About the Guest:

Dr. Sarica Cernohous is a doctor of acupuncture and Chinese medicine with over 20 years of experience as a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). She is the author of The Funky Kitchen, a practical guide focused on traditional food preparation techniques that increase the bioavailability of nutrients. Sarica specializes in bridging the gap between ancient healing wisdom and modern technologies like epigenetics and bioenergetics to help individuals live in alignment with their body's unique rhythms.

About the Guest: Dr. Sarica Cernohous

Dr. Sarica Cernohous is a doctor of acupuncture and Chinese medicine with over 20 years of experience as a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). She is the author of The Funky Kitchen, a practical guide focused on traditional food preparation techniques that increase the bioavailability of nutrients. Sarica specializes in bridging the gap between ancient healing wisdom and modern technologies like epigenetics and bioenergetics to help individuals live in alignment with their body's unique rhythms.

In this episode, Kelsey Mercer and Sarica Cernohous discuss...

The Synergy of Natural Medicine

Sarica defines natural medicine as a practice that leans on what is native to humans while utilizing new technology to support the natural expression of the body. She emphasizes combining 2,500-year-old TCM principles with epigenetic scanning to address modern toxic overloads.

Epigenetics vs. Genetics

The conversation explores how lifestyle inputs—such as food, relationships, and environment—can turn genetic tendencies on or off. Sarica notes that while genetics may provide a "blueprint," they do not have to be a person's final reality.

The "Adulting" of Self-Care

Sarica introduces the concept of "adulting ourselves" by setting healthy parameters. This includes guarding sleep, reducing exposure to blue light and toxic people, and ensuring regular direct sunlight for "battery recharging".

Metabolism and Meal Spacing

Contrary to modern snacking trends, Sarica advocates for nourishing, grounding meals spaced five hours apart. This allows the "river" of the body’s systems to flow and clear debris without the constant "noise" of digestion.

Traditional Food Preparation

Drawing from her book, Sarica explains "pre-digestion" techniques like soaking grains, seeds, and beans to neutralize anti-nutrients and make food easier for the body to process.

Notable Quotes

"We are frequency beings before we are matter beings."

"Your [genetic] blueprint... doesn't have to be your reality."

"Burnout is often the result of doing 'too much of the wrong work' rather than simply having too much to do."

Resources and Links

The Funky Kitchen

by Sarica Cernohous

The Maker's Diet

by Jordan Rubin

Nutrition & Physical Degeneration

by Dr. Weston A. Price

Nourishing Traditions

by Sally Fallon

The Web That Has No Weaver

by Ted Kaptchuk

Organization

Tuning In: A Conversation with Sarica Cernohous

This episode serves as a reminder that healing begins with awareness and intuition rather than just following the latest health trends. Sarica and Kelsey discuss how to move away from a "standardized" view of health and toward a personalized path that respects individual ancestry, blood type, and the body's internal signals.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • How epigenetic hair scanning can provide more data than thousands of dollars in standard labs.
  • The benefits of grass-fed butter, specifically its butyric acid content for gut and brain health.
  • Why snacking can "jack up the system" and lead to brain fog and bloating.
  • The importance of gentle movement (like walking or Pilates) to move "qi" without overstressing the nervous system.
  • How to use pectin-rich foods like apples to help the liver clear environmental hydrocarbons.

Episode Timestamps

  • 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Sarica Cernohous
  • 05:38 Defining Natural Medicine and Technology Integration
  • 10:42 Understanding Epigenetics and Genetic Expression
  • 17:06 The Importance of "Adulting" and Setting Parameters
  • 27:20 Traditional Food Prep: The Funky Kitchen
  • 47:15 Meal Spacing for Lymphatic and Liver Health
  • 1:03:40 The Nutritional Power of Grass-Fed Butter and Fats
  • 1:13:30 Blood Types, Ancestry, and Bio-individuality
  • 1:23:45 Moving "Qi": Functional Movement and Stretching
  • 1:32:19 How to Access Epigenetic Hair Testing

Follow Kelsey Mercer:

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only. The host is not a licensed therapist or medical professional. The content is not intended as a substitute for professional advice from a qualified expert.

Find Sarica Cernohous:

For more on her mentorship, the Reset Method, or intentional living consulting, please refer to the show notes or visit her website at Naturally Living Today to talk directly

© 2026 KELSEY MERCER