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Health Hints

Thrive Carolinas / Health Hints

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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Comparison of cane sugar and corn syrup side by side, highlighting their similar health risks.

Coke, Cane Sugar, and Your Health: What You Need to Know

August 26, 2025
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Health Hints, Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, Lifestyle

Written by: Tracy Larson, MD Edited by: Thrive Carolinas Coca-Cola and other sugary beverages are everywhere in the U.S. According to the CDC, about half of Americans consume at least one sugar-sweetened drink each day. Traditionally, Coca-Cola in the U.S. has been made with high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), while in many other countries it’s made with cane sugar. Soon, Coca-Cola will introduce a cane sugar–sweetened version in the U.S. While that may sound like a healthier choice, the reality is more complicated. HFCS vs. Cane Sugar: What’s the Difference? HFCS is a man-made sweetener derived from cornstarch. It shows up in a wide range of foods, soft drinks, sweetened fruit drinks, desserts, flavored yogurts, cereals, baked goods, and candy. Food manufacturers favor HFCS because it’s cheaper than cane sugar, widely...

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Boosting Your Brain with Creatine

August 19, 2025
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Blog, Dr AF-Functional Medicine, Functional and Integrative Medicine, Health Hints, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Medicine

Written by: Dr. Amy Fletcher Edited by: Thrive Carolinas At Thrive, one of the most common questions we hear is: “What supplements should I take to support both brain and body health?” While nothing replaces the foundations of wellness, nutritious food, exercise, sleep, and stress management, research is shining a spotlight on creatine as a powerful addition to your routine. Once known mainly as a performance booster for athletes in the 1980s, creatine is now being recognized for its potential to enhance cognitive function, mental clarity, and long-term brain health. What Is Creatine? Creatine is a naturally occurring compound that helps your cells make and recycle ATP the body’s main energy source. In the brain, this is especially important when demands on focus, memory, or problem-solving run high. Beyond energy production,...

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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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Mindful Eating This Summer: What to Know About the 2025 Clean Fifteen & Dirty Dozen

July 15, 2025
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Health Hints, Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, Lifestyle

  Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh, colorful fruits and vegetables, but it’s also a great time to be mindful of how that produce is grown. Each year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases its Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce, highlighting two key lists: The Dirty Dozen:  the fruits and vegetables most likely to carry high levels of pesticide residues The Clean Fifteen:  produce with the lowest levels of pesticide contamination In 2025, the guide goes a step further, taking into account not just how much pesticide was found, but how toxic those chemicals are. What the 2025 Report Reveals The EWG analyzed over 53,000 USDA tests on 47 different types of produce. The results are eye-opening: Over 75% of non-organic fruits and vegetables tested had...

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How to Avoid Bugs During the Summer: Natural Alternatives to DEET

July 8, 2025
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Health Hints, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Uncategorized

[caption id="attachment_12816" align="alignleft" width="254"] Harlee Palmer, PA-C[/caption] Summer brings warm weather, outdoor adventures, and—unfortunately—bugs. Mosquitoes, ticks, flies, and other insects can quickly turn a relaxing evening into an itchy ordeal or even a health concern. While chemical repellents like DEET are effective, many people are looking for safer, more natural alternatives. Here’s how to enjoy your summer while minimizing bug bites naturally. Enjoying the outdoors during the summer often comes with the challenge of dealing with insects. Warmer weather provides ideal breeding conditions for bugs, which means you’re more likely to encounter them during these months. Mosquitoes become prevalent and can transmit diseases such as West Nile Virus, Zika, and dengue. Ticks are another concern, carrying the risk of Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Blackflies and...

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Grilling Prep 2025: Savor the Season Safely and Deliciously

June 24, 2025
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Health Hints, Healthy Eating, Healthy Life

  As summer 2025 heats up, it's the perfect time to fire up the grill and enjoy outdoor cooking. Updated from 2024 Grilling & Toxicity Article Grilling remains a favorite pastime, and this year brings new trends and health-focused tips to enhance your experience. Embrace Plant-Based Grilling Plant-based options continue to gain popularity. Grilling vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms not only adds variety but also offers health benefits. Marinate them in olive oil and herbs for added flavor. Lean into Lean Proteins Opt for lean meats such as chicken breasts, turkey burgers, or fish. These choices reduce saturated fat intake and pair well with a variety of marinades and spices. Mindful Marinades Create your own marinades using fresh ingredients like lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. This allows you to control sodium and...

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How to Stay Illness-Free During Summer Travel

June 17, 2025
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Health Hints, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Medicine

As summer travel season heats up, a new Omicron subvariant, NB.1.8.1, has been making headlines. Though it’s the dominant strain in China and some surrounding regions, early data shows it remains uncommon in the U.S. Still, it’s a good reminder that staying healthy while traveling requires a few thoughtful strategies. What You Should Know About NB.1.8.1 This emerging strain is part of the Omicron lineage, but it hasn’t been classified as a new variant in the U.S., since it lacks the number of mutations required to meet that definition. So far, most symptoms have been mild and have resolved within 2 to 3 days. One standout symptom is a very sore throat, often described as feeling like "razor blade irritation." While not more severe than previous strains, it may...

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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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