With the start of the new year, many of us have set a resolution to be healthier and detoxing is often included in this plan. Detoxifying the body can help eliminate toxins, hormones, microbes, and metabolic waste that create inflammation and interfere with optimal functioning. However, in Functional Medicine (FM), “detox” has a very specific […]
Age is just a number, or so the saying goes. But what if your age really was just a number? And what if that number was higher than it should be? It is no secret that the older we get, the more susceptible we become to health problems. Many people believe that this is simply […]
Are you on a health journey? If so, you know that it can be both challenging and rewarding. There are many things to consider as you work to improve your health, including cultivating resilience. Resiliency is important for everyone, but it’s especially crucial when you’re trying to make changes in your life. Here are some […]
Did you know that your brain is protected by a special barrier? This barrier, called the blood brain barrier (BBB), acts as a shield to keep harmful toxins and bacteria from entering your brain. The BBB is made up of a network of cells that line the inside of your blood vessels. These cells act […]
The vagus nerve, also known as the gut-brain axis, is the longest nerve in your body. This nerve starts in your brainstem and extends down to your abdomen. It plays a role in many of your body’s functions, including digestion, heart rate, and immune response. The vagus nerve is also involved in some mental health […]
Water is essential for our bodies to function properly. Every cell, tissue, and organ in our body needs water to work correctly. In fact, our bodies are made up of about 60% water. It’s no secret that drinking plenty of water is important for good health, but what are some of the specific benefits of […]
Did you know that your body has its own internal clock? This “circadian rhythm” is responsible for regulating many different bodily functions, and can play a big role in your overall health. The start of Daylight-Saving Time this month is a good reminder to talk about circadian rhythm—the internal clock that governs our sleep-wake cycles. […]
Your immune system is designed to distinguish between what belongs in your body (e.g., I like you, myself) and what doesn’t (e.g., I don’t like you, not myself). For this purpose, it uses specialized cells to carry information around the body about which substances are friends or foe. It does this by tagging these molecules […]
. . . Have you ever wondered why sugar makes everything taste better? Sweetness is one of the most sought-after flavors in foods, and for good reason – it pleasurably stimulates our taste receptors. But what if we told you that all that sweetness isn’t so sweet after all? In fact, consuming large quantities of […]
As we approach the end of another year, many of us are looking ahead to the New Year and setting resolutions or intentions for ourselves. One area that is ripe for change is our health. One great way to set healthy intentions for the New Year is by thinking about what you want to achieve […]
