The Robyn Engelson Podcast
Ever wish you had a wellness mentor with over decades of experience whispering million dollar health tips in your ear? That’s exactly what you will get each week when you tune into The Robyn Engelson Podcast. I’m your host–a sought after autoimmune and wellness expert, corporate drop-out turned serial entrepreneur, and lifestyle transformer. Each week, I’ll be bringing you inspiring guests, insights, and mindset tools to empower you to be energized, compress time, and start living instead of existing.
Episode Title: Tired. Foggy. Gaining weight. But your labs are “normal”?
Host: Robyn Engelson
Guest: Dr. Doriana Parkin
Episode Summary:
In this enlightening episode, Robyn engages in a conversation with Dr. Doriana Parkin, a family doctor trained in traditional western medicine. Together, we delve into the complex connection between thyroid health, gut function, and the deep impact of emotional trauma. Dr. Parkin uncovers how even when lab results appear "normal," many patients continue to suffer from symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, and chronic pain. The conversation explores how emotional well-being, early life stress, and unresolved trauma can play a pivotal role in disrupting physical health, particularly the thyroid and gut systems. Dr. Parkin shares her approach to compassionate, trauma-informed care and explains why validating a patient's personal story is just as crucial as analyzing lab reports. This episode offers profound insights into how to listen to your body and advocate for your own health.
You’ll learn:
How emotional trauma, especially childhood stress, can impact thyroid health and gut function, leading to chronic health issues.
The significance of mind-body connection in understanding symptoms that lab tests often fail to explain.
Why patients with normal lab results can still experience debilitating symptoms, and how emotional history is key to finding the root cause.
The crucial role of compassionate, trauma-informed care in healing chronic illnesses.
How to trust your body’s signals and seek the right kind of medical support when you feel dismissed.
Memorable Quotes:
““Thyroid health isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about understanding the emotional story behind those numbers.”
“Your symptoms may not show up in a test, but that doesn’t mean they’re not real or treatable.”
“Compassionate care listens to both the body and the story it tells.”
“The gut and thyroid are deeply connected; if one is off, it can disrupt the other.”
“You’re your own advocate—trust your instincts and find a provider who respects your health journey.”
Dr. Doriana Parkin’s approach to thyroid and gut health.
Research on the connection between gut health, thyroid function, and autoimmune diseases.
Integrative medicine approaches to diagnosing beyond conventional lab work.
Clinics and practices focused on compassionate and integrative care for thyroid health.
Actionable Steps for Listeners:
Trust Your Symptoms: If your body is telling you something isn’t right—even when tests come back "fine"—trust that feeling. Your symptoms are valid and deserve attention.
Prioritize Emotional Healing: Consider how past emotional trauma may be affecting your physical health. Seek care that addresses both the mind and body.
Focus on Gut Health: Your gut plays a significant role in thyroid health. Consult with a professional who can help balance your gut and thyroid together.
Seek Compassionate Care: Don’t settle for healthcare that dismisses your concerns. Advocate for a provider who listens and integrates emotional and physical care.
Final Thought:
True healing begins when you’re fully seen and heard. When patients feel understood and their health concerns are validated—not dismissed—they are empowered to begin the journey toward recovery. Compassionate care isn’t just a luxury, it’s essential for true healing. If you feel your symptoms are ignored, it’s time to find a healthcare provider who understands your unique story and addresses both your emotional and physical health needs.
What listeners have to say:
“Dr. Parkin’s approach was a breath of fresh air. She truly listened and validated my experiences, which made me feel understood for the first time. This episode opened my eyes to the crucial link between emotions and physical health. I now feel empowered to take control of my healing journey.”
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Connect with Dr. Doriana Parkin:
About Dr. Doriana Parkin:
Dr. Doriana Parkin is a family doctor trained in traditional western medicine, working mom of 3, and knows what it feels like to be overwhelmed & exhausted. To have no time for yourself, be too busy to fit exercise into your day when juggling work, extracurricular activities, cooking, and taking care of family.
She struggled with weight and body issues as a teen, dieting and hating herself for how she looked the entire time until I realized that she needed to eat in a way that wasn't overly restrictive, and that her self worth wasn't related to her weight.
For 15 years in the medical field, she counselled patients on how to make healthy decisions, and now she is focused on helping as many busy women as possible take back control of their lives and health.
Her goal is to give you the empowerment you’ve been lacking so you feel confident making food choices, figuring out how to easily incorporate fitness and self-care into your daily life.
Connect with Robyn:
