“I believe every struggle carries a lesson, and when we learn it, we move forward stronger.”
The start of a new year often brings excitement and the promise of fresh beginnings, yet many of us feel stuck repeating the same health struggles. What if the key to lasting change isn’t about willpower or strict diets, but understanding your body and addressing the root causes of imbalance? Shay Brusin, a Level 3 Integrative Health Practitioner, knows this journey firsthand. From overcoming infertility, thyroid challenges, and cancer scares to helping families reclaim their health, she has transformed personal hardship into powerful guidance for others. In this blog, we’ll share Shay’s story, actionable health tips for the new year, and strategies to help you take control of your well-being.
Transforming Health Struggles into Impact as an IHP Health Coach
When it comes to health, the answers aren’t always obvious. For Shay Brusin, the path to wellness began not in a textbook, but in her own body and the challenges of motherhood. Infertility, thyroid disease, and multiple health scares pushed her to seek solutions beyond conventional medicine. Through persistence, education, and the guidance of the Integrative Health Practitioner Institute (IHPI), Shay transformed her struggles into purpose. Her journey is a testament to the power of listening to your body, asking the right questions, and reclaiming your vitality.
Shay has always been holistic-minded, even before she had the language for it. “I remember looking around at so many with thyroid problems and thinking ‘the answer is right in front of our faces. It has to be in the water or something,’” she recalls. Her journey into integrative health started out of necessity. After struggling with infertility for five years, her first son arrived slightly early and extremely jaundiced—a wake-up call that something deeper was happening in her body. During her second pregnancy, doctors discovered multiple nodules on her thyroid, further pushing Shay to seek answers beyond conventional care.
Overcoming Setbacks: Finding Hope Through Integrative Health
“What began as concern quickly turned into a fight for answers. I was devastated by the idea of a lifetime of medication and wanted to understand why my body was struggling,” Shay says. After a total thyroidectomy, her recovery was difficult. She lost the use of her hands, experienced severe joint pain, and was told her symptoms weren’t related. “But I knew in my heart something deeper was going on,” she adds.
Two cancer scares, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and hormonal imbalance forced Shay to become her own advocate. She remembers being told by a trusted doctor, “You are just a tired mom of 2 little boys, it’s part of life!” Feeling dismissed and overwhelmed, she followed the prescribed treatments but saw no improvement. Eventually, a functional doctor truly listened to her. “First I cried, then I called everybody I knew. For the first time in years, I felt heard and hopeful,” Shay recalls.
Later, Shay finally decided to listen to her mom and give Dr. Cabral a chance. “Everything clicked. I realized this was what I had been searching for — a system that blends ancient wisdom with modern science, empowering everyday people to take their health back into their own hands. I didn’t need a new functional doctor… I was the person I was searching for!” Shay says. Taking that leap, she enrolled in IHP Levels 1 and 2 Health Coaching Certifications. Eventually, enrolling in IHP Level 3 became the easiest decision she had ever made. That moment marked not just a shift in her health, but the beginning of her purpose to help others transform their lives.
Family and Client Success: The Power of an IHP Health Coaching Certification
Shay’s greatest success story is her own family. “Together, we’ve overcome two cancer diagnoses, infertility, food sensitivities, behavioral challenges, mold exposure, mental health struggles, and more — largely through natural, holistic means,” she shares. Beyond her family, Shay treasures moments with clients when they say, “I believe God brought me to you.” She likens it to the first time she felt heard by a compassionate functional doctor. “I believe it’s sacred work to hold space for others’ healing. I’m just grateful God allows me to help His children find hope again.”
Dr. Cabral has deeply influenced Shay’s approach. “He embodies honesty and compassion in the same breath, and I aspire to bring that balance to my own practice: to be kind but truthful, gentle but firm. You don’t have to be rude to stand up for your health — and you don’t have to be fearful, either,” she says. This philosophy guides her work and highlights the transformative power of having a trained Health Coach in every home.
Health Tips for the New Year: Shay’s Actionable Advice
As we step into a new year, Shay offers her top health tips for women seeking more energy and vitality. First, start small. “If you try to change everything at once, it’s exciting for a week — and overwhelming the next. One small, sustainable change done consistently will always outlast a dozen unrealistic ones,” she explains.
Second, focus on health, not appearance. “A body in balance naturally finds its healthy weight. When you focus on feeling strong, clear, and energized, your body responds with vitality — and the weight takes care of itself,” Shay says.
Third, quit trying to do it all yourself. “Get help. Find someone who understands your goals and empowers you to take the next step. Follow their lead until you begin to feel confident navigating things on your own,” she advises. “And remember: you don’t have to wait until January 1st to start. The best time to take control of your health is now.”
Testing can also help you take control with confidence. As an IHP3, Shay especially recommends the Women’s Hormone and Fertility Test for her female clients. “As someone who personally walked through infertility, there’s nothing more rewarding than helping a woman rebalance her hormones, restore her cycle, and even welcome new life. Hormonal imbalance is incredibly common — but that doesn’t mean it’s normal. This lab can truly change lives and families,” she shares.
Take Control with Insightful Lab Testing
Understanding your body is a crucial part of lasting wellness, and lab tests can provide the clarity and direction many people need. Shay emphasizes important health tips when it comes to at-home integrative health testing. Knowing your numbers isn’t about perfection, it’s about empowerment. “The more you understand your body, the better you can make informed choices and take control of your health,” she explains.
One of Shay’s top recommendations is the Vit-Min Tox™ Test, a foundational at-home integrative lab testing bundle that gives a clear snapshot of your nutrient levels. “It’s essential for almost everyone and provides insights that can guide your next steps,” she says. Another powerful tool is the Food Sensitivity Test, which reveals hidden sources of inflammation. “Clients are often floored by the results—it’s rarely what you expect, and that’s exciting! This test is eye-opening and empowering because it shows how your body truly reacts to what you eat,” Shay shares.
As an IHP3, Shay especially values the Women’s Menopause and Fertility Test for her female clients. Drawing from her personal experience with infertility, she emphasizes, “There’s nothing more rewarding than helping a woman rebalance her hormones, restore her cycle, and even welcome new life. Hormonal imbalance is incredibly common—but that doesn’t mean it’s normal. This lab can truly change lives and families.”
By incorporating these assessments into your health journey, you gain actionable insights that go beyond guesswork and give you confidence as you create lasting change.
Health Tips for the New Year: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Starting fresh in the new year often comes with excitement and good intentions, but there are common pitfalls that can derail progress. Shay Brusin highlights some of the most frequent mistakes and how to avoid them with these essential health tips.
Equating health with being skinny is misleading. “True health isn’t a size — it’s a state of peace and vitality. When we focus on feeling better instead of looking different, our bodies naturally begin to thrive,” she says. Another common error is focusing on restriction instead of nourishment. “Your body wants nourishment — real food, hydration, minerals, rest. You can’t heal on depletion. Shifting from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset can be life changing,” Shay adds.
Finally, many people expect quick results, but Shay emphasizes patience. “Success isn’t linear. Our body needs time to rebuild. Progress looks like fewer crashes, better energy, and a calmer mind — not perfection overnight. Keeping a journal helps you celebrate small wins,” she advises.
Mindset Matters: Lessons for Transformation
Shay’s approach goes beyond physical health. “I believe every struggle carries a lesson, and when we learn it, we move forward stronger. My goal is to help clients see that even the hardest seasons are preparing them for transformation,” she says. She also reminds us not to underestimate emotional and generational trauma. “Sometimes we carry pain that isn’t even ours, but it still affects us. Healing involves grace, patience, and persistence. Keep searching for answers. Keep going — you’re not behind, you’re just becoming,” Shay emphasizes.
Health Tips for the New Year: Moving Forward with Confidence
With guidance, support, and a mindset of persistence, the journey toward wellness is not only possible, it can be joyful. The best time to take action is now. One step, one choice, and one day at a time can lead to transformative results that last far beyond the new year.
Connect with Shay
To learn more from Shay and follow her journey in integrative health, connect with her on social media or visit her website.
For health coaches, growth isn’t just about knowledge—it’s also about mindset. To explore overcoming self doubt and stepping fully into your power as a coach, check out our most recent blog: Imposter Syndrome: How Health Coaches Can Overcome Self Doubt. Learn how addressing imposter syndrome can enhance your presence, confidence, and impact with clients.
