Ep 3: Samantha Lander | Teething, Biological Dentistry, and Chronic Illness

Optimize WE Episode 4-Samantha Lander on Teething, Biological Dentistry, and Chronic Illness

Lindsay and Samantha delve into their deeply personal health journeys, revealing unexpected twists and turns. Lindsay shares her astonishing experience of teething for the first time at 43 years old, an event that served as a catalyst for her exploration into biological dentistry. This discovery opened her eyes to the intricate connection between oral health and overall well-being. Samantha, a single mother and biohacker, recounts her extensive struggles with chronic health issues, including battles with addiction and periods of incarceration. Within the confines of prison, she found unexpected freedom and purpose, engaging in landscape work and mastering heavy machinery. Samantha's narrative weaves through her challenges with persistent constipation, cystic acne, and the long-term effects of antibiotic use, all of which she now believes are intricately linked to her dental health. The conversation culminates with Lindsay's keen interest in Samantha's experiences, sparking a potential connection to her own ongoing health concerns.

Samantha's Health Journey: Lab Testing, Food Sensitivities, and Parasite Discovery

Samantha's health journey began with her pursuit of a fitness-focused lifestyle, becoming a personal trainer and adhering to a rigorous diet and exercise regimen. However, despite her efforts, she experienced paradoxical weight gain, chronic diarrhea, persistent acne, and debilitating fatigue. Seeking answers, she discovered that her symptoms were rooted in food sensitivities and hormonal imbalances. This realization led her to collaborate with functional medicine practitioners who guided her through comprehensive lab testing and hormone protocols. While she experienced some improvements, Samantha felt that her gastrointestinal issues were not being fully addressed. Driven by a desire for deeper understanding, she conducted her own extensive stool tests, uncovering the presence of parasites that had been missed in previous analyses. This pivotal moment highlighted the need for accessible and thorough lab testing, ultimately inspiring her to establish her own business.

Samantha's Health Journey: Transformation Through Pain and Purpose

Samantha, a certified personal trainer and Functional Diagnostic Nutrition (FDN) practitioner, shares her transformative journey from grappling with personal health issues to empowering others on their own paths to wellness. She emphasizes the importance of listening intently to her clients' stories and utilizing a wide array of lab tests to gain a comprehensive understanding of their health challenges. Samantha recounts a client's profound experience within the Immortal Chamber, a technology that facilitated a significant shift in the client's narrative. This experience inspired Samantha to reframe her own story, transforming her perception of her pain from a plea for attention to a powerful catalyst for helping others. She expresses her unwavering hope for the resolution of her own health struggles, focusing her energy on guiding others through similar challenges.

Samantha's Tooth Infection Journey: A Two-Year Battle and Biological Dentistry

Samantha recounts her harrowing two-and-a-half-year ordeal with a severe tooth infection, a relentless battle that profoundly impacted her overall health. The infection began with a seemingly minor cracked tooth but quickly escalated, affecting her entire body and causing debilitating sinus problems, persistent brain fog, and excruciating nerve pain. Despite undergoing numerous rounds of antibiotics, sinus surgery, and various dental procedures, Samantha's condition persisted. Seeking a more holistic approach, she turned to biological dentistry, undergoing a series of procedures including the removal of impacted teeth and the implantation of ceramic teeth. These interventions yielded remarkable improvements in her health, including increased lung capacity and a significant reduction in sinus congestion.

Samantha's Journey With Biological Dentistry: Obsession, Challenges, and Transformation

Samantha discusses her profound engagement with biological dentistry, describing it as an all-consuming passion. She recounts an incident where her dedication to the field led her to get a tattoo related to it. Her journey has been marked by significant dental challenges, including chronic pain and multiple surgeries, which have strained her relationship with her child. Lindsay acknowledges Samantha's remarkable self-awareness, suggesting that she may be nearing the end of a transformative chapter in her life. Samantha opens up about her current health status, expressing her unwavering determination to persevere despite her physical limitations.

Overcoming Challenges and Finding Strength: Motherhood and Personal Growth

Samantha candidly shares her struggles with her son's oppositional defiant disorder and her own ongoing health issues, including a prolonged illness that left her feeling depleted and unable to function. She expresses profound gratitude for moments of divine intervention that provided her with the strength to cope. Lindsay, who has also navigated a similar health crisis, offers empathetic understanding, suggesting that Samantha's experiences will ultimately enhance her ability to mother and help her child develop a more resilient perspective. Both agree that the challenges they have faced have not diminished their relationships or hindered their personal growth.

Faith, Positivity, and Chronic Illness: Navigating Health Challenges

Lindsay and Samantha explore the crucial role of faith and positivity in managing chronic illness. Samantha shares her journey through addiction, detailing how it led her to sobriety and a deeper connection to her faith. Lindsay discusses her decision to undergo oral surgery and her plans to collaborate with Dr. Gandhi on biological dentistry. Both women emphasize the importance of relinquishing fear and embracing faith and positivity as essential components of healing. Samantha also shares her experiences with biological dentists, acknowledging the unique challenges of being an "extreme case." The conversation concludes with Lindsay inquiring about Samantha's strategies for optimizing her mental health, to which Samantha responds by discussing her use of biohacking equipment.

Personal Health Journeys and Methods: Biohacking and Holistic Approaches

Samantha and Lindsay discuss their personal health journeys and the various methods they employ to maintain their well-being. Samantha shares her experiences with red light therapy, ionic foot baths, and scalar panels, as well as her challenges with hormonal imbalances and the potential need for a hysterectomy. Lindsay, who is also experiencing hormonal changes, expresses keen interest in learning more about Samantha's methods and mentions a product launched by Dr. Kellyanne. Both women acknowledge the unique nature of each individual's health journey, emphasizing that there is no universal solution. They also underscore the importance of establishing a strong foundation with basic practices such as clean eating and advocating for a holistic approach to health.

Samantha's Break and Career Consideration: From Stress to Mouth Counseling

Lindsay and Samantha discuss Samantha's battle with stress and her decision to take a two-month break from work. Samantha shares her realization that her inability to disconnect from work, rather than the work itself, was the primary source of her stress. She also recounts her recent sinus surgery and the valuable time it allowed her to spend with her family. Samantha expresses her unwavering belief that circumstances inevitably improve, even if they temporarily worsen. The conversation concludes with Samantha contemplating a career as a mouth counselor, offering therapeutic support to individuals who have endured traumatic medical experiences.