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Hey there!

I'm Leah,

Certified Nutrition Coach & Menopause Specialist

If you are over 40 and fed up with all the fad diets, tired of doing all the "right things" yet not getting results, then you're in the right place. Let's work together to reclaim your sleep, mood, energy, and waistline.

TOP RESOURCES

Podcast:

Women Aging
Powerfully

Curious about unlocking the secrets to thriving through menopause? Each episode features dynamic discussions with top thought leaders in women's health, diving into crucial topics often overlooked by many health providers—nutrition, fitness, hormones, stress management, sleep and more.

This isn't just about aging gracefully; it’s about aging powerfully!

Free Guide:

The Secret to Hormone Balance is Cortisol Management

Do you feel stressed out all the time? Are you tired of feeling tired? Do you feel like you are either at the point of crying or yelling?

You are not alone, and if you're a women over 40, this is actually a common feeling! While you can’t get rid of stress altogether, you can change your lifestyle to help manage your cortisol levels, which is the first step to balancing hormones. In this guide, we’ll cover 7 habits to build your stress resiliency and get cortisol in a healthy range.

Free Guide:

Pantry Detox Guide

Is your pantry a source of NOURISHMENT or TOXICITY for your family?

The good news? I've created a simple guide that exposes the most dangerous ingredients lurking in your pantry right now.

Even better - I'll show you exactly what to swap them with so you can keep making your favorite recipes without the toxic aftermath.

The FREE Ultimate Pantry Detox Guide!

You need this guide to find and remove the hidden toxins and detrimental ingredients that are wreaking havoc on your family's health right now.

recent posts

Anxiety Sucks & Depression is a Symptom - What Your Doc Won't Tell You Brandy Zachary #039

Anxiety Sucks & Depression is a Symptom - What Your Doc Won't Tell You Brandy Zachary #039

July 23, 20254 min read

About My Guest

Dr. Brandy Zachary, DC, IFMCP, known by her colleagues and patients as “Dr. Z,” is a powerful and unique Functional Medicine teacher, a successful fifth-generation female entrepreneur, & award-winning practice owner. Her most recent launch in Functional Medicine went from $0-$7 million in one year! She just won the highly coveted 2 Comma Award, earned by less than 1% of online teachers and coaches.

But what I love most about Dr Z and what I truly saw as her superpower is that she LOVES teaching women about their bodies and mental health revelations that are rarely shared.

She currently lives on the Caribbean coast of Mexico with her husband and daughter, a wild puppy pack of 3 dogs, and one grumpy cat.

Dr. Z has taught classes for or been interviewed by IFM (Institute for Functional Medicine), Rupa Health, Designs for Health, 3x4 Genetics, SIBO SOS, Health Means, SIBO Doctor, and more. She regularly teaches a multidisciplinary audience, including MD, DO, DC, ND, FNP, RN, PharmD, LAc, and other nutritional practitioners.

She has previously published peer-reviewed literature and created a unique personality profiling system published by McGraw-Hill, NY, which was a best-seller and won awards in sales. She is the creator of the LabDX software, which has revolutionized Functional Medicine lab analysis and is the first of its kind worldwide.

Summary

Discover the hidden truths about anxiety and depression that could transform your approach to mental health. In this revealing conversation, host Leah Vachani interviews Dr. Brandy Zachary, a functional medicine expert who challenges conventional thinking about mental health treatment.

Dr. Z shares her personal journey through health crises that led her to uncover the root causes of mental health issues, emphasizing why depression should be understood as a symptom rather than a standalone condition. This discussion is particularly relevant for women facing unique mental health challenges, especially during menopause and hormonal transitions.

Key Topics Covered:

  • The multifaceted causes of depression including hormonal imbalances, gut health, and lifestyle factors

  • Why anxiety rates are skyrocketing among women

  • The crucial role of patient empowerment in healthcare

  • How food and nutrition directly impact mental wellness

  • Understanding the microbiome's connection to anxiety and depression

  • The link between chronic inflammation and cognitive decline

  • Practical strategies for finding healthcare practitioners who truly listen

Powerful Insights:

"Depression is just a symptom" - Dr. Z explains how this reframe can revolutionize your healing journey

"Food is the crux of everything" - Discover the profound connection between nutrition and mental health

"You have to drive the questions" - Learn why patient advocacy is essential for better outcomes

This episode offers hope and practical guidance for women ready to move beyond surface-level treatments and address the root causes of their mental health challenges through functional medicine and holistic approaches.

Perfect for: Women struggling with anxiety and depression, those interested in functional medicine, health practitioners seeking root cause solutions, and anyone ready to take charge of their mental wellness journey.

Where to Listen/Watch:

🎧 Listen on Spotify

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcast

The information provided during this podcast is for educational purposes only. The speaker may be a licensed medical professional and may present case studies of actual patients or refer to patients' treatment during the program. Please be reminded that the Scope of Practice for Holistic Nutrition Professionals prevents us from diagnosing, preventing, treating, curing, prescribing, managing, or healing disease. Holistic Nutrition Professionals are not licensed in any state and work with clients, not patients.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Brandy Zachary

02:55 Dr. Z's Journey to Functional Medicine

07:05 Understanding Anxiety and Depression

11:46 The Misunderstanding of Depression

20:33 Root Causes of Depression

21:25 Women, Aging, and Mental Health

24:12 Empowering Yourself for Better Health

28:35 Hope and Transformation in Healing

Resources

Dr. Z's website: https://thedrz.com/

NEED MORE HELP? Not sure where to start? 

Here are some TOP resources to help you NOW!

STEP 1: Learn MORE from the Women Aging Powerfully Podcast

STEP 2: Connect with me on Instagram or Youtube, join the Women Aging Powerfully Facebook Community

STEP 3: Kickstart your weight loss goals and get epic results: The CGM Metabolic Makeover (Let's do this together!)

STEP 4: Lets chat about how I can further help you by booking a free

10-min Fast-Action Coaching Call here

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Leah Vachani

Certified Nutritionist & Menopause Specialist

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4-Week Total Body Reset Challenge

This is not another challenge that you start and don't finish! The 4-week TBR Challenge will kickstart your weight loss, bring a glow to your ski7, and help give you that boost in energy level you need to feel freaking amazing!

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You’ve tried dieting a million times.

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What it's like to work with Leah

Kim Morrow

I am so much more conscious of what I am putting into my body and I actually feel really empowered and good about myself by saying no to the foods that are not good for me. At Dinner the other night, my husband and kids kept asking me to try one french fry or one bite of their dessert, and I just smiled and said 'no thank you'.

Marisa Lonic

With 20+ post partum pounds, I was looking for a program to help me. I was blown away working with Leah. I lost 9 pounds, felt less tired and formed healthy habits that are now j7st part of my new normal.

Jonelle Fernandes

My whole adult life I have struggled with eating healthy, never really feeling satisfied and giving in to very unhealthy choices. Leah is a phenomenal wealth of knowledge and support when it comes to nutrition. It is because of her programs that I am FINALLY eating healthy on a regular basis! I feel the best I’ve ever felt, I have more energy, better sleep, less inflammation, better skin, and a better mood! Not to mention, I lost 11 pounds and the weight is continuing to come off!

Meet Kathy

She conquered 20+ years of debilitating joint pain after completing the 4-Week Total Body Reset Challenge!

Menopause is inevitable.

Suffering is optional.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. This information is not intended to replace a one on one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. Leah Vachani encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional. The entire contents of this document are based upon the opinions of Leah Vachani, unless otherwise noted. *I have teamed up with businesses and products that I love and may receive compensation for products I review on this site at no additional cost to you.

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