Functional medicine blends traditional and modern practices

Female patient listening to doctorHave you ever thought about the difference between functional and standard traditional medicine? There is, in fact, quite a big difference and it’s one you need to know about if you’re going to find the right treatment for what ails you. Here’s how they contrast with each other: One focuses on prevention, the other on the actual treatment of that problem. What sets functional medicine apart is its laser-like focus on addressing the root cause of diseases.

Even better, functional medicine doesn’t eschew traditional medicine, in fact, it combines the two. The knowledge gleaned through traditional medical school training is filtered through a different approach to treating disease.

For example, Jack is suffering from eczema, of which the standard treatment is a moisturizing skin cream and steroid cream. While this will calm the rash for a time, it doesn’t address whatever is causing the rash in the first place.

Something is going on within Jack’s body that is causing inflammation on the surface of his skin. Rather than simply treat it, forcing Jack to buy yet ever more creams, the functional medicine approach is to both treat it and cure it.

Doctors who practice functional medicine are like private investigators. Our job is to look at the body as a whole system as we try and pinpoint the factors causing an ailment.

Jack’s eczema is what we would call a “downstream” symptom. The functional approach looks “upstream” in an attempt to uncover where the symptoms originate and what may be causing them.

A functional approach to treatment represents a holistic approach, combining the best of traditional medicine with the best investigative, functional treatments available. Whether it’s nutrition, environment or something internal, we take a big picture view.

Now the question is, why would you ever put all your eggs in one basket? Attack your ailment from all angles with a functional approach.

All you need to know about Alzheimer’s Disease (and Dementia)

83991716_MAs we age, it’s normal for minor forgetfulness to set in. However, this memory loss can become so severe that it disrupts daily life – from losing track of days and time to having difficulty engaging in everyday activities like paying bills.

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive form of dementia that slowly causes impairment in memory and cognitive function. As of 2020, an estimated 5.8 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s, of which most patients are over the age of 65. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the US.

In this post, we’re going to explore all you need to know about Alzheimer’s and how it relates to dementia.

Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s

Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are often used interchangeably by laymen. However, they are two different things. Dementia is used to describe a broad range of symptoms that impacts memory, communication abilities, and the performance of routine activities. Several conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and more can result in Dementia.

Alzheimer’s disease is simply a type of dementia. It is even the most common form of dementia, accounting for over 60% of dementia cases.

Risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease

Medical experts are yet to determine a single definitive cause of Alzheimer’s disease. However, several risk factors can increase a person’s chances of developing the condition.

  • Age: As we age, we become more susceptible to brain deterioration. Little wonder, the majority of Alzheimer’s disease develops in people over the age of 65 years.
  • Family history: Some families have a history of Alzheimer’s disease. Belonging to such a family can increase your risk of developing it.
  • Genes: Some genes – like the dreaded APOE E4/E5 genetic profile – have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

Common Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease

Being forgetful occurs from time to time in almost everyone. However, when such forgetfulness intensifies and symptoms persist, it can be indicative of Alzheimer’s disease. Here are some of the symptoms of the condition:

  • Memory loss that makes it difficult to keep up with daily life, like keeping appointments.
  • Having trouble performing familiar tasks, like using an oven.
  • Impairment in speech or writing
  • Losing track of time, date, and season.
  • Withdrawal from loved ones.
  • Decreased sense of judgment and personal hygiene.
  • Personality changes.

Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease

The most common system – as developed by Dr. Barry Reisberg of New York University – breaks the progression of Alzheimer’s disease into seven stages.

  • Stage 1: No impairment

During this stage, there are no detectable memory problems or other symptoms of dementia.

  • Stage 2: Very mild decline

Minor memory problems sets in, however, they are indistinguishable from normal memory-loss challenges associated with aging.

  • Stage 3: Mild decline

Reduced memory and concentration sets in at this stage. You may have difficulty finding the right words in conversations, for instance. People close to you may begin to notice this memory decline.

  • Stage 4: Moderate decline

Symptoms become apparent. Common problems include difficulty with simple arithmetic or inability to manage finances and pay bills.

  • Stage 5: Moderately severe decline

People at this stage may need help with daily activities. Common problems that may arise include difficulty dressing appropriately, significant confusion, or forgetting their phone number.

  • Stage 6: Severe decline

At this stage, people need constant supervision and professional care as confusion and unawareness of the environment becomes very significant. Loss of bladder and bowel control may arise.

  • Stage 7: Very severe decline

This is the final stage of Alzheimer’s disease. At this stage, people lose the ability to communicate or respond to their environment. People at this stage are typically nearing death.

Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

At the moment, there is no definitive test for Alzheimer’s disease, except autopsy. However, doctors make use of several tests – which can include mental, physical, or neurological tests, as well as brain-imaging – to determine your diagnosis.

Alzheimer’s Medication

There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. However, certain treatments can help reduce the progression of the disease or ease symptoms.

Medications like rivastigmine (Exelon) and donepezil (Aricept) may help people with early to moderate Alzheimer’s. Memantine (Namenda), on the other hand, can be prescribed to people with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s.

Furthermore, Dr. Bredesen’s ReCODE Protocol is reported to stop or reverse cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Preventing Alzheimer’s

While there are no fool-proof preventive measures for Alzheimer’s, adopting certain lifestyles can help reduce your risk of developing the condition. Some of these measures include:

  • Quit smoking
  • Engage in regular cognitive training exercises
  • Exercise daily
  • Consume more antioxidants
  • Adopt a plant-based diet
  • Maintain a vibrant social life.

Contact us here today for more information. We understand this is a scary and touchy topic that can have unwarranted repercussions in and around family members. We are here to help in any way we can – do not hesitate to reach out.

4 strategies to effectively cope with stress

Stress: a completely normal bodily reaction that affects everyone at some point. Stress isn’t something to shy away from in small doses. In fact, stress can help keep us motivated and to perform well under pressure. Tired businessman massaging nose bridge, feeling eyes strain

Stress is also in reaction to a dangerous situation, allowing us to “flight or fight,” and effectively solve the challenge we are being faced with.

However, ongoing stress that feels more unmanageable can be debilitating. Luckily, there are many strategies for coping with stress in an effective way. Here are just some of them.

1. Exercise on a regular basis.
Besides the physical benefits that come with exercise, it has also proven to work in battling emotional and mental stress. Whether you participate in yoga, running or dance, those endorphins will surge through your body every time. Plus, exercise helps to release any excess stress hormone.

2. Incorporate relaxation techniques.
This could be meditation, repeating a mantra, or even talking to a friend. Whatever relaxation means to you, go ahead and do it. Remember that true relaxation may not come so easy at first, but just keep at it and it’ll become a learned technique in no time.

3. Be okay with not saying “yes” to everything.
This is an important one. For a number of individuals, stress is brought upon because of an overwhelming to-do list. We seem to get busier every year, despite new technologies that are supposed to make our work more efficient. Step back and be okay with saying “no” to additional requests that are unimportant. When possible, try not to overcommit.

4. Change your diet.
A diet that is well-balanced and rich in healthy fats, vegetables and fruits has shown to make a difference. Also, avoid caffeine, as caffeine is a stimulant that actually increases your level of stress.

Remember that stress is completely normal. There is no use being stressed about the fact that you are stressed. Step back and take a moment to get that stress hormone down so you can breathe easy.

What are bioidentical hormones made from?

Laboratory determination of blood type. Blood testYou probably know the saying, “Everything gets better with age.” While that may be true for fine wines, grandchildren, and more, it directly contradicts what you experience in your body. Middle age is the time when most people begin to notice gradual deterioration of their bodily functions. As you age, hormone production gets impaired. Hormones control almost all tasks in the body – including sex, growth, brain function, and the breakdown of food. Hormone imbalance invariably leads to a series of undesirable symptoms.

To ease these symptoms, many people opt for hormone replacement therapies (HRT). While there are several HRTs, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BRHT) has garnered impressive attention in the past few decades. This post explores what bioidentical hormones are, how they are made, and their overall safety.

What are Bioidentical Hormones?

Bioidentical hormones are hormones that are chemically identical to those produced in the body. Bioidentical hormones are derived from naturally-occurring sources, such as soy or yams. Although they are produced in the laboratory, bioidentical hormones mimic the hormones naturally produced in the body. This way, the body wouldn’t be able to differentiate between the hormones it produces and bioidentical ones.

Common examples of biomedical hormones include:

  • 17 beta estradiols, found in drugs like Estrace, Estradiol, and Estring
  • Estradiol hemihydrate, such as Vagifem
  • Estradiol acetate, such as Femring
  • Micronized progesterone USP, including Prometrium and Prochieve

Some big pharmaceutical companies manufacture bioidentical hormones, which is strictly regulated by the FDA. However, a class referred to as ‘compounded bioidentical hormones’ are not regulated by the FDA.

Differences between bioidentical hormones and synthetic hormones.

The main distinguishing factor is that bioidentical hormones are made from the exact chemical and molecular structure of compounds found in the human body. On the other hand, synthetic hormones contain substances that do not naturally occur in the human body. For instance, Premarin is made from the urine of pregnant horses, and it is used as a replacement estrogen.

What are Bioidentical Hormones Used For?

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is primarily used to ease symptoms of perimenopause and menopause in women. As the ovaries start to produce less estrogen in the moments leading up to menopause, the hormone imbalance is responsible for several symptoms. Bioidentical hormone therapy can help to:

  • Improve sex drive
  • Reduce fatigue
  • Minimize hot flashes
  • Improve sleep
  • Reduce bloating
  • Prevent hair thinning
  • Improve memory.

Asides from menopause-related symptoms, hormone replacement therapy may also reduce your risk for tooth loss, diabetes, and cataracts. Some research indicates it may also help improve hydration, enhance skin condition, and even reduce wrinkles.

When is Using Bioidentical Hormones Appropriate?

Different bodies react to bioidentical hormones differently. And so, the safety of bioidentical hormones is still debated in the medical community. That’s why many women prefer to seek other treatment options when perimenopause symptoms start.

However, traditional treatment options may not work for you. If that happens, you may want to consider biomedical hormones. To improve the efficacy of biomedical hormones, here are some lifestyle changes you should consider before undergoing replacement therapy.

  • Taking vitamin supplements
  • Exercising more frequently
  • Eating a balanced diet
  • Reducing stress and anxiety

How are Bioidentical Hormones Used?

Bioidentical hormones can be used in different forms, depending on the specific symptoms that are being targeted. Some of the common forms include:

  • Creams
  • Gels
  • Tablets
  • Injections
  • Lotions

Before bioidentical hormones are administered, the doctor will carefully test for your hormone levels through your saliva or blood sample. This will help determine the specific ingredients and quantity needed. As treatment proceeds, hormone levels are periodically monitored to ensure no complications arise.

Compounded Bioidentical Hormones

These are bioidentical hormones made by a compounding pharmacist in the exact strength and dosage as prescribed by a practitioner. These hormones are blended in a specific combination that is suited for each woman.

Their main benefit is they can be made without certain allergens. However, compounded bioidentical hormones are not regulated by the FDA. Moreover, little research exists to support their efficacy. That’s why major medical bodies such as the North American Menopause Society and the Endocrine Society have warned against the use of custom-compounded hormones.

Side Effects and Risk of Bioidentical Hormones

It’s important to note that while the FDA has approved some preparations of bioidentical estradiol and progesterone, it hasn’t approved any compounded bioidentical hormones.

Bioidentical hormone therapy is commonly touted as being better than traditional hormone replacement. However, no conclusive study exists to support this claim.

Some of the reported side effects associated with hormone therapy include:

  • Blood clot
  • Gallbladder disease
  • Breast cancer
  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Weight gain
  • Mood swings
  • Fatigue
  • More facial hair in women.

Wrap Up

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy may help people with symptoms associated with low or unbalanced levels of hormones. Due to the numerous side effect associated with biomedical hormones, medical advice must be sought before proceeding with treatment.

In general, women should avoid bioidentical hormones if possible because there is not enough conclusive evidence to suggest that they are effective or safe. Even if you must go the BHRT route, you should use the smallest dose that proves effective in the shortest possible time.

As more research into bioidentical hormones continues, they may eventually conclusively prove to the safe and effective in the future. We’re here to help. Contact us today for more information.

Not all supplements are created equal

59942312_MFor many of us, supplements are part of our daily routine. Many of us are regular takers of vitamin, mineral, and other types of supplements. But rather than go all-in on a supplement, it is important to do the proper research to determine if the supplement is even good for you.

There are literally thousands of supplements available on the market, from multivitamins to omega fats, minerals, and nutrient supplements of a nearly countless variety. So what should you look for when deciding on a supplement?

Biochemistry

Your biochemistry plays a critical role in whether a supplement is necessary. Supplements are designed to provide something that might be lacking, or even to double down on a standard amount you already take. Take B vitamins, for example. If your body has a problem with methylation, there might be a need to take activated B vitamins.

Functional medicine practitioners can help with genetic tests to determine if your body has any problems processing specific nutrients.

Quality

The old ethos of quality over quantity holds true in supplements. You can swallow a handful of supplements every day, but if you are taking poorly made, unproven supplements, not designed to work with your biochemistry, you’re running in place.

With so many supplements on the market, it can be confusing trying to figure out what is right for you. Rely on our expert guidance to assist you.

We proudly advise our patients on the good and bad regarding supplements. Stay healthy the right way, without taking wild guesses about which supplements are right for you. We’re waiting for your call.

Hypothyroidism 101

30511389 - human thyroid glandAbout one in ten Americans suffer from thyroid dysfunction arising mainly from hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is a condition that occurs when your thyroid gland fails to produce enough thyroid hormones. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that sits low in front of the neck, lying below your Adam’s apple, along the front of the windpipe.

Causes of Hypothyroidism

The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This is an autoimmune condition where the body produces antibodies that attack your thyroid tissue, resulting in the inability to produce sufficient thyroid hormone. Thyroiditis may also be caused by a viral condition.

Other causes of hypothyroidism include:

  • Radiation therapy to the neck area.
  • Radioiodine treatment used to treat hyperthyroidism may destroy the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism.
  • Certain medications used to treat heart problems, psychiatric conditions, and cancer.
  • Too little iodine in your diet.
  • Damage or disorder of pituitary gland.
  • Disorder of the hypothalamus.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

The signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism vary from person to person. Often, the severity of the hormone deficiency determines the types of symptoms you’re likely to experience, which are sometimes difficult to identify.

At the onset of hypothyroidism, many people experience subtle weight gain or fatigue, which they often, but wrongly, attribute to aging. As time progresses, the condition causes a continual slowing down of metabolism, and more obvious symptoms may arise.

Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms associated with hypothyroidism:

  • Depression
  • Constipation
  • Fatigue
  • Feeling cold
  • Weight gain
  • Decreased sweating
  • Dry, thinning hair
  • Elevated blood cholesterol
  • Impaired memory
  • Hoarseness
  • Puffy, sensitive face
  • Muscle weakness.

Hypothyroidism Risk factors

Women, particularly older women, are more likely to develop this condition than men. Also, it’s tied to genetics, so you are more likely to develop hypothyroidism if you have a close family member with an autoimmune disease.

Other risk factors include:

  • Old age
  • Race (White and Asian)
  • Premature graying hair
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Turner syndrome
  • Down syndrome
  • Autoimmune disorders such as type 1 diabetics, rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, pernicious anemia, or vitiligo.

Proper Diagnosis of Hypothyroidism

Thyroid disorders are usually diagnosed with a combination of lab tests and subjective measures/symptoms. Because of the variability of symptoms in people with hypothyroidism, it is not uncommon for traditional doctors to analyze the test results of a patient as normal, yet the patient is freezing all the time, hairs are falling out, and the nails are brittle.

Conventional methods of diagnosis only examine Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine (T4). When the T4 level is lower-than-normal, hypothyroidism is usually the first suspect. The drawback of this approach is that it’s a poor indicator in some cases.

To understand why this is the case, let’s briefly examine how the thyroid works. The thyroid gland produces T4, which is the inactive form of thyroid hormone. Inside your cells, T4 is then converted into T3 (triiodothyronine), which then regulates your metabolism, temperature, fat, and energy levels. Unfortunately, several things can impair this conversion process. Common examples include stress, diabetes, insulin resistance, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Fibromyalgia. By looking at T4 without comparing it to T3, many cases of hypothyroidism can easily be missed.

Furthermore, T3 Reverse is another component that is majorly overlooked. However, it plays a crucial role in diagnosing hypothyroidism. For instance, if the T3 Reverse is elevated, it down-regulates T3 Free, which is the more beneficial form of T3. T3 Reverse is produced during the conversion of T4 to T3, but for people with hypothyroidism, elevated levels of T3 Reverse are produced from the conversion process.

Therefore, the best approach for diagnosis is to take a more holistic approach by examining T3 Free, T3 Reverse, T4 Free, TSH, and thyroid peroxidase antibodies. In conjunction with subjective symptoms, the complete picture can be formed and the best thyroid treatment solution can be developed on an individual basis.

Proper Treatment for Hypothyroidism

The conventional care for hypothyroidism is the prescription of synthetic thyroid hormone T4, like Levothyroxine and Synthroid. However, many patients do not respond to treatment because the main issue is sometimes not the production of T4 but its conversion into T3. Consequently, they may need a different approach that includes direct T3 replacement. Other therapeutic options include bio-identical thyroid hormone replacement using T3 or T3/T4 combination.

Tips to Relieve Hypothyroidism Symptoms

The best way to combat hypothyroidism is to seek adequate medical treatment. But on top of your medication, here are some tips that can help you relieve common symptoms:

  • Combat fatigue by taking power naps, which should be no longer than 30 minutes to avoid falling into a deep sleep.
  • Remember to guard against cold sensitivity through the choice of your clothing.
  • Use alcohol-free moisturizers to prevent dry skin.
  • Getting enough fiber in your diet can help to relieve constipation.
  • Manage your weight. Limit processed food and those high in fat and sugar.
  • Practice mindfulness to fight depression.
  • Ensure that you take your medication properly.

Contact us today for more information.

Caring for your mitochondria, and why it’s important

Think way back to high school biology. You may remember learning about a little something called “mitochondria.” What may have been a seemingly inconsequential organelle is actually a very important part of your body, and a major contributor to your overall health. 47462646 - woman near window raising hands facing the sunrise at morning

What exactly are mitochondria?
Mitochondria exist in nearly every cell of the body (with the exception of those without a nucleus, in case you’re wondering) and function by helping to convert our food and oxygen intake into energy our body can use. Mitochondria play a heavy hand in energy support. When mitochondria are running at a less than optimal output, it can make you feel fatigued. The mighty mitochondria are important to the overall aging process, including preserving memory, as well.

What impacts mitochondria?
Turns out that mitochondria are sensitive and it’s actually relatively easy to stress them out, jumpstarting a reaction that leaves you feeling less like yourself. Mitochondria can be affected by sugar, smoking, too much sun exposure and poor diet, among other environmental factors and lifestyle choices known to damage cells and tissues. In turn, this may harm cells’ mitochondria.

How can you care for your mitochondria?

  • Make healthy dietary choices. Since mitochondria use your food intake to convert to energy, you can imagine the recourse of only providing them with processed food and empty calories. The mitochondria want to work for you, so eat the colors of the rainbow and give them the balanced meals they need to function at their best.
  • Exercise regularly. In particular, a combination of interval and strength training has shown to be the most effective exercise for mitochondrial health.
  • Incorporate omega-3 fats. Omega-3 fats help restore mitochondria and their membranes. You can get omega-3 fats from supplements and some foods, such as fish, chia seeds, walnuts and egg yolks.

The body is here to support us in our daily our lives. It’s time to focus on what we can do to keep it performing at its best and feeling more energized, youthful, ready to take on new projects and places.

 

What should I know about metabolic rejuvenation?

????????????????????????????????????The weight loss market in the United States is now worth a whopping $72 billion. This is expected given that over two-thirds of American adults are overweight. Even about 32.5 percent of American adults are obese. As a result, dieting, rigorous exercise regiment, and medication are some of the ways people try to lose weight.

However, for many people, it seems that irrespective of what they do, their weight stays the same. Though they stay away from junk food, eat dinner early, religiously attend four cardio classes and one Pilates session every week, their weight never budges.

This can be particularly frustrating for people that are obese (planning to lose over 50 pounds) and their weight continually disrupts their daily life, yet it seems there’s nothing they can do about it. Luckily, there’s one lifeline that can get you to lose that much weight – Metabolic Rejuvenation.

The Problem With the Conventional Approach to Weight Loss

The traditional view of counting calories for weight loss, especially for women, has resulted in an epidemic of reduced metabolism and frustrated dieters. When you eat like a worm and spend hours exercising, two outcomes are guaranteed. In the short term, reduced food intake and increased cardiovascular activities lead to weight loss. However, in the medium term, the body adjusts to this new food and exercise routine and fat loss eventually stops. Even worse, any deviation from this new norm will pile on the pounds.

But what’s the solution to this? The key is to transform the body into a fat-burning machine. This way, you can live your life happily and in good health without having to worry about the repercussions of the pizza you ate last night. That brings us to metabolic rejuvenation.

What is Metabolic Rejuvenation?

Metabolic rejuvenation is the process of resetting your body’s metabolic rate through rapid and intelligent planning. Our bodies are highly adaptive. That’s why you gain weight when you feed too much. But by implementing new strategies, your body gets adapted in positive ways that will bring about remarkable transformations in your body.

Metabolic Rejuvenation Program

This program is particularly targeted for patients that want to lose over 50 pounds in less than three months. To accomplish this, a physician will review your food diary for one day and provide specific coaching. Thereafter, a body composition test will be used to closely monitor your progress. This also helps to make the necessary adjustments to best suit how your body is reacting to the process. It also involves certain medicines and an exercise plan. The ultimate goal is to take a holistic approach to modify your metabolic processes.

Here’s a proper breakdown of what metabolic rejuvenation involves:

  • Treatment Plan

This involves the development of a detailed initial functional medicine treatment plan. This plan will specifically address imbalances and other factors that contribute to weight loss like insulin resistance, depressed metabolism, food allergies, high cortisol levels, hypothyroidism, sleep deprivation, hormone imbalance, neurotransmitter imbalance, and more. By incorporating prescription medication (if needed), nutritional supplements, medical food, and hormone replacement, these imbalances can be fixed.

  • Body Composition Testing

Monitoring progress is very important in metabolic rejuvenation. Body composition analysis makes it possible to specifically monitor fat loss and increase in lean muscle since that’s the target. The sophisticated InBody 520 from BIOSPACE is used to carry out the test.

  • Treatment Plan Adjustments

As new insights are obtained from the analysis and test result, the treatment plans will be adjusted to have the maximum impact. This may involve adjusting nutritional supplements, hormones, medical foods, and/or prescription medication.

  • Eating Plan Guidance

Dieting is crucial when it comes to weight loss, as taking too much or even the wrong calories can hurt your weight. An eating plan guidance takes into account your body composition to determine what kind of food is best suited for you. As the program progresses, your daily food diary will be adjusted to make changes well-suited for your body.

  • Effective Exercise

Exercising is also an important piece of metabolic rejuvenation. However, many people, especially women do not get it right. They tend to overfocus on the cardio machines, paying less attention to the weight areas. And as a result, after six months of cardio workouts, no change is noticeable. Aerobic exercise is more effective to burn fat and is good for the heart and the entire cardiovascular system. However, aerobic exercise has little impact on the muscles, and may even lead to muscle loss, which is undesirable as muscles are important to stay in shape.

An effective exercise regimen incorporates muscle building with fat loss. To determine the appropriate exercise, your specific physiology and body composition will be used. As you progress, your body composition will be monitored and the exercise plan adjusted as needed.

Contact us today for more information regarding metabolic rejuvenation. We’re here to help and happy to discuss your well being with you!

Five easy steps to start living a green life

Green living — what many thought was a trend has officially found its place. It’s a lifestyle change that’s picking up steam, settling into the lives of many who are looking for a more natural, non-toxic and healthier lifestyle.19562151 - beautiful young woman outdoors  enjoy nature

It’s true that what you put in and on your body makes a difference. Skin care, beauty products, food and home cleansers are all areas of concern for many. There’s a desire to use products that we can all feel good about, for ourselves, and for our children and pets.

But, getting started can be overwhelming and you may wonder, do I need to throw away everything I own? In short, the answer is no. Here’s how you can make the switch in a transitional way.

1. Take inventory and do your research.
Break all of your possessions into categories, depending on what it’s used for and then take a look at the Think Dirty app. Scan your products’ barcodes and learn how safe and non-toxic they are…or aren’t. You’ll quickly pick up on the ingredients that are red-flagged as being less than ideal. Spend some time researching these ingredients so you know what to look out for.

2. Adjust your budget.
Whether or not you already have a budget in place for household expenses, redo it. The truth is that organic and sustainable foods typically cost more than their counterparts and if you aren’t financially prepared, it can be discouraging.

3. Buy in bulk.
Many warehouse clubs offer more cost-effective natural and organic options because you’re buying in bulk. Your total bill may be higher than what you’re used to at your corner grocery store, but your cost per ounce should be lower and the product will last longer.

4. Replace as you go.
Sure, once you’re educated about your ingredients, the idea of continuing to consume them is a little scary. Unless you’re willing to spend the money on a complete overhaul, just replace as you go. Once a cleaning product runs out, replace it with it’s non-toxic counterpart.

5. Sign up for curated boxes.
You probably have products that work for you. When it comes to replacing them, you want to make sure you aren’t on a wild, and expensive, goose chase to find something else that’s equally good. Invest a little bit of money in trying out curated boxes, like The Detox Box.

Join the number of people who have found success in living a green lifestyle. Adopting non-toxic products into your routine will give you peace of mind knowing that you’re surrounding yourself with healthier alternatives.

What is personalized precision medicine?

?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Over the course of thousands of years, health practitioners have sought after more effective treatment for patients through observation and experimentation, carefully building on the efforts of the previous generations.

But for the most part, medicine has always been created and prescribed based on taking a statistical average of its effect on human population samples. While medicine used in this manner helped a lot of people, it failed to ameliorate the medical conditions of many. That’s why the ultimate goal of clinicians has been to create more accurate, proactive, precise, and impactful care for each individual.

Modern physicians and scientists are at the forefront of making this a reality, a destination far beyond what our ancestors envisioned. With the help of electronic medical records, genetic testing, big data analytics, and super-computing, all crucial ingredients for creating truly personalized medicine are in view.

Definition of Personalized Precision Medicine

Precision medicine is the concept of tailoring disease treatment and prevention to account for differences in genetic, environmental, and lifestyle habits of specific people groups. It analyses the genetic and biomedical information unique to a group of patients and uses it to streamline a medication that will be much more effective.

Precision medicine is also referred to as personalized medicine, but the ‘personalized medicine’ term has been falling out of favor. Personalized medicine is commonly misinterpreted to imply that treatments and preventions are being developed uniquely for each individual. That is not the case. In precision medicine, the focus is on creating treatments that apply to groups of individuals who meet certain characteristics.

Understanding the Role of Genes in Precision Medicine

When it comes to chronic diseases, genetics play a crucial role in the way food, medication, and other supplements are metabolized and used by a person’s body. A therapy that’s right for a person may be ineffective for a person with the same medical condition but a different genetic makeup.

Examples of Genetic Weakness

Consider a patient that has genetic weakness in the immune system “off switch” like SNP CTLA4. That patient won’t be able to effectively turn off inflammatory cytokines and this will lead to runaway inflammation. If the patient is exposed to inflammation-inducing events like stress, infections, vaccines, etc., their body produces inflammatory cytokines, but because of the weakness of CTLA4, the body cannot turn off the inflammation.

For better insight, let’s consider another patient with the dreaded C677T. This condition decreases a person’s methylation capability by about 40%/70% (hetero/homo). In the methylation process, methylfolate is produced, which is central to generating energy and ATP that makes many important neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA. With this decreased capability, the patient suffers from fatigue, low energy, and other symptoms associated with reduced production of serotonin, dopamine, and GABA.

Finally, imagine a patient with these two conditions; significant inflammation and methylation deficiency. The right medication to use should be methylfolate. However, without first addressing the inflammation before using methylfolate, the patient gets sicker. It’s like knowing the recipe for making spaghetti but having no idea on the procedure – it’ll end up a complete disaster. Precision medicine, in this instance, helps medical practitioners understand not only the right medication but the right order to obtain the intended result.

The Promise of Precision Medicine

Throughout human history, medicine has been largely reactive. Even today, we mostly have to wait for the onset of diseases before trying to treat or cure them. However, because precision medicine is based on each patient’s genetic medicine, it holds the promise of breaking from the limitations of traditional medicine.

Here are some of the applications healthcare providers are increasingly harnessing precision medicine for:

  • Shifting the emphasis of medicine from reactive to preventive
  • Predicting susceptibility to disease
  • Improving disease detection
  • Preempting disease progression
  • Customizing strategies for disease-prevention
  • Avoiding prescribing drugs with predictable side effects.
  • Saving treatment time and boosting the success rate
  • Eliminating a trial-and-error approach to treatment.

Case Study: Precision Medicine in Cancer Treatment

Approximately 1.7 million cases of cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States, and it claims about 600,000 people. It was one of the leading causes of death in America, second only to heart disease. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality estimates that the economic cost associated with cancer is about $80 billion per year in terms of lost productivity, wages, care costs.

Do you know that all cancer is caused by a genetic change or mutation of some kind? In simple terms, cancer cells are just mutated versions of normal cells. While our knowledge is still limited with regards to the genes and mutation involved in the development of cancer, there has been significant progress. For instance, depending on the certain gene mutation, it is possible to tell if that person is more likely to have a specific type of cancer. Furthermore, if a person has a certain cancer type, it is possible to tell based on certain mutated genes if they will respond well to a specific treatment.

With precision medicine, doctors may be able to:

Prevent Certain Types of Cancer

Imagine a person from a family where cancer runs. If their doctor notices this pattern, the person might undergo genetic testing from a certified genetic counselor. Thereafter, the results can be analyzed to see if the gene change or mutation increases their risk for certain cancer types. If recognized early in life, it is possible to prescribe medicine and suggest healthy lifestyle habits that may help significantly reduce the risk.

Precision medicine can also be used to prevent certain cancer types from developing.

Better Diagnose Cancer

Late diagnosis is one of the major challenges that complicate cancer development. Precision makes cancer diagnosis easier. Biomarker tests can be done using blood saliva, blood sample, biopsy tissue, or body fluids.

Develop Effective Cancer Treatment

Genetic testing can help doctors determine the best course of treatment because certain gene changes can affect how a tumor responds to certain treatments. As a concrete example, melanoma skin cancer can be caused by a variety of gene mutations. This means that a treatment that works for a certain variant may not work for another. Since the goal is to give a treatment that can specifically target the gene mutation with minimal side effects, knowing what genes to target can be helpful. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy are two types of treatment often used in precision medicines for this purpose.

Conclusion

We are just beginning to scratch the surface of how personalized precision medicine can help transform the field of medicine. Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, rare genetic conditions, and cancer take an enormous toll on individuals, families, and society as a whole. With the promise of precision medicine, the future is, indeed, bright.

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