Thyroid issues are NOT normal 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! 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 to...
The Microbiome Your microbiome is an interactive, what's-going-on-in-the-outside-world interface, where your immune system sits guard and the bacteria that live there pay rent in vitamins, fuel for intestinal cells and crowd control (think bad bacteria, fungus, virus, and parasites). You have a two way communication network between the brain and the gut and it affects everything from your mood to your immune system. It's a big deal. The microbiome is made up of a hundred trillion bacteria that live in your gut and there is more genetic material in the bacteria of the microbiome than we have in our DNA! It’s the largest component to your digestive system, clears at least 50% of our waste products, when out of balance is the root cause of Estrogen dominance, mental decline & brain fog, weight gain, mood disorders like Depression and anxiety and fatigue etc.. Managing your microbiome is THE key to your health. You have a microbiome issue if: You have taken antibiotics…EVER! Antibiotics are designed to kill bacteria in the body. However, it does not distinguish between the good bacteria and the bad bacteria, so it just kills it all. If you have taken antibiotics at any point in your lifetime, you need to recolonize the good bacteria and nourish your gut. This includes low levels of antibiotics in conventional meat as well as glyphosate (roundup) on nonorganic grains which acts like an antibiotic. You bloat, have loose stool, constipation or have gas after every meal: If you are bloating or having gas after every meal, it is likely that you have an imbalance in your microbiome. Loose stool or...
How do Chiropractic adjustments fit into a Functional Medicine approach? Chiropractic adjustments, one of the most well-known forms of alternative therapy, are often part of a comprehensive treatment plan for musculoskeletal issues. But many patients wonder if chiropractic adjustments are safe, and how they work. Let’s explore the safety of chiropractic care, its effectiveness, and how it fits within the broader framework of functional medicine. What Are Chiropractic Adjustments? Chiropractic adjustments are manual manipulations of the spine and other parts of the body performed by licensed chiropractors. These adjustments aim to correct misalignments, known as subluxations, which can cause pain, inflammation, and impaired function of the nervous system. Chiropractors use their hands or small instruments to apply controlled pressure to joints in a way that restores mobility, relieves pain, and supports overall wellness. While chiropractic care is most commonly associated with back and neck pain, it can also benefit patients experiencing a variety of health issues, including: Headaches and migraines Sciatica Joint pain Sports injuries Postural problems Chiropractic adjustments are not limited to spinal manipulations. Chiropractors also incorporate exercises, nutritional counseling, and lifestyle advice into their treatment plans, aligning with the principles of functional medicine. How Do Chiropractic Adjustments Work? Chiropractic care works by addressing the relationship between the spine and the nervous system. Your nervous system is responsible for controlling and coordinating all bodily functions, and spinal health plays a crucial role in maintaining this balance. Misalignments in the spine, whether caused by injury, poor posture, or stress, can interfere with the communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Here's a step-by-step overview of how chiropractic...
Is PEMF Therapy Effective for Pain Relief? Chronic pain is a daily challenge for millions of people, limiting mobility, diminishing quality of life, and often leading to dependence on medications that carry risks of side effects or addiction. As the search for non-invasive, drug-free pain relief continues, Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy has emerged as a promising solution. But what is PEMF therapy, and how effective is it for managing pain? What Is PEMF Therapy? PEMF therapy uses low-frequency electromagnetic waves to stimulate and heal the body at a cellular level. Unlike static magnets, which provide constant magnetic fields, PEMF therapy delivers pulsed electromagnetic waves that penetrate deep into tissues. These pulses interact with the body’s natural electrical activity, enhancing cellular function and promoting repair. The therapy typically involves lying on a mat or using a handheld device that emits electromagnetic waves. Sessions are painless, non-invasive, and typically last 20–30 minutes, making it a convenient option for those seeking natural pain relief. How Does PEMF Therapy Work? At its core, PEMF therapy works by improving cellular health. Cells in the human body rely on electromagnetic energy to function. When cells become damaged or stressed due to injury, illness, or aging, their electrical charge diminishes, impairing their ability to function and repair. PEMF therapy helps restore this balance by: Improving Circulation: The electromagnetic pulses enhance blood flow, ensuring that oxygen and nutrients reach affected tissues more efficiently. Reducing Inflammation: By stimulating cellular repair, PEMF therapy helps decrease inflammation, a primary driver of pain. Boosting Cellular Metabolism: It energizes cells, improving their ability to absorb nutrients and expel waste. Promoting Natural Healing:...
Can Functional Medicine Be Used Alongside Conventional Medical Treatments? When it comes to healthcare, many people find themselves torn between conventional medicine and functional medicine. Conventional medicine, with its proven treatments like medications and surgeries, has been the go-to for years. But functional medicine takes a different approach, focusing on uncovering and treating the root causes of illness, rather than simply alleviating symptoms. The good news is that functional medicine can be used alongside conventional medical treatments, offering a complementary approach that can help enhance outcomes, promote overall wellness, and improve quality of life. But how exactly can these two approaches work together, and what are the benefits? Let’s explore how functional medicine can be integrated with conventional medical treatments and why this hybrid approach may be the key to achieving optimal health. What is Functional Medicine? Before we dive into how functional medicine can work alongside conventional medicine, it’s important to understand what functional medicine is all about. Functional medicine is an approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of diseases, rather than just treating symptoms. It emphasizes understanding the unique genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that contribute to a person’s health. Functional medicine practitioners use advanced diagnostic testing and a systems-based approach to pinpoint the underlying causes of health issues, which may include nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, chronic inflammation, gut health issues, or environmental toxins. Functional medicine goes beyond merely prescribing medications to manage symptoms. Instead, it aims to create individualized treatment plans that may include dietary and lifestyle changes, stress management techniques, supplements, and other natural therapies to restore balance to the body and...
Are There Any Side Effects or Risks Associated with NAET Treatment? For individuals seeking alternative therapies for allergies and sensitivities, Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Techniques (NAET) has become a popular choice. NAET combines principles of acupuncture, chiropractic care, nutrition, and kinesiology to identify and address allergic responses at their root. At The Healing Center, a trusted provider of NAET treatment in Denver, we often encounter questions about the safety of NAET and whether it poses any risks or side effects. Understanding NAET Treatment NAET is a non-invasive therapy designed to help the body reduce or eliminate adverse reactions to allergens. This approach aims to restore balance and alleviate symptoms caused by food, environmental, or chemical sensitivities. A typical NAET session involves: Allergen Identification: Practitioners use muscle response testing (kinesiology) to identify substances triggering allergic responses. Desensitization: Acupressure or acupuncture techniques are applied to specific points on the body while the patient is exposed to the allergen. The goal of NAET is to retrain the body’s response to allergens, enabling individuals to tolerate previously problematic substances without adverse reactions. Is NAET Safe? NAET is generally regarded as a safe and non-invasive therapy. It does not rely on medications, injections, or surgical procedures, making it an appealing option for those seeking natural alternatives to conventional allergy treatments. However, like any therapeutic approach, individual experiences can vary, and it’s essential to understand both the potential benefits and risks. Potential Side Effects of NAET Treatment While NAET is considered safe for most individuals, some people may experience mild side effects as their body adjusts to the treatment. These side effects are typically short-lived and include:...
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...
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