Astaxanthin: How a tailored diet can help you prevent sunburn and fight aging skin
As we prepare for the sunny days, there are often times where we neglect or forget to put on protection from harmful UV rays. These are damaging to the skin – and while we may not find it particularly harmful as we go about our daily activities, its long-term effects can be dangerous to your […]
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Female Hair Loss: Root Causes and Natural Support
For most individuals, especially females, hair plays a key part in their identity. Hair loss in women produces greater psychological distress than in men.1 Whether you choose to color your hair, style it with curls, braids, or waves, or choose to keep it natural, many people take tremendous pride in their hair. However, sometimes the […]
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Metabolic Dysfunction and Fatty Liver Disease: The Connection and Progression
What is Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MDAFLD)? The current definition is independent of other liver diseases and includes evidence of fat buildup on the liver, and one of the following: obesity, presence of Type 2 diabetes, or evidence of metabolic dysfunction¹. But what is metabolic dysfunction? This means that the body’s metabolism is […]
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Beyond the Bump: How to Recognize and Recover from Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) can happen to anyone and many people do not even realize they’ve suffered one. The CDC reports over 2.53 million people are diagnosed with a TBI in the emergency room annually; hundreds of thousands more who do not seek medical attention remain undiagnosed.1 The majority happen due to falls in children […]
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Red Light Therapy 101: What It Is, How It Works, and What It Can Do for You
Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM) or low-level laser light therapy, has been gaining attention for its potential health benefits. More and more research has shown multiple applications of red light therapy including reducing inflammation and alleviating pain. It can help the skin by promoting collagen growth, reducing wrinkles, and treating acne. Additionally, […]
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Exploring the Root Causes of Acne
Whether you are 13 years old navigating puberty or 30 years old navigating adulthood, acne does not discriminate! I am sure many of you are familiar with the frustration of dealing with breakouts. Breakouts and acne can be complex with multifaceted triggers. Today, let’s take a deeper look into the root cause of acne! What […]
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Your Body’s Morning Alarm: Understanding the Cortisol Awakening Response
Have you ever wondered why some mornings you feel unstoppable, while others struggle from the start? The answer might lie in your cortisol awakening response (CAR), a key part of how your body prepares for the day. While cortisol is commonly known as the “stress hormone” it also helps regulate metabolism, blood sugar, the immune […]
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Tick Tock: Circadian Rhythm Resetting Obesity
What is the Circadian Clock? The master circadian clock is a 24-hour biological time clock that is encoded in our DNA. Each organ in the human body has its own clock that determines its peak performance times throughout a 24-hour day, and disruptions with this can trigger the onset of a plethora of chronic diseases.2 […]
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The Dangers of Mold Toxicity
Mold species, which are a type of fungus, are ubiquitous throughout the earth. There are countless species living in soil and growing on various porous surfaces. Nearly all species reproduce by belching out tiny seed-like spores into the air that can then latch onto new damp surfaces. These spores give most molds the characteristic fuzzy […]
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Food Sensitivities: Understanding the Hidden Triggers Behind Your Symptoms
Food sensitivities are becoming an increasingly common health concern, affecting how many people feel after eating certain foods, yet they often go unnoticed or misunderstood. From digestive issues to fatigue, headaches, and even skin problems, the impact of food sensitivities can affect your daily life in unexpected ways. In this post, we’ll dive into what […]
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Maca Root and Hormone Balance
The vast majority of women in perimenopause or post menopause experience a wide range of bothersome symptoms including hot flashes, sleep and mood disturbances, decreased libido, vaginal dryness, weight gain, and more.1 We have talked about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in a previous blog post linked here, but that may not be an option for […]
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Hormone Replacement Therapy: What You Should Know
What is hormone replacement therapy (HRT)? Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is exactly what it sounds like – replacing depleted hormone levels to an optimal amount. How exactly do hormones become dysregulated? Lifestyle choices are key influences on hormone balance. Nutrient-poor food, stress, toxins, and more are some of the responsible factors that lead to downstream […]
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The Vagus Nerve
What is the vagus nerve? The vagus nerve is one of the longest and most complex nerves in the body. It is also known as the tenth cranial nerve. It is the main part of the parasympathetic nervous system, also known as the “rest and digest” portion of the nervous system. This system controls body […]
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Nutrigenomics
Have you ever heard someone talk about how something was destined to happen to them because it was in their genes? Maybe someone who had a parent with type 2 diabetes so they just assume they will eventually be diagnosed too. Many people think that genes make up how they look, how long they will […]
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Heart Rate Variability – What It Means For Your Health
What is heart rate variability (HRV) and what does it mean? Heart rate variability (HRV) is the fluctuating amount of time between heartbeats. The idea of using one’s pulse as a part of a diagnosis has been around for centuries, as it can indicate different things about the full picture of a person’s health. It […]
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Adaptogens for Anxiety
Since diet plays such an important role in promoting mental wellbeing, one might wonder what some researched-based supplements would help with anxiety and depression. Some of the most common anxiety-relieving herbs include the following: kava, valerian, pennywort, hops, chamomile, Ginkgo biloba, passionflower, ashwagandha, skullcap, and lemon balm.¹ Since there are so many different natural supplements […]
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Anxiety and the gut
One of the most common topics discussed within functional medicine is supporting and creating a healthy gut microbiome. But what exactly is this gut microbiome and why is it so important? The gut is a multi-organ system that covers the stomach, intestines, and colon. The microbiome consists of trillions of commensal microbes that live in […]
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Exploring Eczema Treatment Through a Functional Medicine Lens
Eczema is a prevalent skin condition affecting millions worldwide that presents a complex challenge for those seeking effective treatment. This article delves into understanding eczema from the perspective of functional medicine, exploring innovative approaches while comparing them to conventional treatment methods. Understanding Eczema Eczema (aka atopic dermatitis) is defined as an inflammatory skin condition that causes […]
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Vitamin D and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal Affective Disorder In our current fast-growing society, depression and anxiety have become major concerns for public health. One particular disorder that affects many people is seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It is classified as depression related to climate and seasonal weather change, and it typically occurs in autumn and winter with remission in spring or […]
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Can Vitamin D Supplementation Help Depressive Symptoms?
Depression is a common mental disorder that over 280 million people live with worldwide.1 There are a variety of reasons that someone could develop depression, and some of those reasons include imbalances within the body. There are multiple ways to manage depression including medications, therapy/counseling, exercise, and vitamin supplementation. One factor that has been linked […]
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GLP-1: A Way to Improve Blood Sugar and Weight Loss
What is GLP-1 and how does it impact weight loss and blood sugar? Chances are you have heard about something called GLP-1 and how it can help you control blood sugar and possibly lose weight. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a hormone that the body makes that is secreted in the intestines when you eat to […]
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A Functional Medicine Approach to Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated, inflammatory skin disorder that affects 0.91-8.50% of adults worldwide.1 This condition is characterized by skin that is scaly, red, and itchy. Not only is psoriasis physically bothersome, but it often comes with mental illnesses like depression and anxiety. The main goal for those with psoriasis is to try to clear […]
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Prediabetes: How to stop progression to diabetes
Gaining control of diabetes can be overwhelming. Trying to figure out how to eat, dealing with side effects of medications, and learning how to use a glucose meter is a lot to deal with. One question many people ask themselves is how did I get here? Could I have done something to prevent this diagnosis? […]
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Estrogen
When estrogen first comes to mind, the first and only thought of many is the “female sex hormone”. However, estrogen is so much more than JUST a female sex hormone. Not to mention, it is also part of male physiology! It is an essential signaling molecule that has roles in a multitude of bodily systems. […]
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Homeopathy 101
Homeopathy is a form of alternative medicine that was developed over 200 years ago by a German physician, Samuel Hahnemann. Hahnemann was dissatisfied with the harsh and often ineffective medical practices of his time, which included bloodletting, purging, and the use of toxic substances like mercury and arsenic. Homeopathy is based on the principle that […]
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Weight Loss – A Holistic Approach
Getting to a “healthy” weight can be a struggle. Most people have tried at least one diet or new exercise regimen only to give it up after a short amount of time. It seems like there is always a new product, fad diet, or exercise gadget claiming to be the next best thing for fast […]
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Are Your Bowel Movements Healthy?
Let’s chat about your bowel movements. Did you just cringe a bit? Let’s face it, poop isn’t anybody’s favorite topic. Nonetheless, our bowel movements hold valuable clues to our overall health. But these signs are often ignored because most of us are a bit uncomfortable talking about them – even to our healthcare providers. Your […]
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Heartburn: Root Causes and Natural Support
Heartburn is one of the most common digestive diseases. A 2013 systematic review reported that up to 27.8% of the North American population had experienced gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) symptoms.1 While anyone can get heartburn, advanced age and obesity are associated with higher risk. Symptoms are often tolerable and short-lived; however, for those with GERD, […]
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Nutritional Impact On Weight Loss: Nutrients That Make A Difference
When it comes to weight loss, there are a few strategies that instantly come to mind for a lot of people: exercising and cutting calories are prime examples. However, what if there were nutrients that could impact our ability to lose weight? Studies have shown that increasing certain things that may normally be depleted in […]
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Living for Longevity: A Mediterranean Diet-Based Approach
We always hear the phrase “life is short,” but what if we could make a few simple changes to live longer? Finding longevity and living a healthy life may be more accessible than previously imagined. Lifestyle and nutrition impact the likelihood of developing a chronic disease and how severe it becomes5. Making educated choices regarding […]
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How A Healthy Gut Can Help Us Meet Our New Year’s Weight Loss Resolutions
One of the most common New Year’s resolutions surrounds losing the few extra pounds we tend to gain from all the good eats during the holiday season. This goal tends to be addressed through dieting, exercising, and avoiding additional caloric intake. However, there is something else that can help us meet our resolutions, and that […]
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IMPROVING YOUR HEALTH WITH CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITORING
What are continuous glucose monitors? Fingerstick blood sugar testing is a thing of the past, and that is all thanks to a new technology known as Continuous Glucose Monitors or CGMs. These are small sensors that you wear on your body that give you an instant look at your glucose without the need to prick […]
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Cardiovascular Supplementation- Which Supplements Actually Improve Your Heart Health?
When you walk into your local pharmacy or drugstore it’s easy to see which vitamins are the most popular among consumers. Typically there are rows upon rows of multivitamins, too many strengths of Calcium to keep straight, and choices of tablets, capsules, or softgels for vitamin D. The number of options is enough to make anyone […]
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The Diabetes Gut Connection
The microbiome The microbiome has numerous functions including protecting against pathogens, shaping the immune system, regulating intestinal hormone secretion and GI nerve activity, nutrient absorption, and synthesizing certain vitamins1. In recent years, the gut microbiome, the term for the trillions of micro-organisms that inhabit the GI tract, has been shown to be involved in the […]
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The interesting field of nutrigenomics
What is it? Nutrigenomics, or nutritional genomics, is a new approach to healthcare that looks at how our diet, nutrients, and genes all contribute to overall health and well-being. This area has gained interest from many healthcare workers and researchers, as the field of personalized medicine continues to grow. Most people think of their genes […]
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Curious about your Gut Microbiome? There’s a Test for That!
What is Gut Microbiome Testing and Why is it Important? Gut microbiome testing is utilized by functional medicine clinicians to get a glimpse at what is going on in your gastrointestinal tract. This type of testing is essential because the health of the gut impacts virtually every other system in the body and has profound […]
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Mental health care using lifestyle modifications tools
The health of our brain is as important as the health of the rest of our body. Just as we go to the primary care physician for our yearly well check appointments, we should also periodically check in with our mental health. Unfortunately, this area of our health is often neglected even by the best […]
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Enhancing Reproductive Health with Functional Medicine
Infertility rates have increased substantially in the past few decades with 1 in 5 women of reproductive-age in the United States affected today. The term infertility is defined as the failure to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected sexual intercourse1. This is not just a woman’s issue; infertility can also be due to male […]
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Improving PCOS using Lifestyle Medicine
By looking at an individual’s root causes and using a whole-body, systems-based approach, it is possible to improve symptoms and restore health. In this blog post, we will discuss how to improve and possibly reverse PCOS symptoms by addressing the foundations of health. Diet Using food as medicine is paramount in the management of PCOS. […]
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