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Healthy Eating

Thrive Carolinas / Healthy Eating
Fresh whole foods including fruits vegetables and herbs representing food as medicine

Food as Medicine: Simple Ways to Unlock the Power of What You Eat

How can food be used as medicine? Food can act as medicine by providing nutrients and phytochemicals that reduce inflammation, support gut health, and improve nutrient absorption. Choosing whole foods, combining ingredients strategically, and preparing foods properly can significantly enhance their health benefits. By Nancy A. Palermo, MDEdited By Thrive CarolinasIt is often said, “The fountain of youth begins in your kitchen.” And truly, no daily health intervention is more meaningful or impactful than choosing the right foods to eat. When we treat our kitchen as a “farmacy” and focus on quality, nutrient-dense whole foods, we have the power to reduce inflammation, improve gut health, prevent chronic disease, support a healthy weight, and ultimately shift the longevity clock in our favor. Researchers in nutrition science continue to show that...

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Fresh asparagus spears showing nutrient rich vegetable for gut and heart health

Foods to Eat Now: Asparagus

By Nancy A. Palermo, MDEdited by Thrive Carolinas Why Asparagus Made the 2026 “Clean Fifteen” List The Environmental Working Group (EWG) released its 2026 Clean Fifteen and Dirty Dozen list, and asparagus ranked #7 on the Clean Fifteen, great news for both accessibility and health. Even more impressive, among 34 fruits and vegetables, asparagus ranked seventh in antioxidant activity. But that’s just the beginning. One cup of asparagus provides: 3 grams of fiber (including prebiotic fiber) ~10% of daily iron needs ~50% of daily vitamin K ~40% of daily folate Why is asparagus good for your health? Asparagus is rich in fiber, antioxidants, folate, and vitamin K. It supports gut health through prebiotic fiber, helps regulate blood pressure, and provides nutrients essential for bone strength, immune function, and cellular repair. Types of Asparagus...

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Foods that support thyroid health including fish eggs vegetables nuts and whole grains

Eating for Thyroid Health: The Macros and Micros That Matter

What is the best diet for thyroid health? A balanced diet rich in protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates supports thyroid function. Key nutrients like iodine, selenium, zinc, iron, and vitamin D help regulate hormone production, conversion, and metabolism. By Nancy A. Palermo, MD Edited by: Thrive Carolinas How Diet Impacts Thyroid Function We often don’t think about diet when discussing thyroid health, but what and how you eat play a critical role in optimizing thyroid function. The three primary macronutrients, protein, fat, and carbohydrates, all influence hormone production, metabolism, and overall thyroid balance. When these nutrients are out of balance, they can disrupt hormonal pathways and contribute to symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and low energy. The Role of Macronutrients in Thyroid Health Healthy Fats Support Hormone Production Cholesterol is the foundation...

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Fibermaxxing: How to Increase Fiber Intake Safely

There is always a new trend on social media that catches everyone’s attention. One of the newest is Fibermaxxing, a trend that encourages people to load up on fiber-rich foods and added fibers. While increasing fiber intake is beneficial, doing so too much too quickly can lead to undesirable side effects such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea. As with anything, rapid changes often lead to discomfort—and ultimately discontinuation. Why Fiber Matters for Your Health No one disagrees that Americans need more fiber. The standard American diet, often high in processed foods, typically lacks adequate fiber. It is estimated that the average American consumes less than 12 grams of fiber per day, well below the recommended 25–35 grams daily. Increasing fiber intake can: Support a healthy gut microbiome Help regulate blood...

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Couple embracing under a sunset, symbolizing connection, intimacy, and whole-body wellness

A Valentine’s Aphrodisiac That Lasts: How Whole-Body Health Supports Desire

Valentine’s Day tends to focus on grand gestures, flowers, chocolates, and reservations made weeks in advance. But if we’re honest, romance doesn’t start with what’s on the table. It starts with how you feel in your body. Energy. Mood. Hormonal balance. Confidence. These are the real aphrodisiacs, and February is a perfect time to focus on them. As we head into Valentine’s Day 2026, consider this your reminder: supporting intimacy is really about supporting health. Desire Is a Whole-Body Conversation Libido isn’t controlled by a single switch. It’s influenced by ongoing conversations among hormones, metabolism, stress levels, sleep quality, and nutrition. When one piece is out of sync, chronic stress, poor sleep, blood sugar swings, and nutrient deficiencies often take a back seat. That’s why quick fixes rarely work. Sustainable intimacy comes...

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Colorful Mediterranean meal with olive oil, vegetables, legumes, fish, and whole foods arranged on a shared table.

The New Food Pyramid & the Mediterranean Diet: A Return to Real Food

By Nancy A. Palermo, MD The newly released 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines represent one of the most meaningful shifts in federal nutrition policy we’ve seen in decades. For the first time in a long while, national guidance is beginning to align with what science and common sense have been telling us all along: real, whole foods support health, while highly processed foods drive disease. From a Functional Medicine perspective, this change is long overdue. The updated guidelines are illustrated using an upside-down food pyramid, emphasizing whole, nutrient-dense foods at the foundation, particularly protein, healthy fats, and lower-glycemic carbohydrates. While the recommendations are not perfect, they signal an important shift toward prevention, metabolic health, and longevity. At its core, this new pyramid closely mirrors the principles of the Mediterranean diet, one...

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Nancy talks about the benefits of limiting processed foods in your diet

Elevating Everyday Meals to Optimize Health

By Nancy A. Palermo, MD Many Americans fall into a routine when it comes to cooking. We make the same few meals each week, often relying on chicken and salad, and wonder why we’re uninspired or tempted by takeout. Unfortunately, this complacency in the kitchen often mirrors the decline in our overall health. Eating out may feel easier, but it often comes with hidden costs: excess calories, sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, along with a lack of nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables. Finding joy and creativity in your home cooking not only saves your health, but it can also reshape your waistline and your microbiome. Why Variety Matters Research shows that rotating foods and eating a wider variety of plant ingredients helps cultivate diverse gut bacteria, a key factor in...

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Fresh pumpkins and roasted pumpkin seeds arranged on a rustic wooden table, representing healthy fall ingredients.

It’s Pumpkin Season!

[caption id="attachment_10577" align="alignleft" width="226"] By: Nancy A. Palermo, MD[/caption] By Nancy A. Palermo, MD As the air cools and the leaves begin to change, it’s officially pumpkin season, and not just at Starbucks. While the pumpkin spice latte may get all the attention, the humble pumpkin itself deserves the spotlight for its incredible health benefits and versatility in the kitchen. The Power of Pumpkin Pumpkins belong to the Cucurbita family, which includes squash, zucchini, and cucumbers. Native to Guatemala and Mexico and cultivated for over 10,000 years, pumpkins were originally prized for their nutrient-dense seeds. Over time, selective cultivation has made them sweeter and more flavorful, the perfect fall ingredient. Why Pumpkin Deserves a Spot on Your Plate Pumpkin is technically a starchy vegetable, but it’s lower in carbohydrates than potatoes...

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Nancy talks about the benefits of limiting processed foods in your diet

Food Diversity Can Help Optimize Health

By: Nancy A. Palermo, MD Edited by Thrive Carolinas A healthy gut means a healthier you As science uncovers more about the connection between gut health and overall wellness, one thing becomes clear: we’re only as healthy as our gut. The gut microbiome. A diverse ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms plays a significant role in our metabolism, immune system, and even our emotional well-being. In fact, about 70% of the body’s neurotransmitters, like serotonin and melatonin, are made in the gut. The power of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) Our beneficial gut bacteria produce compounds called short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that help “good” bacteria thrive, repair the gut lining (reducing leaky gut syndrome), and regulate the immune system. Research indicates that SCFAs can also help reduce the risk of...

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Why Macadamia Nuts Deserve a Spot in Your Diet

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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