FERN Rising Podcast with Dr. Ashley Burton

84: Postpartum Meal Prep: How to Nourish Your Body for Recovery & Milk Production

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0700

Postpartum nutrition is one of the most overlooked pieces of recovery after birth — but it plays a
critical role in healing, hormone balance, and breast milk production.
In this episode, Dr. Ashley Burton (BSc, DC, RHN, FAMM Practitioner) shares her complete
postpartum meal prep plan, including freezer-friendly meals, high-protein snacks, and
nutrient-dense recipes designed to support new moms.
Topics include:
● Best foods for postpartum recovery and breastfeeding
● High-protein meal prep ideas for new moms
● The role of collagen, bone broth, and organ meats in healing
● Supporting thyroid function with iodine and mineral-rich foods
● Balancing blood sugar and energy levels postpartum
● Easy, one-handed meals for busy moms
If you’re looking for practical postpartum meal prep ideas rooted in functional nutrition and
women’s health, this episode is for you

Find me here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fern_dr.ashleyburton
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAshleyBurton
Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/ashley-burton-9797/about
Book a Session: https://drashleyburton.janeapp.com/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Nt5HaW2CpdIixH8bGjTl9

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan. The opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers or associated organizations.

83: Back to Basics - Salt: The Most Misunderstood Nutrient in Women’s Health

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0700

For decades we’ve been told to fear salt. But sodium is one of the most essential minerals in human physiology - playing a critical role in nerve signaling, blood volume, hormone communication, hydration, digestion, and energy production.

In this episode, Dr. Ashley Burton breaks down the science of salt from the chemical level all the way to real-world physiology. We explore what salt actually is, why the body depends on it, and how sodium supports key systems including the nervous system, adrenal glands, fluid balance, pregnancy physiology, and bone health.

You’ll also learn why salt requirements can increase during pregnancy, exercise, and periods of stress, what factors can deplete sodium in the body, and why the relationship between salt and blood pressure is more nuanced than many headlines suggest.

Finally, Dr. Ashley shares practical ways to incorporate salt throughout the day — including mineral-rich salts, broths, and even her favorite salted hot chocolate — to support hydration and energy.

If you’ve ever been told to avoid salt but still struggle with fatigue, dizziness, swelling, or electrolyte imbalance, this episode will give you a new perspective on one of the most misunderstood nutrients in nutrition.

Topics covered include:

• What salt is (chemistry and structure)

• Sodium’s role in nerve and hormone signaling

• Salt and blood volume regulation

• Sodium needs during pregnancy and fetal development

• Salt and fluid balance, swelling, and thirst

• Salt and adrenal function

• Factors that deplete sodium (caffeine, sweating, stress)

• Evidence-based sodium intake ranges

• A practical guide to salting your day

A science-based look at why salt is not simply a seasoning - it’s a foundational electrolyte that allows the body to function

82: Back to Basics - Fiber: The Missing Link for Hormones, Gut Health + Metabolism (And Why Your Microbiome Matters More Than You Think)

Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 -0700

You’ve learned about protein, fats, and carbs… but what if the most important piece for hormone balance, gut health, and metabolism isn’t a macro at all?

In this episode, we dive into the science of fiber — the missing link in most women’s nutrition (and men’s too).
Dr. Ashley Burton breaks down what actually happens in your gut when you eat fiber daily, including how your microbiome functions like its own organ and how compounds like butyrate influence your brain, metabolism, immune system, and hormone balance.

You’ll learn how fiber supports:

• Blood sugar regulation and energy stability

• Hormone balance and estrogen clearance

• Gut health and microbiome diversity

• Weight management and satiety

• Fertility, pregnancy, and menopause transitions

• Body composition and metabolic health in both women and men

Ashley also shares her current go-to daily fiber snack — a simple chia, oat, and fiber blend — and why this one habit can have a powerful impact on your overall health.

If you’ve been focusing on macros but still feel like something is missing… this episode will connect the dots.

81: Back to Basics - Carbohydrates: Fuel, Hormones, and the Truth About “Good vs Bad” Carbs

Fri, 22 May 2026 00:00:00 -0700

Carbohydrates are one of the most debated nutrients in modern nutrition. Some diets promote them as the body’s primary fuel, while others suggest avoiding them entirely.
In this episode, Dr. Ashley Burton breaks down the physiology of carbohydrates and explains how the body processes glucose, why carbohydrates are not technically essential nutrients, and how they still play important roles in energy metabolism, thyroid function, athletic performance, and reproductive health.

We explore the difference between clean carbohydrate sources like fruits, root vegetables, legumes, and whole grains versus ultra-processed carbohydrates that dominate many modern diets.

This episode also covers how carbohydrates influence blood sugar regulation, insulin signaling, pregnancy physiology, and gut health through dietary fiber.

If you’ve ever wondered whether carbohydrates are good or bad for you, this episode provides a science-based look at how to incorporate them in a way that supports metabolic and hormonal health.

80: Back to Basics - Fat: The Essential Nutrient We Were Told to Avoid

Fri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 -0700

For decades we were told that fat was the enemy. Low-fat diets became the norm, and many people began avoiding one of the most essential nutrients in human physiology.

But fat is not optional.

In fact, fat and protein are the only two macronutrients that are truly essential for survival. The body cannot produce essential fatty acids, meaning they must come from the diet.

In this episode, Dr. Ashley Burton breaks down the science of dietary fat and why it plays a critical role in hormone production, skin health, brain function, inflammation balance, and nutrient absorption.

We explore the minimum fat requirements needed for survival, why women often need more fat than standard guidelines suggest, and what happens metabolically when fat intake is too low. Dr. Ashley also discusses the relationship between dietary fat and steroid hormone production, the importance of omega-3 fatty acids, and why fat is necessary to absorb vitamins A, D, E, and K.

If you've ever wondered how much fat your body actually needs - and why avoiding fat can sometimes backfire - this episode provides a science-based look at one of the most misunderstood nutrients in modern nutrition

79: Back to Basics - Protein: The Most Underrated Nutrient for Women’s Health

Fri, 08 May 2026 00:00:00 -0700

Protein is one of the most essential nutrients in human physiology — yet many women are still under-consuming it.

In this episode, Dr. Ashley Burton breaks down the science of dietary protein and why it plays a central role in metabolism, hormones, fertility, muscle health, and pregnancy.

You’ll learn why protein and fat are the only two truly essential macronutrients, how amino acids support nearly every system in the body, and why the current recommended protein intake often represents the minimum required for survival rather than optimal health.

We explore the role of protein in muscle maintenance, blood sugar regulation, hormone signaling, and connective tissue health, along with practical guidance on how much protein women may actually need and how to distribute protein throughout the day.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re getting enough protein — and why it matters for long-term health — this episode provides a clear, science-based overview of one of the most important nutrients in the human diet.

78: Grace Parce - Pregnancy in Real Life: Body Changes, Mindset, and What No One Talks About

Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 -0700

This episode is a candid conversation with Grace Parce where we move beyond the highlight reel and into what pregnancy actually feels like day to day.

We talk about physical changes, energy, training adjustments, nutrition, and the emotional shifts that come with this stage. You’ll hear how we’re approaching this season through a lens of body literacy, nourishment, and realistic expectations.

This is not a “perfect pregnancy” conversation. It’s real, grounded, and rooted in understanding your body rather than fighting it.

If you’re trying to conceive, currently pregnant, or supporting your body through hormonal shifts, this episode will give you a more honest framework for what to expect and how to navigate it.

77: Strong, Calm, and Connected: Birth, Training & Trusting Your Body with Sierra Robertson

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0700

In this episode of FERN Rising, I sit down with Sierra Robertson for our very first conversation—despite the fact that our husbands have been connected through social media for years. And honestly, it felt like we were picking up mid-conversation.

Sierra shares her experience through five births, offering a grounded and refreshing perspective on pregnancy, motherhood, and trusting your body. We also touch on homeschooling and the rhythms of raising a growing family—but what really stands out in this conversation is the power of staying calm, tuning in, and letting your body lead.

We dive into the role of strength training before and during pregnancy, and how building a strong, capable body can completely shift your experience of pregnancy, labor, and recovery.

This episode is a reminder that your body is not something to fight against—it’s something to understand, support, and trust.

In this episode, we cover:

Sierra’s experience with five pregnancies and births
Why staying calm and relaxed matters more than you think
The impact of strength training on pregnancy and birth outcomes
Learning to listen to your body (and quiet the outside noise)
A glimpse into homeschooling and family life

Whether you're preparing for pregnancy, currently expecting, or simply want to feel more connected to your body—this conversation will leave you feeling empowered and grounded.

Find me here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fern_dr.ashleyburton

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAshleyBurton

Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/ashley-burton-9797/about

Book a Session: https://drashleyburton.janeapp.com/

76: Beyond Balance - Skin, Stress & Fertility with Jodi Scott Founder of Green Goo

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0700

In this episode, I’m so excited to welcome Jodi Scott, CEO and Co-Founder of Green Goo and Spry Life - a visionary in women’s health, psychoneuroimmunology, and plant-based care. Jodi’s journey began in a tiny kitchen where she and her family crafted herbal salves from plants they grew themselves. What started as family medicine blossomed into a national brand sold in over 120,000 stores and over 1 million jars - then sold, lost, and ultimately rebought to preserve its mission rooted in whole-body wellness.

With a Master’s in Health Psychology and pre-med training, Jodi blends science and lived experience, exploring how the body’s systems - especially the nervous system, immune network, and skin - interact with hormones, fertility, and stress physiology. Today, she leads multiple women-centered wellness brands focused on resilience, regulation, and reclaiming health from the ground up.

In this conversation, we dig into:
Why chronic low-grade inflammation is often the unseen link in fertility struggles
The skin as an immune and endocrine interface, not just a barrier
How stress perception and vagal tone influence hormonal balance and reproductive health
Ingredient safety and thoughtful plant-based care during preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum
How women can cultivate body literacy, empowerment, and sustainable resilience in their health journeys

Whether you’re navigating fertility challenges, curious about the mind-body connection, or simply want smarter ways to support long-term wellbeing, this episode will challenge what you think you know about stress, hormones, and healing.

🔗 Connect with Jodi & Green Goo:
🌿 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greengoohelps/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreenGooHelps
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodi-scott-7234331b8/
✨ Collab & Special Offers: https://www.greengoo.com/pages/collab

Hit subscribe so you never miss an episode that empowers your body, hormones, and nervous system.

75: What My Continuous Glucose Monitor Showed at 25 Weeks Pregnant

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0700

At 25 weeks pregnant, I was asked to screen for gestational diabetes — but instead of doing the standard glucose drink, I chose to wear a continuous glucose monitor for a week and watch what my blood sugar did in real life.

In this episode, I share what I saw during sleep, after meals, during workouts, and throughout my active workdays. We talk about why gestational diabetes screening exists, how pregnancy naturally changes insulin sensitivity, what “normal” glucose patterns can look like, and why my results were honestly… pretty boring.

Which is a good thing.

I also share the one thing I would do differently next time: where I placed the sensor, and how lying on it overnight likely triggered a false low reading called a compression low.

This is a practical, evidence-informed look at pregnancy metabolism, glucose regulation, balanced eating, and movement — through the lens of my own real-time data.

74: The Benefits of Exercise in Pregnancy

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0700

Is it safe to lift weights during pregnancy? And beyond safety — is it actually beneficial?

In this episode of FERN Rising, Dr. Ashley Burton breaks down the research on resistance training during pregnancy and its impact on both maternal and fetal health. Drawing from current evidence, this episode explores how strength training supports metabolic health, reduces pregnancy-related discomfort, improves mental well-being, and may positively influence labor outcomes and long-term child development.

You’ll learn how resistance training affects gestational diabetes risk, back pain, fatigue, weight gain, and mental health — and why common fears around lifting weights, blood flow, and fetal safety are not supported by the science. This episode also addresses macrosomia, birth outcomes, and what the research shows about fetal growth, stress tolerance, and neonatal health.

Whether you’re pregnant, trying to conceive, or supporting women through pregnancy, this episode offers a grounded, evidence-based look at why strength training is a powerful and often underutilized tool in prenatal care.

73: Why LH Strips Are NOT a Form of Contraception

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0700

LH strips and cycle-tracking apps are often marketed as tools for understanding fertility — but they are increasingly being misused as a form of contraception, with real consequences.

In this episode of FERN Rising, Dr. Ashley Burton explains why LH ovulation strips are not a reliable or safe method for preventing pregnancy. Using real clinical experience and reproductive physiology, she breaks down what LH strips actually measure, why they do not confirm ovulation, and why they cannot define “safe days.” This episode also addresses why LH strips are especially unreliable for women with PCOS, where frequent or elevated LH surges can occur without ovulation.

You’ll learn why apps and LH strips lack the cross-checking required for fertility awareness, how misunderstandings about cervical mucus lead to accidental pregnancies, and why so-called “non-peak” fertile mucus is not safer than peak mucus. Dr. Burton also explains sperm survival, why every cycle must be evaluated on its own, and what distinguishes true fertility awareness methods from guesswork.

This episode is essential listening for anyone using — or considering using — fertility awareness for contraception, and for women who want body literacy rooted in physiology, not assumptions.

72: Apps Part 2: What to Use Instead of Ovulation Prediction Apps

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0700

If cycle-tracking apps can’t accurately tell you when you ovulate, what should you be using instead?

In this follow-up episode of FERN Rising, Dr. Ashley Burton explains how to track fertility in a way that is grounded in real physiology — not calendar predictions or algorithms. This episode walks through what makes a fertility app useful, why observation matters more than prediction, and how tools like Read Your Body are designed to support true fertility awareness charting rather than guess ovulation dates.

You’ll learn why every cycle is a stand-alone cycle, which fertility biomarkers actually matter, and how tracking basal body temperature, cervical mucus, and cervical position provides far more accurate insight into ovulation, cycle health, and fertility than calendar-based apps. Dr. Burton also explains why learning to chart with a FAMM-certified practitioner is essential — especially when fertility awareness is used as a reliable method of contraception.

This episode is for women who want to understand their cycles deeply, make informed decisions about conception or contraception, and move from passive tracking to confident, evidence-based fertility awareness.

71: Grace Parce - Pregnant & Monitoring: Glucose, Gestational Diabetes, and Navigating Pregnancy Tests in Real Life

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0700

What does pregnancy look like when two health professionals are also the patients?

In this episode, I’m joined by Grace Parce for a candid conversation about pregnancy, glucose monitoring, and navigating the medical system from the inside out.

We discuss:
• Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) in pregnancy
• Gestational diabetes screening and the glucose tolerance test
• The 20-week anatomy scan experience
• Understanding pregnancy testing and data without spiraling
• Emotional and identity shifts during pregnancy

This is a balanced conversation — physiology meets lived experience. No fear, no dogma — just thoughtful discussion about pregnancy health, glucose regulation, and navigating change.

70: Why Your App Can’t Tell You When You Ovulate

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0800

Can fertility apps actually predict ovulation?

In this episode of FERN Rising, Dr. Ashley Burton breaks down the research on ovulation prediction apps and why period trackers often fail to accurately identify the fertile window — even in women with “regular” cycles. Drawing from multiple peer-reviewed studies, she explains why calendar-based algorithms miss true ovulation timing, how LH-confirmed data exposes major prediction errors, and why most apps don’t properly use key fertility biomarkers like basal body temperature and cervical mucus.

If you’re trying to conceive, tracking your cycle, or relying on an app to time ovulation, this episode will help you understand what works — and what doesn’t — when it comes to fertility awareness and ovulation accuracy.

Ovulation is a physiological event, not a calendar estimate. Here’s what you need to know.

69: Managing the Fertile Window: How to Confirm Ovulation, Avoid User Error, and Chart with Confidence

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0800

Managing the fertile window is the foundation of effective fertility awareness, whether your goal is to avoid pregnancy naturally, optimize conception, or deepen your understanding of your menstrual cycle.

In this episode of FERN Rising, Dr. Ashley Burton, chiropractor, holistic nutritionist, and FAMM Certified Practitioner, walks you through how to confidently confirm ovulation using cervical mucus and basal body temperature, how to apply the Peak Day and Count of Three, and how to avoid common user errors that reduce method effectiveness.

You will learn:

How Peak Day is defined and why it can only be confirmed in retrospect
What the Count of Three means physiologically and when it is used
How to identify your Basic Infertile Pattern and recognize the Point of Change
How to confirm ovulation using basal body temperature and what to do when temperatures fluctuate
How to cross-check cervical mucus, temperature, and cervical position for accuracy
How the Day 6 Rule and Minus 8 Rule help manage the pre-ovulatory fertile window
What the Semen Elimination Technique is and why it improves charting clarity
The fertility awareness learning curve and why staged learning protects efficacy
Why fertility awareness fails when rules are not followed and how to prevent user error
Non-hormonal options for managing the fertile window, including condoms, withdrawal, barrier methods, and abstinence
How emergency contraception works and when it is most effective within the menstrual cycle
How clinicians can compassionately support clients through unplanned pregnancy decisions

This episode is ideal for anyone using fertility awareness methods for birth control, pregnancy planning, cycle tracking, or fertility education.

Visit FERN Rising Skool community in the VIP group for the full video.

68: Reframing Intermittent Fasting for Women

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0800

Intermittent fasting is often promoted as a universal solution for metabolic health, but women’s physiology tells a more nuanced story.

In this episode, Dr. Ashley Burton breaks down why fasting is a hormetic stress and how women respond differently due to hormonal fluctuations, cortisol sensitivity, and reproductive energy demands. You’ll learn why skipping breakfast and eating late may backfire for many women, and how aligning food intake with circadian rhythm can better support hormones, blood sugar, sleep, and fertility.

This conversation reframes fasting through a female lens, emphasizing timing, dose, and context rather than rigid rules. Whether you are cycling, trying to conceive, navigating perimenopause, or simply feeling burnt out by “doing all the right things,” this episode offers a grounded, physiology-based approach to time-restricted eating.

Inside this episode, we cover:

Fasting as a stressor and how hormesis works in the female body
Why women are more sensitive to energy availability and timing
The problem with skipping breakfast and eating late
A more hormone-supportive model of fasting for women
The overlap between fasting, exercise, and cumulative stress
Who should avoid fasting altogether

This episode is educational, compassionate, and rooted in biology, not trends.

For deeper learning and practical application, this topic is expanded inside the FERN Rising Skool community.

Link to FERN Rising on Skool: https://www.skool.com/ashley-burton-9797/about?ref=a0dc10c4708d49099727ac1538985dee

67: Cervical Mucus, Temperature, and Hormones: Choosing the Right Fertility Awareness Method for Your Body

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0800

Choosing the Right Fertility Awareness Method for Your Body

There is no one-size-fits-all fertility awareness method.

In this episode, we walk through the three main categories of fertility awareness based methods: cervical mucus–only methods, sympto-thermal methods, and sympto-hormonal methods. We break down how each method works, what fertility signs they rely on, and how cervical mucus, basal body temperature, and hormones each play a role in identifying the fertile window.

You will learn the strengths and limitations of mucus-only methods like Billings and Creighton, why sympto-thermal methods offer more confirmation and flexibility, and when hormone-based methods like Marquette or FEMM may or may not be appropriate depending on cycle patterns.

This episode is designed to help you understand which method best fits your body, your cycle, and your goals, whether you are trying to conceive, prevent pregnancy, or simply learn more about your fertility.

This episode is part of a larger educational series on fertility awareness.
Inside my Skool community, FERN Rising, you can access the full video lesson, and soon, a downloadable handout that walks through these methods side by side.

If you learn best with visual teaching and resources you can revisit, you’ll find all of that inside the community.
Link: https://www.skool.com/ashley-burton-9797/about?ref=a0dc10c4708d49099727ac1538985dee

66: FAMM Mini Series - The Menstrual Cycle Explained

Sat, 07 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0800

FAMM Mini Series - Episode 3

The Menstrual Cycle Explained: Follicles, Phases, and What Your Uterus Is Doing Each Month

The menstrual cycle is more than just a period. It is a monthly reflection of hormone balance, ovulation, and overall health.

In this episode, we break down the follicular and luteal phases of the cycle, explain how follicles develop and decline over time, and explore what estrogen and progesterone are doing in the uterus during the proliferative and secretory phases.

You will learn why ovulation is the central event of the cycle, how the uterus responds to ovarian hormones, and why understanding your cycle can be a powerful tool for fertility awareness and long-term health.

65: FAMM Mini Series - Hormones and Ovulation: How the Brain and Ovaries Communicate

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0800

FAMM Mini Series - Episode 2

Hormones and Ovulation: How the Brain and Ovaries Communicate

Ovulation is not random. It is the result of a coordinated hormonal conversation between the brain and the ovaries.

In this episode, we explore the hypothalamic pituitary ovarian axis and explain how hormones like GnRH, FSH, LH, estrogen, and progesterone work together to drive ovulation and the menstrual cycle. We also discuss why ovulation can be delayed or suppressed, how stress and energy availability influence fertility, and how this applies to both female and male hormone health.

This episode helps you understand what your fertility signs actually mean and why cycle patterns are valuable health information.

64: FAMM Mini Series - Sexual Anatomy 101: Understanding Female and Male Reproductive Anatomy

Sat, 24 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0800

FAMM Mini Series - Episode 1
Sexual Anatomy 101: Understanding Female and Male Reproductive Anatomy

In this episode, we lay the foundation for fertility awareness by walking through female and male sexual anatomy in a clear and respectful way. You will learn the purpose of the vulva, vagina, uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, as well as the male reproductive organs involved in sperm production and ejaculation.

We also discuss pre-ejaculate, why pregnancy can occur without full ejaculation, and why understanding anatomy matters when using fertility awareness for pregnancy planning or prevention.

This episode is designed to build true body literacy so fertility awareness feels grounded, empowering, and practical.

63: Foods to Prioritize When Preparing for Pregnancy

Sat, 17 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0800

If you are planning to get pregnant in 2026, nutrition matters long before a positive test.

In this episode, Dr. Ashley Burton walks through a food-first, ancestral approach to preconception nutrition inspired by Nourishing Traditions and the work of Dr. Weston A. Price. Rather than focusing on restriction, supplementation, or trends, this episode highlights how traditional diets supported fertility, healthy pregnancies, and resilient mothers by prioritizing nutrient density.

You will learn why fat-soluble vitamins work as a system, how protein and specific fats support early fetal development, and why building nutrient reserves before pregnancy is one of the most important steps you can take for both mother and baby.

This episode is ideal for anyone trying to conceive, thinking ahead to future pregnancy, or wanting to understand fertility nutrition from a foundational perspective.

Topics Covered:

• Why preconception nutrition starts months before conception
• The role of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and K in fertility and pregnancy
• How vitamin K2 regulates calcium and works synergistically with vitamin D
• Why adequate vitamin D helps protect against vitamin A toxicity
• The importance of choline from egg yolks for egg quality and early brain development
• Why liver is one of the most nutrient-dense fertility foods
• Protein, glycine, and collagen needs before and during pregnancy
• Bone broth and connective tissue support for maternal and fetal growth
• Seafood intake, DHA, and why 12 ounces of fish per week supports IQ and development
• Omega-3 fats and placental development
• Arachidonic acid from animal fats and its role in fetal growth, skin, and immune signaling
• Fermented foods and gut health in hormone regulation
• Properly prepared grains, legumes, nuts, vegetables, and fruit
• Why salt is an essential and often overlooked fertility mineral
• Building nutrient reserves instead of focusing on restriction

If you want deeper education on fertility nutrition, hormone health, and cycle awareness, this episode is part of a broader framework inside the FERN Rising community.

You can also find additional episodes and resources on the FERN Rising Podcast.

62: Low Blood Pressure in Pregnancy. What’s Normal, What Helps, and When to Watch for the Opposite

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0800

Blood pressure often changes dramatically during pregnancy, and for many women, lower numbers are a normal and adaptive part of physiology.

In this episode, Dr. Ashley Burton breaks down why blood pressure commonly drops in pregnancy, what symptoms to watch for, and how to support low blood pressure with nutrition, hydration, and lifestyle. She also explains when low blood pressure deserves further evaluation and contrasts this with the opposite end of the spectrum, including high blood pressure and preeclampsia.

This episode blends physiology, practical nutrition guidance, and real life pregnancy experience to help you understand your numbers without fear.

What We Cover

• What average blood pressure looks like and how it changes in pregnancy
• Why blood volume expansion and vascular relaxation lower blood pressure
• Common symptoms of low blood pressure and why some women feel fine despite low numbers
• Practical ways to support low blood pressure with hydration, electrolytes, and food
• Mineral rich foods that support circulation and plasma volume
• When low blood pressure should be investigated further
• The difference between normal pregnancy changes and high blood pressure disorders
• An overview of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia
• Nutritional foundations for healthy blood pressure balance in pregnancy

Key Takeaways

• Low blood pressure is common in the first and second trimester
• Symptoms matter more than numbers alone
• Hydration without minerals is often not enough
• Sodium and electrolytes support plasma volume expansion in pregnancy
• Balanced meals and adequate protein matter for blood pressure regulation
• High blood pressure in pregnancy is not normal and requires monitoring

Resources Mentioned

• Coconut water
• Lemon or lime water with sea salt
• Bone broth and well salted soups
• Mineral rich whole foods

Who This Episode Is For

This episode is for anyone who is pregnant, preparing for pregnancy, or supporting pregnant women and wants a clearer understanding of blood pressure changes without unnecessary fear or restriction.

Disclaimer

This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical care. Always consult your midwife, physician, or qualified healthcare provider regarding blood pressure concerns during pregnancy.

61: What Marriage Has Taught Us So Far - Our Top 5 Tips Each

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0800

In this episode, I’m joined by my husband for a real, unscripted conversation about marriage.

This was his idea: we each came prepared with our top five marriage lessons, shaped by real life, growth, mistakes, and commitment over time.

We talk about communication, respect, personal responsibility, navigating differences, and what it actually takes to build a partnership that feels supportive, steady, and aligned. Not from a place of perfection, but from lived experience.

This episode isn’t about doing marriage “right.” It’s about what has helped us stay connected, grounded, and moving forward together.

Whether you’re married, partnered, preparing for marriage, or simply curious about what makes long-term relationships work, this conversation offers honest reflections and practical takeaways you can apply in your own relationships.

60: Pregnancy Food Myths - What’s Actually Unsafe vs What We’ve Been Taught to Fear

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0800

Pregnancy comes with a long list of food rules: no runny eggs, no sushi, no deli meat, no soft cheese, and for many women, those rules quickly turn into fear and confusion.

In this episode, I unpack some of the most common pregnancy food myths and explain where many of these guidelines originated. Much of the information shared in this conversation is drawn from the work of Lily Nichols, RDN, and her book Real Food for Pregnancy, which takes a critical, evidence-based look at conventional pregnancy nutrition advice.

We explore the difference between true food safety risks and overly cautious, blanket recommendations, and discuss how factors like sourcing, handling, nutrient density, and overall dietary context matter far more than simple avoidance lists. This episode is not about ignoring safety guidelines; it’s about understanding them so you can make informed, confident decisions about what you eat during pregnancy.

If pregnancy nutrition advice has left you feeling anxious, restricted, or unsure of what’s actually safe, this episode is meant to help you move away from fear and toward nourishment, food literacy, and trust in your body.

59: The 10 Holiday Anchors That Keep Your Body Regulated and Your Goals Intact

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0800

This episode is your grounded, realistic guide to navigating the holidays without slipping into chaos, burnout, or food guilt. I am sharing the ten holiday anchors that I personally use and teach inside FERN Rising to help you stay nourished, calm, and connected while still enjoying the season.

Instead of hustling for perfection or starting January feeling depleted, these anchors support your nervous system, your blood sugar, your hormones, and your mindset so you can move through the holidays with intention and ease.

We cover:
• Why perfection backfires and raises cortisol
• How to use the 80/20 approach without losing momentum
• The simple nutrition and movement choices that make the biggest difference
• What to do when routines shift and life gets busy
• How to maintain your goals without sacrificing joy or connection

If you want a holiday season that feels balanced, supportive, and aligned with your health goals, this episode gives you the exact framework to follow.

Tune in and learn how to move through this season in a way that feels steady, empowered, and truly sustainable.

58: * FERN Rising* Week 13, Baby Clothes, Big Energy Shifts & Real Clinic Conversations

Sat, 13 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0800

This episode marks a powerful turning point - personally, professionally, and physically. Welcome to the first official episode of the FERN Rising Podcast, formerly The Dr. Ashley Burton Podcast.

In this Week 13 pregnancy update, I share the emotional moment of buying baby clothes, how having Derrek home has reignited my motivation to move again, and what it feels like to finally start feeling like myself again. We talk honestly about food aversions, smell sensitivity, and my genetic testing experience as I move deeper into the second trimester.

In the clinical portion of the episode, I dive into two powerful conversations from practice:

What scoliosis actually is, how it develops, and two real patient cases from the clinic
And the deeper truth behind patients with back or knee pain and obesity - why many are not losing weight yet, and how pain, nervous system regulation, and the inability to self-pilot behavior change all intersect

This episode weaves together pregnancy, posture, pain, identity, and empowerment - through the lens of both lived experience and clinical practice.

A new chapter begins here.

57: Week 12 Pregnancy Update - Food Cravings, Feeling Sick, Blood Tests, the Placenta Takes Over & BIG Wins

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 21:00:00 -0800

Welcome to my Week 12 pregnancy update and wow… what a transition point this has been. In this episode, I’m sharing honestly about what the last few weeks have really looked like behind the scenes ; from food aversions and comfort meals, to being sick, to some major physiological shifts that happen right around this stage of pregnancy.

We talk about:
🌿 Why all I wanted was pancakes and soup and how I realized I was likely eating “wrong” for my body during the entire first trimester
🌿 What it’s been like being sick in early pregnancy and navigating fatigue, nausea, and depleted energy
🌿 How blood test screening for Trisomy 21, 18, and 13 works, and why many parents choose to do it
🌿 How a blood test can also reveal the sex of the baby as early as 10–12 weeks using placental DNA
🌿 The huge biological milestone at this stage: the placenta officially takes over hormone production around weeks 10–12 ; and what that means for symptoms, energy, and nausea
🌿 Some HUGE professional wins, including award recognitions
🌿 Plus, an update on what’s happening inside my community, including the official rollout of my new Skool membership tiers

If you’re in early pregnancy, preparing for pregnancy, or just love understanding what’s happening inside the body at each milestone, this episode will give you science, honesty, and real-life perspective all in one.

Thank you for being here and walking this season with me. 💚
— Ashley

56: The Top Functional Lab Tests to Run Before You Try to Conceive with Nora DeBora

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0800

In today’s episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Nora DeBora - preconception health coach, fertility educator, and host of The Ultimate Pregnancy Prep Podcast - to break down the exact functional lab tests every couple should consider before trying to conceive.

Whether you’re preparing naturally, trying without success, or gearing up for fertility treatment, this conversation is a must-listen. We go far beyond the standard bloodwork panel and explore the deeper physiological data that can reveal hormone imbalances, inflammation, nutrient depletion, microbiome dysfunction, and stealth stressors that impact egg, sperm, and overall reproductive health.

Together we unpack the Top 3 functional tests that give the clearest picture of your preconception health:

🌿 DUTCH Test (Comprehensive Hormone Panel)
Why cortisol patterns, estrogen metabolism, progesterone levels, and androgen balance matter for BOTH partners - and how these metrics shape ovulation, implantation, early pregnancy, and sperm production.

🌿 Comprehensive Stool Analysis (CSA)
What your gut health reveals about inflammation, nutrient absorption, immune function, thyroid conversion, estrogen detoxification - and why restoring the gut is foundational for fertility in men and women.

🌿 Vaginal + Uterine Microbiome Testing
The emerging research behind the reproductive microbiome, how it influences implantation rates, recurrent pregnancy loss, and IVF outcomes, and why this is a game-changer for anyone facing unexplained infertility. (Note: Men don’t do this one - but they absolutely benefit from DUTCH + CSA.)

We also discuss:
• why “normal” bloodwork isn’t always enough
• how functional tests reveal the root cause of subfertility
• our favourite clinical cases and what these tests helped uncover
• how couples can use this data to improve natural conception and IVF success rates

This is one of the most information-rich, empowering preconception episodes I’ve ever recorded. If you’re preparing your body, or supporting someone who is - press play.

Connect with Nora DeBora

📧 Email: nora.debora6@gmail.com
🌐 Website: www.naturallynora.ca
📸 Instagram: @naturally_nora
🎙 Podcast: The Ultimate Pregnancy Prep Podcast

55: Week 10 Update - The Bland Food Era + Big Dreams Brewing

Sun, 23 Nov 2025 16:00:00 -0800

In this Week 10 pregnancy update, I’m sharing the very real shift into the “eat only bland foods and sleep every chance you get” phase.
We talk about:

Why I’m choosing walking over resistance training right now
Navigating nausea, food aversions, and the comfort of beige meals
The wild fatigue that hits in the evenings
And, despite all that, why I felt called to submit a speaking application this week

It’s part personal update, part gentle permission slip for anyone navigating the messy, beautiful recalibration of early pregnancy.

If you’re in this season too, this episode reminds you: your body sets the pace, and your purpose doesn’t disappear - sometimes it just takes a softer form for a little while.

54: Food Aversions, Fatigue & Finding New Boundaries - Week 9 Update

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 21:00:00 -0800

Welcome to Episode 54!
This week I’m sharing my brutally honest 9-week pregnancy update - and if you’re also in the trenches right now, you’re going to feel so seen.

I dive into:

The level of exhaustion I did not see coming (like… bone-deep, nap-between-naps tired).
Is this normal? A quick look at what’s happening hormonally in week 9 that explains everything.
My new pregnancy boundaries, especially around exercise, movement, and energy output.
Food aversions that came out of nowhere - when suddenly everything smells like “absolutely not.”
How I’m navigating nourishment when “everything is yucky” and my nutrition brain is fighting my pregnancy stomach.

If you’re in the first trimester, prepping for pregnancy, or supporting someone who is, this episode is part science, part story, and part solidarity. The first trimester can be brutal, confusing, and lonely - so let’s normalize the messy parts.

Tune in for the real, raw, slightly-delirious truth of week 9.

53: From Silence to Science - Navigating Pregnancy Loss with Grace Parce

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 21:00:00 -0800

In this deeply compassionate and science-driven conversation, I sit down with fertility and hormone specialist Grace Parce of OvaFreak (https://www.ovafreak.com/) and her Instagram community @ovafreak (https://www.instagram.com/ovafreak/) to explore a topic that is both common and rarely spoken aloud: pregnancy loss.

👉 Did you know that approximately 10–20% of clinically-recognized pregnancies end in miscarriage? (March of Dimes)
👉 Some research suggests the rate may be higher — up to one in four known pregnancies may end in loss. (Orlando Health)
👉 And yet, stigma, silence, and a feeling of isolation often prevent open dialogue. (PMC)

In this episode we cover:

How to approach the topic of pregnancy loss with sensitivity and science — because the physiology matters, and so does the grief.
Grace’s journey and professional insights around hormone balance, reproductive health, and supporting clients through loss and healing.
The truths that many people don’t know: the role of chromosomal anomalies, age, lifestyle, and integrative support in pregnancy resilience. (For instance: about 50 % of early pregnancy losses are due to fetal chromosomal abnormalities. (ACOG) )
Actionable strategies for those who’ve experienced loss — or for their partners, practitioners, and support networks — including how to root your grief and growth within a nutrition-, movement- and fertility-forward framework (in line with the FERN philosophy).
How the conversation around pregnancy loss can shift from silence to empowerment — how to hold space, how to honour, and how to hope.

Whether you’re a fertility-conscious woman, a partner, a practitioner, or someone building community and care around fertility/health — this episode offers heartfelt validation, evidence-based insight, and meaningful support.

Tune in to learn, grieve, heal, and rise with us.

🔗 Connect with Grace at: https://www.ovafreak.com/
📸 Find her on Instagram: @ovafreak

52: Pregnancy Update + Baby’s Development Week by Week

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 21:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Dr. Ashley Burton shares a personal pregnancy update and walks you through how an embryo develops into a fetus - week by week. Learn what’s happening in each stage of gestation, how your body supports that growth, and the nutrients and lifestyle factors that make a difference along the way.

Whether you’re newly pregnant, trying to conceive, or simply fascinated by the process, this episode brings science and story together to help you understand the incredible journey of early life.

🎧 Follow along on Instagram @fern_dr.ashleyburton
📚 Explore resources and join the community on Skool — FERN Rising- Women's Health

51: Rebrand- The Story Behind FERN

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 21:00:00 -0700

In this mini-episode, Dr. Ashley Burton shares the heart and meaning behind her rebrand - FERN Rising: Fertility Education Rooted in Nutrition. Discover how this evolution reflects growth, resilience, and the quiet transformation every woman experiences on her own health journey.

Dr. Ashley also introduces the new FERN Rising Skool Community, a space created to help women fuel their bodies, balance hormones, and build strength from the inside out.

If you’ve been part of Fit & Fertile Foundations™, this is your invitation to rise with FERN.

🌿 Join the community on Skool — FERN Rising: Fertility Education Rooted in Nutrition
📸 Connect on Instagram @fern_dr.ashleyburton

50: Iodine: The Unsung Hero of Thyroid, Fertility & Pregnancy

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 21:00:00 -0700

Iodine is one of the most powerful and most overlooked micronutrients in women’s health. It fuels thyroid hormone production, supports fertility, and plays a critical role in fetal brain development.

In this episode, we break down the key insights from Dr. David Brownstein’s book “Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It.”

Here’s what we’ll cover:
✨ Why iodine is essential for thyroid, reproductive, and metabolic health
⚠️ How halogens like fluoride, chlorine, and bromine displace iodine - and where they hide in your environment
🧪 What an iodine loading test is and why iodine is water-soluble
🥬 Food sources and diets that increase deficiency risk
🤰 Why pregnancy increases iodine needs
🥜 How selenium works with iodine to protect the thyroid
💊 Common medications that contain bromide and fluoride

Iodine may be a trace mineral, but its impact is anything but small.

👉 Join my free Skool community for more fertility and hormone education: Fit & Fertile Foundations
📲 Follow me on Instagram @dr.ashleyburton for weekly fertility, hormone, and nutrition deep dives.

49: The Conception Roller Coaster

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:00:00 -0700

This episode is a little different - more personal, more real.

I’m taking you behind the curtain of early pregnancy - week 4 - and sharing the raw, honest emotions that come with this season. The highs. The fears. The excitement. The uncertainty.

Because conception isn’t just a positive test… it’s a roller coaster of hormones, hopes, and deep inner shifts. Whether you’re on this journey yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation holds space for the full spectrum of early pregnancy experiences.

🎧 We talk about:

The emotional ups and downs of early conception
What “4 weeks pregnant” really means in real time
The vulnerability and hope woven into these first days
How to support your body and heart through this chapter

This is a gentle reminder: whatever you’re feeling right now, you’re not alone.

👉 Join my free Skool community for fertility education, resources, and support: Fit & Fertile Foundations

📲 Follow me on Instagram @dr.ashleyburton for more conversations like this.

48: Missing Periods - Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (HA) Deep Dive

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 21:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Dr. Ashley Burton takes a deep dive into Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (HA), a condition that often develops from the combination of overtraining and underfueling. We’ll explore why energy balance is crucial for restoring your cycle, highlight the importance of minerals (especially magnesium) in hormone regulation, and discuss how resistance training can protect bone health and support HA recovery.

If you’ve ever struggled with missing periods, low energy availability, or wondered how to balance fitness with fertility, this conversation will help you understand the physiology at play and the actionable steps to rebuild your foundation.

✨ Follow Dr. Ashley on Instagram: @dr.ashleyburton
📚 Join the Skool community for fertility, fitness, and nutrition support: Fit & Fertile Foundations

🍋 Grab Dr. Ashley’s cookbook More Lemon for hormone and fitness-supportive recipes to fuel your recovery.

47: Understanding DEXA Scans, Bone Health, and How Nutrition & Exercise Play a Role

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0700

In this episode, we’re diving into the world of DEXA scans; what they are, how to read them, and why they’re such a powerful tool for understanding your bone health, body composition, and long-term wellness.

You’ll learn:

How DEXA scans measure lean tissue, fat mass, and bone density
Why bone health depends on hormones, nutrition, and exercise
The difference between T-scores and Z-scores (and when to use each)
How both women and men can benefit from tracking bone density over time
Practical steps you can take now to protect and strengthen your bones

Think of this episode as your roadmap for investing in your bone and muscle health, like building a retirement fund for your body.

👉 Want to go deeper? Join me inside my Fit & Fertile Foundations community, where we explore body literacy, fertility, and fitness with practical strategies you can apply today:
Fit & Fertile Foundations on Skool: https://www.skool.com/ashley-burton-9797/about?ref=a0dc10c4708d49099727ac1538985dee

46: Raw Motherhood: My Sister’s Birth Story & First Weeks with Baby

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 21:00:00 -0700

In this very special episode, I sit down with my sister as she shares the story of her recent pregnancy, birth, and the tender first weeks of motherhood. With her newborn baby in the room, you’ll hear the raw, unfiltered reality of what it’s like to bring life into the world and adjust to those fragile early days. Together we talk about the highs, the challenges, and the vulnerable truths of recovery, bonding, and navigating the unknowns of new motherhood. This episode isn’t polished; it’s real, it’s emotional, and it’s a glimpse into the beauty and chaos of life after birth.

45: The Shettles Method: Can You Choose the Sex of Your Baby?

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 21:00:00 -0700

Have you ever wondered if the timing of intercourse could influence whether you conceive a boy or a girl? In this episode, I break down the fascinating Shettles Method, based on Dr. Landrum Shettles’ book How to Choose the Sex of Your Baby. We’ll explore the science behind X- and Y-bearing sperm, how ovulation timing and cervical environment may tip the odds, and the practical strategies couples have used for decades to try for a boy or a girl.

You’ll learn:

The biological differences between “boy sperm” and “girl sperm”
How timing intercourse before or after ovulation may influence conception outcomes
Practical tips for applying the Shettles Method when trying to conceive
Success rates, limitations, and what research really says

Whether you’re curious, actively trying, or just love learning about fertility science, this episode will give you a clear, evidence-based overview of one of the most popular natural sex selection methods.

44: From Fertilization to Early Pregnancy: How Hormones, Cholesterol, and Body Fat Shape Fertility

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 21:00:00 -0700

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating physiology and biochemistry that unfold after fertilization — and why healthy body fat levels are essential for fertility. You’ll learn how adipose tissue isn’t just “extra weight,” but a hormonally active organ that produces leptin, adiponectin, and estrogen precursors. We’ll explore how fat stores act as a nutritional signal to the brain, supporting reproductive readiness, and why low body fat can disrupt the delicate hormonal balance needed for conception.

43: Can You Build Muscle During Pregnancy?

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 21:00:00 -0700

Many women (including myself) wonder if pregnancy is a secret muscle-building window — after all, hormones are high, appetite is up, and the body is in an “anabolic” state. But here’s the twist: that anabolic drive isn’t aimed at your biceps or glutes — it’s focused on growing a baby.

In this episode, we break down:

Why pregnancy hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and relaxin support the uterus, placenta, and breasts — not skeletal muscle growth
How nutrient partitioning and insulin resistance shift energy toward the fetus instead of fueling new muscle
Training constraints, recovery challenges, and safety considerations for lifting while pregnant
The biochemical and metabolic changes that make maintenance more realistic than muscle gain

Bottom line: Pregnancy is an anabolic season — just not for the tissues you’re thinking of. But with smart, moderate resistance training, you can maintain strength, support a healthy pregnancy, and set yourself up for a smoother postpartum recovery.

42:Growth Happens Here - The Power of Struggle and Change

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 21:00:00 -0700

I open up about the struggles I’m going through — and growing through — as I navigate big changes in my life: business, family, friendships, and finances. It’s not always easy, but I believe these challenges are the fuel for real growth. Join me as I share my journey and what I’m learning along the way.

41: Hiking the Alps & Chasing Ovulation: How Travel Delayed My Cycle

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 21:00:00 -0700

In this episode, I’m recapping our recent trip to Europe — the sights, the food, and the unexpected impact on my cycle.
I share how a big change in routine, time zones, and travel stress delayed my ovulation (still waiting at day 22!) and what this taught me about the sensitivity of the menstrual cycle, even when you know what to watch for.
If you’ve ever traveled and noticed your cycle go completely off script, you’re not alone! Tune in for a real-life look at how travel can affect hormones, ovulation timing, and why body literacy is so empowering when life gets unpredictable.

40: Derrek and I Answer "Questions every conscious couple should ask before having a baby"

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Derrek and I sit down to answer some “Conscious Parenting” questions I found on Instagram, originally shared by a doula and midwife assistant. It turned into such a fun and thoughtful conversation! As we prepare to start a family, it felt like the perfect opportunity to explore how parenting might shift our relationship, routines, and perspective. Join us for some laughs, honest reflections, and a little peek into our hopes for the future.

39: The Fitness Fix: Healing My Hormones & Ovulating Earlier Than Ever!

Sat, 14 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0700

In this episode, I open up about a major fitness revelation—how I turned something healing into something harmful by overdoing it. I share my personal journey as someone navigating the Hypothalamic Amenorrhea spectrum, including the key shifts I made to support my cycle. Tune in to hear the exact strategies that helped me achieve my earliest ovulation yet and a strong 13-day luteal phase.

38: Osteoarthritis: Part Two - Diet

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0700

In this episode, I dive into a diet for arthritis and discuss the phyiosology of metabolism, insulin resistance, and weight gain and weight loss.

Previous episode: Osteoarthritis: Part One https://open.spotify.com/episode/7GQiySyhTfVPe7oPfQWvoP?si=YZcouLt4TO6C8_ryN1u3og

37: Ozempic - Weight loss from fat vs lean mass?

Fri, 30 May 2025 08:00:00 -0700

In this episode, I dive into a research article that was quoted in a popular podcast and get to the bottom of their quote: "40% of weight loss on Ozempic is from lean tissue". I discuss the papers limitations, the studies they included and the different between lean mass and fat mass, as well as the different types of fat in the body.

A huge emphasis a put how to maintain skeletal muscle and why this is important!

36: Chart Review and Period Pain Protocol

Mon, 26 May 2025 07:00:00 -0700

In this episode, I review my most recent menstrual cycle chart and share my wins and challenges. I discuss short luteal phases, supplements to help boost progesterone and reduce painful periods, as well as making sure you are eating enough overall calories (not just protein) to support an optimal cycle.

35: Setting Goals, Self Love and Informed Consent

Thu, 08 May 2025 21:00:00 -0700

This episode is a little everywhere... I have had a lot on my mind recently and have needed to sit back and evaluate where I was putting my energy and if that energy output was helping me reach my goals.

I talk about setting new goals and how to set yourself up to reach those goals, self love and overcoming the feeling of "not being enough", and finally informed consent and being YOUR OWN advocate in life and in health.

I hope you enjoy this podcast.

34: Osteoarthritis: Part One

Thu, 01 May 2025 21:00:00 -0700

Part one of this series on osteoarthritis. I see it every day in my chiropractic practice and know first hand how debilitating it can be.

Topics covered:

Types of arthritis
Primary Vs secondary OA
Joint anatomy
Causes of OA
Factors affecting OA

This episode only touches the surface - there will be more to come!

33: Healthy Weight Gain in Pregnancy

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0700

In this episode, I dive into the "expected" and "normal" guidelines for weight gain during pregnancy. Most importantly, I highlight what their weight is for - hint - the baby and the new organ you are growing from scratch!!

It is a great listen for all women who have any concerns or fears of gaining weight related to pregnancy.

Resources / booksI referenced for this episode:

Real Food For Pregnancy and No Period Now What

32: L-Carnitine - health, fertility and fat metabolism

Sun, 13 Apr 2025 12:00:00 -0700

Everything you want to know about L-carnitine: performance, brain health, heart health, fertility (PCOS and menopause) and how to get it from real foods. This episode is biochemistry heavy! Enjoy!

31: Bone Graft Debridement and The Stages of Tissue Healing

Sun, 02 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0800

Well... we are here again. Another oral surgery to removed my failed bone graft.

I discuss this, informed consent, healing protocols, and the stages of tissue healing.

Link to my cookbook: https://www.amazon.ca/Lemon-Nourishing-Fitness-Fertility-Savoring/dp/B0DP29X7Q8/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9ulxcwKmJWEj-T4U_zRLCO3bVGaBNBBzXI9jKkkGPUhnjpTjzrJRegobbe62XPzliXjL9XC41rUZjLXb409faCpRt-p4Otalt5DpvSyQ8BwqxS8RD6Vfb_2a0huHKrAA._5EWscXDiGdI_rNxHY5B3F4HQSOlupLoK4T_zYnbO2Q&dib_tag=se&keywords=dr.+ashley+burton&qid=1740935992&sr=8-1

Link to my Website: www.ashleyburton.com

30: Core and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0800

In this episode, I discuss core function, what makes up the core, and how core dysfunction can present in men and women.

29: Post Bone Graft Update

Sat, 01 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0800

HEY.

January has come and gone. I've been stressed this last month and healing from my oral bone graft procedures. This episode, I discuss what they surgery entailed, how I focused my healing, my ups and downs, and some life updates!

More to come this year!

28: Tissue healing protocols - post surgical

Sat, 28 Dec 2024 17:00:00 -0800

Here to say hi and share my tissue healing strategies going into my oral bone graft sugery. I would also do this protocol for all other surgeries, tissue injuries for a quick, nourishing and thorough recovery (even recovery from child birth (vaginal and c-section)).

I talk about specific tissue healing supplements and homeopathies, my regular suppplements and the foods I am preparing that will be able to eat, while still being loaded with nutrients.

See you in 2025!!

27: My Intro to Fertility Awareness Method - practicing my presentation

Sat, 14 Dec 2024 15:00:00 -0800

HEY!!

I'm back from a 2-3 weeks break. I was catching up on some FAMM work to be able to start to see practicum clients in the new year.
I missed talking into my mic, so thanks for being my practice run through my presentation about fertility awareness and male and female reproductive anatomy!!

If you want to learn more or work with me using FAM (for conception or contraception) shoot me an email at hello@dr.ashleyburton.com

Enjoy!

26: I MADE A COOKBOOK - More Lemon - my new fertility nurtition cookbook

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 21:00:00 -0800

OMG, did my dreams just come true?

Did I somehow just release a cookbook? YES. It's called 'More Lemon' and I hope you like it!

In this episode, I share the intro to the cookbook and share some details of what you will find inside. I also discuss replenishing after coming off birth control and how the recipes in my cookbook help to replenish depleted nutrients to help you get ready for conception and more!

25: Cholesterol - Why you need it

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 21:00:00 -0800

In this episode, I dive into cholesterol and fats, and why they are essential in our diets for overall health.
Topics of focus include mental health, hormonal health and wellness.

24: Creatine - a supplement everyone should take

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 21:00:00 -0800

In this episode, I talk about creatine and how it can benefit you in more ways that in the gym. We talk about the brain, heart and how it can be a great addition to anyone's longevity protocol. Creatine can be used as a tool in maximizing lean tissue in older age to prevent osteoporosis, sarcopenia (muscle wasting), and other neurodegenerative conditions.

23: Cod Liver Oil - Benefits of supplementing - including men

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 21:00:00 -0800

In this episode, we dive into cod liver oil - Vit D, Vit A and Vit K2.

22: The GAPS diet: Healing starts with the gut

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 21:00:00 -0700

In this episode, I go through the GAPS diet for children (and adults), and how it can help not only the gut and digestive system, but also combat against cognitive disorders. The brain and gut connection is discussed here, as is the importance of nurturing a strong and healthy microbiome (our second brain).

21: Corn Industry - and how it's keep us and our food sick

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 21:00:00 -0700

In this episode we talk about the corn industry, big agriculture and why/ how highly refined corn products are keeping us and our food sick.

20: PCOS and Inositol: achieving pregnancy & preventing gestational diabetes

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 21:00:00 -0700

Here I discuss a client case of PCOS and pregnancy success, where inositol played a key roll. I review a research article outlining the benefits of inositol for the prevention of gestation diabetes in overweight and obese pregnant women, as well as for pregnant women with PCOS.

19: Diatomaceous Earth: my new favorite health product

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 21:00:00 -0700

This epsiode is all about diatomaceous earth. I discuss what is is, how it can benefit your overall health and wellness. Topics inlcude parasite cleansing, heavy metal detox, bone and tissue health and more.

18: Case Studie - Scoliosis and Digestion - STOMACH ACID

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 21:00:00 -0700

In this episode, I highlight some possible structural changes related to scoliosis and a particular case of a woman with scoliosis, hiatial hernia and acid reflux.
The bulk of this episode is about digestion and health.

17: Case Study Series - CoQ10, body image, infant care, and imaging

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -0700

In this episode I discuss some cases from clinic:
1) Testosterone, RBCs and CoQ10
2) Body Image
3) Infant case - 6 week old baby with breast feeding challenges
4) Imaging

16: Derrek Burton - overcoming disc herniations

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 21:00:00 -0700

I talk to my husband about his experience with disc herniations and back pain.

15: A small episode to share some big wins

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 21:00:00 -0700

I little monologue about my wins this week:
1) Photo shoot
2) Core Rehab
3) Lengthening my luteal phase
4) I got accepted into the FAMM!!!
I'm so excited!!

14: Hypothalamic amenorrhea and body image

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 21:00:00 -0700

I'm finally talking about HA. It's taken me a while to get here because I still struggle with HA tendencies from body image issues, to exercising too much, and having low progesterone levels and more.
In this episode, I unpack some HA "baggage" and share my real feelings and struggles with letting go of things I love to control and seeing and feeling my body change (for the better).

13: Detoxification - for men and women

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 21:00:00 -0700

Detoxification can be complex. Here I break down and list some simple things to help with detoxification and help avoid toxins in our environment.
This episode is for men and women. I do highlight some important things for women when they come up, but I break down two categories
1) gentle means of detoxifications
2) avoid toxins and other hormone disrupting chemicals in our environment

This is not an exhausting list, but a good start for supporting the body's natural detoxification power.

12: Charting my cycle, and nutrition as it relates to dentition and oral health of offspring

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 21:00:00 -0700

In this episode I give a little life update around getting ready for pregnancy, I also discuss how I chart my cycles, and the importance of prenatal nutrition for oral health and dentition of future offspring in mind.
I share my dental health history and why it's so important to me to start "getting ready" a year out from trying to conceive.

11: Savannah from Coast Cloth: IUDs, nutrition, and thriving in motherhood

Sun, 11 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -0700

In the episode, Savannah and I discuss her new Vancouver Island based business Coast Cloth - an organic reusable cotton cloth pad company. We discuss her experience with the copper IUD, motherhood, cycles, and her shift in nutrition from vegetarian to comsuming more local ethically raised animal products.

Find Savannah on
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coast.cloth/
Website: https://coastcloth.com/

10: Endometriosis recap - diagnosis and nutritional recommendations

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 21:00:00 -0700

In this episode, I go a brief recap of endometriosis and discuss some nutritional strategies to help with the management of symptoms and improve fertility.

Enjoy!

I am currently accepting nutrition clients - for more information DM on instagram!
IG: dr.ashleyburton

9: Endometriosis and fertility with Emily Schwan

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 21:00:00 -0700

My first guest on the podcast is Emily Schwan!

We discuss her journey with endometriosis, painful cycles, and future fertility planing - AKA getting ready.

This was so much fun, Emily and I could literally chat for hours.

Hope you enjoy!

Find her on instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/itsemilyschwan/

Emily's podcast: https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.buzzsprout.com%2F2330788%2Fshare&e=AT2ULx9uE76K1pNYF3Pb1lUkpvt-ddw3WY74lAwR8-g-oAwfbX8JJw1IiYXvJIeV5bhqpLJXNj1E4nIW2HJTQKAsT2WIwSbkfEhaWxY

Instagram for the Fealess Femme Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/fearlessfemmepodcast/

8: Weight loss - secrets to sustainable changes that last

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 21:00:00 -0700

This episode gives an overview of the steps and requirements for sustainable weight loss.

7: Muscle matters: your guide to strength and growth

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 21:00:00 -0700

In this episode, I talk about what it takes to gain weight, specifically, lean skeletal muscle mass:
Nutritional considerations
Exercise type
Individual variations
Health benefits
And more!

6: Metabolism and energy

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 21:00:00 -0700

Thank you for joining me today as I dive into some of the physiology around metabolism and energy in the body.
I discuss ATP, energy from foods like carbs, fat, protein and alcohol, and their storage and use the in the body.
I break down caloric requirements, as well as total daily energy expenditure, and why getting your daily steps in can help with weight management.
All important concepts to grasp before we move into other nutrition and fitness topics.

5: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - PCOS

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 21:00:00 -0700

In this episode we dive deep into Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - PCOS, the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. I will discuss it's effects on fertility, physiology, the different ways it can present (there are different phenoytpes), common medical recommendations, as well as holistic lifestyle strategies to optimize health with this condition.

There is a lot in this episode, I can't wait for you to listen!

Follow me and connect instagram at: dr.ashleyburton

4: Your cycle - beyond fertility

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0700

In this episode, we dive into the physiologic effects of the cycle that exist beyond ovulation and periods. With this, we bring new attention and understanding to the essential functions the menstrual cycle plays in our overall health and wellness.

Natural cycles are important for bones, the brain and heart. Healthy aging starts with healthy cycles, so get cozy and let's dive in!

Follow me and connect instagram at: dr.ashleyburton

3: The menstrual cycle - the basics

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 11:00:00 -0700

In this episode, we walk through some of the physiology related to the female menstrual cycle - there is so much more that I can't wait to cover!

Body literacy starts here - understanding the basics of the menstrual cycle.
I am so excited for this episode because it sets the stage for related topics that will follow.

Follow me on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.ashleyburton/

2: My journey to body literacy

Sat, 15 Jun 2024 16:00:00 -0700

In this episode, I share my cycle story, and my journey to body literacy. It's a long crazy story that I share in hopes of helping and inspiring other women to get curious about their cycles and the information that is right at their disposal. I discuss some sensitive topics around pregnancy and periods, so please tune in with discression.

Please note, there is a mic change mid way through my intro - I had an impromptu recording opportunity at work and took it! The content flow was too good for me to re-record, so please don't mind that too much.Thank for being here and for your support!

Follow me on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.ashleyburton/

1: Welcome to The Dr. Ashley Burton Podcast!

Sun, 09 Jun 2024 16:00:00 -0700

Welcome to The Dr. Ashley Burton Podcast, I am so glad you're here!
In this first episode, I introduce why I am here; and that is to help you reach your health and fitness goals, while making sure your fertility is not compromised.
Together, we'll explore natural approaches to resetting fertility and vitality, embracing your cycle as a powerful health tool. From fitness to conception and beyond, join me as we navigate the complexities of womanhood with confidence and understanding.
So, settle in and let's embark on our fit and fertile era together.

Follow Dr. Ashley Burton on Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.ashleyburton/