Aging is an inevitable part of life that affects our moods, energy, strength, and overall ability to enjoy life. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways we can improve how our bodies age.

Have you heard that if a person appears thin that they cannot have blood sugar issues? Or that frequent snacking is the best way to maintain blood sugar regulation? Or that only people with diabetes need to worry about blood sugar?

These are all myths!

Did you know that your nervous system tone affects your immune system and metabolism??

The vagus nerve is the main nerve of the parasympathetic nervous system (the part of our nervous system that helps us ‘rest and digest’). It extends from the brainstem down through the neck and into the chest and abdomen, branching out to various organs, including the heart, lungs, stomach, and intestines. The term "vagus" means "wandering" in Latin, aptly describing the nerve's extensive reach throughout the body.

It wanders from the brain to all the organs, branching off with thousands of nerve fibers. What’s really cool is the vagus nerve communicates in both directions - both to and from the brain!

We refer to the activity of the vagus nerve a ‘vagal tone’, which is linked with heart health, metabolic health, mood, digestion, healthy aging, and more.

When it comes to improving our metabolic health, and creating healthy weight balance, it is important to look at the gut biome.

It’s tough to heal your metabolism without also healing your gut. That’s because the trillions of microorganisms inhabiting the gut (the microbiome) directly influence metabolic health.

When there’s an imbalance in the microbiome, it can increase caloric absorption, communicate hunger signals to the brain, trigger fat deposition in the liver, and promote inflammation.

More specifically, the gut microbiome plays a pivotal role in metabolic processes, including the digestion of food, absorption of nutrients, and regulation of blood sugar levels. A healthy and diverse gut microbiome enhances metabolic efficiency, supports immune function, and reduces inflammation. Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in gut bacteria, is linked to obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome.

That means that when you heal your gut, it makes it easier to heal your metabolism too.

It’s often said that our skin reflects our inner health, and this is true in many ways. Our skin is more than just our natural clothing, it is by itself a unique organ. Most skin issues are a red flag telling you that there is something deeper in the body that needs to be addressed. So we want to take an approach that not only improves the skin issue, but also addresses the deeper root that your body is trying to tell you about.

Bloating …. It is uncomfortable, our pants don’t fit, and frankly isn’t fun. And did you know….Bloating is NOT normal!

Bloating can be especially frustrating as it often coincides with hormonal changes, such as those occurring during the menstrual cycle. This type of bloating is usually temporary but can significantly impact how you feel and function. The fluctuating hormones can lead to water retention, weight gain, and a sense of fullness and tightness in the abdomen. This hormonal bloating can be directly linked to gut health and dysbiosis. Dysbiosis and poor gut health can lead to the recirculation of estrogens, estrogen dominance, and all of the problems that follow.

Yet the effects of bloating don’t stop there….apart from hormonal changes, bloating can also make you feel lethargic and generally unwell. This uncomfortable swelling of the abdomen is often accompanied by other digestive issues such as gas, belching, and irregular bowel movements, further contributing to the feeling of discomfort.

The Profound Influence of the Gut Biome

Our gut is a foundation to a healthier and happier version of you. Whether you’re wanting better digestion, clearer skin, more energy, or a more balanced mood, none of this will happen without a happy gut.

You need those trillions of microorganisms for nutrient synthesis (like B vitamins & vitamin K), neurotransmitter production (like dopamine & serotonin), detoxification (of drugs, estrogen, & toxins), immune function, & more!

The Naturopathic Approach – No Duct Tape Needed!

What is a Naturopathic Doctor?

Let’s first define a ‘cleanse’ vs ‘detox’. A ‘cleanse’ or ‘detox’ is not the same thing as everyday detoxification.

A cleanse is a few days to a few weeks of following a strict protocol under physician guidance. It’s like a reset.

Everyday detoxification are the action steps that you can do at home to help reduce the buildup to toxins in your body by supporting safe and effective detox habits.

In our modern world, we are constantly bombarded with toxins from the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the products we use. Thankfully, our bodies are equipped with diverse detoxification systems designed to eliminate these harmful substances, to keep our body functioning well. The concern is growing around the sheer number of toxins that we are exposed to on a daily basis, the effects that those toxins have on our body as they build up in the tissue, and our sometimes inability to sufficiently clear out and eliminate the toxic burden.

Where are we exposed?

We encounter a wide range of toxins in our water (e.g. chlorine, heavy metals), air (e.g. pollution, off-gassing from materials), homes (e.g. cleaning products, mold), and food (e.g. pesticides, food additives). It's impossible to avoid toxins entirely in the modern world, but we can take steps to minimize exposure.

If you have not already done so, check out EWG.org as a great resource to start understanding your exposure risk.

Why should we be concerned anyways?

Many toxins are capable of damaging DNA. Detoxification helps protect DNA integrity and supports the expression of helpful genes related to anti-aging, disease prevention, and longevity. A buildup of toxins, on the other hand, can contribute to DNA instability and increase disease risk. This is the center of epigenetic function.

Think of this more simply as the buildup of toxins, impedes or breaks our cellular biochemistry pathways, accelerating aging. For those patients of mine who are using the Organic Acids Test with me, you can see the mitochondrial function markers start to become impeded with toxin buildup.

If you're feeling drained and weary, struggling to find the energy to tackle your day-to-day tasks, you're not alone. Fatigue can be a complex issue, influenced by various factors including lifestyle, stress, and yes, even your body's vitamin D levels. Today, we're delving into the fascinating world of vitamin D and how it impacts not just your energy levels, but also your genetic pathways, immune system, methylation cycles, and sex hormones.

Ladies, it's time to have a heart-to-heart about your liver. This unsung hero works tirelessly to keep you healthy, but when it's struggling, it sends out subtle distress signals that are easy to miss and making you just feel off.

Fatigue that won't quit, unexplained weight gain, brain fog, hormonal chaos - sound familiar? These could be your liver's way of begging for a reset.

The good news - you don't need fancy detoxes or supplements to show your liver some love. Simple, natural strategies can work wonders.

Unlocking Heart Health: 7 facts every woman must know for cardiovascular wellness

Did you know your heart holds the key to a longer, fuller life?

Let’s pause for a moment, health and medicine should not just be about extending life, but improving the quality of life. As I watch my father battle Alzheimer’s Disease, I know that this is where medicine needs to shine - how to not just extend life, but improve the quality of life.

In order to improve our later years vitality, so that we can life to our fullest potential, we want to look at heart health and what that really means. You might be thinking, "Heart disease prevention sounds vital, but where do I even start?" It can be challenging to weed through the information online, the medical jargon, and conflicting advice to know what actually we need to do for improving our cardiovascular health. I promise you clarity, actionable insights, data backed information, and a path towards a healthier heart.

Unlocking the Secrets: How Hormones Shape Women's Heart Health

In today's fast-paced world, prioritizing cardiovascular well-being is crucial as we navigate different life stages. Cardiovascular disease remains silent until it manifests, making early intervention paramount. This article aims to shed light on the critical intersection of hormones and women's heart health, debunking misconceptions and providing actionable insights for optimal wellness.

Are you feeling anxious about cervical dysplasia and HPV? It's a common concern, but you're not alone in this journey. While these words might evoke fear of it turning into something worse, let's confront them together. Take a breath; it's alright to feel scared when it comes to your health. You're not powerless. There's hope, there's knowledge, and there's a community here to support you through it all.

Let's debunk myths, explore treatments, and seek alternative care options. Because knowledge is power.

Unmasking Stage 2 Adrenal Fatigue: The Unending Cycle of Over-Exertion

In our fast-paced, modern world, it's not uncommon for people to push their limits in pursuit of success, often neglecting the subtle signals their bodies send. It's alarmingly easy to overlook the silent cries of our bodies, until they scream out for attention. One such consequence of chronic over-exertion is adrenal fatigue. It's a condition that's often overlooked and misunderstood, but it can have a profound impact on your physical and mental health. In this blog, we will explore the mysterious and debilitating stage 2 adrenal fatigue, which manifests when a disrupted cortisol cycle becomes the new normal, triggering a vicious cycle of insomnia, restless sleep, fatigue, and anxiety

Imagine a life where every morning brings boundless energy, where your hormones harmonize like a symphony, where restful sleep is your nightly companion, and your mind is a razor-sharp tool, ready to conquer the world.

🌟 It may sound like a dream, but it can be your reality too 🌟

I see so many women who are juggling a hectic life, battling stress, and yearning for that elusive balance and harmony. They feel fatigued, out of tune with their bodies, and are trying to reclaim their vibrant self. Herbal adaptogens can be a key to helping your nervous system (let’s be honest, we all have some degree of a dysfunctional nervous system) regulate and harmonize with your hormones and adrenal system.

Are you just plain tired . . . of being tired?

Do you find yourself struggling to get through the day, experiencing mood swings, trouble focusing, or feel like your hormones are just irritable?

It’s time to address that hidden root issue of adrenal fatigue, and learn how to tap into a deeper well of energy and vitality.

As we have been discussing, in our most recent Thrive Live micro series, the progression and complete realm of adrenal fatigue, I want to dig deeper into the first phase. Stage 1 is an early, but crucial phase to recognize. This is when the lights start flashing and we want to address it before it progresses further. By recognizing the symptoms, setting treatment goals, and adopting lifestyle interventions, you can take control of your adrenal health and be set to engage with life and thrive.

Stage 1 Adrenal Fatigue

Stage 1 is the Overstimulation phase. Your adrenals are on wired hyperdrive shooting out too much cortisol and DHEA. This can trigger difficulty sleeping, hypertension, headaches, high blood sugar, palpitations, agitation, irritable bowels, imbalanced hormones (think more hot flashes, PMS, breast tenderness, cramps . . the hormonal works), fatigue, energy crashes, and brain fog.

As we dive into this phase, stress management and bringing the body out of hyperdrive become the key focus.

Balancing Hormonal Weight With Natural Treatments

Do you find yourself gaining weight easily, or struggling to balance your weight alongside your hormones?

Are you frustrated with trying to exercise and eat well, but not seeing any results?

Weight and metabolic health is a dynamic system, an orchestra, and key players in maintaining overall health and well-being. Beyond weight, the studies abound linking metabolic inflammation to increased rates of heart disease, dementia, fatigue, disrupted sleep, hormonal disruption, cancer propagation, and cellular aging.

Too often, the focus on weight loss and metabolic health completely misses the target. Losing weight and reducing metabolic inflammation is more than just calories and exercise. It is about balancing the background hormones (like insulin, estrogen, thyroid), detoxification, gut health, diet, and lifestyle.