Brittany and Tom review constipation from a Functional Medicine perspective.

They discuss their experiences as healthcare providers treating poop issues- Brittany from a Women's health perspective as well as Tom's experience as a Pediatric Gastroenterologist treating LOTS of cases of constipation.

What defines constipation and how big of a problem is it?

How often should we be pooping and what does it mean when things aren't "coming out right"?

This episode covers the basics of what we need to have good daily BM, known as "The 5 Things for a Good Number Two."

We discuss the impact of fiber, the gut microbiome, hydration, movement and good bathroom habits on your gut health and poop routine.

We also mention some of our favorite supplements to keep things moving and why you might not want to be relying on one of the most popular laxatives long term.

In this episode of the Aware Families Podcast, Brittany and Tom discuss the sixth and final Pillar of Health- Sunlight, Nature and Environment.

It is becoming evident that our modern lifestyle is out of synch with how we evolved in many ways. Yet another example of this is our drastically reduced level of exposure to sunlight and nature. All the while our exposure to artificial light, toxic chemicals and EMF are skyrocketing. How can we think that this doesn't affect our health?

How does exposure to sunlight or lack of sunlight impact human health and what can be done in the winter months in places like Montana where sunlight is scarce for 6 months out of the year?

Does being exposed to and immersed in nature have measurable health benefits for humans? What is the importance of the soil microbiome?

How do the different types of pollution- air, water, electromagnetic and chemical exposures cumulatively degrade our health.

This episode provides an overview of these topics with the purpose of getting people to think about how their environment is affecting their health.

In this episode Brittany and Tom discuss the 5th Pillar of Health- how human connection, community and a sense of purpose have a major impact on the health of both adults and kids.