The Role of Nutrition and Exercise in Functional Medicine

Functional medicine is a patient-centered, holistic approach to health that focuses on the whole person rather than just their symptoms. Two cornerstones of functional medicine are proper nutrition and regular exercise, which play crucial roles in promoting healing and preventing chronic illness. At The Healing Center in Denver, our functional medicine doctors work with each patient to create personalized plans that focus on these essential aspects of health. Nutrition in Functional Medicine The foods we eat are more than just fuel - they are fundamental in maintaining health, preventing disease, and healing the body. Functional medicine recognizes the profound impact of nutrition on the body, from the immune system to hormonal balance, gut health, and even mental well-being. How Poor Nutrition Contributes to Chronic Disease A diet rich in processed foods, sugars, unhealthy fats, and chemical additives can lead to a host of chronic conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune disorders. These conditions often arise because of prolonged inflammation, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and gut dysbiosis - all of which are heavily influenced by poor dietary choices. In contrast, a nutrient-dense, whole-foods-based diet can reverse inflammation, improve metabolic function, and support the immune system. Our functional medicine doctors in Denver emphasize the importance of identifying and addressing specific nutritional deficiencies, food intolerances, and imbalances that might be contributing to a patient’s condition. Personalizing Your Nutrition Plan One of the key differences between conventional medicine and functional medicine is the emphasis on personalization. Every person’s nutritional needs are unique, and there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach. At The Healing Center, we utilize advanced testing to assess your...

Is your Leaky Gut Compromising your Immune System?

Is your Leaky Gut Compromising your Immune System? If you don’t have a healthy gut, you don’t have a healthy immune system. It’s just that simple. Without a healthy immune system, you become susceptible to viral infections, sinus infections, gut issues, autoimmune disease, cancers, chronic illness, hormone issues, skin issues like rashes/ eczema/ psoriasis and brain based issues to name a few. The key to having a healthy immune system is to nurture and feed the 100 trillion bacteria of your microbiome, have a good barrier of the intestines and good Vagus nerve tone, abundant nutrient levels (like Vitamin D), good hormone levels and excellent detoxification. This could mean healing a leaky gut, feeding the good gut bacteria with 50-200 different plant materials every month, or simply just going organic with your food choices so that you aren't eating pesticide and herbicide flavored foods. The gut communicates directly with your brain and with the immune system.  The gut is fundamental to your health!  Your gut makes up about 70-80% of your immune system  90% of your serotonin (happy neurotransmitter) is made in the GUT! Dopamine. GABA, glutamate, serotonin, norepinephrine, acetylcholine  ALL neurotransmitters made in the gut Vitamins and minerals are made available 50% of stuff your body needs to get rid of happens in the gut Do you have low serotonin levels? Depression? Likely you have a leaky gut that is playing a role. Serotonin is your sense of well being neurotransmitter and is critical for good bowel movements. Low serotonin levels could look like:  Irregular sleep cycle Depressed mood Irregular bowel movements and constipation Low libido Increase in inflammation...