Your thyroid regulates a good portion of how your body functions. If your thyroid is underactive (hypothyroidism), your body slows down, triggering things like weight gain and anxiety. If your thyroid is overactive (hyperthyroidism), your body speeds up, producing insomnia and weight loss. What is the Thyroid Gland? The thyroid is an endocrine gland that is positioned in the neck. It generates hormones that impact the metabolism and function of all red blood cells with a nucleus. The thyroid creates hormones responsible for regulating the body’s functions. However, thyroid dysfunctions are one of the most common types of endocrine disorders worldwide. Thyroid dysfunctions can create problems with: Fertility Temperature regulation Mental health Blood pressure Metabolism What is a Thyroid Dysfunction? Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid disease) is a disorder that occurs when your thyroid gland doesn’t make or release a sufficient amount of hormone into your bloodstream. This causes your metabolism to decrease. This produces unwanted excessive weight, making you feel tired all the time. Even though fatigue and weight gain aren’t specific to hypothyroidism, a standard blood test could help your healthcare provider test for this condition. The normal treatment for hypothyroidism is taking daily thyroid hormone replacement medication. However, medications usually have side effects, and neglecting to take a pill might lead to more symptoms. If you are dealing with side effects from your thyroid medication, natural or alternative treatments might be an option. This could include a gluten-free, selenium-rich, or sugar-free diet, as well as taking probiotics and vitamin B supplements. It’s critical to talk to your doctor or schedule an appointment with a thyroid specialist in Denver before trying alternative remedies. Common Symptoms of Thyroid Dysfunctions Thyroid hormones help control temperature, metabolize...
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is a complex condition where mast cells release excessive amounts of chemical mediators — like histamine — at the wrong time and for the wrong reasons. The result? Symptoms that can look like allergies, but don’t behave like typical allergic reactions — and often feel unpredictable, overwhelming, and exhausting. If you’ve ever felt like your body is reacting to everything… you’re not imagining it. What Is MCAS? Mast cells are immune cells designed to protect you. They play a role in inflammation, healing, and defense against threats. In MCAS, those cells become over-reactive. Instead of responding only to true danger, mast cells release inflammatory chemicals in response to everyday triggers — foods, stress, temperature changes, hormones, or even things that never used to bother you before. One of the most frustrating parts of MCAS is that triggers can change over time. Something you tolerated last year — or even last week — may suddenly cause symptoms. That’s why managing MCAS isn’t about a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s about learning your body’s patterns and supporting your system so it feels safe again. Why Triggers Matter in MCAS Living with MCAS can feel like walking through a minefield — never knowing what might set off a flare. Some people have very clear, consistent triggers. Others experience symptoms that feel random or unpredictable. What’s actually happening is this: Your body has a threshold. Sometimes one trigger is enough to push it over the edge. Other times, it’s the stacking of smaller stressors — food + poor sleep + hormones + emotional stress — that creates a flare. Understanding your...
Autoimmune diseases affect millions of people — and women are diagnosed far more often than men. If you’ve been told your immune system is “attacking itself,” you may feel frustrated, overwhelmed, or even hopeless. At The Healing Center Denver, we approach autoimmune disease differently. Instead of asking “What diagnosis do you have?” we ask: “Why is your immune system overstimulated in the first place?” What Is an Autoimmune Disease? An autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system becomes overactive and misdirected, creating chronic inflammation in tissues it’s meant to protect. From a functional medicine perspective, the immune system isn’t broken — it’s responding to signals of imbalance coming from the gut, hormones, metabolism, nervous system, or environment. There are over 75 autoimmune conditions, including: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis Celiac disease Rheumatoid arthritis Lupus Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s & ulcerative colitis) Psoriasis Multiple sclerosis Common Autoimmune Symptoms in Women Autoimmune symptoms often appear gradually and fluctuate over time. Many women experience symptoms for years before receiving answers. Common signs include: Chronic fatigue Joint or muscle pain Digestive issues (bloating, diarrhea, constipation) Brain fog, anxiety, or mood changes Skin rashes or flare-ups Weight gain or unexplained weight loss Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet Symptoms frequently worsen during stress, hormonal changes, illness, or menopause. Root Causes of Autoimmune Disease (Functional Medicine View) Autoimmune disease is rarely caused by one factor alone. In functional medicine, we look for overlapping triggers that keep the immune system activated. Gut Health & Immune Dysfunction Over 70% of the immune system resides in the gut. Issues like leaky gut, food sensitivities, bacterial or fungal overgrowth (including candida)...
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...
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