Supporting Metabolism: Fueling Your Body for Better Health

In this episode of the Functional Alignment Podcast, your host, Dr. Abby Borkowski (Functional Health Practitioner and Chiropractor), discusses a common theme she sees in her practice: the habit of eating very little during the day and making dinner the largest meal. Dr. Borkowski challenges this societal norm, suggesting that we should be eating the most food earlier in the day and the least at night.

🔑 Key Takeaways & Discussion Points

• The Problem with Late, Large Meals: Eating the majority of your calories later in the evening is not supportive of your body's natural rhythms.
  • It can throw off digestion and sleep.
  • It leads to blood sugar imbalances overnight
  • It places extra stress on your adrenals, contributing to a cycle of poor sleep and chronic stress.
• Shift Your Eating Rhythm: Supporting your body by eating earlier in the day is highly beneficial.
  • Metabolic Tone: Good foundational sleep sets your metabolic tone for the next day, and eating earlier helps set the tone for better sleep.
  • Safety Signal: Food tells the body it is safe, and eating at specific, appropriate times (when the sun is up) makes it feel even safer.
  • Metabolic Flexibility: Our metabolism is working its best and is most "metabolically flexible" when we are active (typically earlier in the day), resulting in less blood sugar dysregulation.
• Addressing the "No Appetite" Complaint: Many people are not hungry in the morning, which Dr. Borkowskyisuggests is a sign the body is in a chronically stressed-out state.
  • Start Small: If you have low appetite, it’s like training a muscle. Start with something small and gentle on your system, such as a handful of nuts or a protein shake.
  • Support Cortisol: Incorporating nourishing food early helps fix chronic stress and replenishes your adrenals. You want cortisol to be highest in the morning after waking and then slowly decrease throughout the day.
• Building a Better Breakfast: The goal is to work up to a substantial, nourishing breakfast.
  • Protein Goal: Aim for 20 grams of protein at least with your first meal. (E.g., one egg has only 6 grams of protein, meaning you'd need 3-4 eggs to hit this goal).
  • Ideal Example: A good breakfast includes protein (like 3-4 eggs), healthy fats (like butter or grass-fed cheese), and fiber (like raspberries).

🔗 Links and Resources

• Work with Dr. Abby at Thrive Medical WNY (Telehealth/Virtual or In-Person).: Click on the link below for more information, or book a free 15-minute discovery call to see if working together is a good fit.
• Equip Beef Protein Powder: Link to be provided here, 15% off discount code = THRIVEMEDICAL

This episode is a Q/A episode where you get to ask the question and I rapid fire answer it! Every week on my Instagram @dr.abbyborkowski I post a question box and you can ask any question you want!

Welcome to The Functional Alignment Show hosted by myself, Dr. Abby Lee Borkowski (@dr.abbylee) where I practice Functional Health at Thrive Medical WNY . In this episode, I discuss 3 tools to integrate when starting a wellness journey. If you find this episode helpful, please share it with a loved one you care about!

LINKS:

• Equip Protein Powder: use code "THRIVEMEDICAL" for 15% off
• Magnesium Glycinate 3rd Party tested 10% off
• ROKA or RA Optics are the brands for blue light blocking glasses
• Boroux water filter: use code "DRABBYLEE" for 10% off
• Work with me here Telehealth or in person!

Welcome to The Functional Alignment Show hosted by myself, Dr. Abby Lee Borkowski (@dr.abbylee) where I practice Functional Medicine at Thrive Medical WNY (https://www.thrivemedicalwny.com) . In this episode, I sit down with Ashley Schaab who has her Doctorate in Physical Therapy and is recently certified in Mercier Therapy. We discuss all things reproductive health, such as:

-Mercier Therapy / Pelvic Floor Therapy

-Cycle Health / Testing Options

-Pre-conception health and postpartum healing

-Ashley’s experience with motherhood

-Male and female fertility wellness advice

-and more!

Ashley Schaab, DPT: Instagram @a_la_pelvis

Link : https://www.alapelvis.com

Queen of The Thrones Castor Oil: https://queenofthethrones.com/collections/shop-all use code DRABBYLEE for 10% off at checkout

Interested in functional lab work but have questions? Book a free 15 minute discovery call with me using this link: https://thrivemedicalwny.janeapp.com/#/discipline/24/treatment/14

This episode is a realistic guide to limit phone exposure & improve quality of life. Dr. Abby discusses tips on how to set boundaries with phone usage.

-App discussed: OPAL

-phonecase Dr. Abby uses for EMF exposure: https://amzn.to/47vlled

In this episode, I give you a life update into where I am practicing Functional Health, and how to work with me!

clinic website: https://www.thrivemedicalwny.com/abby-borkowski-dc

booking link: https://thrivemedicalwny.janeapp.com/#/staff_member/2

In this episode I discuss what the DUTCH Test is, and how I will use it in the future for my practice. The DUTCH Test is an amazing comprehensive hormonal panel that dives into the bodies hormones and metabolites. I am SO excited to offer this soon! If you want to be the first to know when I will be offering this, DM me your email address on instagram @abbles.eats so I can add you to my email list!

In today’s episode, we’re diving into why buying a grass-fed, finished, organic half cow from a regenerative farm is one of the best choices for your health, wallet, and the environment. We’ll break down the superior nutrient profile, including higher omega-3s, CLA, and essential vitamins, while avoiding toxins, antibiotics, and hormones found in conventional beef. Plus, we’ll explore how regenerative farming restores soil, captures carbon, enhances biodiversity, and supports ethical animal practices. Buying in bulk is also cost-effective, reduces waste, and supports local farmers. Tune in to learn how your food choices can fuel a healthier body and a healthier planet!