Gil Winkelman ND

Restore your heart-body-brain balance for optimal health

The Neuroscience of Compassion: Building Emotional Resilience

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In this episode of “Ask Dr. Gill,” Dr. Gil Winkelman delves into the complexities of compassion, exploring why caring for others can be both nourishing and exhausting. He discusses the importance of empathy, the neuroscience behind compassionate actions, and how to prevent burnout by grounding oneself. Dr. Gill also shares practical tips for maintaining a compassionate life, emphasizing the need for self-care and setting boundaries. Tune in to learn how to strengthen your compassion muscle without sacrificing your well-being.

Dr. Gil Winkelman ND
Dr. Gil Winkelman ND
The Neuroscience of Compassion: Building Emotional Resilience
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Keywords

Compassion, Empathy, Burnout Prevention, Neuroscience, Self-Care, Mental Health, Emotional Resilience, Compassionate Living, Grounding Techniques,

Takeaways

  • Compassion is a muscle that needs strengthening without burnout.
  • Empathy is crucial for compassionate action but can lead to burnout if not managed.
  • Grounding oneself is key to sustainable compassion.
  • Self-care and setting boundaries are essential for maintaining compassion.
  • Compassionate living involves aligning actions with personal values.
  • Understanding the neuroscience of compassion can enhance empathetic interactions.
  • Chronic stress and trauma can lead to compassion fatigue.
  • Cultural programming in healthcare often leads to self-sacrifice.
  • Micro-moments of self-care can prevent emotional flooding.
  • Changing internal dialogue from ‘have to help’ to ‘choose to help’ fosters agency.

The Healing Power of the Blue Man Archetype

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In this episode of Ask Dr. Gill, Dr. Gill Winkelman delves into the concept of the Blue Man archetype as presented by Matthew Fox, exploring its implications for health, healing, and spirituality. He discusses the significance of the color blue in various spiritual traditions, the importance of creativity for mental health, and the shadow aspects of the self. The conversation emphasizes the need for empathy, connection, and collective healing in today’s world, particularly in the context of emerging technologies and societal changes.

Dr. Gil Winkelman ND
Dr. Gil Winkelman ND
The Healing Power of the Blue Man Archetype
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Takeaways

The Blue Man archetype represents deep empathy and creativity.
Blue is a spiritually significant color across various cultures.
Creativity is essential for mental health and well-being.
Understanding one’s shadow can reveal hidden talents and aspects of self.
Breath work and meditation are powerful tools for psychological change.
Engagement and connection are crucial for emotional health, especially for men.
The Blue Man symbolizes unity and interconnectedness among all people.
Collective trauma and polarization highlight the need for compassion and understanding.
Spirituality can guide us in navigating modern challenges and technologies.
Workshops can provide practical applications for exploring these concepts. Learn more here

Keywords

Blue Man, archetype, spirituality, creativity, health, healing, empathy, Matthew Fox, Jungian psychology, collective trauma

Unlocking the Power of Embodiment

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In this episode of Ask Dr. Gil, Dr. Gil Winkelman explores the concept of embodiment, emphasizing its importance in understanding mind-body awareness and improving nervous system regulation. He discusses how trauma can lead to disembodiment and shares practical techniques like breath work and somatic therapies to help listeners reconnect with their bodies. The episode highlights the benefits of being embodied, such as enhanced self-awareness and emotional resilience, and offers insights into how to release stuck energy and improve mental health.

Keywords: embodiment, mind-body awareness, nervous system regulation, trauma, breath work, somatic therapies, self-awareness, emotional resilience, mental health, stuck energy

Dr. Gil Winkelman ND
Dr. Gil Winkelman ND
Unlocking the Power of Embodiment
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Takeaways

  • Embodiment enhances mind-body awareness.
  • Trauma can lead to disembodiment.
  • Breath work aids in reconnecting with the body.
  • Somatic therapies offer practical benefits.
  • Being embodied improves nervous system regulation.
  • Self-awareness is crucial for emotional resilience.
  • Releasing stuck energy is vital for mental health.
  • Mind-body connection is unhyphenated when embodied.
  • Embodiment fosters clarity and self-assurance.
  • Emotional resilience is linked to embodiment.

Sign up for information about how to be more embodied today.

Neuroplasticity and Attachment: Keys to Emotional Healing

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In this episode of Ask Dr. Gil, Dr. Gil Winkelman explores the relationship between attachment and neuroplasticity, emphasizing that attachment styles can change over time. He discusses the different types of attachment styles, how they affect relationships, and the importance of understanding and processing emotions. Dr. Winkelman highlights the role of neuroplasticity in healing and rewiring the brain, and the significance of therapy and self-awareness in this journey. He concludes with insights on the importance of relationships in the healing process and the need for self-compassion.
Dr. Gil Winkelman ND
Dr. Gil Winkelman ND
Neuroplasticity and Attachment: Keys to Emotional Healing
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Takeaways

  • Attachment styles can change over time.
  • Neuroplasticity allows the brain to rewire itself.
  • Understanding your attachment style is crucial for personal growth.
  • Emotional processing is key to changing attachment styles.
  • Therapy can help identify and heal attachment wounds.
  • Self-awareness is essential in recognizing triggers.
  • Healthy relationships can aid in emotional healing.
  • Practicing self-compassion is important in the healing journey.
  • The ability to come back together after conflict strengthens relationships.
  • Rewiring takes time and patience.

Find out more about my workshop

When B6 Backfires: Understanding Functional B6 Deficiency and Toxicity

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B vitamins are supposed to help you feel better — calmer, more focused, and energized. But functional B6 deficiency is a real problem. Often when people take vitamin B6 and start to feel worse — anxious, dizzy, or even tingly — it can be confusing and frustrating.

You might even test low in B6 on a lab panel and still react badly to supplements. How is that possible?

This is where we need to look deeper — beyond standard lab values — into what’s called functional B6 deficiency and paradoxical B6 toxicity.

1️⃣ Functional B6 Deficiency vs. True Deficiency

Most routine blood tests measure plasma pyridoxal 5’-phosphate (PLP) — the active form of B6 floating in your bloodstream. But that number doesn’t always tell the whole story.

You can appear “low” in B6 not because you’re not taking enough, but because your cells aren’t using it efficiently.

Here’s why that can happen:

  • Inflammation and oxidative stress can inactivate PLP or increase your body’s demand for it.

  • Genetic polymorphisms (like in ALDH7A1 or MTHFR) can slow the enzymes that convert B6 into its active form.

  • Metabolic bottlenecks in the liver can block activation, leaving you functionally deficient even with normal intake.

If you take high doses of B6 without addressing these underlying issues, you can overwhelm the system — and that’s when side effects appear.

2️⃣ B6 Intolerance or Sensitivity

For some, even small doses of B6 cause symptoms such as:

  • Nausea or dizziness

  • Tingling or “nerve” sensations

  • Irritability, anxiety, or fatigue

Most supplements use pyridoxine hydrochloride, a synthetic form that must be converted in the liver into PLP (the active form). If that conversion process is sluggish, unmetabolized pyridoxine builds up — and can act almost like a mild neurotoxin.

In my practice, I’ve seen people who “should” tolerate B6 but develop paradoxical symptoms because their body simply can’t clear the inactive form efficiently.

3️⃣ The Paradoxical B6 Toxicity Syndrome

This is where things get interesting — and confusing.
Some people show low B6 levels on lab work yet develop B6 toxicity symptoms (neuropathy, burning sensations, nerve pain) at small supplement doses.

Here’s the paradox:

  • You’re low in the active form (PLP).

  • But you’re accumulating the inactive form (pyridoxine).

  • The inactive form can block receptors and interfere with B6-dependent pathways.

The result? You feel worse when you try to fix what looks like a deficiency.

This is sometimes called “functional toxicity” — not because you’re overdosing, but because your metabolism can’t process what you’re giving it.

4️⃣ Other Complicating Factors

Several other systems can amplify this paradox:

  • Histamine and Mast Cell Activation: B6 helps break down histamine. When histamine levels are high (as in MCAS), sudden B6 changes can trigger unpredictable reactions.

  • Mineral imbalances: Copper, zinc, and riboflavin (B2) all influence B6 metabolism. If they’re out of sync, B6 can “misfire.”

  • Gut health: Poor digestion or dysbiosis can impair B6 absorption or conversion, increasing sensitivity.

In functional medicine, we see the body as a web — when one strand is off, the rest feels it.

🧭 Finding Balance: How to Work With Your B6 Pathway

If you’ve reacted to B6 or tested low but feel worse with supplements, here’s what may help:

  • Use the active form — pyridoxal-5’-phosphate (P5P) — instead of pyridoxine.

  • Start low — sometimes as little as 1–2 mg can make a difference.

  • Support conversion with magnesium, zinc, and riboflavin (B2) — all cofactors for B6 activation.

  • Address inflammation and oxidative stress, which drain B6 and impair its metabolism.

With the right balance, many people find they can tolerate B6 again — and experience the calm focus it’s meant to provide.

💡 The Bigger Picture

Vitamin B6 plays a central role in neurotransmitter production — serotonin, dopamine, GABA — and in detoxification, energy metabolism, and immune regulation.

So when something feels “off” with B6, it’s usually pointing to a deeper imbalance in how your body processes nutrients, stress, and inflammation.

In my clinic, we often uncover B6 sensitivity as part of a broader Walsh Protocol assessment, looking at methylation, copper-zinc balance, and oxidative stress markers. When these are addressed, sensitivity tends to ease — and the nervous system begins to stabilize.

🌿 Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever been told “you’re low in B6” but felt worse when you supplemented, you’re not imagining it.
Your body isn’t rejecting B6 — it’s asking for it in a form and rhythm it can actually use.

Functional medicine isn’t just about more nutrients; it’s about better communication between your body’s systems.
Once that communication is restored, even sensitive nutrients like B6 become allies again — helping you rebuild calm, clarity, and resilience from the inside out.

You can learn more about B6, testing, and how to optimize brain health through my new course. 

Understanding Co-Regulation and Attachment Theory

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In this episode of Ask Dr. Gill, Dr. Gill Winkelman delves into the intricate connections between yoga, co-regulation, and attachment theory. He emphasizes the importance of relationships, not just romantic ones, in our emotional and physical health. The discussion highlights how our nervous systems communicate and how co-regulation can aid in healing anxiety and emotional dysregulation. Dr. Winkelman also explores the role of friendships in mental health and the significance of self-soothing and co-regulation in achieving emotional stability.
Dr. Gil Winkelman ND
Dr. Gil Winkelman ND
Understanding Co-Regulation and Attachment Theory
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Takeaways

  • Yoga and community play a vital role in healing.
  • Co-regulation is essential for emotional health.
  • Friendships significantly impact our mental well-being.
  • Understanding attachment theory helps in emotional regulation.
  • The vagus nerve is crucial for feeling safe.
  • Breath work can help calm the nervous system.
  • Emotions can be processed in 90 seconds.
  • Self-soothing is a learned skill.
  • Healing occurs in connection with others.
  • Letting go is key to emotional healing.
Sound Bites

  • “Emotions last for only 90 seconds.”
  • “Healing begins with co-regulation.”
  • “We heal in connection with others.”

#yoga #co-regulation #attachmenttheory #nervoussystem, #emotionalhealth, #healing, #relationships, #anxiety, #self-soothing, #mindfulness

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Yoga, Co-Regulation, and Attachment Theory
10:30 The Importance of Relationships in Healing
18:15 Healing Through Co-Regulation and Self-Awareness

 

Food Additive Safety Regulations: US vs. The World

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The conversation explores the differing approaches to food safety regulations between the United States and other countries, particularly focusing on the FDA’s ‘generally regarded as safe’ standard and contrasting it with the more precautionary principles adopted by the European Union and Japan.
Dr. Gil Winkelman ND
Dr. Gil Winkelman ND
Food Additive Safety Regulations: US vs. The World
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Takeaways

  • In the United States, food is often considered safe unless proven harmful.
  • The FDA uses the term ‘generally regarded as safe’ for food substances.
  • Other countries, like those in the EU and Japan, require proof of safety before allowing food products.
  • The approach to food safety can vary significantly between regions.
  • Consumer protection is a key aspect of food safety regulations.
  • Understanding these differences is crucial for global food trade.
  • The conversation aims to inform rather than alarm about food safety issues.
  • Regulatory frameworks can impact public health outcomes.
  • The discussion highlights the importance of transparency in food safety.
  • Awareness of food safety regulations can empower consumers.

Download your banned food cheatsheet at https://askdrgil.kit.com/6d929424da

#FoodAdditives #BannedFoods #FoodSafety #OrganicLiving #DetoxYourBody #HealthyEating #NutritionAwareness #CleanEating #HealthTips #WellnessJourney #holistichealth #healing

The Truth Behind Food Reactions

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In this conversation, Gil Winkelman discusses the complexities of food sensitivity testing, emphasizing that a long list of reactive foods does not necessarily indicate allergies. He highlights the importance of identifying underlying issues in the body to facilitate healing rather than solely focusing on the foods themselves.

Takeaways

  • Food sensitivity testing may not accurately measure sensitivities.
  • A long list of reactive foods doesn’t mean allergies.
  • Identifying root causes is crucial for healing.
  • Healing often involves addressing systemic issues.
  • Food reactions can be complex and multifaceted.
  • Understanding your body is key to wellness.
  • Not all food reactions are due to allergies.
  • Holistic approaches can aid in healing.
  • Nutrition plays a vital role in health.
  • Listening to your body is essential.

Sound Bites

  • “Food sensitivity tests may or may not actually be measuring food sensitivities.”
  • “It doesn’t mean you’re allergic to everything.”
  • “Finding the cause of that is most useful as far as helping you heal.”
Dr. Gil Winkelman ND
Dr. Gil Winkelman ND
The Truth Behind Food Reactions
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Learn more about testing, vitamin therapy and finding optimal mental health

 

#FoodSensitivity, #GutHealth, #NaturopathicMedicine #EliminationDiet

Unlocking the Healing Power of Yoga

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In this episode, Dr. Gil Winkelman explores the multifaceted benefits of yoga, emphasizing its role in mind-body healing. He discusses how yoga can alleviate anxiety, improve physical and mental flexibility, and enhance overall well-being. The episode also touches on the importance of community in yoga practice and the impact of nutrition on health.

Dr. Gil Winkelman ND
Dr. Gil Winkelman ND
Unlocking the Healing Power of Yoga
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Keywords

yoga, mind-body healing, anxiety relief, physical flexibility, mental flexibility, community health, nutrition, meditation, breath work, holistic health

Takeaways

 

  • Yoga is a powerful modality for mind-body healing.
  • Practicing yoga can help alleviate anxiety and promote calmness.
  • Yoga enhances both physical and mental flexibility.
  • Community involvement in yoga can foster a sense of belonging and support.
  • Breath work in yoga activates the vagus nerve, promoting relaxation.
  • Proper nutrition is crucial for optimal health and complements yoga practice.
  • Meditation, as part of yoga, supports emotional regulation and mental clarity.
  • Hydration is essential for maintaining physical performance and decision-making.
  • Yoga encourages listening to your body and tuning into its needs.
  • The practice of yoga is not just about movement but also about holistic well-being.

 

Sound bites

 

  • “Yoga is a powerful modality for healing.”
  • “Breath work activates the vagus nerve.”
  • “Community in yoga fosters belonging.”
  • “Yoga enhances mental flexibility.”
  • “Proper nutrition complements yoga practice.”
  • “Meditation supports emotional regulation.”
  • “Hydration is key for performance.”
  • “Yoga is about holistic well-being.”
  • “Listen to your body through yoga.”
  • “Yoga promotes calmness and clarity.”

 

Chapters

  • 00:00:00 Introduction to Yoga’s Benefits
  • 00:03:00 Yoga and Anxiety Relief
  • 00:06:00 Physical and Mental Flexibility
  • 00:09:00 Community and Yoga
  • 00:12:00 Breath Work and Relaxation
  • 00:15:00 Nutrition and Health
  • 00:18:00 Meditation and Emotional Regulation

 

The Power of Responsibility in Healing Chronic Illness

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Summary

In this episode of Ask Dr. Gil, Dr. Gil Winkelman discusses the challenges of healing chronic illness and the importance of taking responsibility for one’s health without falling into the trap of self-blame. He emphasizes the need for compassion towards oneself and the power of curiosity over judgment in the healing process. The conversation also touches on the significance of letting go of fixed identities and stories that may hinder personal growth and healing.

Dr. Gil Winkelman ND
Dr. Gil Winkelman ND
The Power of Responsibility in Healing Chronic Illness
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Takeaways

Having a chronic illness can be very trying for most people.
There is a responsibility we all have for our own health.
Blame creates chaos and doesn’t solve problems.
Compassion can be very healing for a lot of people.
We are oftentimes our own worst critics.
Letting go can create space for healing.
Curiosity opens a door, judgment shuts it.
Stories we tell ourselves can perpetuate our struggles.
Everything is always changing, including who we are.
Letting go of story can lead to healing beyond diagnosis.

#chronicIllness #Selfblame #healing #compassion

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Contact Me

P: 808-726-2772 (phone and text)
F:503-200-1044
E: info@askdrgil.com

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