Hi there, I am Kate Zink the owner of Chronically Holistic and Karen Brooks is the owner of the Well Cell. We work together to combine high-strength PEMF therapy, functional nutrition, HTMA testing, and nervous system support to help your body heal at the cellular level.
Whether you’re struggling with chronic pain, fatigue, inflammation, hormone imbalances, stress, or simply want to optimize your health, we create a personalized plan based on your body’s needs.
📍 Bel Air, MD: 410-941-9528 📍 North East, MD: 443-877-5877 By Appointment Only
What is PEMF?
PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy) uses gentle electromagnetic frequencies to help recharge your cells, support circulation, promote relaxation, and encourage the body’s natural healing processes.
PEMF Therapy uses pulsed electromagnetic frequencies to support cellular energy, nervous system regulation, circulation, recovery, and overall wellness. Think of it as recharging your body’s batteries so healing can happen more efficiently.
Benefits may include:
Improved energy
Better sleep
Reduced stress
Enhanced recovery
Increased circulation
Nervous system support
PEMF Therapy Pricing
Initial PEMF Session: $150:
Health review
Personalized PEMF settings
60-minute PEMF session
Recommendations
Follow-Up PEMF Session: $100
60-minute PEMF session.
Targeted areas with two attachments
3 Session Package: $325
Three sessions completed over 14 days. This is recommended for best results.
Functional Nutritional Therapy Services
Nutritional Therapy focuses on the foundations of health—including digestion, blood sugar balance, hydration, minerals, nervous system support, and nutrient-dense foods. By addressing these foundations, we help create an environment where the body can heal and thrive.
The Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) provides a deeper look at mineral balance, stress patterns, metabolic function, and how the body is utilizing key nutrients. This information helps guide personalized food, lifestyle, and supplement recommendations based on your unique needs.
Together, PEMF, Nutritional Therapy, and HTMA create a comprehensive approach that supports:
✓ Cellular energy production ✓ Nervous system regulation ✓ Hormone balance ✓ Stress resilience ✓ Recovery and healing ✓ Long-term wellness
HTMA Analysis $325
Includes:
Hair Tissue and Mineral Analysis *HTMA)
15-page customized report
Nutritional questionnaire review
Food recommendations
Supplement recommendations
Personalized protocol
Monthly packages are available and recommended for the best results
The Guided Cellular Restoration Program
90-Day Program
Our signature program combines nutritional therapy with PEMF therapy to support healing from the inside out.
Includes:
✅ Initial assessment and nutritional questionnaire
✅ Beginning Hair Tissue and Mineral Analysis (HTMA)
✅ Follow-up HTMA 8 weeks in,
✅ Personalized protocols, tweaked as we heal.
✅ Nutrition therapy sessions available weekly.
✅ PEMF therapy sessions as needed.
✅ Muscle testing sessions as needed.
✅ Weekly accountability support
✅ Program member discounts on supplements and additional lab testing.
Why Work With Us?
Two Nurses. One Goal.
You aren’t just receiving PEMF therapy and labs. You are working with two previous patients and medical professionals:
Kate Zink: Registered Nurse, Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, Functional Lab Specialist. History of Migraines, POTS, EDS, TOS, and Hashimoto’s.
Karen Brooks: Registered Nurse and PEMF Specialist. History of breast explants and chronic pain.
Together we help identify the root causes of symptoms while supporting the body’s natural healing processes through nutrition, mineral balancing, nervous system regulation, and cellular restoration.
Testimonials Report:
Pain improvement stories
Better sleep
Improved energy
Faster recovery
Nervous system regulation
Ready to Support Your Health at the Cellular Level?
Whether you’re looking for PEMF therapy, nutritional guidance, HTMA testing, or our full Cellular Restoration Program, we’re here to help.
In holistic health, we often talk about supporting the body’s foundations—minerals, digestion, blood sugar balance, hydration, sleep, and nervous system regulation. These are the pillars that allow the body to function properly at the cellular level.
But sometimes even when someone is doing “all the right things” nutritionally, their body still struggles to heal. Fatigue lingers, inflammation remains high, injuries take longer to recover, and energy levels stay low.
This is often because the cells themselves are underpowered.
Healing doesn’t just require nutrients. It also requires cellular energy.
By combining the functional nutrition approach used at Chronically Holistic with Pulsed Electromagnetic Field therapy (PEMF) offered at The Well Cell, we can support the body from both directions: providing the nutrients the cells need and helping the cells use that energy efficiently.
Healing Happens at the Cellular Level
We offer functional labs to help guide your body through healing. Every process in the body—detoxification, hormone production, immune function, tissue repair, and brain signaling—happens inside your cells.
Inside each cell are mitochondria, which act like tiny power plants. They convert nutrients from food into ATP, the energy currency that fuels nearly every function in the body.
When mitochondria are functioning well, the body can:
Repair tissues efficiently
Regulate inflammation
Detoxify properly
Maintain stable energy levels
Support hormone balance
However, many factors in modern life interfere with cellular energy production.
Common stressors include:
Chronic psychological stress
Nutrient deficiencies
Blood sugar instability
Poor sleep and circadian disruption
Environmental toxins
Infections or chronic inflammation
When these stressors accumulate, mitochondrial output can decrease. Cells essentially become “low battery.”
This is where both nutritional therapy and PEMF therapy can play a powerful role.
What is PEMF?
PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field therapy) is a non-invasive modality that delivers low-frequency electromagnetic pulses to the body.
These pulses interact with the body’s natural electrical activity — the same activity that drives:
Cellular communication Muscle contraction Nerve signaling
Research suggests PEMF may support:
Pain reduction Circulation and microcirculation Tissue recovery Cellular signaling and function
Outcomes vary depending on the condition, frequency, and consistency of use—but the research is promising in specific areas of care.
Why Cellular Health Matters
Healing doesn’t just depend on what you do — it depends on how well your body can respond.
Every function in the body happens at the cellular level:
Energy production Repair and regeneration Detoxification Immune response
When the body has been under chronic stress, these systems can become less efficient.
Common contributors include:
Mineral depletion
Blood sugar dysregulation
Poor digestion
Chronic inflammation
Nervous system dysregulation
This is why foundational work and mineral testing is always step one.
What PEMF May Support
PEMF is not a cure or a replacement for medical care—but it can be a valuable adjunct therapy.
Clinical research has shown PEMF may support:
– Musculoskeletal Health
– Reduced pain in low back pain and joint conditions Improved function in osteoarthritis
– Bone Healing
– Used clinically for delayed bone healing and nonunion fractures
– Circulation
– Improved microcirculation and blood flow in some studies
– Recovery & Inflammation
– Support for tissue repair and inflammatory balance
The Role of Nutritional Therapy
Functional nutritional therapy focuses on restoring the biochemical foundations the body needs to operate properly.
Through detailed health history, functional assessments, and sometimes laboratory testing, we look for underlying imbalances such as:
Low stomach acid or poor digestion
Blood sugar dysregulation
Mineral depletion
Essential fatty acid imbalance
Inflammation and detox pathway congestion
At Chronically Holistic, the goal is to provide the raw materials your cells need to rebuild and function optimally.
These foundations often include:
Mineral-rich foods to support cellular hydration and nerve signaling
High-quality proteins for tissue repair and neurotransmitter production
Healthy fats to stabilize blood sugar and support hormone health
Fiber and phytonutrients to support detox pathways and the microbiome
When these foundational nutrients are restored, the body gains the building blocks for healing.
But nutrients alone are only part of the picture.
What Is a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (FNTP)?
A Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (FNTP) is a certified holistic practitioner trained through the Nutritional Therapy Association. FNTPs are taught to identify root-cause nutritional imbalances using functional assessment tools and a whole-food, bio-individual approach to wellness.
Unlike the general title “nutritionist,” which is often unregulated and can vary widely in training, FNTPs complete a specific standardized certification program focused on restoring the body’s foundational health through nutrition and lifestyle support.
The FNTP Approach
Functional Nutritional Therapy focuses on supporting the body’s five foundational systems, which influence overall health and resilience:
• Digestion
• Blood Sugar Regulation
• Mineral Balance
• Fatty Acid Status
• Cellular Hydration
When these foundations are supported, the body is better able to regulate hormones, energy, immune function, and detoxification naturally.
Functional Assessment Methods
FNTPs use structured tools to identify patterns and imbalances, including:
These tools help practitioners create bio-individualized nutrition and lifestyle protocols tailored to each client.
Food First, Foundations Always
A key principle in Functional Nutritional Therapy is supporting the body’s foundations before introducing detox programs or aggressive supplementation.
This means prioritizing:
• Nutrient-dense whole foods
• Mineral replenishment
• Blood sugar balance
• Digestive support
• Lifestyle factors such as sleep and stress
By strengthening these systems first, the body can often begin correcting imbalances naturally.
My Background
In addition to being a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, I am also a Registered Nurse.
While anyone can pursue the FNTP certification, my nursing background provides an added layer of clinical understanding of the body and health conditions.
My practice blends functional nutrition principles with clinical experience, allowing me to view health not just in black-and-white disease models, but through a functional lens that looks at how systems in the body are working together.
Scope of Practice
Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioners do not diagnose or treat disease. Instead, we focus on supporting the body’s natural healing processes through:
• Whole-food nutrition
• Lifestyle support
• Targeted supplementation when appropriate
• Functional assessments to guide individualized care l
Why Combining PEMF and Nutritional Therapy Works
When these two approaches are combined, they create a powerful synergy.
Nutritional therapy provides:
Minerals for cellular signaling
Amino acids for repair
Healthy fats for cell membranes
Vitamins for mitochondrial function
PEMF therapy supports:
Improved cellular communication
Increased mitochondrial activity
Enhanced circulation and oxygen delivery
Better utilization of nutrients within the cells
Think of it this way:
Nutrition supplies the fuel. PEMF helps the engine run.
When the cells receive both nutrients and energy, healing processes can finally begin to work the way they were designed to.
Conditions That May Benefit From Cellular Support
Because cellular energy affects every system in the body, this combined approach may support people experiencing:
Chronic fatigue or low energy
Slow injury recovery
Persistent inflammation
Stress-related health concerns
Hormone imbalances
Circulation issues
Nervous system dysregulation
While PEMF and nutritional therapy are not meant to replace medical treatment, they can serve as powerful complementary tools that support the body’s natural healing processes.
PEMF Should Be Personalized to Your Body
One of the most important things to understand about PEMF therapy is that it should not be a one-size-fits-all treatment.
Many PEMF experiences simply involve being hooked up to a machine and running a standard program. While this can still provide general benefits, a personalized approach can be far more effective.
At The Well Cell, PEMF sessions are often adjusted based on your body’s symptoms and current needs, rather than applying the same settings to every client.
Different frequencies and patterns can be used to support specific concerns such as:
Nervous system regulation and stress recovery Muscle tension or injury recovery Circulation and lymphatic support Inflammation and tissue repair Energy and mitochondrial function
By tailoring PEMF sessions to what the body is experiencing, the therapy becomes more targeted and supportive of the individual’s healing process.
This personalized approach aligns closely with the philosophy of bio-individual care, which is central to the work done at Chronically Holistic.
Why Combining PEMF and Nutritional Therapy Works So Well
When nutritional therapy and PEMF therapy are used together, they support the body in complementary ways.
Nutritional therapy provides:
The minerals needed for electrical signaling Amino acids for repair and regeneration Healthy fats for cell membrane structure Vitamins required for mitochondrial energy production
PEMF therapy supports:
Cellular communication Circulation and oxygen delivery Mitochondrial activity Nervous system balance Efficient use of nutrients within the cells
You can think of it this way:
Nutrition provides the fuel.
PEMF helps the engine run efficiently.
When both are present, the body is better able to shift from survival mode into healing mode.
Who May Benefit From This Approach
Because cellular energy affects nearly every system in the body, this combined approach may support individuals experiencing:
Chronic fatigue or low energy Slow recovery from injuries Chronic stress or nervous system dysregulation Hormonal imbalances Inflammation Circulation concerns General wellness and recovery support
PEMF and nutritional therapy are not intended to replace medical care, but they can serve as powerful complementary tools that help restore the body’s natural healing capacity.
Supporting the Body the Way It Was Designed to Heal
The human body is incredibly resilient when it has the right environment to function.
Understanding hormones is something I didn’t even have a grasp on until I was in my 30s—and I’m a woman!
I grew up in an era where every symptom was treated with a prescription. When I began passing out from period cramps as a young teen, I was prescribed the classic Zoloft and birth control combo at just 13 years old.
At the time, I didn’t question it. But over the years, I began to see how much those “quick fixes” disconnected me from my body’s natural rhythms. My mood, energy, digestion, and hormones were all over the place—and the deeper truth was that my body wasn’t being supported, it was being suppressed.
Healing began when I started to view food as medicine, listened to my body’s messages, and focused on rebuilding my foundations—digestion, blood sugar, mineral balance, and nourishment.
That’s why I created The Hormone Guide—to help you understand your own hormonal rhythm and learn how to support it naturally.
🌸 The Female Cycle: Your Built-In Health Blueprint
For decades, women have been taught to hide or “fix” their menstrual cycles. But menstruation is not an inconvenience—it’s a vital sign and one of our body’s most powerful detox pathways.
Your cycle isn’t just about fertility—it’s a window into your metabolism, mood, thyroid, adrenal function, and overall vitality.
Let’s break down the four key phases of a healthy 28-day cycle (though every woman’s rhythm is unique).
🩸Menstrual Phase (Days 1–5): The Reset + Release
This is the time your body sheds the uterine lining—a natural monthly detox and renewal.
Energy: You may feel tired, emotional, or inward. Honor rest.
Helpful Supplements: B-Complex, zinc, probiotics, liver-supporting herbs like milk thistle or NAC.
🌸 This is your inner spring—time to create, plan, and say yes to new ideas.
🔥Ovulatory Phase (Days 14–17): Your Peak Power
A mature egg is released, estrogen peaks, and testosterone gives you a boost of energy, libido, and motivation.
Energy: High! You’re glowing, magnetic, and confident.
Supportive Movement: High-intensity workouts, group classes, or heavy lifting.
Nourish With:
Bright fruits and fiber-rich veggies
Zinc + selenium foods: oysters, Brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds
Lean proteins and healthy fats for hormone production
Herbs like cilantro, parsley, and lemon for gentle liver detox
Helpful Supplements: Vitamin C, zinc, selenium, omega-3s, and glutathione/NAC.
☀️ This is your inner summer—embrace social connection and outward expression.
🌙 Luteal Phase (Days 18–28): Slow Down and Support
After ovulation, progesterone becomes the star. It calms the nervous system, regulates sleep, and balances estrogen—but stress, under-eating, or poor detox can deplete it.
Energy: May dip—focus on grounding, rest, and stable blood sugar.
Supportive Movement: Strength training early, then gentle yoga or walking.
Nourish With:
Root veggies and complex carbs (sweet potatoes, beets, oats)
Magnesium and B6-rich foods (pumpkin seeds, turkey, bananas)
Helpful Supplements: Magnesium, B6, omega-3s, Vitex (if needed), and adaptogens like ashwagandha or rhodiola.
🌾 This is your inner autumn—a time to reflect, rest, and release.
🧬 Men Have Hormones Too
While women experience cyclical hormone shifts, men experience a daily testosterone rhythm. Their hormones benefit from the same nutrient-dense, mineral-rich foods that support vitality and metabolism.
Foods that Boost Testosterone:
Zinc-rich: Oysters, red meat, poultry, raw dairy, nuts/seeds
Being “too much” is what finally led me to health—and—and it’s backed by science.
Chronically Holistic
For years, I lived by elimination—cutting out foods, habits, and even parts of myself. But healing didn’t truly begin until I shifted to addition—intentionally nurturing what my nervous system needed: safety, faith, nourishment, and calm.
Scientific research now confirms what holistic practitioners have long observed: early-life stressors—from complex births and environmental toxins to prolonged insecurity—can deeply impact long-term health. A landmark review shows that those exposed to major psychological stressors in early life face elevated rates of chronic diseases and diminished longevity PMC. Another investigation specifically links childhood adversity with increased risk of chronic illnesses across adulthood ScienceDirect+1.
Even on a neurobiological level, early-life stress alters brain development, particularly in circuits that govern stress response, emotion regulation, and memory. These changes in the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, hippocampus—and in stress-hormone pathways—can lead to heightened vulnerability across life BioMed Central.
I’ve been a nurse for 9 years, working primarily in emergency medicine with a focus on pediatrics. I entered this demanding field while still recovering—on multiple prescriptions, frequenting specialists, and healing from surgeries. Every day, I witnessed people in crisis, and I often minimized my own suffering in comparison.
But what goes on outside the hospital doors—in our homes—might matter even more. Health is built every day, not just in moments of extreme illness. Diet, stress coping, environmental quality, and resources are foundational—but often undervalued elements.
Consider sleep health, for instance. Environmental factors—like air pollution, noise, ambient light, and neighborhood safety—play a significant role in shaping sleep patterns and disorders, especially in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities PMCAJMC.
On a broader scale, the social determinants of health—poverty, education, employment, and living conditions—have a more substantial impact on outcomes than clinical care alone ASPE.
Even nutrition doesn’t operate in a vacuum. A recent study examining reproductive-age adults revealed that lifestyle patterns (diet quality, scheduling, eating behaviors) are strongly tied to social factors like rural vs. urban living, employment status, and daily routines MDPI.
Why This Matters
Early trauma isn’t just emotional—it’s biological, reshaping your brain, hormones, and immune system in ways that last a lifetime.
True health isn’t born in ER rooms—it’s nurtured daily through safety, rest, nutrition, clean environments, and meaningful connection.
You aren’t inherently broken and don’t need to be medication-deficient—you deserve access to basic human rights: nourishing food, fresh air, trust, and community.
Next Steps: Nourishing the Nervous System
Healing isn’t just about avoiding harm—it’s about providing the body with what it truly needs. The Emotion Code reminds us that trapped emotions and unprocessed stressors can keep the nervous system locked in “fight or flight.” Pairing emotional release techniques with nutritional support builds resilience at the cellular and emotional level.
Foundational Nutritional Support
Magnesium-rich foods (leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, avocado) — critical for calming the nervous system, relaxing muscles, and reducing anxiety.
Omega-3 fatty acids (wild salmon, sardines, flaxseed, walnuts) — shown to support mood regulation, reduce inflammation, and stabilize neuronal membranes.
B vitamins (grass-fed liver, eggs, beef, dark leafy greens) — essential for neurotransmitter synthesis and energy production.
Mineral-dense foods (bone broth, sea salt, kelp, beets) — restore electrolytes, supporting adrenal function and overall resilience.
Whole-food vitamin C sources (citrus, kiwi, bell peppers, acerola cherry) — vital for adrenal repair and nervous system balance
Nervous System Practices
Heart-focused breathing — slowing and deepening the breath signals safety to the vagus nerve.
Grounding foods + grounding habits — root vegetables and mindful movement help the body feel safe and supported.
Releasing trapped emotions (The Emotion Code technique) — identifying and processing unresolved emotional energies allows the body to shift out of chronic stress.
Your nervous system doesn’t need more stimulation—it needs restoration. True resilience is built when emotional release, nutrient density, and nervous system support come together.
✨ Ready to uncover what your body truly needs? Let’s work 1:1 to identify your deficiencies and support your nervous system. Connect with me here: chronicallyholistic.com/how-to-work-with-me
As a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, I always look at packaged foods through a lens of bio-individuality, nutrient density, and how a product supports foundational health pillars—digestion, blood sugar balance, mineral status, and beyond. So when I came across Earthmeal Oatmeal, I knew I had to dig into the label and test it for myself.
Here’s my take on whether it deserves a spot in your holistic kitchen:
Earthmeal prides itself on using clean, whole food organic ingredients—and that shows. The base blend includes:
Organic gluten-free rolled oats
Healing Herbs: Maca, Ashwagandha, Reishi, Ginger, Lion’s Mane
Seeds: Ground flax, Heirloom pumpkin seeds
Vitamin C: Camu camu, Goji Berries
Natural Sugars: Coconut sugar, figs and dates
Himalayan salt for electrolyte replacement and absorption
What I like:
No industrial seed oils, natural flavors, or synthetic vitamins (important for my MTHFR folks).
Fiber-rich seeds like chia and flax support digestion and hormone balance.
Coconut milk powder adds nourishing fats that help slow carb absorption—a win for blood sugar.
What I watch for:
Even natural sugars like dried fruit or maple sugar can spike blood glucose in some sensitive clients. Pairing this oatmeal with added protein or fat (think: pasture-raised collagen, a spoon of almond butter, or raw milk) can help blunt that spike.
My take: This is a carb-forward breakfast, but the added seeds and coconut fat help give it more staying power. I’d recommend increasing the protein—especially for blood sugar-sensitive or adrenal-fatigued individuals—by adding 1–2 scoops of protein or serving it alongside eggs. I used Promix chocolate in my own.
🌿 Holistic Highlights
✅ Supports Digestion: The combination of soluble and insoluble fiber supports healthy motility and feeds beneficial gut microbes. Great for anyone looking to gently nudge sluggish digestion.
✅ Blood Sugar Friendly (with tweaks): Without a protein or fat addition, the carb load may be too much for some. That said, it’s far better than instant oats or cereal thanks to the balance of whole food fats and fiber.
✅ Clean Ingredients: Minimal processing and organic sourcing (where applicable) make this a solid grab-and-go option for travel, postpartum, or busy mornings.
✨ Who I’d Recommend This For:
Busy parents or professionals needing a clean, quick option
Clients rebuilding digestion who don’t tolerate heavy breakfasts
Clients on elimination diets (it’s dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free)
❌ Who Might Need to Skip or Modify:
Those on very low-carb, ketogenic, or carnivore diets
Clients with Candida or high blood sugar who react to fruit sugars
Anyone needing more robust protein first thing in the morning, I recommend to try to it eat along side a meat!
🌟 Final Verdict
4.5/5 stars I didn’t love it first taste but am now OBSESSED! Earthmeal Oatmeal is thoughtfully crafted and aligned with many holistic nutrition principles. With a little personalization—especially adding protein—it can be a nourishing, grounding way to start the day. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, but it’s definitely a step up from conventional oatmeal.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking to level it up, try this: ➡️ Stir in collagen peptides + raw milk or kefir ➡️ Top with mineral-rich sea salt, cinnamon, and a spoon of tahini for added copper, magnesium, and fat.
Use the code: HOLISTICKATE for an additional 25% off 💖
The Calcium Shell & Digestion: When Protection Blocks Healing By Chronically Holistic
I’m a raw milk-drinking gal now—but before I got here, I had to break up a massive calcium shell.
For those unfamiliar, a calcium shell shows up when calcium levels are cellularly high—typically over 165 mg% on a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA). It’s one of the most common patterns I see in my practice, and it’s a major roadblock to healing that’s often missed or misunderstood.
If you’re stuck in your health journey despite doing “all the right things,” this might be the hidden culprit.
This blog is dedicated to unpacking what a calcium shell is, how it forms, and how we begin to gently break it down—so the body can move from survival mode back into a place of safety, connection, and real healing.
I believe the body always acts in service of survival—even when those protective mechanisms begin to interfere with your ability to heal and thrive. One of the most telling signs of long-standing emotional stress and unresolved trauma in the body is a mineral pattern known as the calcium shell.
This pattern can be detected through a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) and is a clear signal that the body is in a chronic state of overwhelm. If you’ve tried every healing protocol under the sun but still feel stuck—fatigued, foggy, disconnected—the calcium shell may be at the root.
What Is a Calcium Shell?
A calcium shell is a biochemical coping mechanism—a literal mineral shield that the body builds when it no longer feels safe. It’s most commonly the result of prolonged emotional stress or unresolved trauma, and it shows up as extremely high calcium levels on an HTMA (typically above 165 mg%).
Calcium is a naturally calming mineral, and in a high-stress environment, the body may use it to numb emotional pain and buffer itself from outside threats. Instead of depositing calcium where it belongs (in the bones and teeth), it begins to store it in soft tissues—like the joints, kidneys, arteries, brain, and even the thyroid.
This does not mean dairy or calcium is bad. It means you are not properly getting the calcium into the cells due to stress and depletions. I use diet, supplements and lifestyle adjustments to help “break” the calcium shell.
Emotional and Physical Signs of a Calcium Shell
People with a calcium shell often describe feeling emotionally flatlined or “frozen.” Symptoms may include:
Apathy, disconnection, numbness
Depression or low motivation
Brain fog
Withdrawal or isolation
Chronic fatigue
Joint and muscle pain
Cold hands and feet
Constipation and sluggish digestion
Hormonal imbalances
Physically, this misdirected calcium can contribute to or worsen conditions like:
Osteoporosis or osteopenia
Fibromyalgia
Hypothyroidism
Arthritis
Kidney stones or bone spurs
Heart disease (due to arterial calcification)
Poor dental health or premature graying
In essence, your body is trying to help you cope—but in doing so, it slows everything down. Metabolism, mood, motility… all become compromised in this “freeze” state.
How Does a Calcium Shell Develop?
The most common drivers of a calcium shell are:
Chronic, unrelenting stress
Unresolved emotional trauma
Incorrect supplementation (especially with calcium and vitamin D)
Excess dietary calcium from fortified foods or misguided supplementation for bone health
Many people unknowingly worsen a calcium shell by taking multivitamins or calcium supplements, especially when trying to reverse bone loss. But if calcium isn’t being directed properly—without adequate co-factors like vitamin K2 (MK-7), vitamin A, and iodine—it ends up where it shouldn’t be.
Healing the Calcium Shell: A Slow, Gentle Process
Breaking up a calcium shell requires time, safety, and support. As the shell begins to dissolve, long-buried emotions may resurface. This is why working with a trained practitioner who understands the emotional and biochemical layers of healing is essential.
We begin by gently supporting the body’s ability to redirect calcium into the bones. This often involves:
Supplementing with vitamin K2 (MK-7)—without vitamin D
Supporting detox pathways and drainage
Addressing emotional root causes through trauma-informed practices
Making dietary shifts to rebalance minerals
Slowly reintroducing a sense of safety into the nervous system
As the body unravels the protective calcium shell, you may notice temporary detox symptoms like joint pain, mood swings, or migraines. These are signs the body is mobilizing stored materials and emotions. This work is deep, and it requires your gentleness and patience.
Awareness Is the First Step
Most people think more calcium is always better, but that’s only true if your body is placing it where it belongs. If you feel like something deeper is keeping you stuck in your healing journey, it may be time to consider HTMA testing.
Unlike blood work, which gives a snapshot of a single day, the HTMA provides a three-month view of mineral trends in the body. It not only tells us how much calcium is present, but also where the body is directing it—and whether it’s time to gently dismantle the shell.
Ready to Learn More?
At Chronically Holistic, I offer HTMA testing as a standalone option or as part of a multi-month healing program. If you’re curious whether a calcium shell may be holding back your progress—or want to explore how stress and mineral imbalance might be playing a role in your symptoms—let’s talk.
Reach out via our contact page or email us directly at ChronicallyHolistic@gmail.com
You were built to heal. Sometimes, you just need the right map—and someone who knows how to read it.
This is the last full moon of 2024. This one is called the Cold Moon.
I always release my fears and self expectations with a full moon. I treat it as a cleansing period every month, and this month is a yearly synopsis.
Ask yourself:
What fears did you over come in 2024?
What fears do you want to leave in 2024?
Notice what comes to mind. Journal or sit with it 🧘🏻♀️ 🧠.
For me 2024 was facing my fears and living them. I have actually never felt more myself ever.
The other side of fear is beautiful. Living and feeling safe is a basic requirement that many of us do not prioritize.
It was a difficult, yet, successful year.
I got divorced. I successfully lived on my own for the first time ever. It was different yes, but empowering, fun and rewarding.
You have to love yourself before you love others properly. Loving yourself is not a black and white thing.
Understanding your needs and boundaries is a skill that not all understand. I surely didn’t for years. As long as your needs and wants are reachable and achievable, there is nothing wrong for wanting to meet your wants and desire.
Stop doing things you don’t want to, multiple times a day everyday. Your body cannot heal while in a chronic state of stress. This is why diet and lifestyle are equally important.
I may have taken the path of most resistance, but I feel like myself. I am helping others come in to their body. I am thankful for all paths I have crossed with and continue to cross.
Full Moon Ritual 🔥
Please write your fears and burn them and discard of the ashes outside of your home.
Sit outside, stretch, sing, hum. Do whatever feels comforting.
You can bring crystals out to charge and burn fresh herbs to assist with healing.
Chant out loud a mantra or use mine: “I let go of what no longer is serving me, I am worthy of love, peace and happiness”.
For those of you who haven’t been a long for the ride, my business, my career all started with my blogging my feelings during my pain journey.
This little glimmer of hope that one day I would figure out my pain.
Well here we are, on the other side of it, still battling pain. This time not physical but the raw emotional pain I have been numbed to for years.
Growing up I was always criticized for taking everything too heart. No one intends to do this— but here we are.
Well I did literally take it all too heart. I am emotional and it led me to overthink my life. I now know my personality type (thanks Enneagram testing) and my well being thrives over feeling those big emotions, deep connections and authenticity.
—My normalcy depended on what I felt shamed for.
Well here I am, almost 30 questioning my entire mindset on everything.
I slowly have been awakened, as I have healed from years of unbearable pain, numbness and suffering.
At a young age, I convinced myself that I didn’t think right, and to feel shame for feeling all my feelings. So I turned inward, I became numb, angry and annoyed at the world.
I used drugs and heck yes I partied- but that only fed that criticized your not worthy little girl vibe I felt I deserved to live in.
I mean you are the worse, so might as well act as one right? Then the only person (who I thought) understood the child me was killed by a drug addict.
I got my act together real quick, but that shamed guilty little girl still felt like deserved it.
So she ignored the incredible amount of pain I suffered from. Until my labs didn’t show normal I believed literal it was in my head you crazy girl- you should be ashamed.
The shame and guilt that became my normal throughout life and I am just realizing how much of myself I lost to fear.
It is no secret I am going through a lot right now. However I come out of it, it all happened for a reason.
It may have taken me way longer than I would have asked, but my pain made me stronger. It made me realize who I am. It made me this passionate business women, mother and person.
I am struggling on letting that girl shine, because she has hurt so many people along her way trying to find her. But I am no longer guilty. I release the shame and these feeling that no longer serve me.
Thank you for those who have supported this glimmer that has created this empowering business.
The food pyramid has changed at least four times since I have been on this planet. Eating ancestrally and real food is always what our bodies have and will always need. Enriched flours, cereals and processed foods have no business in our “food pyramid” or daily lives. The new pyramid is all about money. The creators are recommending ‘profitable’ foods in new food pyramid that have little to low nutrition.
This is the new recommendation floating around and by no ways endorsed or supported by me or my community.
Let’s break down this government recommended “health foods” label:
We will discuss how can this possibly be recommended as the third healthy food on the above chart?
Frosted mini wheats first ingredient is “whole wheat” which sounds healthy, but it is non organic so sprayed with glyphosate which has been shown to increase your chance of cancer by 41%, heck no. Learn more about gluten, glyphosate and GMO crops on my gluten debate blog.
Sugar as the second ingredient. This is inflammatory and addicting. It is in a processed form and not even a natural form that has some benefits, another big no.
Brown rice syrup and Corn syrup...more sugar and non organic so there is more glyphosate in that crop as well as the GMO corn used. Come on, are we seriously surprised we have chronic inflammation and obesity yet?
Natural and artificial flavorings are one of the first things I tell my clients to avoid. There is nothing natural about them. It is a chemical compound on average made up of 600 things in a formulation that contains preservatives, emulsifiers, solvents and other additives. This taxes the body and digestive system to break down something nothing close to natural.
Gelatin from a non grass-fed cow, so basically bones of a animal fed GMO corn and injected hormones or antibiotics, again no thank you! Grass-fed gelatin can have a great healing component to your body (I talk about this on the supplement page), but not in this form.
Soybean Oil and other vegetable oils are another thing I take my clients away from right away. Read my Fat Debate blog to learn more about healthy fats. Fats have became a fear mongered sales pitch over the last twenty years. This soybean oil is again made from GMO crops, extremally inflammatory and unstable and in a lot of processed foods.
Dyes have no nutritional use at all. Not naturally occurring colors are linked to many neurologic disorders. I honestly believe half of the AHD or Spectrum disorders could be mis diagnosed due to the ingestion of ingredients like these in many popular kids foods.
Preservatives such asBHTin this product work to preserve foods, but have heavier side affects than it is worth. There are questionable connection’s to cancer. Many of us are not healthy enough to be exposed to these chemicals as frequently as we are.
Real food such as eggs, dairy and meat are marked as a low nutrient dense food.
This angers me beyond all measures. In no way should processed foods be ranked higher than real foods. As discussed above they are pumped full of artificial ingredients, and then enriched with vitamins and minerals to help off set some of the oxidation and damage done by simply ingesting them. Enrichment in your food is not usually a good thing.
I do believe you should always strive to buy the highest quality protein and animal products. This meaning grass-fed or pasture raised and then organic if you can afford it. Animals that eat grass and natural elements have much higher nutrition. Similarly, grass fed animals cause less inflammation and cortisol spikes than conventional meats do. Conventional animals are fed GMO Corn and kept inhumanely in barns. Subsequently, they are pumped full of antibiotics and steroids. Over 65% of antibiotics in the world are used on animals, that is saying a lot since we overuse antibiotics as humans.
My food recommendations:
No two humans are a like. Your bodies nutrient requirements and metabolic needs will not be the same as mine. Below is a range of macronutrients with healthy examples of each I give my clients to start with. I tell them to tweak it as they feel better after a certain combination.
I offer Hair Tissue Mineral Testing (HTMA) that helps target in your metabolic and nutrient needs to a more bio-individual level, but by working 1:1 we can usually figure out your bodies needs.
I do not think there is a “pyramid” example, as all meals should be balanced with carbohydrates, fats and protein. Eating just protein is just as harmful as eating all processed carbs.
CARBOHYDRATEs 22-40%
Starchy vegetables and soaked whole grains are a great part of an individuals diet. We have been taught to fear carbohydrates alongside fats. These keep us full and help provide fiber to feed the good gut bugs in our microbiome. Quality is important, processed white bread is not a good choice as it is not complex but a simple carbohydrate.
Vegetables & Fruit: Local, in-season vegetables and fruits, with an emphasis on whole foods (avoid juices to retain fiber). Choose organic when possible, especially when consuming skins.
Tubers & Squash: Local, in-season sweet potato, yams, taro, plantains, pumpkin, parsnips, rutabaga, etc. Organic is preferable, especially if eating the skins. Especially important for active, pregnant, or breastfeeding individuals.
Grains & Legumes: Whole, organic, and properly prepared grains and legumes such as wild rice, quinoa, black beans, chickpeas, etc. Only consume if well tolerated and preferably after being soaked, sprouted, or fermented.
FATS 28-58%
Fat is a vital building block and source of energy in the body. Our goal should be a 1:1 ratio of omega-3s and omega-6s in our diets. Today that ratio looks more like 15:1. Decreasing Omega 6s and 9s are important as we overconsume nuts and seed oils in processed foods.
Polyunsaturated Fats (PUFAS) : These fats are beneficial but should be on the lower end of our fat percentage. Learn more on my fat debate blog.
Omega-3s: Wild-caught fish & oils (e.g. mackerel, salmon, cod, herring, sardines & anchovies), egg yolks, walnuts and natto.
Dairy: Organic, raw, full-fat, 100% grass-fed or pasture-raised milk products (e.g. cream, milk, cheese, cottage cheese, etc.). Only consume if well tolerated.
Nuts, Seeds & Legumes: Organic soaked & sprouted nuts, seeds in moderation if tolerated
Deep Breaths.
I tell my clients to keep track of there meals at first. Once they feel satisfied, energetic with no craving, you found your bodies macronutrients current need. This may be completely overwhelming to some, or you may be very well versed in the marketing that has been done to us surrounding food. If you would like to learn more and feel confident on buying food and supporting your family, I highly recommend buying and completing my self paced Foundation of Health Course. You can buy the entire course or the module subject that interests you the most. More information is on the “How to Work With Me” tab above.
Eat Well, Be Well, Live Well
Thank you for reading and your support. If you enjoy what you read please comment below and subscribe to my email list for more frequent business updates, health tips, and recipes.
The HPA Axis stands for: the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, As the name implies it involves the hypothalamus, the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, and the adrenal glands. This is a main component of the stress response. Our thyroid is also connected and affected by the release of the hormones from our stress response. Due to our busy stressful lives, diet and environment our HPA axis is usually skewed and working in a high stress mode. Stress can come in many forms. Whether it be physical, such as injury and illness, or emotional, the body perceives stress as a threat to homeostasis. Poor sugar regulation is a huge factor in the HPA disruption.
According to The American Journal of Medicine, dysfunction of the HPA axis arises from a multifactorial interaction between both internal and external stressors. These includeongoing psychological stress, poor dietary patterns, circadian rhythm disruption, and environmental influences.
Treatment focuses on individualized, patient-centered strategies that incorporate mind-body practices, nutrition and lifestyle modifications, targeted nutraceutical support, and adaptogenic herbs—all working synergistically to restore physiological balance and enhance the body’s resilience to stress.
Blood Sugar Regulation
You don’t have to be diabetic to have uncontrolled blood sugar. Many of us do not properly pair our food choices with the proper protein, fats and carbs needed for our metabolism and have spikes and dips in our blood sugar multiple times daily.
Every time your blood sugar drops from eating an unbalanced meal or processed sugar or processed carb meal your body needs to bring it down. This is extremally taxing on a body, and most people live like this. It brings it down by releasing insulin from the pancreas, the pancreas then releases glucagon to bring it back up but it is usually not enough.
This is when you feel shaky and no matter what you eat you feel “odd” your body then goes into a fight or flight mode and your adrenals release epinephrine and cortisol to bring up the blood sugar.
It is an exhausting cycle that burns through your glucose stores and stresses out your cycle. The cycle that helps regulate your stress hormones is called the HPA Axis.
When blood sugar is imbalanced you cannot balance this axis, this leaves you in a chronic stressed unable to digest and cellular work properly state.
For the HPA axis to work, the body must first feel safe. We are becoming well-versed that our hormones are out of whack, but the harder thing to deal with is trauma. Trauma looks different for everyone. By restoring your minerals and working through mental blocks you can get your body into a healthy parasympathetic safe state again.
We are all familiar with the term “hormones”. Hormones are released from our endocrine system and the HPA axis is a triangle of three key endocrine glands that help the body regulate cortisol levels (our stress hormone) and maintain homeostasis.
When trauma is left unresolved and/or blood sugar is left uncontrolled hormones like the the ones that are involved in the HPA axis and Thyroid hormones become less important cease to function.
Responding to stress
When the body is exposed to a stressor our brain signals neurotransmitters which activates the HPA axis starting with the hypothalamus. Hormones such as the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is released which then targets the anterior pituitary gland where receptors are kept. This then stimulates the production and secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) into general circulation of your body. ACTH then binds to receptors on the adrenal cortex and stimulates the synthesis and release of glucocorticoids. The one we are familiar with specifically cortisol (known as the stress hormone). Epinephrine then triggers, glycogenolysis, gluconeogenesis, and lipolysis. Blood sugar rises and CRH & ACTH are suppressed via a negative feedback loop attempting to bring the body back to homeostasis. Insulin is then released to decrease to bring back down the sugar which we then usually reach for that sugar and fire our adrenals and fire more cortisol and repeat a dangerous cycle.
In response to cortisol the body induces a number of metabolic effects in order to restore the body back to homeostasis. Cortisol’s response in the body :
Increases blood glucose concentration by activating enzymes in gluconeogenesis and inhibiting the uptake of glucose in peripheral tissues
Stimulate inflammation by reacting to of cytokine receptors,
Ultimately, this means an imbalance in homeostasis results in an imbalance in the hormones discussed above. This results in blood sugar dysregulation as well as potential thyroid hormone levels resulting in hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Although a supplement may decrease the tilt of the axis the solution is finding the root cause and stressor. We can then live in a chronic sympathetic state (fight or flight) and have a miscommunication between the HPA-axis with dysregulated blood sugar.
So, you know that being “hangry” and feeling those blood sugar spikes/dips are not normal, but now you know what it is doing on a hormonal and cellular level in your body.
How to improve your HPA Axis:
Work on your blood sugar regulation by eating a whole food nutrient dense diet with balanced minerals and macronutrients. That is where working with a professional like an NTP comes in. After analyzing your food and mood journal and NAQ we can come up with a bio-individualized way of eating for you.
Sleep Hygiene: Screens off before bed to decrease stimulation as well as activities to activate the parasympathetic nervous system. This can include dry brushing, vagal nerve exercises, yoga, meditating, breathing techniques or journaling.
Routine: Your body and adrenals especially love routine. Eating around the same time, having morning and evening rituals so your body expects what is coming and how to react. Versus the constant unknown, rushing and surge of stress hormones.
I hope this is informative and able to help you heal. May the root cause be physical, emotional, or nutritional (the link to everything). I hope you are able to be more aware and intuitive to make changes in your body.
References:
An Integrative Approach to HPA Axis Dysfunction: From Recognition to RecoveryRing, MelindaThe American Journal of Medicine, Volume 138, Issue 10, 1451 – 1463
Smith, S. M., & Vale, W. W. (2006). The role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in neuroendocrine responses to stress. Dialogues in clinical neuroscience, 8(4), 383–395. https://doi.org/10.31887/DCNS.2006.8.4/ssmith
Stephens MA, Wand G. Stress and the HPA axis: role of glucocorticoids in alcohol dependence. Alcohol Res. 2012;34(4):468-83. PMID: 23584113; PMCID: PMC3860380.
Chronically Holistic 