In this insightful episode, we welcome back Sally K. Norton, MPH—internationally recognized as the Ivy League nutritionist and acclaimed author of Toxic Superfoods: How Oxalate Overload Is Making You Sick and How to Get Better. With nearly two years since her last appearance, this conversation dives deeper into the hidden dangers of oxalates—chemicals found in common "superfoods" like spinach, almonds, peanuts, beets, sweet potatoes, and even dark chocolate.

Whether you're struggling with chronic pain, stubborn fatigue, fibromyalgia, hormonal issues, autoimmune symptoms, or mysterious neurological complaints, this episode unpacks how bioaccumulation of oxalates could be an overlooked root cause. Sally K. Norton addresses the science behind oxalate toxicity, its wide-ranging impact on energy, metabolism, mineral deficiency, connective tissue, women's health, and even mental wellbeing and longevity.

Learn how diet and lifestyle changes—even simple swaps like switching out spinach for romaine—can lead to profound healing. Discover actionable resources, group support options, cookbooks, and where to start making low-oxalate living approachable. If you're a provider, patient, or just health-curious, tune in for practical guidance, myth-busting, and hope for recovery beyond traditional medicine.

Keywords: Oxalates, Sally K. Norton, Toxic Superfoods, chronic illness, functional medicine, nutrition, spinach, fatigue, pain, women's health, longevity, kidney stones, inflammation, low oxalate, podcast,

Sally K. Norton’s book, “Toxic Superfoods: How Oxalate Overload Is Making You Sick and How to Get Better” is available everywhere books are sold. The Data Companion to Toxic Superfoods is available at https://sallyknorton.com/toxic_superfoods/data_companion. Sally’s cookbook, Sally’s Recipe Collection, is filled with amazing recipes and can be found at Shop.SallyKNorton.com. For more information, visit SallyKNorton.com or follow Sally on YouTube and social media. She’s @sknorton and @toxicsuperfoods_oxalate_book on Instagram, @BeFreeToThrive on Facebook, and @BetterLowOx on X

Links:

Website: https://sallyknorton.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sknorton

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toxicsuperfoods_oxalate_book

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeFreetoThrive

X: https://twitter.com/BetterLowOx

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFpmJtV19QCyjzaC5U691-A

Toxic Superfoods: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0593139585?tag=randohouseinc7986-20

Data Companion: https://sallyknorton.com/toxic_superfoods/data_companion

Sally’s Recipe Collection: https://shop.sallyknorton.com/products/low-oxalate-recipe-book-pdf-only

Join host Matt Rayner as he welcomes Dr. Julie Merriman—a counselor with over three decades of experience, registered play therapist, and bestselling author—to discuss burnout, compassion fatigue, nervous system healing, and how midlife women can reclaim joy, passion, and vitality.

In this candid and actionable conversation, Julie explains the science and lived reality of burnout and compassion fatigue, how it impacts high-achieving women (especially over 50), and why exhaustion is NOT a character flaw. They share personal stories and expert insights about nervous system overwhelm, why self-care isn’t just a “cherry on top,” and tangible micro-rebellions for women who put everyone else first.

Julie and Matt dive deep into:

• The difference between burnout and compassion fatigue—and how to spot both
• Why traditional self-care is not enough for deep healing
• How our nervous system, trauma response, and childhood encoding shape adult overwhelm
• The importance of embodiment and rituals to reset energy between high-stress interactions
• Reclaiming desire, libido, and soulful pleasure in midlife (including “the bliss molecule”)
• How “just talking about it” in therapy isn’t enough—why somatic practices, EMDR, movement, and curiosity fuel actual change
• Boundaries, saying “no”, and rewriting the rules you live by
• Why novelty and connection are essential for intimacy after 50—plus simple weekend assignments for listeners

Dr. Merriman, a breast cancer survivor and chronic over-giver herself, shares transformative lessons from her own journey back to “soul joy.” She previews her new book "Are We Going to Have Sex or What?"—a guide to reigniting desire in midlife and healing relationships by tending to your nervous system.

Perfect for:

• Women in midlife navigating stress, loss of passion, or relationship ruts
• Healers, therapists, caregivers, and high achievers at risk for burnout
• Anyone wanting evidence-based tools for self-compassion, embodiment, and fiercely authentic living

About the Guest:

Dr. Julie Merriman is a Licensed Professional Counselor, registered play therapist, PhD, and author of "In Pursuit of Soul Joy" and "Are We Going to Have Sex or What?". She hosts the "Compassion Fatigue Cure" and "Sex After 50" podcasts. Discover more at juliemerrimanphd.com

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Like, comment, and share to help others discover science-based, soul-nourishing insights on mental health and healing.

Timestamps:

0:00 – Welcome & Julie’s background

3:44 – Burnout & compassion fatigue in counseling

9:27 – How nervous system overwhelm shows up

17:46 – Embodiment, rituals, & resetting between clients

26:12 – Redefining success and rewriting your story

41:02 – Julie’s personal journey through burnout

58:30 – Signs and symptoms of burnout & compassion fatigue

1:06:35 – Micro-rebellions & baby steps for healing

1:18:50 – The science of desire, “the bliss molecule,” and intimacy after 50

1:34:28 – Where to find Dr. Julie Merriman’s books and podcasts

In this enlightening episode of The Wellness Institute of Dallas, we sit down with Dr. Kelly Ruef, licensed naturopathic doctor and clinical educator for Precision Analytical, the creators of the Dutch Test. Together, we dive into the complex world of female hormones, with a focus on navigating perimenopause, menopause, and the unique challenges women face when it comes to hormone health.

Dr. Ruef shares her personal journey into naturopathic medicine, sparked by her own struggles with cystic acne and frustration with traditional approaches that lacked comprehensive hormone testing. We explore the benefits of the Dutch Test—a dried urine test for comprehensive hormone analysis—and how it compares to conventional blood tests, allowing for a more detailed and actionable understanding of hormone balance, metabolism, and related health concerns.

Key topics discussed include:

• Early signs and symptoms of hormonal imbalance (heavy bleeding, acne, sleep disruption, mood changes, PMS)
• What happens to progesterone and estrogen during perimenopause, and how this affects women physically and emotionally
• The significance of testing hormones at the right time in the menstrual cycle and how improper timing can lead to misleading results
• Insights on the interplay between stress, cortisol, and sex hormones—and the impact chronic stress can have on symptoms and overall well-being
• How gut health, inflammation, and even environmental chemicals can disrupt hormone balance
• Practical recommendations for optimizing hormone health, including sleep, stress management, exercise, supporting the gut, and building a collaborative, supportive care team

Dr. Ruef also debunks common myths around menopause, hormone therapy, and cortisol, while offering encouragement and hope for women at every stage of the journey. Whether you're considering hormone testing, seeking answers for stubborn symptoms, or simply looking to understand your body better, this episode packs actionable information and compassionate advice.

To learn more about the Dutch Test or access additional resources and educational materials, visit DutchTest.com.

Tune in for a conversation that empowers women to advocate for deeper testing, better understanding, and holistic support as they navigate their hormone health

#Hormones #Perimenopause #biohacking #functionalmedicine