Healthy Life Archives - Thrive Carolinas

Let Food Be Thy Medicine

April 15, 2025

Dr NP, Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Weight Management

At Thrive Carolinas, we believe food can be your first defense in healing. “Food as medicine” is about choosing and preparing whole, nutrient-dense ingredients that nourish your body beyond basic calories. These foods are rich in phytonutrients, polyphenols, and antioxidants, which have been shown to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and prevent disease. “The food you eat can be either the safest and most powerful medicine or the slowest form of poison.” – Ann Wigmore. Many of these foods have been used for centuries across cultures, and today, science continues to confirm what traditional wisdom has long known: food can heal. How to Use Food as Medicine in Everyday Life 1. Prioritize Whole, Colorful Foods Fill your plate with a rainbow of vegetables and fruits to maximize nutrient intake. Each color...

The Power of Color: Why a Rainbow Diet is Essential for Your Health

April 8, 2025

Dr NP, Health Hints, Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Medicine, Nutrition, Vitamins

Fuel your body with color, and discover how phytonutrients support whole-body wellness. “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” — Hippocrates Are You Eating Enough Color? Most Americans aren’t. According to the CDC, the average adult consumes just 1 servings of fruit and 1.6 servings of vegetables per day—well below the recommended 1.5–2 cups of fruit and 2–3 cups of vegetables. Even more concerning, many people stick to the same few foods, often prepared in processed forms. Think fries, ketchup, and iceberg lettuce. Why Eating a Variety of Colors Matters Eating a wide range of colorful plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, whole grains, legumes, and nuts ensures your body receives diverse phytonutrients. These powerful compounds help: Support immune function Fight inflammation Boost heart and brain health ...

How Antibiotics Affect Your Gut Microbiome—and How to Rebuild It

March 26, 2025

Functional and Integrative Medicine, Health Hints, Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Medicine, Nutrition, Safe & Effective Supplements, Vitamins

Written by: Harlee Palmer, PA-C Edited by: Thrive Carolinas When to Take Them, What to Avoid, and How to Heal Antibiotics have transformed modern medicine by saving lives and effectively treating bacterial infections. But like all powerful tools, they come with trade-offs—especially regarding gut health. Since 2000, global antibiotic use has increased by 66%, much of it unnecessary or misused. As a result, many people are experiencing unintended consequences—most notably, disruptions in the gut microbiome. What Is the Gut Microbiome? Your gut microbiome is a dynamic ecosystem of trillions of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes that live in your digestive tract. These organisms: Aid in digestion Produce essential vitamins Regulate the immune system Maintain a healthy gut lining Break down fiber and polyphenols How Antibiotics Impact Gut Health Antibiotics don’t distinguish between...

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

March 25, 2025

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

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...

Avoiding Toxins in Oral Health Products: A 2025 Wellness Guide

March 24, 2025

Functional and Integrative Medicine, Healthy Life

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...

biofilm care products toothpaste

Breakfast: The Most Important Meal of the Day?

March 18, 2025

Health Hints, Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, Lifestyle

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,...

The Mighty Microbiome: How Gut Health Impacts Your Overall Wellness

March 11, 2025

Dr NP, Functional and Integrative Medicine, Health Hints, Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Medicine, Nutrition, Weight Management

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...

The Hidden Dangers of Ultra-Processed Foods & How to Make Healthier Choices

March 4, 2025

Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Medicine, Weight Management

Why Ultra-Processed Foods Are a Growing Health Concern Ultra-processed foods are everywhere—from packaged snacks and frozen meals to sugary drinks and fast food. They make up 60% of the American diet, yet research now confirms their strong link to obesity, chronic disease, and even mental health disorders. A 2024 study in the British Journal of Medicine found “convincing and highly suggestive” evidence that frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with higher risks of early death, heart disease, insulin resistance, and diabetes. Even organic and so-called "healthy" packaged foods often contain added sugars, seed oils, and preservatives, making them just as harmful as their conventional counterparts. Understanding how ultra-processed foods impact health is crucial for making informed dietary choices and reducing long-term health risks. What Are Ultra-Processed Foods? Ultra-processed foods...

Bergamot: A Natural Solution for Heart Health and Cholesterol Management

February 18, 2025

Dietitian Services, Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Medicine, Uncategorized

What is Bergamot? Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) is a citrus fruit that originates from Southern Italy. A hybrid of bitter orange and lemon, it is widely used for its essential oil (BEO) in perfumes, cosmetics, and aromatherapy. However, recent research has highlighted bergamot’s powerful health benefits, particularly in cholesterol management, heart health, and metabolic support. Key Health Benefits of Bergamot 1. Supports Healthy Cholesterol Levels Bergamot contains polyphenols and flavonoids that help: Lower LDL ("bad" cholesterol) Reduce triglycerides Improve HDL ("good" cholesterol") Decrease small dense LDL particles linked to heart disease Studies suggest that bergamot may serve as a natural alternative for individuals who are statin-intolerant or prefer a more holistic approach to cholesterol management. 2. Aids in Heart Health & Reduces Cardiovascular Risk Bergamot has shown positive effects on arterial health by...

The New Mediterranean Diet: A Modern Approach to Healthy Eating

February 11, 2025

Dr NP, Health Hints, Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Medicine, Nutrition, Uncategorized

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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Healthy Life

Let Food Be Thy Medicine

The Power of Color: Why a Rainbow Diet is Essential for Your Health

How Antibiotics Affect Your Gut Microbiome—and How to Rebuild It

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

Avoiding Toxins in Oral Health Products: A 2025 Wellness Guide

Breakfast: The Most Important Meal of the Day?

The Mighty Microbiome: How Gut Health Impacts Your Overall Wellness

The Hidden Dangers of Ultra-Processed Foods & How to Make Healthier Choices

Bergamot: A Natural Solution for Heart Health and Cholesterol Management

The New Mediterranean Diet: A Modern Approach to Healthy Eating

Where is a Patient to Go? Planning Unplanned Medical Care

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