networks inside your body that keep you alive and thriving? We all know about the heart and lungs, but there’s another system working quietly behind the scenes that rarely gets the spotlight: your lymphatic system.

In this episode of The Wellness Upgrade, JoAnn Clinton takes you on a journey through this incredible “silent guardian.” You’ll discover how your lymphatic system acts as your body’s cleanup crew, security force, and nutrient delivery service all at once. We’ll explore how it supports immunity, gut health, and healing—and why everyday stressors like dehydration, processed food, or sitting too long can throw it off balance.

Most importantly, you’ll learn what happens when the system is overwhelmed, from lymphedema to gut-driven inflammation, and how you can support it through nutrition, hydration, and simple lifestyle upgrades. Think of it as a rescue mission for your body’s most overlooked hero.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• What the lymphatic system is and how it works alongside your blood vessels
• Why it’s both a sanitation department and a secret service for your health
• How poor diet, stress, or tight clothing can slow lymphatic flow
• The link between the lymphatic system, gut health, and inflammation
• Everyday nutrition strategies to fuel and support lymphatic function
• How colorful whole foods, healthy fats, and hydration keep your system moving

By the end of this episode, you’ll see the lymphatic system not as an invisible background player, but as a key driver of your health and longevity.

Resources & Mentions:

• Study: Gut-Associated Lymphoid Tissue and Immunity
• Nutrition tips and meal ideas for lymphatic health (coming soon on my site)
• Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any health changes.

If you’re tired of waking up at 2 a.m. or 3 a.m. and struggling to fall back asleep, this episode is for you. Clinical Nutritionist JoAnn Clinton explains the science behind nighttime awakenings and what your body might be trying to tell you.

We’ll explore how blood sugar, cortisol, thyroid, liver function, menopause, and gut health all play a role in broken sleep and the specific labs (like fasting insulin, salivary cortisol mapping, thyroid panels, liver enzymes, and the DUTCH test) that reveal the root cause.

By the end, you’ll have a functional roadmap to start addressing your sleep at the source so you can move beyond quick fixes and finally sleep through the night.

Sources:

Blood Sugar:

Kinsella J, Giamila PF, Cryer PE. Nighttime hypoglycemia can trigger sympathetic nervous system activation and wakefulness. Diabetes Care. 2011;34(9):2023-2028. Accessed August 17, 2025. http://solanomd.com/uploads/3/4/1/7/34170332/nejm_mechanismdz_hypoglycemia.pdf.

Cortisol:

Buckley TM, Schatzberg AF. Aging and the role of the HPA axis and rhythm in sleep and memory-consolidation. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2005 May;13(5):344-52. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajgp.13.5.344. PMID: 15879582.

Hypothyroidism:

Song L, Lei J, Jiang K, Lei Y, Tang Y, Zhu J, Li Z, Tang H. The Association Between Subclinical Hypothyroidism and Sleep Quality: A Population-Based Study. Risk Manag Healthc Policy. 2019 Dec 19:12:369-374. doi: 10.2147/RMHP.S234552. eCollection 2019.

Liver:

Wijarnpreecha K, Thongprayoon C, Panjawatanan P, Ungprasert P. Insomnia and risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Postgrad Med. 2017 Oct-Dec;63(4):226-231. doi: 10.4103/jpgm.JPGM_140_17. PMID: 28862239; PMCID: PMC5664866.

Systemic Inflammation:

Fernandez-Mendoza J, Baker JH, Vgontzas AN, Gaines J, Liao D, Bixler EO. Insomnia symptoms with objective short sleep duration are associated with systemic inflammation in adolescents. Brain Behav Immun. 2017 Mar;61:110-116. doi: 10.1016/j.bbi.2016.12.026. Epub 2016 Dec 30. PMID: 28041986; PMCID: PMC5316336.

Hormonal:

Kravitz HM, Ganz PA, Bromberger J, Powell LH, Sutton-Tyrrell K, Meyer PM. Sleep difficulty in women at midlife: a community survey of sleep and the menopausal transition. Menopause. 2003 Jan-Feb;10(1):19-28. doi: 10.1097/00042192-200310010-00005. PMID: 12544673.

Gut:

Lin Z, Jiang T, Chen M, Ji X, Wang Y. Gut microbiota and sleep: Interaction mechanisms and therapeutic prospects. Open Life Sci. 2024 Jul 18;19(1):20220910. doi: 10.1515/biol-2022-0910. PMID: 39035457; PMCID: PMC11260001.

Zhang Q, Yun Y, An H, Zhao W, Ma T, Wang Z, Yang F. Gut Microbiome Composition Associated With Major Depressive Disorder and Sleep Quality. Front Psychiatry. 2021;12:645045. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.645045