How Stress, Inflammation & Circadian Rhythm Affect Your Health During the Holidays (with Functional Nutritionist Christa Biegler)

In this jam-packed, practical, and surprisingly fun episode, Samantha sits down with functional nutritionist and inflammation specialist Christa Biegler for a deep—yet totally doable—conversation on staying healthy through the chaos of the holiday season.Christa breaks down how stress really impacts the immune system, why digestion and cortisol can tank this time of year, and the small five-minutes-or-less habits that actually make a difference.They dive into mouth taping, immunoglobulins, circadian rhythm disruption, seasonal foods, digestion hacks, electrolyte balance, PCOS inflammation links, and the realities of parenting in high-stress seasons.By the end, you’ll walk away with realistic strategies, grounded science, and permission to simplify your health goals during the busiest time of year.
🔗 Links Mentioned in the Episode

Christa Biegler
 • Website: https://www.christabiegler.com
• About Christa: https://www.christabiegler.com/about
• Book – The Eczema Relief Diet & Cookbook: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B085DKC7Y6
• Podcast – The Less Stressed Life: https://www.lessstressedlife.com


Brands, Tools & Resources Discussed
 • Ladder Fitness App: https://www.joinladder.com
• Davidson’s Organics Tea (Christmas Tea): https://www.davidsonstea.com
• Good Earth “Sweet & Spicy” Tea: https://www.goodearth.com
• Immunoglobulin supplement info (ImmunoLin®): https://www.enteranutritionals.com/immunolin
• Full-spectrum light therapy lamps: search “10,000 lux light” on Amazon
• Dead Sea / Epsom salts for recovery
• Mouth taping (first-aid/transport tape): typical medical-grade tapes on Amazon or pharmacy
• Electrolytes (high sodium + potassium options): LMNT, Redmond Re-Lyte, etc.
🧠 What We Cover (Timestamps)

Highlights include:

• Stress + immune function during the holidays
• Immunoglobulins and why support matters in cold/flu season
• Mouth taping for deeper sleep (and why it works)
• Supporting digestion when eating differently during the holidays
• Bitters, fennel, enzymes & after-dinner tea
• Cortisol spikes, exercise timing & helpful hacks
• The role of light exposure on hormone balance
• Reducing blue light + red light mode on your phone
• Eating seasonally for microbiome diversity
• Parenting overwhelm, reactivity, and energy drains
• Five-minute practices to regulate your nervous system
• Seasonal rhythms + giving yourself permission to rest