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Author: Thrive Carolinas

Thrive Carolinas / Articles posted by Thrive Carolinas (Page 7)

How Stress Affects Your Hormones And What You Can Do About It

We all know stress can impact our mood, sleep, and energy. But did you know it can also throw your hormones out of balance? In this week's Motivation, Harlee Palmer, PA explains how chronic stress can interfere with hormone regulation and what you can do to regain control of your health. The Stress-Hormone Connection When your body is under stress, it produces higher levels of cortisol, a hormone designed to help you respond to danger. While cortisol is helpful in short bursts (like when you’re running late or facing a deadline), prolonged stress keeps your cortisol levels elevated, which can cause: Disrupted sleep patterns Weight gain, especially around the midsection Fatigue and brain fog Mood swings and anxiety Irregular menstrual cycles or worsened menopause symptoms Stress doesn’t just affect...

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Functional Medicine: The Future of Healthcare Transformation

By Dr. Nancy A. Palermo This year’s International Conference for the Institute of Functional Medicine (IFM) brought together over 1,500 forward-thinking healthcare professionals from around the world, all focused on a powerful theme: Transformation. As someone deeply committed to the principles of Functional Medicine, I was inspired by the conversations and research presented, ranging from AI in healthcare and cognitive decline reversal to regenerative agriculture, mitochondrial health, and muscle-centric medicine. These topics share a common goal: to redefine the way we approach health and healing. Why Functional Medicine Matters Now More Than Ever The data is overwhelming—new medical research is doubling every 76 days, yet conventional medicine continues to fall behind. Despite spending 17–30% of our GDP on healthcare, the U.S. ranks among the sickest nations in the developed...

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Ginger Miso Chicken or Shrimp (Protein-Packed & Quick!)

A nourishing, one-pan meal that brings together lean protein, fresh veggies, and the bold flavors of ginger and miso. Ingredients: 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) 1½ lbs chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces) or peeled and deveined shrimp 8 oz shiitake mushrooms, sliced 1 cup broccoli slaw 1 cup broccoli florets 4 scallions, thinly sliced ½ cup Ginger Miso Sauce (see above) Instructions: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken or shrimp until it is fully cooked through. Remove and set aside. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Sauté mushrooms and scallions until lightly browned (about 3–4 minutes). Stir in broccoli florets and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, then add broccoli slaw...

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Motivation: Longevity Lessons from Centenarians

When it comes to living a long and healthy life, the best teachers may be the people who’ve already done it, centenarians. These remarkable individuals, many of whom live well past 100, often defy the odds by maintaining energy, resilience, and independence well into old age. So, what’s their secret? One key factor researchers have uncovered is the diversity of their gut microbiomes. A diverse gut microbiome is linked to better digestion, stronger immunity, reduced inflammation, and improved overall health, all of which are essential for longevity. What supports a healthy gut? The answer is surprisingly simple: a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber. These plant-based foods feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut, helping to promote microbial diversity and long-term wellness. Thoughts from Dr. Palermo: "Focus on adding more...

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Watermelon, Blueberry and Feta Salad

Published: June 1, 2022 Updated: May 20, 2025 Light, refreshing, and antioxidant-rich,  perfect for summer! This vibrant summer salad brings together sweet watermelon, juicy blueberries, and creamy feta for a refreshing dish that's as beautiful as it is nourishing. Packed with antioxidants, fiber, and hydrating ingredients, it’s the perfect addition to your next cookout, brunch, or weeknight dinner. We used Enzo’s Table oil and balsamic vinegar. If you want to try, go to www.enzostable.com to get some. Ingredients 4 cups seedless watermelon, cubed 1 cup fresh blueberries ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (or dairy-free alternative) ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze or reduction (optional) Juice of ½ lime Pinch of sea salt Freshly ground black pepper, to taste Instructions In a...

Keys to Longevity: It’s Not That Complicated

By Nancy A. Palermo, MD Edited by: Thrive Carolinas In today’s world of biohacking, cold plunges, IV drips, and influencer-endorsed supplements, it’s easy to assume the path to longevity is complex and out of reach. But the truth may be much simpler, and far more accessible than we think. What Is Longevity, Really? Longevity isn’t just about living longer. The focus has shifted to health span, how well we live during those extra years. Influential voices like Dr. Peter Attia and Dr. Andrew Huberman have helped spark widespread interest in optimizing the aging process. But if we want answers rooted in real life, we may need to look beyond Silicon Valley and turn our attention to the world's centenarians already living long, healthy lives. The Real Longevity Experts: Centenarians From Sardinia...

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Japanese Carrot Ginger Dressing

A vibrant, antioxidant-rich dressing inspired by our Food as Medicine cooking class If you missed our Food as Medicine cooking class, don’t worry, this simple yet flavorful Japanese Carrot Ginger Dressing was one of the most loved recipes of the evening, and now you can enjoy it at home! Inspired by a recent CSA box from Wild Hope Farm, this dressing paired beautifully with fresh pea sprouts, baby spinach, carrots, and radishes. Reminiscent of the signature dressing served at Japanese steakhouses, it’s packed with antioxidants, phytonutrients, and gut-friendly probiotics thanks to fermented miso paste. Ingredients: 3 large carrots, sliced 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh ginger 1 shallot, coarsely chopped ½ cup extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil ¼ cup rice vinegar 2 tablespoons water 1 tablespoon...

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Celebrating 8 Wonderful Years at Thrive 

It’s hard to believe it’s been eight years since we first opened our doors at Thrive. Thanks to you, our amazing community, we’ve grown, evolved, and continued to thrive together. Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or just recently joined, we’re incredibly grateful for your support. To celebrate this milestone, we’re offering exclusive birthday specials all May long! These limited-time offers are our way of saying thank you and inviting you to continue your wellness journey with us. Here’s What’s in Store This Month Thrive Cookbook Buy 1, get the 2nd for just $40 Perfect for gifting or treating yourself to a second kitchen copy. Yoga Classes Buy 10 classes, get 3 FREE Build your practice and save while you do it. Supplements 15% off all supplements—including Fullscript orders Thrivers: enjoy an extra 5%...

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Are Hidden Chemicals in Your Food Packaging Harming Your Health?

More than 10,000 chemicals are still approved for use in food and food packaging materials in the United States, and many of them may be doing more harm than good. A growing body of research shows that many of these chemicals are endocrine disruptors, meaning they interfere with your body’s hormonal systems. These disruptions can contribute to a wide range of health problems, including developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune disorders. Where Are These Chemicals Found? These harmful substances often hide in everyday items like: Plastic bottles (disposable and reusable) The linings of canned foods Cosmetics and personal care products Detergents and cleaning products Toys Thermal paper receipts Food packaging and wrappers Chemicals to Avoid in Plastics Here are some of the most concerning chemicals still commonly used: Phthalates: Found in...

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Snacking Smart: Fuel Your Body Between Meals

Tips from Dr. Tracy Larson  When life gets busy, meals aren’t always an option, but that doesn’t mean your nutrition has to suffer. According to Dr. Tracy Larson, making smart snacking choices can play a key role in keeping your energy steady, supporting your metabolism, and avoiding the blood sugar crashes that come from sugary, salty convenience foods. So what does smart snacking look like? It’s about choosing foods that are balanced, nutrient-dense, and made from real ingredients, not just labeled “healthy.” What to Look for in a Healthy Snack: Fiber to keep you full Protein to fuel your muscles and metabolism Healthy fats to support brain and hormone function Minimal added sugar and processed ingredients The good news? These snacks don’t have to be boring. With a few...

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