If you’ve ever walked out of a doctor’s office thinking, “But my labs are normal… so why do I still feel awful?”—you’re not alone. We see patients every day who are tired, anxious, bloated, foggy, or struggling with hormones, only to be told their tests look fine. It’s frustrating, confusing, and honestly—defeating. At The Healing Center Denver, we believe labs are important tools. But they are not the beginning or the end of your health story. Why Normal Labs Can Still Leave You Feeling Sick Traditional labs are designed to catch disease, not dysfunction. That means you could be years away from a diagnosable condition, but already feeling the effects of imbalance. Here’s the problem: Your thyroid labs can come back “in range,” yet you’re still exhausted and gaining weight. Your hormone panel might look fine, but you’re struggling with anxiety, PMS, or hot flashes. Your gut markers may not flag anything “serious,” but you’re bloated after every meal. This is where advanced functional testing—and whole-person care—makes the difference. The Labs Our Functional Medicine Doctors Use (and Why They’re Different) When labs are needed, we go deeper than the basics. Some of our go-to tools include: DUTCH test → A detailed look at hormones, cortisol patterns, and adrenal function. BiomeFx microbiome test → Not just “good” vs. “bad” bacteria, but the full ecosystem of your gut. Genetic testing → Insight into your predispositions—then we work with your environment and lifestyle to influence how those genes express. Comprehensive labs → A wider range of nutrient, thyroid, inflammation, and immune markers than standard panels. These labs often reveal what traditional testing misses....
PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy) is a perfect aid in alleviating pain and inflammation in joints, bones, and muscles. This means that the major areas of the body (from the neck to the feet) can be treated. What is PEMF Therapy? PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy) uses electromagnetic fields to promote the body's natural healing methods. It's a non-invasive process that has been increasing in traction for its part in injury recovery, pain management, and improving total wellness. PEMF is a progressively popular natural healing choice that uses pulsed electromagnetic fields to incite the body on a cellular level. This is done with the patient resting on a mat, and another mat is put over the top of them. Given the rising interest in PEMF therapy for different conditions, this article will address some common questions and clear up any misunderstandings, guaranteeing you have the necessary information to use this innovative treatment. PEMF has been approved by the FDA for issues like depression and anxiety, as well as bladder problems and non-union fractures. The therapy can also help alleviate injury and chronic pain, aiding in stimulating organs and healing damaged tissues. The FDA has also approved PEMF therapy for other ailments such as bone healing, lower back pain, stress, sports injuries, and more. PEMF therapy is very safe. It has undergone several research studies and clinical trials that have confirmed its effectiveness and safety. This safety profile makes PEMF therapy an excellent choice for people looking for substitutes for more invasive treatments or those looking to complete their current healthcare regimen without any harmful effects. How PEMF Therapy Works PEMF therapy...
MCAS (mast cell activation syndrome) is a condition characterized by frequent episodes of anaphylaxis-like symptoms. Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction to an allergen. These allergic symptoms include low blood pressure, vomiting, and nausea. During these episodes, high levels of mast cell mediators are discharged. An MCAS assessment begins with deciding whether the symptoms happened in separate attacks and are the usual symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction without a distinct cause. Mast cell mediators grow during the episode. Those mediators must be evaluated during acute episodes and at baseline, looking for increases during symptoms. The Functionality of Mast Cells Mast cells are a part of your immune system. The functionality of mast cells is to help defend your body against invading germs such as pathogens or viruses. They lie in your tissues and when they identify something they think is unsafe, they discharge histamine and other chemicals to trigger your immune system and attempt to eliminate the intruder. Sometimes, they respond to things they shouldn’t, which is when allergies come into the picture. However, allergies typically only cause your nose to run and your eyes to water or give you other minor symptoms. MCAS creates more severe symptoms without certain triggers. What is Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)? Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) is when you have inexplicable episodes of serious symptoms such as: Itching Vomiting Swelling Diarrhea Flushing Unlike allergies, which occur when you touch something you react to or eat a particular food item, MCAS episodes happen without a distinct trigger. Mast cells are a sort of immune cells in charge of immune reactions. While it can be frightening to have...
Headaches are often brushed off as a normal part of life. Something we tolerate with caffeine, over-the-counter painkillers, or a few minutes in a dark room. But here’s the truth: headaches aren’t normal. While common, they are a signal from your body that something is out of balance. If you experience regular headaches - whether tension, cluster, sinus-related, or migraines - it’s time to explore lasting solutions. Let’s take a deeper look at what might be causing your headaches and eight natural, effective ways to eliminate them. What Causes Headaches? Headaches are complex and can be triggered by a variety of factors, including: Poor posture and spinal misalignment Chronic stress and muscle tension Nutritional deficiencies or dehydration Hormonal imbalances Environmental toxins Food sensitivities Sleep disturbances TMJ disorders Eye strain or digital overload Traditional medicine often focuses on treating headaches with medication. While this can offer temporary relief, functional medicine looks deeper to uncover the root causes of inflammation, nervous system dysfunction, or metabolic imbalances that may be driving your pain. 1. Correct Spinal Misalignments with Chiropractic Care One of the most overlooked causes of headaches is spinal misalignment, particularly in the neck and upper back. When vertebrae are out of alignment, they can compress nerves, restrict blood flow, and cause tension that radiates to the head. At The Healing Center, we offer chiropractic care in Denver tailored to your unique structure. Our experienced practitioners assess your posture, spine, and movement patterns to restore alignment, improve circulation, and reduce tension. Many of our patients report a significant reduction in headache frequency and intensity after chiropractic adjustments. Pro tip: Combine chiropractic care...
The thyroid is a tiny gland located at the base of your neck, but don’t let its size fool you! This gland plays a huge role in regulating many essential functions throughout your body. From metabolism and energy production to heart rate, temperature regulation, and even mood, the thyroid gland is a central player in your overall health. But what happens when the thyroid doesn’t function properly? And more importantly, what are the consequences if a thyroid disorder is left untreated? Understanding the Thyroid and Common Thyroid Disorders Before diving into the long-term consequences, it’s helpful to understand the basics. The thyroid gland produces hormones, primarily thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones control how your body uses energy. They influence nearly every organ in the body, including your brain, heart, liver, and skin. There’s several different thyroid disorders, but the most common include: Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid): When the thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones. Hyperthyroidism, (Overactive Thyroid): When the thyroid produces too much hormone. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: An autoimmune condition that causes hypothyroidism. Graves’ disease: An autoimmune condition leading to hyperthyroidism. Goiter and thyroid nodules: Physical enlargements or growths of the thyroid gland. Each of these conditions can have serious consequences if left unaddressed. Long-Term Effects of Untreated Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, often develops slowly and can go unnoticed for years. However, untreated hypothyroidism can lead to several chronic health issues. 1. Cardiovascular Complications Low thyroid hormone levels can increase your LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and lead to atherosclerosis - a buildup of fatty plaques in your arteries. This raises your risk of: Heart disease Heart failure Hypertension (high blood...
Hello, Hannah here I loved going to school. Mostly for the environment. I loved being with my friends, back into the routine and structure. It was amazing. The thing I disliked the most was the actual learning part. Don’t get me wrong, learning is amazing and I love watching my own kids' eyes light up when they understand a new concept. The problem for me was I could never understand the lesson. I don’t remember much of my childhood/teenage years, other than I just needed to get good grades and pass the class. So I did what any person in my situation would do, I guessed a lot, cheated sometimes, and most of the time, I think I just got really really lucky. Brain inflammation. You know the feeling, right? Brain Fog Difficulty remembering things Difficulty understanding or processing information The feeling of having a pillow over your face Chronic fatigue The brain is amazing. The brain weighs 3 lbs Uses 20% of the energy produced but is only 8% of the mass The average size brain is the same measurement of two fists The brain is most active when we sleep It constantly changes and adapts to new situations It generates enough electricity to power a lightbulb Our brains are also responsible for processing and controlling our emotions. Even though the brain cannot feel pain itself, it can most certainly be inflamed. When it is inflamed, it has a hard time generating and providing all the things for your body to function properly. When Your Brain is Off So is the Gut The gut and the brain have a...
In today’s world, allergies are everywhere—hidden behind digestive issues, chronic fatigue, anxiety, eczema, asthma, and autoimmune conditions. But what if there were a way to eliminate the body’s reaction to allergens at the root level—without medications, shots, or restrictive diets? That’s where NAET comes in. Dr. Nambudripad discovered NAET in 1983. NAET is a non-invasive technique used to desensitize allergy responses through a variety of modalities including kinesiology, chiropractic, and acupuncture to eliminate allergic responses. With NAET, patients are able to find relief from food allergies, seasonal allergies, brain fog, headaches, and many more symptoms. While NAET can desensitize allergic responses, for those with anaphylactic allergy responses, NAET may not completely get rid of the allergy. What Is NAET? NAET (Nambudripad's Allergy Elimination Techniques) is a non-invasive, drug-free, natural approach to eliminating allergies and sensitivities of all kinds using principles from: Acupuncture / Acupressure Kinesiology (muscle testing) Nutrition Chiropractic principles Eastern medicine and energy balancing It was developed by Dr. Devi Nambudripad, MD, DC, LAc, PhD, who struggled with multiple severe allergies and found a revolutionary way to reprogram the body's response to allergens. How NAET Works At the core of NAET is the understanding that allergies are energy imbalances—disruptions in the body's flow of Qi (life force energy) triggered by exposure to substances the body mistakenly flags as threats. Here’s what a typical NAET session involves: Muscle Testing (Neuromuscular Sensitivity Testing): Identifies what substances your body is reacting to. Treatment with Acupressure: While holding the allergen, specific acupressure points along the spine are stimulated to ‘reprogram’ the nervous system’s response. Resting & Avoidance: No avoidance needed and it will...
Google can tell you a lot of things about your thyroid gland. Go ahead and search for it. “The thyroid is a small gland in your throat that produces hormones such as T3 and T4”. Phew, I feel better now knowing that information…said no one ever. The reality is that the thyroid does SO MUCH MORE than we are ever taught unless you major in human physiology. The thyroid is crucial for: Body temperature regulation Regulating your metabolism Energy production Quality of sleep Moisturizing of your skin and hair growth Bathroom Regularity Now, hands up if you struggle with at least one of these. Have you felt so completely cold to the core with no explanation, when it is sunny and 75 but you are freezing? How about you eat healthy, exercise, and practice your meditation, but you still haven’t lost a pound? Your hair breaks easily or won’t grow past a certain point? Fatigue is your middle name? ( This was me for 20 years!) You are NOT alone! According to the American Thyroid Assoc., 20 million Americans will experience some sort of thyroid condition during their lifetime and no one seems to know why! A Thyroid Specialist Denver understands that why your thyroid is having issues is complex, and we have to really look not only at the actual pattern of dysfunction but the root issues that allow those dysfunctions to occur. This is why just taking thyroid hormones isn’t ever really enough. If no one has spoken to you about why your thyroid isn’t working optimally, then you are missing the very thing your body is trying...
Functional Medicine is just that, it’s Functional. Functional Medicine takes a look at your whole body, not just one blood test, not just one symptom. Functional Medicine Doctors want to know everything that is going on in your body. That’s why, when you see us at The Healing Center Denver, you won’t just get one test, you could need several because our Functional Medicine Doctors look at everything. If you have ever said, “I still don’t feel good, but my lab tests look normal,” you NEED a functional medicine doctor! Basic/General Labs: Blood draws can tell the Functional Medicine and Traditional doctors a lot about what’s going on in your body. That is why getting a Comprehensive lab test done once a year is encouraged to make sure that there aren’t any crazy things happening. At the Healing Center Denver, the doctors will do a CBC/Differential, Metabolic panel, Lipid Panel, Vitamin-D, plus a FULL Thyroid panel (this includes TPO antibodies and all the T’s: T3, reverse T3, T4, etc.) among other things. Full comprehensive blood panels can tell us so much about our bodies. Is your thyroid low? Is your metabolism broken? Do you have an infection? Is your body inflamed? How are your kidneys doing? And your liver? There is a large range of possibilities and answers to these questions. Food Antibody Testing: If you are tired of guessing what foods are causing you reactions and which ones are safe to eat, then this next test is for you. The food antibody tests will give you a clear picture of what you should absolutely NOT be eating so that...
As functional medicine practitioners in Denver, our job is to have as many tools in our toolbox as possible and to know which is appropriate to use and when. One tool we use at The Healing Center is chiropractic care. A chiropractic adjustment is a manual therapy technique we often think of as treating pain. Chiropractic is amazing at getting rid of neck pain and headaches, pain and stiffness in your jaw, shoulders, elbows, and wrists, as well as pain in the hips, pelvis, knees, and ankles. But it is much more than just that. When you are adjusted it resets the nervous system so your brain can properly see what is happening throughout the body and recalibrate function as needed. Research shows adjustments positively affect immune function, blood pressure, and stress responses, actually, all things your nervous system regulates are impacted by an adjustment. You are an intricately self-regulated system and to heal we don't want interference at the level of the nervous system. Pain is just the last resort to tell you to pay attention…much like the oil light in your car. Stiffness and tightness are the first indicators of dysfunction at the level of the spine which affects the nervous system input and output and eventually leads to issues in the gut, thyroid, pancreas, etc. Misalignments or restrictions in the spine, called subluxations, can interfere with the normal function of the nervous system and surrounding tissues. Chiropractic adjustments aim to correct these misalignments or restrictions, thereby reducing nerve irritation and restoring proper joint function. This can alleviate pain, improve range of motion, and enhance overall health. Chiropractic manipulation also affects...
