Gut Health, Nutrition, and Holistic Wellness - Michelle Doel

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I am still glowing after this conversation with my dear friend Michelle Doel on Episode 437 of the Soul Elevation Podcast. This was a deeply personal and fun episode for me because Michelle and I go all the way back to middle school! From bike rides to the malt shop to singing sessions at full volume, we share a bond that has stood the test of time. And now, decades later, our professional paths have aligned in the most beautiful way.

Michelle is a nationally board-certified functional medicine health coach and the founder of Vertical Horizons, a teen wellness company. She brings such a grounded, holistic approach to health, integrating nutrition, mindset, sleep, stress reappraisal, and movement in ways that are empowering and sustainable, especially for young people navigating the complexities of modern life.

In our conversation, Michelle and I dive deep into how gut health is central to overall well-being, including physical, mental, and emotional health. She shares how her own health crisis after the birth of her third child opened the door to functional medicine and a new understanding of how symptoms like brain fog, rashes, GI issues, and even anxiety and depression can all stem from imbalances in the gut.

One of my favorite parts of our talk is how Michelle empowers her clients—especially high school athletes—to take ownership of their wellness. Her approach includes helping them identify patterns in their physical and emotional symptoms, introducing accessible dietary shifts (like reducing sugar and processed foods), and encouraging body awareness that leads to lasting change. Here's a little more on that:

She also blew me away with her explanation of stress reappraisal, something I hadn't heard described in quite this way before. Instead of teaching kids to avoid or suppress stress, Michelle shows them how to reframe it as a challenge rather than a threat—helping them build resilience, confidence, and even improve their performance, both on and off the field. It’s such a powerful reorientation that can truly change lives. More here:

Michelle works closely with teens (and yes, adults too!) to address everything from acne, IBS, and sleep issues to mindset blocks, performance anxiety, and emotional overwhelm. Her clients walk away with real tools to understand and influence their own wellness—something I think we all need, regardless of age.

And of course, we couldn’t help but sprinkle in some nostalgia and silliness—this is what happens when you bring two best friends back together after decades of friendship! We laughed about algebra class, awkward clarinet performances, a certain station wagon, and a meat locker mural that may or may not have been the subconscious root of my vegetarianism. 😂

Michelle’s story is not only inspiring—it’s a reminder that healing is possible when we’re willing to go deeper, ask new questions, and take aligned action.

If you’ve ever struggled with lingering health issues that doctors couldn’t quite explain, or if you’re a parent wanting to help your teen thrive without relying solely on conventional medicine, this episode is for you.

▶️ Listen to the full episode here

You’ll learn:

• What SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) is and how it can mimic other conditions

• Why gut health affects mental health (yes, including depression, anxiety, and ADHD)

• How to approach acne holistically (including a 3-week dietary experiment that worked wonders for Michelle’s daughter)

• The science behind stress reappraisal and how to help kids (and adults!) use stress as fuel for growth

• Why it’s never too late to rewrite your story around health, resilience, and self-worth

This episode is packed with actionable wisdom, heartfelt memories, and a big dose of soul-aligned inspiration. Michelle is doing such beautiful, important work, and I’m honored to shine a light on it.

You can learn more about her programs and coaching at theteenhealthcoach.com.

Let’s keep elevating together 💛

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