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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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Health Hints

Thrive Carolinas / Health Hints

Breakfast: The Most Important Meal of the Day?

At Thrive, we’re often asked: Is breakfast really the most important meal of the day? Since childhood, many of us have been told that eating a good breakfast sets the tone for the entire day. But how much of that is fact—and how much is clever marketing? A Brief History of Breakfast Historically, breakfast wasn't always a daily staple. Ancient civilizations like the Romans typically ate one meal a day, skipping breakfast entirely. In the Middle Ages, adults often avoided breakfast, associating it with gluttony—though children were the exception. It wasn’t until the 17th and 18th centuries that breakfast became more common, primarily among the wealthy. Simple foods like bread, butter, tea, and coffee dominated morning meals. The Industrial Revolution of the 19th century changed everything. With stricter work schedules,...

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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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The New Mediterranean Diet: A Modern Approach to Healthy Eating

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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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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Supporting Your Natural Detoxification Systems

Written by: Nancy Palermo, MD | Edited by: Thrive Carolinas Our modern environment is filled with toxins—from the foods we eat and the water we drink to the air we breathe and the products we use daily. Fortunately, our bodies are naturally equipped with robust detoxification systems. The liver, gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and kidneys work together to eliminate harmful substances through urine, stool, mucus, and sweat. Sometimes, however, our “toxic load” becomes too great, and we need extra support. That’s where temporary diets and detox protocols can help. Let’s explore how the body’s built-in detoxification process works and ways to support it naturally. Factors Influencing Toxic Load Several elements can affect how well our bodies handle toxins, including: Environment: Pollutants, chemicals, and other external contaminants Genetics: Inherited predispositions that...

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Counting Your Macros and Enjoying What You Eat

Are you looking to shed unwanted pounds, build muscle, or simply eat healthier? Although we’ve long heard that weight management is all about “calories in and calories out,” there’s more to it than just tracking calories. By focusing on macronutrients—proteins, fats, and carbohydrates—you can create a more personalized, effective plan to reach your health goals without feeling deprived. So, What Exactly are Macronutrients? “Macros” is short for macronutrients, the nutrients that provide energy, specifically proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Proteins and carbohydrates provide four calories per gram, and fats deliver nine calories per gram. We need to consider macronutrients as a source of fuel for our bodies. The total calorie intake comes from the macronutrients.  We do not want to confuse macronutrients with micronutrients. Micronutrients are the vitamins and minerals...

A Holiday Gift for a Stress-Free Season with Thrive Carolinas

Written by: Nancy Palermo, MD Edited by: Thrive Carolinas As the festivities ramp up from Thanksgiving through New Year’s, we easily find ourselves juggling too many obligations. Holiday parties, family gatherings, and last-minute errands can overwhelm our schedules and push self-care to the bottom of the list. Without careful attention, the hectic pace can disrupt your sleep, diet, and mood, turning even the most cheerful among us into holiday “Grinches.” At Thrive Carolinas, our integrative health team is here to help you easily navigate the season. Reframe Your Holiday Mindset Instead of letting stress take center stage, consider adjusting your perspective. Re-evaluate gift-giving to focus on health and meaningful experiences rather than excess. Set boundaries by saying “no” to extra commitments and preserve time to relax. Stick to your daily...

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Why Do a Detox??

Originally published December 13, 2023 Updated December 30, 2024 Why Is Detoxing The Body So Important? Here is the cruel reality: our bodies are exposed to numerous toxins each day. These toxins include environmental toxins, chemical pollutants in the air we breathe, and toxins from our food and beverages.  Although your body has an amazing ability to remove these harmful toxins, they continue to accumulate and can have many negative effects on your body. Your organs can become bogged down, and toxicity can manifest in your body through a wide variety of symptoms. Many of the symptoms are vague and persistent. To see if you are experiencing some of the negative effects of your toxic load, consider completing an MSQ questionnaire ( see below ). This may provide you...

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Healthy Habits to Maintain During the Holidays – Part 2

Mindful Holiday Health Tips Part 2 – Mindful Eating and Social Strategies Written by: Nancy Palermo Edited by: Thrive The holiday season is often filled with gatherings and delicious foods that can challenge even the most disciplined of us. However, with mindful eating practices and smart social strategies, you can enjoy the festivities without compromising your health goals. Check-in with Your Hunger Before you start eating, think about how you want to feel at the end of the meal. Assess Hunger Levels: Ask yourself how hungry you are before eating, and continue to check in throughout the meal. Set Intentions: Aim to feel satisfied and happy rather than overly full and sluggish. Mindful Eating: This simple exercise can make the difference between a food coma and enjoying the rest of...

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