54. Trauma's Hidden Toll on Health: Uncovering the Truth and Ways to Mend Dr. Aimie Apigain

This episode is for you if you have ever experienced trauma. Which to some degree or another is all of us. Today we discuss the distinction between stress and trauma responses with Dr. Aimie Apigian. Stress begins with a startle response, leading to a high-energy stress response that mobilizes the body into action. On the other hand, trauma responses involve freezing and energy depletion. Trauma responses can result in a shutdown of the body, affecting physical health and causing inflammation and other biological effects. We also discuss the role of cortisol in the stress response, emphasizing that cortisol supports the high-energy state. However, in trauma responses, the emergency brake is pulled alongside the accelerator, leading to confusing messages within the body. This can result in chronic conditions and symptoms, which are often rooted in past traumas and overwhelm. We then talk about how working with trauma responses requires a specific sequence to shift the body's programming. The first step is establishing safety, both in a felt sense and by changing the biology to a state of safety. Dr. Aimie explains somatic work, such as somatic experiencing, to help us become aware of their nervous system and track our stress and trauma responses. By using gentle tools to shift our state, we can move towards healing and rewiring trauma patterns. Overall, Dr. Aimie's insights shed light on the biology of trauma, the impact it has on physical health, and the importance of understanding the distinction between stress and trauma responses for effective healing and well-being. Struggling with bloating, IBS, constipation, fatigue, brain fog, or hormone imbalance? Get expert guidance on gut health, hormone balance, detox, nervous system regulation, weight loss resistance, and upleveling your health. Join the Women's Wellness Collective, your go-to community for real solutions to boost energy, balance hormones, improve digestion, and more. Get 1/2 off your first month with code HEALTH at www.megmill.com/collective. Recharge your body and reclaim your energy with the Fatigue to Fabulous Ultimate Energy Boosting Handbook—your go-to guide for beating exhaustion and feeling your best. Download now at https://go.megmill.com/energy . Let's connect on Instagram for daily health tips at @drmegmill . Learn more about how Dr. Meg can help you uplevel your health at www.megmill.com Our Guest: Dr. Aimie Apigian: Website: CLICK HERE This content is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or exercise program. This podcast is for women in perimenopause and beyond who are struggling with fatigue, brain fog, bloating, weight loss resistance, and unpredictable hormones. If you're dealing with exhaustion, low energy, digestive discomfort, or hormone imbalances, you'll learn how to support your metabolism, balance hormones naturally, beat IBS and bloating, and finally break through stubborn weight gain. Discover science-backed strategies to optimize digestion, improve gut health, and manage perimenopause symptoms—without restrictive diets or endless supplements. Whether it's addressing estrogen dominance, blood sugar balance, or adrenal fatigue, this podcast gives you the tools to take control of your health and feel vibrant again. If you are enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a review or share it with a friend. If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll like ours too! Pursuit of Wellness with Mari Llewellyn, Everyday Wellness with Cynthia Thurlow, Just Ingredients Podcast, Longevity with Nathalie Niddam, Wellness Mama, The Dr. Josh Axe Show, Ancient Health Podcast, The Model Health Show, Grounded Wellness By Primally Pure, Be Well By Kelly Leveque, The Hormone Solution with Karen Martel, The Dr. Hyman Show, The Thyroid Fixer with Dr. Amie Hornaman, Treated with Dr. Sara, Well Beyond 40 with JJ Virgin, Better! with Dr. Stephanie, Energized with Dr. Mariza