Becoming Natural: Faith-Based Healing from Chronic Illness & Autoimmune Disease
After 25 years of chronic illness, surgeries, and a whole lot of prayer, I found healing in places I never expected—through plants, lifestyle shifts, and a deeper walk with God. I’m Penny Sampler, an occupational therapist, former pharmaceutical rep, wife, and mom of three boys. On Becoming Natural, I share the journey I never saw coming—trading pills for plants, detoxing my home and heart, and embracing natural, faith-based healing. This is a Christian holistic health podcast for women—especially moms—navigating chronic illness, autoimmune flare-ups, stress, and that inner nudge to live more naturally. You’ll get research-backed tips, emotional encouragement, and simple strategies for non-toxic living, gut health, emotional healing, faith and functional wellness. Whether you’re curious about holistic remedies, want to detox your home, or just crave grace in your healing journey—this is your safe space. I don’t have it all figured out—but I’ve learned that healing is a journey, not a destination. Let’s walk it together. 📌 Disclaimer: I share personal experience, research, and encouragement from the heart—not medical advice. Always talk to a professional before making changes to your health. You’ll hear episodes on gut health, plant medicine, emotional healing, detoxing your home, and chronic conditions like Crohn’s, colitis, IBD, IBS, and other autoimmune diseases.
Episodes
Sunlight Healing: How Morning Light Resets Your Mood, Hormones & Faith
Have you ever wondered if the sun could actually heal you? ☀️ In this episode of Becoming Natural, Penny returns from a summer break to dive deep into something ancient, biblical, and biologically essential: sunlight. Once honored across every culture and faith, the sun has now become something we’re taught to fear. But what if we’ve got it backwards?
In thi...
The Important Hidden Dangers of Looming Antibacterial Overload
Are we over-sanitizing ourselves sick? In today’s Becoming Natural episode, I’m sharing the real risks behind our culture’s obsession with “antibacterial everything”—and how it might be doing more harm than good. We’ll unpack the history of triclosan, hormone disruption, antibiotic resistance, and why dirt might just be your best medicine. I’ll walk you through smart sw...
5 Important Reasons Why Most Probiotics Don’t Work
If you’ve been popping probiotic pills and still feeling bloated, foggy, or off—this episode is your “aha” moment. We’re unpacking the probiotic myths that keep women confused and constipated (literally). From CFUs and strains to fermented foods and soil-based organisms, I’ll help you figure out what your gut actually needs. 🦠
🔍 Science Note: Most probiotic strains don’t colonize...
Digestive Enzymes: Powerful Natural Solutions for Bloating & Gas You'll Love Ever feel bloated after a healthy meal? I’ve been there. In this episode, we’re talking about one of the most overlooked (and life-changing!) tools for gut health: digestive enzymes. I’ll share what they do, how to tell if your body is running low, and why they can make all the difference when clean eating still leaves you feeling “off.” We’ll break ...
36 | Amazing Healing Beyond the Pill Bottle: My Journey to Natural Recovery
I spent years popping pills like clockwork — thinking it was the only way to survive. But it wasn’t healing… it was barely coping.
In this episode, I open up about what it looked like to live stuck in the cycle of prescriptions — and what finally helped me break free. It wasn’t overnight. It wasn’t easy. And it wasn’t without grief.
But it led me to somethi...
35 | How I Found Strength Through Faith When I Wasn't Strong At All
Have you ever felt completely drained and helpless, wondering where you’d find the strength to keep going? I have. In this episode, I open up about one of the scariest moments of my life — when I was in the hospital fighting a severe infection that left me weaker than ever. I share how, in the midst of that pain and fear, I experienced a surprising "God wink." It c...
🎙️ Episode 34 | Valuable Sunscreen Safety to Protect & Support Your Health for Life
Ever wondered if sunscreen is really protecting you—or if it could be causing harm instead? In this episode, I unpack the shocking truth about sunscreen safety, from ancient sun rituals to modern SPF science. You’ll hear my personal journey from tanning with iodine (yep!) to questioning the long list of chemical ingredients we spray on our bodi...
The Shocking Link Seen Between Sleep Loss and Your Health
Are you skipping sleep to get more done... only to feel more drained? 😩 In this episode of Becoming Natural, we’re diving deep into what really happens when we don’t get enough rest. Chronic sleep loss is more than just a nuisance—it’s a hidden trigger for heart disease ❤️, weight gain 🍭, mood disorders 😟, inflammation 🔥, and even autoimmune flares. I’ll break down the s...
Incredible Castor Oil Health Benefits
Today we’re talking all about one of the most underrated healing tools out there: castor oil!
We’ll cover what castor oil does inside your body, how it can support detox, lymphatic drainage, gut health, and more. Plus, I’ll give you the inside scoop on how to choose a high-quality castor oil that’s truly safe and effective.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make a castor oil pack at ...
Powerful Anti-inflammatory Foods You Want That Heal Your Body Naturally
In this episode of Becoming Natural, we break down exactly what anti-inflammatory foods are—and how they work on multiple levels to help your body heal. From calming an overactive immune system to supporting your gut and even influencing your genes, these foods are more than fuel—they’re medicine. We also break down terms like antioxidants, free radicals, oxida...
Astonishing Inflammatory Foods That Are Actually Fueling Your Pain
🔥 Are your favorite foods secretly causing inflammation? In Episode 30 of Becoming Natural, host Penny Sampler uncovers surprising culprits behind chronic inflammation and gut discomfort.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- Common foods that may trigger inflammation
- The science behind food-induced inflammati...
How to Have More Natural and Effective Pain Management Success with Crohn’s Disease
Struggling with Crohn’s stomach pain? You’re not alone! In this episode, we’re diving into natural, fast-acting remedies to ease discomfort and help you feel better quickly. Whether you’re dealing with a sudden flare-up or chronic gut pain, these simple, effective tips—including gut-friendly teas, easy-to-digest meals, stress management techniques, ...
Know the Role of Chronic Inflammation to Make Smarter Choices and Empower Your Life
Discover the truth behind chronic inflammation in our latest episode. This in-depth discussion explains how chronic inflammation – a prolonged, harmful response triggered by everyday foods and environmental factors – affects your gut and overall health.
Learn why even those who seem healthy can experience damaging effects from inflammatory foods and...
How Prayer Made a Surprising Impact on Healing
I share a deeply personal journey of recovery during my battle with severe illness. Through a powerful night of prayer that became a turning point in my faith and hope in being healed. Penny experienced a renewed hope and an inexplicable vision that sustained her through dark days and challenging treatments. This episode captures the miraculous way prayer not only soothed her spirit ...
How a Devoted Faith Lead to Miraculous Healing from Sepsis
📖 Podcast Episode Summary:
In this compelling episode, we explore the inspiring story of an individual whose unwavering faith and spiritual devotion played a pivotal role in their miraculous recovery from severe sepsis. Through heartfelt narratives and reflections, this episode delves into the profound connection between spirituality and physical healing, offering hope and...
How Beating Sepsis Changed My Life with a Remarkable Healing from Crohn’s
📖 Podcast Episode Summary:
In this episode, I share my harrowing journey through sepsis, surgery, and the life-threatening complications of Crohn’s Disease. Facing near death, I witnessed miraculous healing that defied the odds. From the darkest moments of illness to a life-changing recovery, this story is one of hope, resilience, and transformation. Whether...
Welcome to the Go-to Podcast for Moms Who Want to Clean Up their Lifestyle & Get Control of their Health!
In this episode, we dive into Celiac Disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten, causing intestinal damage and nutrient deficiencies. Learn its genetic roots, symptoms like bloating and fatigue, and why a strict gluten-free diet is the only treatment. We explore Gluten Intolerance (non-celiac gluten sensitivity), a...
Welcome to the Go-to Podcast for Moms Who Want to Clean Up their Lifestyle & Get Control of their Health!
In today’s fast-paced world, finding time for stillness isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. In this episode, we explore the incredible benefits of embracing quiet moments to rejuvenate your mind, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. Learn how intentional stillness can improve mental clarity, emotional balance, a...
Welcome to the Go-to Podcast for Moms Who Want to Clean Up their Lifestyle & Get Control of their Health!
In this episode, 22, The Best Foods to Consider When Eating for Crohn's Disease, we explore the best foods for managing Crohn’s disease and how to make dietary choices that support gut health while reducing inflammation. Learn which nutrient-dense, gut-friendly foods can help ease symptoms, promote digestion, and support ov...
Welcome to the Go-to Podcast for Moms Who Want to Clean Up their Lifestyle & Get Control of their Health!
Did you know your lymphatic system plays a crucial role in detoxing your body from all the toxins we are exposed to on a daily basis? In this episode, we interview Lymphatic Drainage Certified, Aubree Hendershot, DPT, to explore lymphatic drainage—what it is, why it matters, and how you can support it naturally. Learn expe...
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