Have you ever felt like you just breathe easier when you step outside? There's a reason for that—and it’s much deeper than simply “liking” nature.

In this episode, we dive into why humans are biologically wired to crave nature and what happens when we ignore that inner pull for too long.

We’ll explore the science behind Nature Deficit Disorder, the powerful mind-body effects of spending time outside, and how reconnecting with the natural world can support emotional, metabolic, and immune health—especially after breast cancer.

You'll hear about:

• What Nature Deficit Disorder is and why it matters
• The science behind our innate drive to seek connection with the earth
• How chronic indoor living impacts your stress levels, sleep, mood, and immunity
• Why just 120 minutes of nature exposure per week can boost your health (Scientific Reports study)
• What happens in your brain when you spend time outside (NIH article on reduced rumination)
• Practical, simple ways to reconnect with nature no matter where you live

🌿 Ready to feel calmer, clearer, and more connected?
Tune in and rediscover the natural healing that's been waiting for you all along.

Resources and Studies Mentioned in This Episode:

• Scientific Reports: Spending 120 Minutes in Nature Each Week Is Linked to Better Health
• NIH: Nature Walks Reduce Rumination and Negative Thinking
• Current Biology: Camping Resets Circadian Rhythms for Better Sleep
• PubMed: Forest Environments Increase Natural Killer Cell Activity

💌 Join my email list for weekly wellness tips & podcast updates → The Breast Cancer Recovery Coach

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🎥 Watch on YouTube → @BetterThanBeforeBreastCancer

Do you think it’s normal to feel discomfort in your body?

Or do you recognize discomfort as your body’s attempt to communicate with you?

In this thought-provoking episode, I challenge the idea that our bodies betray us.

We’ll talk about how we've been conditioned to ignore discomfort, push through pain, and normalize symptoms like bloating, fatigue, inflammation, and poor sleep—until something more serious forces us to listen.

I’ll share my personal experiences and real-life stories—including the heartbreaking loss of my brother to a curable cancer—to illustrate why tuning into your body’s signals matters now, not later.

I’ll walk you through the challenges of behavior change, the role of chronic stress in disconnecting us from our own bodies, and how mindfulness can help us rebuild trust and awareness.

This episode isn’t just for breast cancer survivors—it’s for everyone who wants to live a more connected, healthy, and intentional life.

🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why people wait until illness to seek help (and what it’s costing them)
• How chronic stress numbs our ability to recognize body signals
• The psychology of behavior change and why we resist it
• Why your “normal” symptoms might actually be warning signs
• How to shift from blaming your body to supporting it with compassion

💬 Memorable Quote:

“Let’s drop the idea that our body betrays us—and start asking it what it’s trying to say.”

🧠 Scientific Research Cited:

1. Chronic Stress Reduces Interoceptive Awareness:
   “Stress and Interoception: An Overview and Research Agenda”
   Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 2016
   📖 https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2016.00569/full
2. Stages of Change and Behavior Change Readiness:
   “Stages and Processes of Self-Change of Smoking: Toward An Integrative Model of Change”
   Prochaska & DiClemente, Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 1983
   📖 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7077052/
3. Cancer Diagnosis Delays Due to Symptom Normalization:
   “Understanding delay in cancer diagnosis: a review of diagnostic pathways”
   Br J Cancer, 2009
   📖 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2946132/
4. Mindfulness and Interoception for Healing:
   “Mindfulness-Based Interventions and Interoception: A Neurobiological Perspective”
   NIH, 2016
   📖 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4824261/

🤝Work with Laura:

Subscribe, listen, and share to help other women embrace joy as their right and not just a reward.

💌 Join my email list for weekly wellness tips & podcast updates → The Breast Cancer Recovery Coach

👩‍💻 Follow me on Instagram for daily inspiration → @thebreastcancerrecoverycoach

👩‍💻 Follow me on Facebook → The Breast Cancer Recovery Coach

🎙 Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts → Better Than Before Breast Cancer with The Breast Cancer Recovery Coach

🎥 Watch on YouTube → @BetterThanBeforeBreastCancer

In this episode of the Better Than Before Breast Cancer podcast, we're diving into how common post-treatment medications—like Tamoxifen, Aromatase Inhibitors (Letrozole, Anastrozole, Exemestane), Herceptin, Fulvestrant, and Bisphosphonates (like Fosamax and Reclast)—can deplete critical nutrients your body needs to feel good and stay strong.

Have you ever wondered if the medications you're taking after breast cancer treatment could be affecting your energy, mood, or even your bone health? You're not imagining things.

You'll learn:

• Which nutrients are most commonly depleted by these medications (like magnesium, vitamin D, calcium, B12, and CoQ10)
• The symptoms that may be tied to nutrient deficiencies (think fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, and more)
• How some medications may increase cholesterol levels or raise your risk of fatty liver
• Why supporting your body with the right foods and lifestyle habits can make all the difference

Plus, I’ll share simple, whole-food nutrition strategies and daily lifestyle tips that can help you feel more energized, support your bones, balance your mood, and reduce long-term side effects—without adding overwhelm.

Whether you’re taking medications now or just want to be prepared, this episode is packed with practical, supportive guidance to help you stay nourished and in tune with your healing body.

Resources and Studies Mentioned:

Tamoxifen and Metabolic Risks

Aromatase Inhibitors and Bone Health

Bisphosphonates and Bone Metabolism

Fulvestrant and Bone Health

Herceptin and CoQ10 Support

Metformin and Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Subscribe, listen, and share to help other women embrace joy as their right and not just a reward.

💌 Join my email list for weekly wellness tips & podcast updates → The Breast Cancer Recovery Coach
👩‍💻 Follow me on Instagram for daily inspiration → @thebreastcancerrecoverycoach
🎙 Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts → Better Than Before Breast Cancer with The Breast Cancer Recovery Coach

Keywords:
breast cancer medications, tamoxifen nutrient depletion, aromatase inhibitor side effects, breast cancer bone health, post-treatment nutrition, breast cancer fatigue, Herceptin side effects, bisphosphonates and calcium, breast cancer recovery tips, managing cholesterol after cancer