Add Row 
Add 
Our guest this week, Victoria Curtis, is a nutritionist with a Master’s degree in Nutrition and the founder of Chasing Carrots, a Substack dedicated to gut health, hormone balance, and holistic wellness education. Her journey began as a patient—struggling with painful periods, IBS, depression, and food sensitivities—before discovering the healing power of food and functional medicine. Now, she’s on a mission to empower women with practical strategies and gut–hormone knowledge rooted in both science and lived experience.
Episode Description:
In this heartfelt and empowering episode of the Larson Health Podcast, Kim Larson sits down with nutritionist Victoria Curtis to unpack the complex journey of hormone imbalance, gut dysfunction, and healing after hormonal birth control. From painful teenage periods to an IBS diagnosis and finally reclaiming her health through whole food nutrition, Victoria’s story shines a light on how deeply connected our gut, brain, and hormones truly are.
This conversation is a must-listen for any woman navigating symptoms like bloating, fatigue, depression, or food sensitivities—and wondering if there’s a better way.
Key Takeaways:
The "healthy" lifestyle can be misleading: Exercise and clean eating don't guarantee hormonal balance—especially when foundational gut health is neglected.
Hormonal birth control is not a fix-all: It can suppress ovulation, disrupt gut flora, deplete nutrients, and lead to mood disorders, yet is often overprescribed without informed consent.
IBS and leaky gut often stem from deeper issues: Birth control, medications, stress, and restrictive eating can contribute to chronic inflammation and digestive distress.
Healing begins with food—and curiosity: Small, intentional changes like adding probiotic-rich foods, omega-3s, and anti-inflammatory ingredients can support gut restoration and hormone regulation.
The gut-brain connection is real: With 90–95% of serotonin produced in the gut, digestive health has a profound impact on mood and mental clarity.
Women’s bodies need nourishment, not deprivation: Undereating and cutting food groups harm hormonal health. Instead, focus on protein, fiber, and variety—especially during different cycle phases.
Birth control myths debunked: It does not "regulate" hormones—it masks symptoms. True regulation comes from understanding and supporting the body’s natural rhythms.
Symptoms are data: Acne, mood swings, painful periods, and food intolerances are your body’s way of asking for support, not signs to be silenced.
Write A Comment