What Are The Foundations Of Functional Medicine Again?

What Are The Foundations Of Functional Medicine Again?

As we start this series on Functional Medicine [FM], I want to talk a little bit about what it is and isn’t.

The typical comment I get when people call to make an appointment is, “I don’t want to take drugs, so I heard FM can help my numb feet that I have from my diabetes”. Or they’ll inquire, “I hear it can help with pain, and I have arthritis”.Concepts of Functional Medicine Supplements

Functional Medicine Is A Natural Way To Health

Of course, we all suffer anxiety; it’s part of our normal flight or fright response to changes or challenges in our lives. It’s when it causes us to change our behavior that anxiety becomes something we want to use acupuncture and functional medicine.

What is Functional Medicine ? In a nutshell, it is making changes in your life for sure. But the first step is looking at the whole you with me. Are you tired because you’re not getting enough sleep due to working two jobs, or is it because you aren’t absorbing the nutrition from the food you eat?

One of the biggest changes is weight loss.

Do I Need Lab Work?

The first step is to discover if you lack the right balance of micro-nutrients inside the cells of your body.

Sometimes we test. Other times the symptoms paint a clear picture for me to help you start feeling better right away.

What Does Functional Medicine Treat Again?

Concepts of Functional Medicine weight lossFunctional Medicine treats everything though I specialize is certain problems in my practice. Do you wake every night at 1 am and can’t get back to sleep? Is your hair thinning? Do you feel fatigued by lunchtime, yet your thyroid appears normal. Is it near impossible to lose weight even though you don’t eat much.

Maybe the doctor says your pain is arthritis, but you’re only 45. Yes, that’s young, but I seen that diagnosis from an MD. Guess what it was, the Gall-bladder! So you never know what your body is trying to tell you until you investigate.

Acupuncture and Functional Medicine Rocks Arthritis

I have a patient who does have arthritis—that constant dull ache in their hip joints. And then you stiffen up just sitting for a time. I hear you! It’s worse at night or when you first get up, right? That patient is doing 80% better with functional medicine.

It’s a natural way for sure. That means you have to be committed to change. It means you’ll be in control of your body again. You’ll feel and act younger because you will be more in balance.

Call me if you’re interested in learning more or book an appointment now!

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Why Curcumin May Be Better For Inflammation

Why Curcumin May Be Better For Inflammation

Remember when Turmeric was a hot topic for inflammation?  Then it was Curcumin, the naturally-occurring chemical compound found in the spice turmeric, highly recommended for any swelling.

A few years later, we hear about absorption problems and stomach upset so how can you get the benefits of curcumin and not end up with acid reflux?

Let’s Talk Benefits First

 

This popular spice of India not only adds a rich flavor to food it is considered a superfood. It helps to fight or reverse several ailments.

  • Indigestion
  • Relieves arthritis pain
  • Treats burns
  • Boosts your immunity
  • Cancer treatment – fights tumors
  • Curcumin is rich in iron and vitamin C.
  • Brain health
Arthritis or joint pain concept
Turmeric and Curcumin

No wonder Turmeric is considered a superfood with all it’s health benefits.

The Best Way To Use Curcumin Supplements

Whether your eating turmeric or taking a curcumin supplement, it is worth noting that you need to eat fat with it. Vegetable fat isn’t enough. A hearty animal protein or a salad with an olive oil-based dressing is ideal. Also pepper of all things activates the bioavailability of this spice so it can do its job.

Bioavailability means to make it useable by your body. So if you’re eating it make sure you use pepper. If you’re supplementing make sure your product has pepper on the ingredients.

 

Another thing.

 

Curcumin or turmeric can inhibit digestive enzymes. I recommend you take your enzymes at the beginning of a meal and your supplement after you have eaten – on a full stomach.

Turmeric Or Curcumin Which Is Best?

 

Most of my patients and I prefer a formula that includes ginger instead of pepper. Remember the acid reflux I mentioned above? Ginger has a similar action to help our stomach absorb the Turmeric while also being soothing. Pepper often irritates the digestive tract.

 

What About Turmerones?

Turmerones are valuable compounds found in turmeric essential oil. Turmerones have actions that are similar to curcumin, but they have only recently been the subject of serious scientific and clinical research. So far, studies show that this essential oil can decrease inflammation better than Curcumin alone.

If you’re unhappy with your Turmeric or aren’t taking an anti-inflammatory supplement, may I recommend you look into taking it. Even if you don’t suspect inflammation in your body, the benefits to brain health are remarkable. However let’s be honest. Everyone has some form of inflammation, and the fact it may assist in reducing tumors. Taking Curcumin is a no-brainer.

Does Diet Influence Menopause Timing?

Does Diet Influence Menopause Timing?

Food influences everything, not just our weight. Does diet influence menopause timing? It does, and you can be in control it. Not only when but the symptoms you struggle with or rather don’t experience.

Acupuncture For Menopause

As an acupuncturist, many people think all I do is put tiny sterile needles into people. Nothing is further from the truth. Chinese medical practitioners are often trained in whole body health. I bring into my Littleton practice functional approaches to health as well.

Food, for instance, is part of medicine like acupuncture. In my Littleton office, I often deal with the whole person, especially when it comes to hormones. Acupuncture is excellent at quick relief for hot flashes, weight gain, or night sweats. The cool thing though is when this stop altogether because of different food choices.

Does diet influence menopause timing?  There’s no science I found saying it ‘affects’ the timing though this study at Harvard suggests it does.  However, poor health can bring on the cessation of your mensural cycle in before 45 let’s say.

Acupuncture can help you jump start your cycle and keep it going by stimulating your body chemistry to balance stress, food, and hormones. Besides changing the diet can have health benefits that improve not only hormones but energy, happiness, while decreasing stress.

Acupuncture Is More Than The Needle

As an acupuncturist who is also training in ‘food’ and ‘diet’ from a functional, my goal is to help you sail through menopause at the right time.

Does diet influence menopause timing?  The lack of a well-balanced diet is well studied, and too much fast food, sugar, dairy, or avoidance of protein from animals often are related to wellness.

Diet and Menopause Connect

Let’s state the obvious. Menopause isn’t something to be avoided. The timing of when it occurs should be around 49 to 52. When it occurs earlier, we have to ask does diet influence menopause timing in this person?  It means doing a few tests to confirm the patient’s health. It then becomes a choice of how to deal with it through acupuncture, diet, and supplements.

Now the question.

 

Does Diet Influence Menopause Timing? 

10 Foods That Can Help Fight Dementia

10 Foods That Can Help Fight Dementia

Dementia is a concern for many people. As our population ages, we keep hearing that age-related memory disorders are destroying families. Today I want to share 10 foods to help you fight dementia. 

The puzzle of the brain concept

Not only do children get stuck with caring for parents and making tough decisions they find themselves drained of energy. Because I care about this topic, I wanted to share my favorite 10 Foods that can help fight dementia.

Winning The War Against Dementia May Lay In What We Eat

These foods are highly researched by a group of Canadian researchers at Concordia University in Montreal along with Baycrest’s Rotman Research Institute.

These researchers are working together to form the Brain Health Food Guide. Their studies also focus on how the Mediterranean diet works to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s by 35%.

10 Foods That Can Help Fight Dementia

So what are these 10 Foods that can help fight dementia?  Here’s my list and how I include many of them daily.

healthy food concepts for dementia
healthy smoothie for dementia
  1. Raw Leafy Green Vegetables
    The darker, the better they say so use things like spinach, chard, and Kale. I mix in a blender or Vitamix 2-3 cups with water and frozen berries. These greens boost your vitamin k and increase the antioxidants for the brain. Personally, I think these are the best of the 10 foods that can help fight dementia.
  2. Cruciferous vegetables
    These are vegetables that are high in vitamin K and glucosinolates which have an antioxidant effect. They include broccoli, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts. Try to get three ½ cup servings weekly. We do our green shake at lunch and then for dinner enjoy these vegetables.

3. Blueberries and Blackberries
I keep reading studies on berries, and some are more pro-blueberry while a surprising number are now coming out that blackberries are even better for both the brain and the heart. Be careful not to overeat fruit. If you’re using them in smoothies, keep it at 1/3 cup daily or about ½ to 2/3 cup three times weekly. Of the 10 foods that can help fight dementia, it’s important to note that it’s not all fruit. It’s only these berries.

4. Beans
These make the international list but not my list. Why? Most people do not prepare them correctly. Be sure to soak your beans and lentils for 24-36 hours in water. Then you must cook them for about 2 hours. See my Bean Cookin 101

5. Nuts
I love nuts, and I bet you do too. They’re easy for a snack, and hey you can find them in just about every granola bar around. That’s the problem — too much of a good thing. Nuts can cause bloating and gas. They are high in fat and can increase weight gain. But they’re terrific for brain health. I use Almond milk in my Chai so I must count that as a nut serving.

If you’re going for a handful of nuts, walnuts are best for the brain and high in omega-3 fatty acid a brain-protective nutrient. I recommend supplementing too. Enjoy about ¼-1/2 cup of nuts daily. If you’re using nut milk or spreads, you should choose between what you want to enjoy that day.

6. Fish
I’m not a fish fan. Allergic to shell-fish it’s hard to ensure you’re getting sea-meat you can eat! Fish is good for you though. It’s full of iodine and iron. Some say the fatter, the better. Salmon and trout top the list though I go for Halibut, cod, and other fresh white fish to lower the mercury levels.

7. Whole Grains
This is one of the most confusing areas for many people. If you go to the local grocers and buy a loaf of fluffy whole wheat bread, it’s not whole wheat! You have to be picky with grains and often making your own is best. Grains include oats, brown rice, and yes wheat along with other grains. All of these should be fermented or sprouted before eating or cooking. All should be consumed This means that tasty morning oat and nut cereal will need to be fermented and then cooked. So much for a fast meal, you’re thinking. I have a quick article, Fermenting and Sprouting to help you love the morning meal once again.

8. Poultry
Did anyone say chicken? Americans have gone on a red-meat replacement craze. Chicken has become the meat of choice, and that’s good and not so good. Eat one serving a day because you need variety. So while we’re talking meat protein, vary it up each day. Make the total animal protein no more than six total grams. You need protein to keep your brain and mind functioning properly.

 

9. Dairy
Some Dairy is okay. Don’t buy into the lower fat varieties instead look for organic and grass-fed whole milk, yogurt, or cheese. No more than ½ of milk or yogurt and 1 oz of cheese daily. Also, you can try goat or sheep cheese. We’ve found some excellent ones at Whole Foods. Of the 10 foods that can help fight dementia, milk is not technically one as far as Paleo eating is concerned.

10. Olive Oil
I almost want to say use generously, but I know some might think I am saying to eat a Keto diet – do not go there! This is a healthy oil. Use it healthily. Replace other oils with it. Like all these foods it’s full of antioxidants and vitamins that protect and keep your brain healthy.

What You Eat Matters

Many people today are focused on how to eat better and are eating similar to this list. This is good news. It’s healthy for the heart and overall health too. Calories matter so be active and don’t overeat anything that includes everything here. I hope you are eating and enjoying my list of 10 foods that can help fight dementia. If not, maybe now is a good time to start even if you’re in your 20’s or 30’s.

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