Compelling evidence links low levels of vitamin D with an increased risk for the flu virus and colds. Most people are deficient. Are you getting enough D?
Archive for functional medicine
Can pregnancy cause hypothyroidism?
Question Why did pregnancy trigger my hypothyroidism? Answer Natural immune shifts during pregnancy, together with a genetic tendency and other predisposing factors, can trigger hypothyroidism in some women. Hypothyroidism is an immune disease for most For 90 percent of Americans, hypothyroidism is caused by Hashimoto’s, an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks and [...]
Fractures common today: Build stronger bones
Question Is it my imagination or are broken bones more common than ever today? Answer Boys are 32 percent and girls 56 percent more likely to break a bone than children 40 years ago. Fractures are also common in older adults. Soda has replaced milk Dairy provides 70 percent of calcium in the American diet. [...]
Why does eating make me sleepy?
Question I practically fall asleep in my plate after every meal. Why does eating make me so sleepy? Answer Feeling sleepy after meals is a common symptom of insulin resistance, a risk factor for diabetes. Starchy foods and too much insulin Insulin resistance is common today and is a stepping-stone to diabetes. Overeating and eating [...]
Food allergies can prevent weight loss
Question I learned I have intolerances and allergies to certain foods, and that I need to avoid those foods if I want to lose weight. Isn’t it just a matter of eating fewer calories? Answer Some people find they can’t lose weight through calorie restriction alone. When that happens several issues need to be investigated. [...]
Depression linked with bad digestion
Question I went to see my natural medicine practitioner for depression and she wants to work on my digestive health. I don’t get the connection. Answer Many people would be surprised to learn how greatly gut health affects brain health. A poor diet, inflamed gut, and intestinal permeability definitely can promote depression. Depression a not-so-obvious [...]
Why do antibiotics give me health woes?
Question It seems ever since I took antibiotics I haven’t been the same. I’m sick more frequently, my digestion is messed up, and I have chronic yeast infections. Why? Answer Antibiotics are one of modern medicine’s life-saving miracles. However if preventive care isn’t taken, their use, and especially their abuse, can lead to chronic health [...]
Anemia is a barrier to better health
Question I’m tired frequently and I have some chronic health issues I can’t seem to resolve. Answer Although multiple factors can cause both tiredness and chronic health issues, anemia should always be investigated. Unresolved anemia will thwart your journey to better health. Anemia prevents normal function Blood delivers oxygen to cells in the body and [...]
Could I have a food intolerance?
Question I’m told food intolerances can affect my health. How can this be true when I don’t have any digestive symptoms? Answer Sometimes it’s difficult to connect a food we eat every day with such health complaints as joint pain, brain fog, mood imbalances, congestion, skin rashes, or chronic inflammation. It’s not obvious a particular [...]
