Ask Dr. Shawn?

Dr. Shawn Talbott (Ph.D., CNS, LDN, FACSM, FACN, FAIS) has gone from triathlon struggler to gut-brain guru! With a Ph.D. in Nutritional Biochemistry, he's on a mission to boost everyday human performance through the power of natural solutions and the gut-brain axis.

If you have a question for me – please add it to the comments section below and I will reply back with an answer (usually with a short video) as soon as possible.

About the Author

Exercise physiologist (MS, UMass Amherst) and Nutritional Biochemist (PhD, Rutgers) who studies how lifestyle influences our biochemistry, psychology and behavior - which kind of makes me a "Psycho-Nutritionist"?!?!

  • After our launch of Amare Edge+ Mango last week, these are the first few questions that I’ve received…

    1. Why is there Safflower oil powder in the formula?
    Answer = https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2VF3ndr8iU/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

    2. How does the natural caffeine influence cortisol levels?
    Answer = https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2U2J9qs0sL/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

    3. Can Lion’s Mane mushroom be taken long-term?
    Answer = https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2VEiNuLXNL/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

    4. Can Amare Edge+ be used during pregnancy and nursing?
    Answer = https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2U9mS2MKCE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

    5. Where is the Lion’s Mane mushroom sourced from?
    Answer = https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2Vk6MpPttT/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

  • Is there anything you can use to assist you when you have the stomach flu? What do you think are the best products to keep on hand that you maybe don’t use every day for that extra boost when feeling run down?

  • Hi dr shawn, I’m a naturopath in Australia could i please get an answer in regards to taking the sunrise sachet for a patient who has had breast cancer She is 3 years in remission however has been advised by all of her doctors etc to limit the amount of sugar she is consuming. I know the sunrise is sugar from natural sources, but still sugar regardless. I would like to know if you recommend this product and if in her case does it need to be managed differently for these clients and actual evidence of some description that it is safe in cancer. Thanks nicki x

  • I have a customer taking Restore for constipation, almost 2 months now and not seeing enough results, should we add something else to the regimen?

  • Hi Dr. Shawn! A friend said she can not try the Happy Juice based on the ingredient list because she has an allergy to soy and grains. I’m guessing she means the Rice Fiber in the Edge and the soy culture medium for the MentaBiotics. Can you please comment on this? Thank you!

  • I have a question. I have 2 customers that have had heart issues. They are on blood thinners or aspirin or baby aspirin. One also on Lisinopril that borderline diabetic. They couldn’t take Relief because of the turmeric. Is the same going to apply to Mango? It contains turmeric. I did a deep dive into it, but can’t find a safe doseage? I also know it may be in the coloring, but I could use the pain and inflammation benefits.

    Thank you!

  • I listened to your talk on Happy Juice and loved it. You mentioned a talk that you gave about Long Covid and Lyme Disease and the benefits of Happy Juice. If someone has Long Covid and on a beta blocker for tachycardia, will the caffeine be ok to consume? Lions Mane will that be ok with tachycardia?

  • Hi Dr Shawn,
    I have been drinking, and selling Happy Juice since July. It had amazing benefits the first 3 months, slowed down a bit after that with some mood issues coming back but I’ve continued and feeling good about HJ. I was at 145lbs and goal of 130, eating well and walks daily. I started for/burn to help me meet my goal and instead I’ve been gaining weight. I’m now 165 and just can’t stop gaining/lose. I’ve stopped the fit/burn, I just can’t gain any more. My clothes don’t fit and I don’t feel well. My stomach, bum and legs have gained a lot in those areas especially. What do you recommend I do to help? I still take HJ with dragonfruit/grape and will be taking the mango Edge+ once it is shipped. How do I reset my metabolism or make weight loss start?
    I also have just been diagnosed with IBS, so not sure what I could even eat the 3 days taking reboot so haven’t attempted that. That might be another conversation.
    Can you help?
    Thank you for all that you do! I love how you explain things so I can understand!

  • I am wondering if there are any Amare products you would recommend someone with glaucoma would benefit from or any that they should steer clear of?
    Thank You!

  • Could you talk about Mango Edge+ and Kids Mood+, and why/how it could be a powerful combination to help those who struggle with focus, memory & attention. Thank you!

  • I have a TOH customer thats recently had a stroke, he was asking what else in our product line could help him recover? Is there something in particular that you would suggest!?

  • I had Covid-19 March, 2020. As a result I had long Covid for 7 months. Which was sporadic fevers that would rise to a hundred plus & drop as If someone was turning a thermostat up & down. I got AFib from the high fevers three months into long covid. I had lingering issues till May 2021, I got Covid-19 again. I had a Monoclonal Antibody infusion. That resolved some issues but gave me MCAS. (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome.) I have been getting two Zolair shots every four weeks since 2021and this fall they were extended to five weeks. I take a lot of anti histamine drugs and eat a low histamine diet. Over time it has gotten much better. I haven’t had to use my epipen. I have three previous auto immune disease. This makes four. My Hypoglycemia is turning to pre-diabetes. Now that you know the back story…
    My question is:
    I started the reboot+ and the grape happy juice pack. I have had a bit of a headache in the morning and have felt a little light headed. But I also seem to have dual feelings. I am feeling good, but am really tired and not feeling good.
    With my MCAS in my gut, will this help? Also would I have issues with any of the products and my histamine allergy?

  • Can you explain all of the benefits for kids and teens drinking the kids version of happy juice? And what age can they start?

  • Good morning, I have a friend that is interested in amare but has Parkinsons. She is wondering what if any products might help, or be in conflict.

  • Hi, Dr. Shawn,
    I have someone who is epileptic and interested in Happy Juice. Are there any other recommended supplements for her? Kid’s Mood?
    Thank you!

  • Dr. Shawn, I have a friend that suffers often from very debilitating migraines. Is there something in the Amare products you would recommend that would help? Thanks

  • Hi there Dr. Talbott.
    I had a question for you regarding kids calm gummies.
    Why is it that it’s only for ages 4+ ?

    A little background:
    I’m asking because I have a 2 year old who’s having sleep issues for some time now, and I have tried many didn’t things throughout the day only to have the same results at night time. She wakes in the middle of the night and stays awake for a few hours before finally going back to sleep, sometimes having full blown tantrums.

    Thank you for your help with my questions.

  • Hello Dr. Shawn!

    I am a new Brand Partner at Amare, and I have been taking Happy Juice, Sleep+, Mood+, GBX Fit, and Ignite for Her for about a month now.

    If you knew me a few months ago, you’d know that I was struggling with severe and chronic insomnia. I had not had more than 3 regular nights of sleep in 6 months. I had tried 3 different prescription sleep medications (all of which caused a paradoxical effect), and melatonin. NOthing was helping. I lived in perpetual brain fog, had trouble finding my words and carrying on conversations, and barely had energy to get through the days. My brain, which didn’t appear to do much during the day would turn on at bedtime and run all sorts of anxious thoughts through my head, making it hard for me to fall asleep. When I did fall asleep, which would be between 10-midnight, I’d wake up between 2:30-3:30 in the morning and be unable to fall asleep again.

    In December, I started taking Happy Juice, and noticed that I became calmer, happier, had more energy. I was sleeping a little bit better. I added Sleep + to my routine and had a few nights of restful sleep. Now it seems I can fall asleep easier, but I am still waking up between 2:30-3:30 am. I would like to be able to sleep from 9:30pm-5am without a lot of difficulty most nights. I was able to wean myself off my antidepressant PRistiq-which is fantastic. Ignite for Her has abolished my hot flashes and night sweats COMPLETELY.

    Here is my current routine.
    I take 2 sleep+ capsules, 2 magnesium glycinate (qunol) capsules, and 2 Juice Plus plant-based omegas at bedtime. I also still unfortunately am afraid to give up my lunesta, although I want to be off it altogether. I take the magnesium and omegas with my sleep + because I was told it was best to take those at night as they would relax me and help me sleep. Sometimes if I get up around 2 am, I will take one more sleep + capsule. Some days I still feel tired and I am sure it is because I am waking in the middle of the night and tossing and turning for an hour before I can sometimes return to sleep.
    I guess I don’t understand why I have to take so many capsules of Sleep + when my other friends can take one capsule and have a night of restorative sleep.

    I know how lack of sleep can contribute to dementia, and with my history of insomnia, difficulty finding words and not being able to have real conversations with people, I just want to be able to have a good night’s sleep most nights. . and actually be able to remember things that are important to me (memories, conversations).

    I am an RN. . . I have gone through CBT-I therapy so have a basic idea of how to reset the circadian clock, sleep hygiene habits, etc., and I try to follow these.

    I would just like to know what you would recommend as a good sleep routine with Amare products to help me get more restorative sleep and feel well rested when I wake in the morning.

    Thank you so much for all you do! It is so wonderful to be able to access you directly like this. I love all the products I have tried so far, and I look forward to fine-tuning my sleep routine.

    God bless,

    Krystyna Crawford, RN, BSN

  • This one was submitted thru our Discussion channel for Certified Mental Wellness Coaches (CMWCs) at Marietta College – but I thought it could also be helpful to post here…

    Autoimmune protocol

    I am curious what protocol you recommend for autoimmune disease. You talked about leaky gut being the primary cause of autoimmune diseases and I recall hearing you say gbx burn helps tighten the junctions in the gut. I have a friend I’m talking with who was just informed of her 8th autoimmune disease.

  • This one came to me via email – and asks some good questions about cortisol, inflammation, and thyroid function (Hashimoto’s)…

    Hello Dr. Shawn,
    I’m Chrissy, a brand partner using happy juice to manage my Hashimoto’s symptoms. My focus is on women dealing with autoimmune diseases. Happy juice has significantly improved both my physical and mental symptoms. I’d like to delve deeper into understanding why it works. Currently, my content highlights how stress, like cortisol, exacerbates Hashimoto’s symptoms, and by reducing it with “happy juice,” inflammation decreases, managing physical symptoms, while naturally uplifting mood for mental well-being. I’d appreciate your insights to refine my understanding and better educate others. As an athletic trainer familiar with my condition, I want to enhance my knowledge. ?

    PS I sent you a message on IG as well but I wasn’t sure if you would see it or ever check it.

    I greatly appreciate your time.

    Thank you for all you do for us,
    Chrissy.
    Sent from my iPhone

  • Hello. After using Pom Lime Happy Juice for a couple of months, a friend’s Hashimoto’s symptoms got worse. No other change in diet or lifestyle. T3 is up a bit, T4 is level, and TSH is up 5 points. Do you have any insights on what could contribute to this change when many others seem to find relief in symptoms?

  • Hello Dr. Shawn… I have a friend not being able to drink happy juice because it gives her hives. She says it only happens after she drinks it. Any advice?

  • Hi Dr. Shawn, thank you for taking the time to always answer everyones questions. So, I stopped birth control about 1.5 years ago and since then, cannot lose weight. I am on Amare, sunrise, sunset, happy juice, ignite for her, gbx fit for about a month now. Losing hope in losing weight. Just added in GBX burn. Considering getting back on the pill but really don’t want to as I know its not good for you. Any insite or tips would be great. I know a month isn’t a long time and it may take longer, just discouraged. But absolutely loving all the products.

  • Hello Dr. Talbott,

    I’m Carmen and Brand Partner. I have a customer that just recently started with mango happy juice. She just recently had a hysterectomy. She wants to feel better, but she feels so tired and exhausted. Other than happy juice, what else would you suggest for her? Or, do you think her body needs time for healing? She is having all the menopause symptoms.

  • Hi Dr Shawn, I have this woman that’s been on the fence about happy juice because she has Addisons disease and is on hydrocortisone to help her produce cortisol. I’ve referred her to a previous video of yours about diseases in general, but she still is hesitant this will help her. Can you walk us through how cortisol levels can be regulated naturally with Happy Juice in her case?

  • {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}

    Solve the 3 Main Sleep Problems
    and Improve Your Sleep Quality
    without Drugs or Synthetic Melatonin

    >