Nutritional Counseling

Thyroid Health

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of your neck that produces hormones with a number of functions, including regulating both body temperature and metabolism. They also impact bowel functioning, energy levels, and mood. When your thyroid gland is producing too much or too little of its hormones, the levels become imbalanced, which can trigger a wide range of thyroid symptoms in women. That’s why it’s so important to know where your thyroid hormone levels stand.

If the thyroid is known as the master gland, then TSH can be called the master hormone. Your thyroid gland produces two main hormones, Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4). But your thyroid gland doesn’t operate in isolation – it’s part of a well-trained team that works together to keep these two hormones in balance. The hypothalamus and the pituitary glands in your brain are an essential part of that team as well. These glands communicate to be sure T3 and T4 remain balanced. Thyroid releasing hormone (TRH) is produced by the hypothalamus, letting the pituitary know if more or less T3 and T4 are needed. The pituitary then sends out more or less TSH to let the thyroid know if it needs to increase or decrease production of T3 or T4. If TSH levels are high, your body is likely producing too much “stimulating” hormone — it’s trying to boost a sluggish thyroid, and can indicate hypothyrodism.

If TSH levels are low, your body may be trying to slow down a hyperactive thyroid, which can lead to Hyperthyroidism TSH levels at 2 or below are considered optimal by most of the functional medicine practitioners.

An imbalance of thyroid hormones can cause thyroid symptoms, but really, it’s a symptom itself. There is something that caused your thyroid levels to become skewed, and to really heal your body long term, it’s important to examine what that might be.

Why are the subtle signs of thyroid imbalance so easy to miss? 

Part of the reason is that these thyroid symptoms can also indicate so many other conditions –including aging. While the most common signs of a thyroid imbalance include low energy and unexplained weight gain, there are a number of other symptoms to watch for. Among them are:

Don’t let thyroid imbalances slow you down. Reclaim your energy today. Click below for a quick self-assessment and see how thyroid health management can help you.

Adrenal Health

More and more people are talking about stress, and its impact on the body. The adrenal glands help the body adapt to stress. Although the adrenals are no bigger than the size of a walnut, they have an incredibly important role in the human life cycle and health. Some of the many different hormones created by the adrenals include steroid hormones such as adrenalin, norepinephrine, cortisol, aldosterone, estrogen and testosterone. These hormones are critical to health and vitality. When we are overstressed, the adrenals pump out stress hormones until they fatigue and crash, which can be devastating to the body.

This can lead to a number of different symptoms such as:

While adrenal fatigue is part of the issue, in reality the entire HPA axis is at the heart of the problem. But many people have never even heard of it! The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis is the interconnected relationship between several glands in the nervous and endocrine systems that secrete hormones essential to survival.

The primary function of the HPA axis is to help your body respond to stress. This area of the brain called hypothalamus senses the environmental conditions and then it sends signals in the form of chemicals to the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland receives the signals from the hypothalamus (corticotropin releasing hormone – CRH) and sends its own chemical signals to the adrenal glands through a hormone called adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). When the ACTH reaches the adrenals, it induces the release of cortisol, a primary “stress hormone”.

Cortisol causes your body functioning to change in response to the stressor. Blood pressure increases and your muscles receive more blood, in case flight is required. Circulating glucose levels also rise, providing your body with extra energy to deal with the stressor.

Ideally, cortisol levels (and body functioning) return to normal when the source of stress has passed. But when we are under chronic stress it creates an alteration in the HPA axis which reduces the body’s ability to adapt to new stressors. Both high and abnormally low levels of cortisol impact the HPA axis. In order to adequately deal with stress, this axis should be functioning properly. If it’s overstimulated or under stimulated, it will become dysregulated – and both extremes lead to a wide range of undesirable health conditions, chronic inflammation, tissue breakdown and accelerated aging.

An overactive HPA axis can lead to both physical and psychological problems. People with chronically high cortisol levels may have a suppressed immune response which makes them more vulnerable to infection. Research has shown that high cortisol has been linked to obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes, negative impacts on cognition and memory, and mood disorders. Other conditions related to hyperactivity in the HPA axis include anorexia nervosa, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorders, alcoholism, and hyperthyroidism.

On the flip side, low activity in the HPA axis can lead to conditions like adrenal insufficiency, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder in adults, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and eczema, to name just a few. As you can see, there are a lot of good reasons to keep your HPA axis functioning optimally. And the good news is, there are some simple things you can do to make sure this axis is healthy. It’s all about reducing stressors through lifestyle choices.

Don’t let fatigue and stress dictate your life. Regain your vitality today. Click below for a quick self-assessment and learn if adrenal support can transform your well-being.

Women’s Health

Women’s health is very important. Women go through different hormonal shifts than men. There are a number of women’s concerns that men don’t experience. Women are also at a higher risk of various symptoms and health issues, often due to the major hormonal transitions between puberty and menopause. Women’s health is a topic of profound significance, shaped by a complex interplay of biological, emotional, social, and environmental factors. Throughout a woman’s life, her health needs evolve, making it essential to understand and address these specific needs at each stage.

Key Aspects of Women’s Health

✔ Physical Well-being: From reproductive health to managing hormonal changes, women navigate a range of physical challenges throughout their lives.
✔ Mental Health: Women often experience unique mental health concerns, including mood fluctuations, stress, and societal pressures.
✔ Nutrition and Diet: Proper nutrition is vital for women’s energy, cognitive function, and overall vitality.
✔ Fitness and Exercise: Regular physical activity not only maintains physical health but also enhances emotional well-being.
✔ Preventive Care: Early detection and screenings are crucial for managing conditions such as breast cancer and gynecological health.
✔ Lifestyle Choices: Habits like smoking and alcohol consumption can have specific implications for women’s health.

Women’s health isn’t just about longevity; it’s about living life to the fullest. When women prioritize their health, they are better equipped to embrace their various roles as mothers, professionals, partners, and community leaders. Remember, your health is a vital asset, and nurturing it is an act of empowerment. By taking proactive steps towards a healthier lifestyle, women can look forward to a future filled with vitality, resilience, and boundless opportunities.

Prioritize your well-being in every stage of life. Embrace a healthier you today. Click below for a quick self-assessment and discover personalized women’s health solutions.

Men’s Health

When it comes to health and well-being, men often find themselves caught in a balancing act, juggling the demands of work, family, and personal life. In this fast-paced world, men’s health can sometimes take a back seat. However, prioritizing health isn’t just a matter of personal comfort; it’s essential for a long, fulfilling life.

Men’s health is a complex and multifaceted subject, influenced by biological, lifestyle, and societal factors. Men, just like women, face unique health challenges throughout their lives. Understanding and addressing these challenges is crucial for a thriving and vibrant male population.

Key Aspects of Men’s Health:

✔ Physical Health: Men’s physical well-being often revolves around maintaining a healthy weight, building and preserving muscle mass, and managing conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
✔ Mental Health: Men experience mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression, but societal norms sometimes discourage open discussions about these topics.
✔ Nutrition: Proper nutrition plays a pivotal role in men’s energy levels, cognitive function, and overall vitality.
✔ Fitness: Regular physical activity not only keeps men fit but also bolsters mental resilience.
✔ Screenings and Prevention: Early detection of health issues through regular check-ups and screenings can be a lifesaver.
✔ Lifestyle Choices: Habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can significantly impact men’s health.

Men’s health isn’t just about longevity; it’s about quality of life. When men prioritize their health, they can perform better in their professional and personal lives, enjoy fulfilling relationships, and be active participants in their families and communities.

Health is a journey, and it’s never too late to start making positive changes. By taking proactive steps towards a healthier lifestyle, men can look forward to a future filled with vitality, resilience, and fulfillment.

Take charge of your health for a stronger, healthier future. Act now. Click below for a quick self-assessment and uncover the benefits of focused men’s health care.

Cardiovascular Health

Having a healthy circulatory system is vital to our health and well-being. Our circulatory system, also known as the cardiovascular system, is made up of the heart and blood vessels (arteries, veins and capillaries). It works to transport oxygen and other nutrients to all the organs and tissues in our body. It also works to remove carbon dioxide and other waste products. The circulatory system works thanks to constant pressure from the heart and valves throughout the body. This pressure ensures that veins carry blood to the heart and arteries transport it away from the heart.

There are three different types of circulation that occur regularly in the body:

• Pulmonary circulation. This part of the cycle carries oxygen-depleted blood away from the heart, to the lungs, and back to the heart.
• Systemic circulation. This is the part that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart and to other parts of the body.
• Coronary circulation. This type of circulation provides the heart with oxygenated blood so it can function properly.

When this system is disbalanced we can develop a different types of heart disease such as arrhythmia, atherosclerosis, cardiomyopathy, congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease (CAD), heart infections.

Different types of heart disease can cause a variety of symptoms. Some of them are:

There are many risk factors for heart disease. According to the CDC, around 47% of people in the United States have at least one risk factor for heart disease.

Some of these risk factors include:

Some risk factors of heart disease can’t be controlled, like your family history. But it’s
still important to lower your chance of developing heart disease by decreasing the risk
factors you CAN control. Lifestyle and diet are the major ones.

Take heart health into your own hands. Begin your journey to a stronger heart now. Click below for a quick self-assessment to find out how cardiovascular care can benefit you.

Autoimmune Health

Our immune system usually protects you from diseases and infections. As long as your it is running smoothly, you don’t notice that it’s there. But if the immune system stops working properly – because it’s weak or can’t fight particularly aggressive pathogens – you can get a disease.

There are several subsystems within the immune system, known as the innate (Th1)
immune response and the adaptive (Th2) immune response. The main job of the innate immune (Th1) is to fight harmful substances that enter the body, for instance through the skin or digestive system. The adaptive immune (Th2) makes antibodies and uses them to specifically fight certain pathogens that the body has previously come into contact with. These Th2 responses are associated with allergy and asthma development.

Most autoimmune diseases are associated with a pro-inflammatory Th17-immune response when a specific adaptive immune response is mounted against self. In this case the immune system mistakenly thinks that the body’s own cells are foreign cells. It then attacks healthy, harmless cells in the body.

Different autoimmune diseases may have similar early symptoms.

Researchers have identified more than 100 autoimmune diseases. Most common types are Type 1 diabetes, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis and many more.

Stop letting autoimmune issues control your day-to-day. Empower your health journey now. Click below for a quick self-assessment to explore how personalized care can make a difference.