The Integrative Edge

Are your everyday habits quietly working against your health without you even realizing it? In this episode of The Integrative Edge, we uncover the common routines that can increase inflammation, drain your energy, disrupt hormones, slow metabolism, and contribute to chronic disease over time.
We discuss how seemingly harmless habits—like sitting too much, poor sleep, chronic stress, ultra-processed foods, dehydration, lack of strength training, and constant screen time—can have a much bigger impact than most people realize.
The good news? Small, consistent changes can create dramatic improvements in your health and longevity.
In this episode, you'll learn:
The daily habits that may be silently damaging your body
Why small choices matter more than occasional "healthy" days
How inflammation and chronic stress affect long-term health
Practical changes you can start making today
Simple habits that support energy, resilience, and healthy aging
Whether you're looking to prevent disease, improve your metabolism, or simply feel better every day, this episode will help you identify the habits holding you back and give you practical strategies to build a healthier future.

Carbohydrates have become one of the most misunderstood topics in health and wellness. Some people avoid them completely, while others rely on them as their primary fuel source—but how do carbohydrates actually impact our hormones?
In this episode of The Integrative Edge, we explore the complex relationship between carbohydrates, blood sugar regulation, insulin, cortisol, thyroid function, reproductive hormones, and overall metabolic health. We discuss why carbohydrates are neither inherently good nor bad, how individual needs can vary, and why eliminating them may not always be the answer.
Whether you're struggling with fatigue, weight management, hormone imbalances, or simply trying to make sense of conflicting nutrition advice, this conversation will help you better understand the role carbohydrates play in supporting a healthy, functioning body.
Tune in as we separate fact from fiction and provide practical insights to help you make informed decisions about your nutrition and long-term health.

When it comes to breast health, many women don’t realize they may have more screening options than just a traditional mammogram. In this episode of The Integrative Edge, we unpack the growing conversation around breast screening technologies, including mammography, thermography, and the QT Breast Test.
What are the differences between these exams? How do they work? Who are they best suited for? And why are more women starting to ask questions about comfort, radiation exposure, dense breast tissue, and early detection?
This conversation explores:
What the QT Breast Test is and how it differs from traditional imaging
The role mammograms still play in breast cancer screening
What thermography can and cannot tell you
Why dense breast tissue matters
Questions women should ask their healthcare providers
The importance of individualized, informed decisions around breast health
As always, the goal of this episode is education — helping women better understand their options so they can advocate for themselves and make informed decisions alongside their healthcare team.
Whether you’re navigating routine screenings, looking for alternatives, or simply trying to better understand the evolving world of breast health, this episode brings a balanced and thoughtful conversation to the table.
Health and longevity simplified — through education, collaboration, and curiosity.
 

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have quickly become some of the most talked-about tools in health, weight loss, and metabolic care—but are we asking the right questions?
In this episode of The Integrative Edge, we break down what GLP-1s actually do in the body, who they’re designed for, and where they fit into a bigger picture of long-term health.
These medications were originally developed to support individuals with type 2 diabetes, but their impact on appetite regulation, blood sugar control, and weight loss has pushed them into the mainstream. With that rise in popularity comes confusion, mixed messaging, and often a lack of clarity around how they should (and shouldn’t) be used.
We explore:
How GLP-1 medications work from a physiological and hormonal standpoint
Why appetite suppression alone isn’t the full story
The difference between short-term weight loss and sustainable metabolic health
Common pitfalls we’re seeing when these medications are used without proper support
The importance of muscle mass, movement, and nutrition while using GLP-1s
What happens when someone stops taking them
Who may benefit most—and who should think twice
From an integrative perspective, this conversation goes beyond “do they work?” and instead focuses on how to use them responsibly within a broader strategy that includes lifestyle, behavior change, and root-cause health.
Because while GLP-1s can be powerful, they are not a replacement for the foundational habits that ultimately determine long-term outcomes.
If you’ve been curious about these medications—or are currently using them—this episode will help you better understand how to approach them with intention, clarity, and a plan that supports your health beyond the scale.

In this episode, we explored thermography, a non-invasive imaging technique that uses infrared technology to detect subtle heat patterns in the body. Unlike traditional imaging methods, thermography doesn’t involve radiation or physical contact. Instead, it maps temperature variations that can reflect inflammation, changes in circulation, or other physiological shifts. This makes it a useful tool for gaining early insight into how the body is functioning.We also discussed how thermography is increasingly being used to support wellness monitoring—from identifying patterns related to muscular strain, dental health, and nerve irritation to providing additional context in breast health assessments. Whether you’re curious about preventive health or simply want to understand emerging imaging technologies, this episode breaks down what thermography can truly offer.Have questions or topics you’d like us to cover? Email us at info@theintegrativeedge.com — we’d love to hear from you! Please leave us a review if you find this podcast insightful and beneficial. Your health transformation starts here!Follow Our Business Platforms! Stay connected and follow our three platforms for health, performance, and rehabilitation insights:True North PerformanceWebsite: TrueNorthPerform.comInstagram: @true_north_kelly1 & @truenorthperformancewisconsinFacebook: True North PerformanceUplifted Oncology RehabWebsite: UpliftedOncologyRehab.comInstagram: @upliftedoncologyFacebook: Uplifted Oncology RehabInnate Healing and PerformanceWebsite: InnateHealingAndPerformance.comInstagram: @dr.kym.klimekFacebook: Innate Healing and Performance

In this episode, Kelly, Kym, and Lyndsay break down why minerals are basically the body’s spark plugs — powering hormones, thyroid conversion, detox pathways, neurotransmitters, and the cellular energy that keeps you upright instead of face-down on the couch. They explore how stress, toxins, poor soil quality, caffeine, endurance training, and modern life are constantly draining key minerals like magnesium, potassium, sodium, zinc, and selenium… leaving many people unknowingly running on low battery. The hosts highlight how mineral imbalances can show up as fatigue, mood swings, stubborn thyroid issues, poor stress tolerance, sugar cravings, and blood-sugar dysregulation — symptoms often blamed on “laziness” or willpower instead of a true biochemical roadblock.The trio also dives into the power of HTMA (Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis) as a functional tool for spotting long-term mineral patterns, heavy metal exposure, adrenal stress, and thyroid-blocking imbalances like copper excess or low selenium. They discuss how minerals work together in a delicate matrix — zinc and copper balance, calcium/magnesium ratios, sodium/potassium stress signatures — and why personalized correction is far more effective than guessing. From women preparing for pregnancy to athletes, burnt-out professionals, and anyone battling chronic gut or metabolic issues, this episode unpacks how optimizing minerals can transform energy, hormone health, resilience, and performance at the deepest level.Have questions or topics you’d like us to cover? Email us at info@theintegrativeedge.com — we’d love to hear from you! Please leave us a review if you find this podcast insightful and beneficial. Your health transformation starts here!Follow Our Business Platforms! Stay connected and follow our three platforms for health, performance, and rehabilitation insights:True North PerformanceWebsite: TrueNorthPerform.comInstagram: @true_north_kelly1 & @truenorthperformancewisconsinFacebook: True North PerformanceUplifted Oncology RehabWebsite: UpliftedOncologyRehab.comInstagram: @upliftedoncologyFacebook: Uplifted Oncology RehabInnate Healing and PerformanceWebsite: InnateHealingAndPerformance.comInstagram: @dr.kym.klimekFacebook: Innate Healing and Performance

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is one of the most debated topics in women’s health. In this episode, we delve into the truth behind the pros, cons, and controversies surrounding HRT, enabling women to make informed choices with confidence.HRT can bring powerful relief from hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog, low libido, and mood swings, while also supporting bone, heart, and metabolic health when used appropriately. For many, it’s not just about symptom relief — it’s about thriving in midlife rather than simply surviving.We’ll also explore why opinions are so divided — from the shadow of the 2002 WHI study to philosophical beliefs about whether menopause should be “treated” at all. Through a functional medicine lens, we’ll discuss the importance of tailoring HRT to the individual — considering genetics, lifestyle, age, and using the right type and route of hormones — while never forgetting the bigger picture of nutrition, sleep, and stress management.Key takeaway: HRT isn’t a magic bullet, nor is it the enemy. It’s a tool. When used wisely and with personalization, it can be transformative. Women deserve clarity, not confusion, when it comes to navigating this pivotal stage of life.Have questions or topics you’d like us to cover? Email us at info@theintegrativeedge.com — we’d love to hear from you! Please leave us a review if you find this podcast insightful and beneficial. Your health transformation starts here!Follow Our Business Platforms! Stay connected and follow our three platforms for health, performance, and rehabilitation insights:True North PerformanceWebsite: TrueNorthPerform.comInstagram: @true_north_kelly1 & @truenorthperformancewisconsinFacebook: True North PerformanceUplifted Oncology RehabWebsite: UpliftedOncologyRehab.comInstagram: @upliftedoncologyFacebook: Uplifted Oncology RehabInnate Healing and PerformanceWebsite: InnateHealingAndPerformance.comInstagram: @dr.kym.klimekFacebook: Innate Healing and Performance

When treatment ends, the story doesn’t stop. Many survivors are left facing challenges they were never fully prepared for—physical, emotional, and everyday struggles that are often invisible to others.In this episode, we uncover the hidden struggles after breast cancer that too many women silently carry. From lingering pain, lymphedema, and scar tissue, to fatigue, brain fog, and the emotional weight of survivorship—we’ll shine a light on the parts of recovery that aren’t always talked about.You’ll learn:The physical challenges that can appear months or years later.How these hidden struggles impact daily lifeWhy survivorship care must go beyond “you’re cancer-free.”Strategies and support that can help ease the journey forward.💡 Whether you’re a survivor, a loved one, or a healthcare professional, this episode will deepen your understanding of the long-term impact of breast cancer—and why true healing means looking beyond the surface.Have questions or topics you’d like us to cover? Email us at info@theintegrativeedge.com — we’d love to hear from you! Please leave us a review if you find this podcast insightful and beneficial. Your health transformation starts here!Follow Our Business Platforms! Stay connected and follow our three platforms for health, performance, and rehabilitation insights:True North PerformanceWebsite: TrueNorthPerform.comInstagram: @true_north_kelly1 & @truenorthperformancewisconsinFacebook: True North PerformanceUplifted Oncology RehabWebsite: UpliftedOncologyRehab.comInstagram: @upliftedoncologyFacebook: Uplifted Oncology RehabInnate Healing and PerformanceWebsite: InnateHealingAndPerformance.comInstagram: @dr.kym.klimekFacebook: Innate Healing and Performance

Episode OverviewIn this episode of The Integrative Edge, we dive deep into mindset as the foundational driver of transformation. Whether it’s weight loss, rehab, fertility, or long-term health, this conversation explores how beliefs, habits, and resilience shape outcomes more than any protocol alone.Key InsightsMindset sets the ceiling: Many clients start strong, but mindset determines whether change lasts.Limiting beliefs are common: Maria shares how she helps clients identify and reframe stories that hold them back.Setbacks are part of growth: Instead of failures, setbacks become feedback. Adapting mindset helps maintain momentum.Process over outcome: Focusing on daily actions (like movement, protein goals, rest) empowers sustainable habits.Support is essential: Community, coaches, accountability, and empathy amplify mindset shifts.Mindset in different health journeys: Kym describes how she helps fertility patients stay in long-term perspective; Lindsay speaks on sustaining resilience through cancer recovery and lymphedema flare-ups.From the Fitness LensKelly emphasizes that in fitness and rehab, mindset is often the difference between consistency and burnout. Goals must be realistic, patience, intentional, and progress celebrated — even if it’s slow or non-linear.Practical TakeawaysSet process goals (e.g. “strength train twice this week”) rather than outcome goals.Track non-scale wins (energy, mood, mobility) to reinforce progress.Build recovery and rest intentionally — they’re not side quests, they’re core to sustainability.Reframe setback thinking: shift “Why me?” to “What is this teaching me?”Lean into support — even a small community or accountability connection can make mindset stick.How to Learn MoreKeep following The Integrative Edge for more episodes that blend mindset, movement, medicine, and longevity. Share this one with someone you know who’s trying to build lasting change.Have questions or topics you’d like us to cover? Email us at info@theintegrativeedge.com — we’d love to hear from you! Please leave us a review if you find this podcast insightful and beneficial. Your health transformation starts here!Follow Our Business Platforms! Stay connected and follow our three platforms for health, performance, and rehabilitation insights:True North PerformanceWebsite: TrueNorthPerform.comInstagram: @true_north_kelly1 & @truenorthperformancewisconsinFacebook: True North PerformanceUplifted Oncology RehabWebsite: UpliftedOncologyRehab.comInstagram: @upliftedoncologyFacebook: Uplifted Oncology RehabInnate Healing and PerformanceWebsite: InnateHealingAndPerformance.comInstagram: @dr.kym.klimekFacebook: Innate Healing and Performance

In this episode of The Integrative Edge, host Kelly Demers is joined by co-hosts Dr. Kym Klimeck (Functional Medicine) and Dr. Lindsay Seefeldt (Oncology & Rehab Physical Therapy) along with guest Maria Bierson, a weight-loss coach and Integrative Wellness Coalition member. Together, they unpack why protein is one of the most overlooked — yet most essential — foundations for energy, metabolism, and healthy aging.💡 Key TakeawaysProtein = longevity fuel. Adequate protein preserves muscle mass, bone density, and independence as we age.Most people under-eat protein. Even health-minded adults often miss the 25–35g per meal target needed for muscle repair and satiety.Pair protein with strength training. The combination protects against sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss) and supports metabolism.Distribution matters. Spacing protein evenly across meals is more effective than “loading” at dinner.Protein supports metabolic health. It balances blood sugar, curbs cravings, and provides steady energy throughout the day.Recovery counts. Post-workout protein accelerates repair, reduces soreness, and boosts performance.🏋️‍♀️ From the Fitness Lens Kelly highlights that protein isn’t just a nutrient — it’s a recovery strategy. Combined with resistance training, it helps build the strength and vitality needed for lifelong freedom of movement.🧬 From the Functional Medicine Lens Dr. Kym emphasizes protein’s role in cellular repair, immune function, and hormone balance, explaining why needs often increase with stress, aging, or illness.💪 From the Rehab & Oncology Lens Dr. Lindsay shares how adequate protein intake supports recovery after cancer treatments and helps patients regain energy, function, and confidence.🥗 From the Behavior & Nutrition LensMaria discusses how focusing on protein first helps clients feel satisfied, stay consistent, and stop the all-or-nothing diet cycle.⚡ Quick Wins for ListenersAim for 25–35g of protein per meal (roughly palm-sized portions).Include protein at breakfast — it sets the tone for blood sugar and cravings all day.Combine with resistance training two to three times per week.Focus on progress, not perfection — even small increases add up over time.🔗 Learn MoreFor more integrative conversations bridging fitness, healthcare, and mindset, subscribe to The Integrative Edge and follow The Integrative Wellness Coalition on social media.Have questions or topics you’d like us to cover? Email us at info@theintegrativeedge.com — we’d love to hear from you! Please leave us a review if you find this podcast insightful and beneficial. Your health transformation starts here!Follow Our Business Platforms! Stay connected and follow our three platforms for health, performance, and rehabilitation insights:True North PerformanceWebsite: TrueNorthPerform.comInstagram: @true_north_kelly1 & @truenorthperformancewisconsinFacebook: True North PerformanceUplifted Oncology RehabWebsite: UpliftedOncologyRehab.comInstagram: @upliftedoncologyFacebook: Uplifted Oncology RehabInnate Healing and PerformanceWebsite: InnateHealingAndPerformance.comInstagram: @dr.kym.klimekFacebook: Innate Healing and Performance