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Functional and Integrative Medicine

Thrive Carolinas / Functional and Integrative Medicine (Page 2)

Why Sleep Isn’t Optional: The Health Consequences of Poor Sleep

A Thrive Perspective on the Science of Rest In today’s busy, tech-filled world, sleep is often seen as optional, something we sacrifice in the name of productivity. But science tells a different story. Poor sleep isn’t just an inconvenience; it has serious health consequences. According to the CDC, over 50–70 million Americans experience sleep disturbances, and 1 in 3 adults don’t get enough sleep. On average, we’re sleeping 25% less than 70 years ago, and the impact is showing up in our physical, emotional, and cognitive health. Physical Health Risks of Poor Sleep Lack of adequate sleep is strongly associated with: Obesity Diabetes Cardiovascular disease Hypertension Regularly getting less than 6 hours of sleep per night increases your risk of heart disease significantly. A long-term Harvard study found a 200% increase in...

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Avoiding Toxins in Oral Health Products: A 2025 Wellness Guide

Published: August 25, 2019 Updated: March 25, 2025 Protecting Your Mouth, Body, and Microbiome When it comes to wellness, oral health is often overlooked—but it’s a critical part of your whole-body health. Many conventional toothpastes, mouthwashes, and dental products still contain ingredients that can negatively impact your microbiome, disrupt hormones, or contribute to chronic inflammation. In 2025, we now have greater access to natural alternatives, but harmful ingredients still persist in many mainstream products. Because your mouth and gums are highly absorbent, what you use in your oral care routine truly matters. Ingredients to Avoid in Oral Health Products 1. Triclosan Formerly used as an antibacterial/antifungal agent, triclosan has been linked to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and hormone disruption. While it’s been banned in some products, it may still be found...

The Mighty Microbiome: How Gut Health Impacts Your Overall Wellness

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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Weight Management Solutions: A Comprehensive Approach

Written By: Dr. Tracy Larson Edited By: Thrive Carolinas Weight management has become a key focus in healthcare, driven by its strong links to serious health concerns such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, dementia, and cancer. At the same time, societal factors and lifestyle changes have contributed to a sharp rise in obesity rates. Today, nearly 40% of U.S. adults are classified as obese, and 70% fall into the overweight or obese category. Childhood obesity is also on the rise, setting the stage for significant long-term health challenges. At Thrive, we offer a holistic, personalized approach to weight management. While medications can play a role, we focus on sustainable lifestyle changes that empower individuals to achieve lasting health and wellness. Understanding the Obesity Epidemic Obesity is a complex...

Why You Need to Pay Attention to Body Composition

Understanding your body composition is essential for long-term health and fitness. While many focus on the number on the scale, this approach can be misleading—especially if you're building muscle through strength training. Recent research highlights the importance of strength training for health, longevity, and metabolic well-being. However, body composition, not just weight, is a more accurate measure of your progress and health. What Is Body Composition? Body composition refers to the fat and lean mass percentages that make up your total body weight. Unlike weight alone, body composition breaks these elements into key components: Fat Mass: Includes subcutaneous fat (under the skin) and visceral fat (around internal organs). Lean Mass: Comprises skeletal muscle, bones, organs, fluids, and other non-fat elements. Understanding your body composition can give you a more...

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More Evidence to Support Primary Prevention in Breast Cancer

By Dr. Nancy A. Palermo, MD Edited by: Thrive Carolinas A recent landmark study published in BMJ Oncology by researchers from the University of Edinburgh examined the incidence of 29 cancers in individuals aged 14 to 49 across 200 countries over a 30-year period. The findings were alarming: the incidence of cancers in those under 50 rose by 79%, accounting for over 3.26 million cases. The researchers suggested that this increase is not due to genetic factors but rather to environmental influences like poor diet (high in processed foods and added sugars), alcohol consumption, smoking, physical inactivity, obesity, and exposure to environmental toxins. Our genes haven't changed in the last 30 years, but our environment has—highlighting the need for lifestyle changes to address this growing issue. The...

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Cooking with Condiments: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Written By: Nancy A. Palermo, MD Edited by: Thrive Carolinas Condiments are a staple in most kitchens, adding flavor and depth to our meals. But while they enhance taste, many condiments come loaded with hidden calories, salt, sugar, and additives that can sneak into our diets. In our upcoming Thrive Cooking Class, we’ll teach you how to use and make healthier condiments that pack flavor without sacrificing your health. The Hidden Dangers of Common Condiments Before you grab your favorite condiment, here are a few things to keep in mind: Avoid Inflammatory Oils Many condiments contain unhealthy fats, such as vegetable, canola, and sunflower oils, which can contribute to inflammation. Always check the label and opt for healthier alternatives. Watch for Artificial Flavors and Additives Condiments often contain artificial flavors, added...

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Motivation: The Vagus Nerve

Join Dr. Scott Greenapple for this week's Motivation and discover the importance of the vagus nerve as the link between your brain and internal organs. We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming Yoga + Learn class. In this class, you’ll enjoy a rejuvenating yoga session and gain insights into the critical role the vagus nerve plays in your health. Led by Dr. Scott Greenapple, this special event is designed to help you understand how stimulating the vagus nerve can positively impact your body. Why the Vagus Nerve Matters The vagus nerve is the primary communication link between your brain and most of your internal organs, influencing various bodily functions. Stimulating it can: Reduce inflammation Improve heart rate variability Regulate autonomic functions like digestion and heart rate You can...

What is Insulin Resistance?

[caption id="attachment_8775" align="alignleft" width="240"] Harlee Palmer, PA-C[/caption] By: Harlee Palmer, PA-C Insulin resistance is a growing health concern, often preceding type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and metabolic syndrome. As the body's cells become less responsive to insulin, a hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels, glucose builds up in the bloodstream. This leads to a range of metabolic issues that can have long-term health consequences. By some counts, over 80% of our population has some degree of insulin resistance. Early detection and lifestyle changes can sometimes mitigate these risks and even reverse insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that allows cells to absorb glucose from the blood, converting it into energy. In insulin resistance, the body's cells become less responsive to insulin, requiring more of the...

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Dr. Scott Greenapple May has been deemed Mental Health Awareness Month. In this article, I will combine some thoughts and theories and offer “tools” to help people become aware and educated. I will also offer some guidance for you or anyone you may know who suffers from this disease. Mental health issues are on the rise at alarming rates. Many theories are being studied and observed as to the reasons. Some of the most obvious stem from political unrest in this country and the world; the constant reality of war, poverty, climate change, financial struggle, and the barrage of news from social media are certainly at the top of reasonings. And, of course, the more personal ones such as family dynamics-dysfunction, trauma, genetics, chronic disease, pain, inter and...

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