Perimenopause and menopause don’t mean your body is “failing”—they’re often your body asking for a new kind of support.

In this episode, I’m joined by two trusted South Florida wellness leaders: Rebecca Kastin (functional nutrition + mind-body eating coach) and Heather Marcus Berg (yoga + meditation + Buteyko breathwork instructor). Together, we unpack what’s really happening in midlife—and the small, practical shifts that help women feel balanced again.

We talk about:

• Why “meno belly,” hot flashes, brain fog, and sleep disruption are often connected
• The #1 mistake women make with food in midlife (and what to do instead)
• How meal sequencing can help stabilize blood sugar and support hormones
• Why progesterone/estrogen shifts can change breathing patterns—and how that impacts anxiety and sleep
• Buteyko breathwork basics: nasal breathing, nervous system regulation, and micro-practices you can actually stick with
• Why healing isn’t all-or-nothing: small daily shifts create real change

If you’ve been told everything is “normal” but you don’t feel normal—this conversation will help you feel seen, supported, and empowered with a clear next step.

Resources

• Rebecca Casten: https://rebeccakastincoaching.com/
• Heather Berg: https://soulgardenyoga.com/ | @soulgardenyoga.wellness
• Learn more about The Inflammation Code: https://theinflammationcode.com
• Take The Dosha Quiz: https://shivanigupta.com
• This Episode is Sponsor By: Fusionary Formulas , shop at www.fusionaryformulas.com Use code CODE15 for a 15% off on your first order

Today is a celebration—The Inflammation Code is officially out. In this special “flip-the-script” episode, Dr. Shivani Gupta’s mentor and friend Kiran Krishnan interviews her about the book, the science behind turmeric and inflammation, and the deeper Ayurvedic framework that makes healing feel personal and doable. Together they explore elemental design (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), the role of circadian rhythm, why stress creates mental inflammation, and how small daily choices build real resilience over time.

Key Takeaways

• Turmeric can be powerful, but form + absorption + lifestyle context matter.
• Your healing plan isn’t one-size-fits-all—your elemental design changes how you eat, rest, and recover.
• Circadian rhythm isn’t a trend—alignment with nature supports repair and inflammation clearance.
• Chronic stress can become “mental inflammation,” lowering resilience and disrupting gut/immune balance.
• The goal isn’t perfection—it’s rhythm, consistency, and safety in the body.

Links & Resources Mentioned

• Learn more about the book: www.theinflammationcode.com
• Dr. Shivani Gupta: www.shivanigupta.com
• Follow Kiran Krishnan on IG: @KiranBioMe

Gentle Listener Invitation

If you’re someone who’s tried “everything” and still feels inflamed or stuck, this episode is an invitation to come back to the basics—through a personalized lens. Consider listening with a notebook nearby and choosing one small ritual to start with this week.

Welcome to the next chapter. In this first episode of The Inflammation Code, Dr. Shivani Gupta shares why the podcast is evolving from Fusionary Health into a focused space for decoding inflammation as a message, not a malfunction. You’ll learn why “more information” isn’t the answer when you feel off, how symptoms often share a common thread, and why healing works best through small, steady rituals that create safety in the body—where real change can finally begin.

Key Takeaways

• Your body is not broken. It’s adapting and communicating.
• When you shift from “What’s wrong with me?” to “What am I responding to?” healing gets clearer.
• Healing isn’t an event—it’s a process, and more specifically, a rhythm.
• Consistency creates safety. Safety allows your systems to soften.
• You’re not late, and you’re not failing—you’re learning a new language.

This is for you if you’ve ever felt like something was off—even when you were told everything looked fine. If you’re thoughtful, curious, and tired of guessing… you’re in the right place.

Your body has been communicating with you this whole time. This podcast is here to help you understand what it’s been saying—one small, daily ritual at a time.

Resources

• The Inflammation Code (book) — Dr. Gupta recommends reading and applying the principles throughout the year as the podcast expands on the book’s wisdom. Order Here: https://www.theinflammationcode.com
• Learn More About Our Host: https://shivanigupta.com/
• This Episode is Sponsor By: Fusionary Formulas , shop at www.fusionaryformulas.com Use code CODE15 for a 15% off on your first order