A new study has shown what we have known for some time in functional medicine: Chronic inflammation causes brain fog and mental sluggishness — many people with chronic health conditions report these symptoms. In the study, 20 healthy young male volunteers received a salmonella typhoid vaccine, which temporarily spikes inflammation. On separate days they received […]
New study links inflammation with brain fog Read More »
Exercise may seem like a bad idea when you feel run down, in pain, or fatigued from an autoimmune disease. Autoimmunity, a disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys body tissue, can make exercise feel like an impossible feat when you’re not feeling good. However, studies show daily physical activity improves outcomes and
Exercise shown to improve autoimmunity outcomes Read More »
The first time you hear about coffee enemas can leave you feeling confused and a little weirded out. But the truth is, coffee enemas have been associated with the following benefits: Pain relief Increased energy Depression relief Improved mental clarity Reduce die-off symptoms during detoxes Helping eliminate parasites Helping improve digestion Helping improve liver and
Coffee enemas can help manage Hashimoto’s Read More »
As if managing an autoimmune condition isn’t hard enough, traveling and holiday schedules can make it downright daunting. Staying with relatives, life on the road and in airports, trying to prepare a good meal in a hotel room, and constantly being offered foods that will throw your autoimmune symptoms into a tailspin all present constant
How to avoid autoimmune flares during holiday travels Read More »
Although tap water is treated to prevent waterborne diseases, you still need to filter your tap water for truly clean water. Treated water protects us from things like Cryptosporidium and Giardia, yet municipal water supplies are loaded with chemicals used for treatment in addition to the hundreds of pollutants that contaminate our water supplies. The
Why it’s important to filter your drinking water Read More »
You may be familiar with common stroke-prevention strategies: Exercise regularly, eat plenty of vegetables, minimize stress, and keep inflammation at bay. But did you know taking good care of your teeth and gums is a major way to lower stroke risk? A new study has found a significant link between stroke and oral bacteria. An
Floss your teeth daily to reduce your risk of stroke Read More »
We live in a sea of toxins and we all carry significant amounts of heavy metals and environmental toxins in our bodies. Even if you eat all organic foods, drink filtered water, and use non-toxic home and body products, you will still come in contact with numerous toxins as a part of daily modern life.
How to reduce your toxic burden and protect immunity Read More »
People tend not to think about their gallbladder unless gallstones become a painful and debilitating problem requiring surgery. However, your gallbladder could be causing gut problems or chronic inflammatory issues, even if you have no overt gallbladder symptoms. In fact, gallbladder issues are one of the most common reasons people have chronic gastrointestinal symptoms that
Your gallbladder can cause gut and health problems Read More »
In the world of functional medicine, it has long been known that gut health is paramount to the health of the rest of the body. For decades we didn’t fully understand why, although we knew the gut was the seat of the immune system and chronic inflammation. Now with the gut microbiome renaissance underway, we
Gut problems can have different root causes Read More »
If you struggle with heartburn or acid reflux, you just pop some pills for that, right? Turns out regular use of drugs to treat heartburn, acid reflux, and ulcers can lead to an earlier death. These disorders are some of the easier to manage using functional medicine protocols, so it’s unnecessary to risk shortening your
New study links PPIs to earlier death, chronic disease Read More »
Although the produce section at the grocery store may look vast, it only represents a fraction of edible, nutritious, and tasty plant foods. It’s estimated there are more than 20,000 species of edible plants, and that we only eat about 20 to 50 of them. As a result, this may be playing a significant role
Integrating ancient fiber needs into a modern diet Read More »
If you feel like you have a harder time staying slim than your grandparents did at your age, you are right. We are about 10 percent heavier than people in the 80s, even when we eat the same foods and exercise just as much. This may be due to changes in lifestyle and environmental factors
Staying thin is harder for young people than in the past Read More »
When we go to the doctor with symptoms of acid reflux, gas, bloating and heartburn, typically the diagnosis of high stomach acid is based purely on symptoms — not a lab test for stomach acid levels — resulting in a prescription for antacids, histamine type 2 receptor agonists (H2 blockers), Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), or
How to support optimal stomach acid for good digestion Read More »
Infertility has been a growing problem over the last three decades, with most of the attention focused on women’s reproduction. However, 40 to 50 percent of cases of infertility are caused by male infertility. Research shows sperm quality has dropped by 50 percent in the last 80 years. Sperm quality of dogs has also declined sharply over recent years.
Pollutants lower sperm counts in dogs and humans Read More »
People with eating disorders such as anorexia simply do not experience hunger and satiety in the same way people who have a healthy relationship with food do. New research suggests that the composition of gut bacteria, or the gut microbiome, may play a role in the behavioral aspects of anorexia and eating disorders. For instance,
Gut bacteria play a role in anorexia; eating disorders Read More »
Many people take SSRI antidepressants for depression. However, it’s important to ask why you are feeling depression in the first place. Many important research strides have been made linking chronic inflammation, poor gut health, gut bacteria, and general brain health with depression. However, we still need healthy serotonin activity, the target of SSRIs, to feel
How to support your brain’s “happiness” chemical Read More »
Sufficient vitamin D levels requires more than a healthy diet and taking supplements—good vitamin D levels need the right cofactors too. A shocking three-quarters of the US population has too little vitamin D, even in sunny locales. Vitamin D is necessary to dampen inflammation and tame autoimmune diseases. Some people with autoimmunity may even need
Don’t overlook the necessity of vitamin D cofactors Read More »
The notion that genes dictate our destiny has been solidly debunked in favor of epigenetics, the study of external or internal mechanisms that switch genes on and off. Exciting new research shows epigenetic memory can span multiple generations. Studies have linked epigenetics to cognitive dysfunction, autoimmunity, reproductive disorders, cardiovascular disease, and nearly all cancers. The
Effects of trauma and harm passed on for generations Read More »
In functional medicine one of the most common causes we see for many health disorders is imbalanced blood sugar. The good news is it is also one of the easiest things to remedy. A powerful tool in this process is a botanical compound called berberine. An epidemic of blood sugar imbalances According to the CDC,
Berberine rivals metformin for high blood sugar Read More »
Many people eat organic food because they believe it is better for their health, yet until recently scientific evidence of its benefits has been in short supply. Now a new study adds weight to previous research suggesting an organic diet may reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. The French study, published in the
Eating organic associated with lower cancer rates Read More »
In functional medicine we look at diet and lifestyle strategies to prevent or reverse disease, calm inflammation, and slow the aging process. However, other overlooked but extremely important aspects to your health are your general happiness, well-being, and attitude. Science shows happiness and positivity are correlated with better health. If you are not naturally happy,
Six lifelong habits found among the happiest people Read More »
Emerging research reveals that higher-altitude living contributes to a higher risk for depression and suicide. While studies continue to look into the mechanisms behind this trend, it’s clear a variety of factors come into play. From the unique effects that altitude has on the brain to social and psychological aspects of life in the high
Can living at high altitudes can increase your depression? Read More »
A high-salt diet has long been connected with cardiovascular disease. Too much sodium in the bloodstream causes fluid retention, which makes the heart work harder to move the extra volume of blood. This can stiffen blood vessels and lead to high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, and kidney disease. However, a recent study shows a
Too much salt nukes your gut bacteria and inflames you Read More »
You’re supposed to ditch regular soda for diet soda because it’s better for you, right? Wrong — research shows people who drink diet soda daily are three times more likely to develop dementia or have a stroke compared to those who drink it less frequently. A 2017 study that tracked almost 3,000 people ages
Diet soda raises risk of dementia and stroke Read More »
Thanks to science and public awareness, we know environmental pollution from industry harms our health. Same goes with tobacco. But did you know “social pollution” is just as harmful? Social pollution refers to the long hours, lack of economic security, high cost of health care, exhaustion, surviving in a gig economy, lack of parental support,
Is social pollution and workplace stress harming you? Read More »
You’ve heard antioxidant foods and supplements can help fight inflammation and protect you from toxins, but the most important antioxidant is one we make in our own bodies: glutathione. Unlike common antioxidant sources — vitamins C and E, beta carotene, turmeric, resveratrol, and foods such as blueberries, tomatoes, and red wine — you can’t take
Optimizing your body’s best defense against toxins Read More »
According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly 50 million American adults have chronic pain or severe pain. The conventional medical model teaches us to reach first for medication to relieve pain, with ibuprofen and other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) at the top of the list. However, with research mounting to show NSAIDs have a notable
NSAIDs — the dangers and the alternatives for pain Read More »
Do perfumes or heavy fragrance make you gag or trigger your inflammation or autoimmune symptoms? Do scented products, gasoline fumes, car exhaust, tire stores, new rugs or carpet, or other sources of chemical odors give you headaches, fatigue, and other symptoms? You are not alone. An increasing number of people suffer from migraines, rashes, fatigue,
Do you have chemical sensitivities? Tips for improving Read More »
‘The eyes are the windows to the soul’, they say. Taking that one step further, one could very well say that the hair is the window to your health. Any change in your mental or physical health, your hair will reflect it. However, few of us fail to realize this. All of us want
What can you do about your hair loss? Read More »
Do you know those irritable people that always seem angry or depressed, sensitive to emotion, live in constant chaos, or seem perpetually stuck in unfavorable situations? Sometimes, this is just a byproduct of poor brain function. Of course, naturally optimistic people can suffer from poor brain function too—symptoms may consist of memory loss, brain
If your brain and digestive system don’t talk, you could be sick. Read More »
The benefits of modern life are undeniable. Who would not accept cold air coming from an air conditioner on a hot day? Could you completely stop using your cell phone for two or three consecutive days? Could you travel from one country to another without using modern transportation such as airplanes or bus services?
Should you try a Detox Diet? Read More »
Dark circles under the eyes are a common medical condition of both men and women, although they can sometimes be observed in young ages or children. Dark circles under the eyes do not necessarily indicate tiredness, but stress and exhaustion are likely to aggravate the facial appearance of many individuals, including their likelihood to
Do you have Dark Circles under your Eyes? Read More »
One fizzy drink may immediately increase your chances of having Leukemia. This is applicable to both men and women. Aside from that, aspartame in consumables like a fizzy drink can trigger non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Multiple Myeloma in men. Read on to know more how foods and drinks are linked to Leukemia. The circulatory system
Diet soda and Leukemia? Read More »
[smps_sl_youtube data=”%7B%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fyoutu.be%2FX3CGaLZHpgQ%22%2C%22width%22%3A%22800%22%2C%22height%22%3A%22450%22%2C%22responsive%22%3A%22yes%22%2C%22controls%22%3A0%2C%22autohide%22%3A2%2C%22show_title_bar%22%3A%22yes%22%2C%22autoplay%22%3A%22no%22%2C%22loop%22%3A%22no%22%2C%22related_videos%22%3A%22no%22%2C%22full_screen_button%22%3A%22yes%22%2C%22modestbranding%22%3A%22no%22%2C%22class%22%3A%22%22%7D” ] The benefits of modern life are undeniable. Who would not accept cold air coming from an air conditioner on a hot day? Could you completely stop using your cell phone for two or three consecutive days? Could you travel from one country to another without using modern transportation such as airplanes
Can Detoxification Diets help your hormones? Read More »
When people are working to manage an autoimmune or chronic condition, they typically focus on an anti-inflammatory diet and protocol. However, one often overlooked dealbreaker to getting better is anemia. Anemia as is a deal breaker to recovery because it means your cells are not getting enough oxygen. Without oxygen, recovery and repair can’t happen.
Anemia may be making your autoimmune disease worse. Read More »
If you’re a sweet tooth, you can never go wrong with a delectable piece of chocolate after a long day of work or school. This is considered a comfort food and a go-to pick-me-upper for those tough days when you need a fix. Did you know that chocolate can do more for you than
Do you have heart disease? Chocolate can’t help, can it? Read More »
A recent study confirmed what functional medicine has long since known — the autoimmune paleo (AIP) diet is highly successful for managing chronic health disorders. The first-of-its-kind study showed the majority of participants quickly achieved and maintained remission of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis on the AIP diet. A number of participants were even
Study confirms autoimmune paleo (AIP) diet works Read More »
A new study that had subjects handle store receipts showed BPA absorbed through the skin stays in the body much longer than ingested BPA. The study had subjects handle common store receipts for five minutes, then wear gloves for two hours before washing their hands. BPA measurements in the subjects’ urine showed BPA levels highest
Handling store receipts raises levels of toxic BPA Read More »
Most thyroid issues are autoimmune by nature. Around 70-80% of the autoimmunity issues can be traced to gut infections. On the flip side, having gut infections can increase the likelihood of an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune disease needs three things to occur. The three risk factors include genetic predisposition, intestinal permeability, and environmental triggers like
Can INFECTIONS disrupt THYROID Function? Read More »
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that can surprisingly turn your life around for better or worse, depending on its current condition. To help it veer towards the benefit-laden side, lifestyle change is one of the approaches, especially in patients with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. In this article, we’re going to talk about how your lifestyle
Does your Lifestyle cause Thyroid dysfunction? Read More »
Your hypothalamus in your brain stimulates your pituitary gland to release TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). When your thyroid gland receives this hormone, it increases T4 production (inactive hormone), thus increasing T3 (active hormone) in the process. T4 is converted to T3 in the liver, gut and peripheral tissues. It then goes to the cell receptors
Are you being exposed to Toxins that affect your Thyroid? Read More »
The road to chronic disease — from arthritis to heart disease — is paved with sugar and refined carbohydrates. It’s a freeway that leads straight to insulin resistance syndrome, given the right conditions, most notably being overweight and inactive. The devastating chain of events that leads to chronic disease goes like this: Carbs and sugar
Eating yourself sick: Insulin resistance and disease Read More »
You can eat fermented foods every day and take all the probiotic supplements you want, but if you aren’t also feeding those intestinal bacteria what they want, you could be throwing your money away. That’s because to thrive and multiply, healthy gut bacteria need to eat. And what your gut bacteria like best is
What your gut bacteria need to eat to survive and thrive Read More »
