Functional Medicine Helps You Ask Better Questions with Jen Germain

A Crohn’s disease diagnosis can feel like a life sentence, especially when you’re told medication is the only option. I sit down with Jen Germain, a certified functional medicine health coach and founder of Compass Health Coaching, to share what changed when she started asking a different question: why is my body inflamed in the first place? Jen walks us through her health crisis in 2020, the fear and frustration of being dismissed, and the practical steps that helped her reclaim momentum. We break down functional medicine in plain English, talk gut health and root cause healing, and unpack the autoimmune protocol (AIP) as a structured way to reduce inflammation and identify trigger foods through careful reintroduction. If you’ve been searching for functional medicine guidance, autoimmune protocol tips, or a realistic path to chronic illness support, you’ll hear what actually mattered day to day. We also go beyond food. Jen calls out sleep and chronic stress as two of the most overlooked drivers of stubborn symptoms, and she shares mindset tools that make change possible, including her powerful reminder: you can’t heal a body you hate. We talk self-advocacy in healthcare, what to write down before appointments, and when it’s time to find a provider who will go deeper. Connect with Jen **Website:** https://www.compasshealthcoachingllc.com/  https://www.instagram.com/compasshealthcoachingllc/ **LinkedIn -** https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifergermain/ https://www.facebook.com/compasshealthcoachingllc  Video Consultations  https://compasshealthcoachingllc.practicebetter.io/#/62efebd9960d0837f69830ae/bookings?step=services Let me know what you’d like to hear more about on the show Support the show I’m Carol Clegg, a life coach offering gentle accountability coaching and I am a curious conversationalist. If you enjoy reflection, fresh perspectives, and honest dialogue, this space is for you. If you’d like to experience this work in community, I host a **complimentary monthly Accountability Circle**  a supportive space to pause, gain clarity, and choose a gentle next step forward. More info at https://carolclegg.com/accountabilitycircle For those ready for deeper, more consistent support, I also offer a **60-day Accountability Package**, designed to help you move from scattered ideas to steady, sustainable momentum. You can learn more at carolclegg.com Let’s connect on LinkedIn and Instagram, or join my LinkedIn Group Flourish: A Community for Women Business Owners