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THRIVE is a collaborative platform of conventional, integrative, & functional medicine practitioners coming together in one setting to provide personalized healthcare to clients.
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Thrive Carolinas / Dr NP

Why Macadamia Nuts Deserve a Spot in Your Diet

September 9, 2025
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Dr NP, Health Hints, Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Uncategorized

Written by: Nancy Palermo, MD Edited by: Thrive Carolinas When it comes to healthy eating, almonds and walnuts often steal the spotlight. But there’s another nut worth adding to your pantry—the macadamia. Often overlooked, these creamy, buttery nuts are a true nutritional powerhouse. Fun fact: they were even said to be Queen Elizabeth’s favorite nut. So why should macadamias earn a spot on your plate? Let’s dive into the science-backed benefits. Lower in Omega-6s & Carbs Most nuts are rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which, when consumed in excess, can contribute to inflammation. Macadamias are unique because they’re naturally low in omega-6s and carbohydrates, making them easier on both inflammation and blood sugar balance. This makes them an especially smart choice for individuals seeking to support their metabolic health or...

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Yoga & Learn September: Non-Negotiable Habits for Longevity

September 2, 2025
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Blog, Dr NP, Exercise, Health Hints, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Medicine, Yoga

By Nancy A. Palermo, MD Edited by Thrive Carolinas When it comes to longevity, the latest biotech buzzwords, telomeres, senolytics, miracle pills, and Silicon Valley “hacks” can be tempting distractions. But the truth is simple: the fundamentals matter most. Research consistently shows that practicing core habits every day, such as regular movement, adequate rest, whole foods, and meaningful connections, can add 7–10 years of healthy life. Healthspan and lifespan don’t come from shortcuts. They grow from small, consistent actions. Why Fundamentals Beat Fads The global wellness industry is now a $4.2 trillion market, growing nearly twice as fast as the global economy. Yet, as a population, we aren’t getting healthier; we’re getting more confused, overwhelmed, and frustrated. Each week brings a new “best” diet or lifestyle trend. With so many competing voices,...

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Why 10,000 Steps a Day Isn’t the Magic Number

August 4, 2025
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Blog, Dr NP, Exercise, Fitness, Group Fitness, Health, Health Hints, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Medicine

By Nancy A. Palermo, MD You’ve probably heard the popular health advice: “Get 10,000 steps a day.” But is this daily step goal rooted in science? The Origin of the 10,000-Step Myth Surprisingly, the 10,000-step recommendation didn’t come from medical research; it originated from a Japanese pedometer marketing campaign in the 1960s. Since then, it’s been widely adopted by health apps, fitness trackers, and wellness guidelines—despite lacking clinical evidence. What the Research Really Says A 2023 meta-analysis published in The Lancet reviewed multiple studies from 2014 onward, analyzing the impact of daily step counts on chronic health conditions. The researchers found that significant health benefits occur at much lower step counts than 10,000. In fact, just 7,000 steps per day was associated with the following risk reductions (compared to 2,000 steps/day): ...

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Why You Need to Sun-Guard Your Eyes

July 22, 2025
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Dr NP, Health Hints, Healthy Life, Lifestyle

[caption id="attachment_10577" align="alignleft" width="226"] By: Nancy A. Palermo, MD[/caption] Most of us understand the importance of protecting our skin from excessive sun exposure, but eye protection is often overlooked or dismissed as just a fashion statement. In reality, safeguarding your eyes from the sun is just as crucial. The Hidden Dangers of Sun Exposure to Your Eyes The sun emits a broad spectrum of light, including ultraviolet (UV) radiation and high-energy blue light. Both can be harmful to your eyes over time. Blue light, due to its shorter wavelength and higher energy, penetrates more deeply into the retina than other visible light, thereby increasing the potential for damage. UV radiation, both UVA and UVB, can be harmful at any time of day. Surprisingly, the early morning and late afternoon...

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Functional Medicine: The Future of Healthcare Transformation

June 3, 2025
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Blog, Dr NP, Functional and Integrative Medicine, Healthy Life, Lifestyle Medicine, Nancy's articles, Traditional Medical Care

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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Healthier Snacking: What You Need to Know

May 6, 2025
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Dr NP, Health Hints, Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Nutrition, Weight Management

By Nancy A. Palermo, MD  Edited by: Thrive Carolinas In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of grabbing “healthy” snacks that are anything but. From smoothies to snack bars, clever marketing and hidden ingredients can derail even the best intentions. Let’s break down the top pitfalls of on-the-go snacking—and how to make smarter, truly nourishing choices. The Sneaky Side of “Healthy” Snacks 1. Hidden Sugars That smoothie you grabbed on the way to work might seem like a smart choice, but many are loaded with fruit juice concentrates, sweetened yogurts, or syrups. Some store-bought smoothies pack up to 60g of sugar in a single serving! Snack bars, trail mixes, and granolas can be just as misleading, using names like agave syrup, cane juice, or brown rice syrup to...

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Let Food Be Thy Medicine

April 15, 2025
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Dr NP, Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Weight Management

At Thrive Carolinas, we believe food can be your first defense in healing. “Food as medicine” is about choosing and preparing whole, nutrient-dense ingredients that nourish your body beyond basic calories. These foods are rich in phytonutrients, polyphenols, and antioxidants, which have been shown to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and prevent disease. “The food you eat can be either the safest and most powerful medicine or the slowest form of poison.” – Ann Wigmore. Many of these foods have been used for centuries across cultures, and today, science continues to confirm what traditional wisdom has long known: food can heal. How to Use Food as Medicine in Everyday Life 1. Prioritize Whole, Colorful Foods Fill your plate with a rainbow of vegetables and fruits to maximize nutrient intake. Each color...

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The Power of Color: Why a Rainbow Diet is Essential for Your Health

April 8, 2025
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Dr NP, Health Hints, Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Medicine, Nutrition, Vitamins

Fuel your body with color, and discover how phytonutrients support whole-body wellness. “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” — Hippocrates Are You Eating Enough Color? Most Americans aren’t. According to the CDC, the average adult consumes just 1 servings of fruit and 1.6 servings of vegetables per day—well below the recommended 1.5–2 cups of fruit and 2–3 cups of vegetables. Even more concerning, many people stick to the same few foods, often prepared in processed forms. Think fries, ketchup, and iceberg lettuce. Why Eating a Variety of Colors Matters Eating a wide range of colorful plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, whole grains, legumes, and nuts ensures your body receives diverse phytonutrients. These powerful compounds help: Support immune function Fight inflammation Boost heart and brain health ...

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The Mighty Microbiome: How Gut Health Impacts Your Overall Wellness

March 11, 2025
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Dr NP, Functional and Integrative Medicine, Health Hints, Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Medicine, Nutrition, Weight Management

What is the Microbiome & Why Does It Matter? Your gut microbiome plays a crucial role in overall health, influencing everything from immune function and metabolism to mental well-being. Recent research has linked gut bacteria imbalances—also known as dysbiosis—to chronic diseases such as: Type 1 Diabetes & Rheumatoid Arthritis Multiple Sclerosis & Autoimmune Disorders Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome Anxiety, Depression & Neurodegenerative Diseases The gut is connected to the brain, immune system, and metabolism, meaning what you eat directly impacts your microbiome and, in turn, your overall health. The Science Behind Gut Health & Disease Prevention Over $1.7 billion has been spent on microbiome research, revealing that imbalances in gut bacteria can contribute to inflammation and disease progression. Studies show that: Microbial dysbiosis leads to chronic...

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The New Mediterranean Diet: A Modern Approach to Healthy Eating

February 11, 2025
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Dr NP, Health Hints, Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Medicine, Nutrition, Uncategorized

Written by: Nancy Palermo Edited by: Thrive Carolinas Understanding the Evolution of the Mediterranean Diet The Mediterranean diet has long been recognized as one of the healthiest eating patterns. It is known for its ability to promote longevity and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Traditionally, this diet is associated with the cuisines of Greece, Italy, and Spain, emphasizing whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, lean proteins, olive oil, nuts, and seeds. However, limiting the Mediterranean diet to just these three countries overlooks the diverse and equally nutritious diets of more than 20 nations that border the Mediterranean Sea. What Is the New Mediterranean Diet? The New Mediterranean Diet expands on the traditional Mediterranean diet by incorporating a wider variety of global...

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THRIVE is a collaborative platform of conventional, integrative, & functional medicine practitioners coming together in one setting to provide personalized healthcare to clients.


Mon - Th 8a - 5p, Fr 8a - 4p, Sa 10a - 1p, Su Closed

(704)-390-7150

6401 Carnegie Blvd, Suite 2A, Charlotte, NC 28211

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