Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic disorder that affects the digestive system. Signs and symptoms of IBS include cramping, abdominal pain, stool irregularities, bloating, flatulence, and diarrhea or constipation. Living with IBS can be frustrating, and the side effects on your everyday life are significant. I work with patients every day who struggle to…
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An autoimmune disease occurs when your body’s immune system attacks healthy cells within the body. This dysfunctional immune response may lead to various symptoms, like hair loss, skin rash, or even joint pain. When the body mistakenly targets skin cells, you may develop an uncomfortable or concerning rash. I work with patients suffering from autoimmune…
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Women stop taking hormonal birth control for a variety of reasons. They may be considering getting pregnant or are interested in balancing their hormones naturally. Maybe they just don’t like how they feel on birth control. The benefits of getting off birth control include fewer side effects associated with hormonal contraception, including a reduced blood…
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There is no single prevention strategy or “Alzheimer’s diet” to stop cognitive decline, but balanced diets rich in leafy greens and healthy fats may reduce your risk of developing both. Brain-healthy diets like KetoFLEX 12/3, the Mediterranean Diet, and the MIND Diet are all associated with a potentially lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.…
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As often as we talk about “gut instincts” and “gut feelings,” we shouldn’t be surprised to learn there is a substantial connection between our gut and cognitive and emotional health. This connection is called the gut-brain axis. It is a complex system that oversees communication between the gut and the brain to benefit your overall…
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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive system disorder, characterized by stomach pain and diarrhea or constipation. The cause differs for every patient, and the best treatment depends on the diagnosed cause. How many people in the United States have IBS? According to the International Foundation of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, between 25 and 45…
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Omega-3 fatty acids are essential to overall health, but most Americans aren’t getting enough of the recommended 250-500mg of EPA and DHA through diet alone. Fish oil supplements can be an efficient solution to address gaps in nutrition and enjoy the benefits of diets rich in omega-3s. How much fish oil you should take depends…
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Subclinical hypothyroidism means you have normal T3 and T4 hormone levels but high TSH levels (thyroid-stimulating hormone). Physicians may refer to this as mild thyroid failure. It may cause mild hypothyroidism symptoms, but is usually asymptomatic and diagnosed by thyroid blood tests. It’s possible, and even normal, to have subclinical hypothyroidism and never know it.…
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Your thyroid affects every single cell in your body. It makes sense that a thyroid disorder, like hypothyroidism, can greatly disrupt your daily life. Hypothyroidism arises when the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, causing levels of thyroid hormone to drop. Hypothyroidism is often classified as an autoimmune disorder and an endocrine disorder. This…
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What Is 5-HTP? 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is a chemical your body makes from L-tryptophan, an essential amino acid you eat in foods like turkey and pumpkin. Once tryptophan is converted to 5-HTP, it’s then converted to the neurotransmitter serotonin. Clinical studies show that 5-HTP supplements work by increasing serotonin production. Serotonin regulates sleep, body temperature, sexual…
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