Healthy Life Archives - Thrive Carolinas

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

It’s Pumpkin Season!

October 21, 2025

Dr NP, Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Medicine, Nutrition

[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...

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

Food Diversity Can Help Optimize Health

October 14, 2025

Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, Lifestyle Medicine, Weight Management

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...

Building Better Bones: Understanding Osteoporosis and the Science Behind Strong Bones

October 7, 2025

Blog, Functional and Integrative Medicine, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Medicine

The Silent Epidemic of Bone Loss Osteoporosis affects over 10 million Americans, and another 44 million are at risk due to declining bone density. Women account for more than 80% of those affected, primarily due to hormonal changes during menopause. Every year, this disease causes 2 million fractures and costs the U.S. nearly $19 billion. But the true impact is personal: fractures, reduced mobility, and diminished quality of life. [mkdf_button size="" type="" text="Motivation: The Osteoporosis Solution: Integrating Eastern & Western Medicine" custom_class="" icon_pack="font_awesome" fa_icon="" link="https://thrivecarolinas.com/motivation-the-osteoporosis-solution-integrating-eastern-western-medicine/" target="_self" color="" hover_color="" background_color="" hover_background_color="" border_color="" hover_border_color="" font_size="" font_weight="" margin=""] Bone Is Alive and Always Changing Contrary to popular belief, bone is not a rigid structure; it’s a living, vascular, and dynamic tissue that constantly breaks down and rebuilds itself. Think of it like a financial...

Primary Prevention of Breast Cancer: What Every Woman Needs to Know

September 30, 2025

Dr NP, Health Hints, Healthy Life, Lifestyle

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer in women, accounting for 30% of all diagnoses each year. The lifetime risk is now 1 in 8 women, and concerningly, rates continue to rise, especially among women under 50. While 10% of cases are linked to genetics, the majority (90%) are related to lifestyle and environmental factors we can influence. That means prevention is possible. The good news? Survival rates have improved, but our best strategy is primary prevention, taking proactive steps to reduce the risk of breast cancer before it starts. Why Prevention Matters Breast cancer rates are still climbing by about 1% annually. Lifestyle factors, such as diet, weight, stress, and environmental exposures, are strongly linked to risk. Studies show healthy lifestyle changes can lower risk by 20–30%...

Why Macadamia Nuts Deserve a Spot in Your Diet

September 9, 2025

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...

Cooking at Home: A Non-negotiable Tool to Optimize Health

September 3, 2025

Dietitian Services, Dr NP, Health, Health Hints, Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, In The Kitchen, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Medicine, Weight Management

“Any valuable tool should be simple. That does not mean it will be easy, but if it does need to be simple.” One of the most powerful tools for optimizing your health is a balanced diet. The only way to truly control your diet is to cook at home. When you cook your food, you know where the ingredients came from and what you put into the recipes. That is why we are so passionate about sharing kitchen ideas and recipes. Even before opening our doors at Thrive, we provided cooking classes at Whole Foods. We know that to aid our patients on their health journey, motivating them to cook is key. Cooking does not have to be intimidating or complicated. The more you make cooking at home a...

Yoga & Learn September: Non-Negotiable Habits for Longevity

September 2, 2025

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,...

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

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...

Boosting Your Brain with Creatine

August 19, 2025

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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It’s Pumpkin Season!

Food Diversity Can Help Optimize Health

Building Better Bones: Understanding Osteoporosis and the Science Behind Strong Bones

Primary Prevention of Breast Cancer: What Every Woman Needs to Know

Why Macadamia Nuts Deserve a Spot in Your Diet

Cooking at Home: A Non-negotiable Tool to Optimize Health

Yoga & Learn September: Non-Negotiable Habits for Longevity

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

Boosting Your Brain with Creatine

Where is a Patient to Go? Planning Unplanned Medical Care

Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Kebobs

Monday Motivation: Garlic & Gut Health

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