In this episode of Power Up Recovery with Nutrition, Christina Veselak sits down with Shelly Jo Wahlstrom, founder of Hypno Aminos, certified clinical hypnotherapist, and passionate advocate for amino acid therapy, to explore how targeted nutrition can support addiction recovery, mental health, and overall brain function.

Shelly shares her deeply personal journey of searching for answers when her daughter struggled with meth addiction and how discovering amino acid therapy changed not only her daughter’s life, but the course of her own career. What began as a mother’s quest for hope grew into a thriving business that has helped thousands of people address cravings, anxiety, depression, low energy, and emotional imbalances through nutritional support.

They dive into:

• How Shelly discovered amino acid therapy while helping her daughter recover from addiction • The role of amino acids in supporting neurotransmitter production and brain health • Why cravings, anxiety, depression, and low motivation may have biological roots • Shelly’s personal experience using tyrosine to overcome sugar cravings and fatigue • The importance of supplement quality, purity, and manufacturing standards • Common ingredients and fillers consumers should be aware of • Real-life success stories using amino acids for addiction recovery, mood support, and emotional wellness • How Shelly built her own amino acid supplement company from the ground up • The growing role of practitioners in helping clients address nutritional deficiencies • Why feeding the brain what it is missing can create lasting change

Meet Our Guest

Dr. Shelly Jo Wahlstrom, PhD, CCHT, CRNC—also known as The Amino Acid Lady—is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Certified Recovery Nutrition Coach, author, educator, and founder of Hypno Aminos Supplements.

After facing the fear of losing her daughter to addiction, Shelly Jo became determined to find answers beyond traditional approaches. That journey led her to amino acid therapy, nutritional recovery, and a mission to help others understand the powerful connection between brain chemistry, emotional wellbeing, and addiction recovery.

Today, Shelly Jo teaches her signature 3-Legged Stool Approach—Feed Your Brain, Change Your Life, helping children, teens, and adults calm emotionally and mentally, reduce addictive substances and behaviors, and support natural healing. She is the author of two bestselling books, creator of the Hypno Aminos supplement line, and founder of Utah’s only registered, bonded, and accredited hypnotherapy school.

Through her speaking, training, and products, Shelly Jo continues to share a message of hope, healing, and whole-person health. When she’s not helping others transform their lives, she enjoys skiing, dancing, traveling, and spending time with her grandchildren as “Grama Shelly.”

To Connect:

Website: https://hypnoaminos.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShellyJoHypnoAminos/

Instagram: @shellyjohypnoaminos

5 Practical Takeaways

1. Feed the brain what it is missing Targeted amino acids can help support the production of key neurotransmitters involved in mood, motivation, focus, and recovery.
2. Cravings are often biological Many cravings for sugar, alcohol, drugs, and other substances may be linked to underlying neurotransmitter imbalances.
3. Quality supplements matter Not all supplements are created equally. Ingredients, fillers, sourcing, and manufacturing practices can significantly impact results.
4. Early intervention can change lives Addressing anxiety, mood challenges, and nutritional deficiencies in children may help prevent more serious struggles later in life.
5. Recovery requires more than willpower Supporting brain chemistry and nutritional health can make it easier for individuals to create and sustain meaningful change.

Interested in Sponsoring the Podcast? The Power Up Recovery with Nutrition Podcast reaches an audience interested in addiction recovery, mental health nutrition, amino acid therapy, and brain-based recovery support. If your organization, program, or brand aligns with this mission, we invite you to explore podcast sponsorship opportunities.

Learn more here: https://aminoacidtherapy.com/podcast-sponsorship-opportunities/

Explore recovery nutrition resources, courses, and professional training from the Academy for Addiction and Mental Health Nutrition: https://aminoacidtherapy.com/

Learn more about the Feeding the Recovering Brain movement: https://feedtherecoveringbrain.com/

Support the nonprofit initiative Eating Protein Saves Lives, and help spread the message that protein throughout the day can support brain health, cravings, and recovery: https://eatingproteinsaveslives.org/

Start with Christina Veselak’s book, EAT! A Guide to Radiant Recovery Using Food and Amino Acids to Repair the Addicted Brain and Reduce Cravings: https://www.eatforrecovery.com/

Follow us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/academy-for-addiction-and-mental-health-nutrition YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@academyforaddictionmentalh135 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/addictionnutritionacademy/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/academyforaddictionandmentalhealthnutrition/

Music by: Bensound License code: GFZAESIUP3ZUNGXM

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