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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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Healthy Life

Thrive Carolinas / Healthy Life (Page 4)
Fresh green asparagus spears bundled together to highlight whole food health benefits at Thrive Carolinas

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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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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Natural supplements and fresh foods high in quercetin for seasonal allergy relief at Thrive Carolinas

Seasonal Allergies & Quercetin: A Natural Approach to Relief and Prevention

What is the best natural supplement for seasonal allergies? Quercetin is a plant-based flavonoid that acts as a natural antihistamine by stabilizing mast cells and reducing inflammation. When taken preventively, it may help reduce allergy symptoms like sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes.   Written by: Nancy Palermo, MD Edited by: Thrive Carolinas Ah, spring, blooming trees, warmer weather, and of course… pollen. Seasonal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, affect millions of people each year. Common symptoms include: Sneezing Nasal congestion Itchy, watery eyes Fatigue Seasonal allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to airborne allergens such as pollen from trees, grasses, and ragweed, as well as mold spores. When exposed, the body releases histamine and other inflammatory mediators, triggering symptoms via mast cell activation. Conventional Allergy Treatments vs. Root-Cause Support Conventional treatments such as antihistamines and...

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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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Qi Gong, the Eight Brocades, and the Healing Connection Between Mind, Body, and Breath

By Dr. Scott Greenapple Qi Gong is a time-honored practice of gentle movement, breathing, attention, and intention. One of its most accessible and beloved forms is the Eight Brocades, also known as Baduanjin—a classic sequence of eight movements that has been practiced for centuries. Because it is rhythmic and relatively easy to learn, Baduanjin is often used as an entry point into Qi Gong for people who want to improve strength, mobility, balance, and overall well-being without placing harsh strain on the body. In traditional East Asian medicine, health is often understood through the lens of the Three Treasures, or San Bao: Jing (Essence), Qi (vital energy or breath), and Shen (spirit or consciousness). This framework offers a beautiful way of understanding Qi Gong. When we align...

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Medical graphic explaining German Measles immunity, symptoms, and protection at Thrive Carolinas

German Measles: What You Need to Know About Immunity, Symptoms & Protection

German Measles: Ensuring Your Immunity The state of South Carolina is experiencing its largest measles outbreak in the last century, with numbers nearing one thousand. Some suspect the number may be higher, given that South Carolina does not mandate reporting of cases by healthcare personnel. It may be only a matter of time before North Carolina follows. Currently, there are 26 reported cases in the state and 3 here in Mecklenburg County. What You Need to Know About Measles Measles is so contagious that 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people will become infected if exposed to someone with the virus. While anyone who is not immune can get measles, certain groups face a significantly higher risk of both infection and life-threatening complications. Groups at Highest Risk for Severe Complications If infected, these groups...

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Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM): Thrive’s Comprehensive Approach

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) is a chronic, progressive condition affecting the vaginal, vulvar, and urinary tissues as a result of declining estrogen levels during menopause. Despite impacting an estimated 50–70% of postmenopausal women, GSM remains underdiagnosed and undertreated—often leaving women to assume symptoms are a normal or unavoidable part of aging.   This is no longer the case!  At Thrive Healthcare, our team of three board-certified OB/GYNs and menopause-certified providers specializes in evidence-based, personalized care for women navigating midlife and beyond. We believe women deserve both education and access to the full spectrum of modern treatment options for GSM.   What Is Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause? GSM refers to a group of symptoms caused by estrogen deficiency that affects the vagina, vulva, bladder, and urethra. Estrogen plays a...

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Heart health concept with stethoscope, fresh vegetables, and lifestyle symbols representing prevention and cardiovascular wellness.

Heart Disease: Widening the Lens to Address America’s Leading Killer

By Nancy A. Palermo, MD Edited by: Thrive Carolinas “There is no such thing as a sudden heart attack. It requires years of preparation.” Heart disease remains the number one cause of death in the United States Despite decades of awareness campaigns, rising healthcare spending, and technological advances, outcomes have not improved meaningfully. In 2018 alone, more than 800,000 Americans died from heart disease or related cardiometabolic conditions — accounting for one in three deaths nationwide. Just a few years earlier, the number was closer to 600,000. Despite billions spent annually on treatment, the trend continues to worsen. This forces an uncomfortable but necessary question: Are we treating heart disease — or simply managing it? The Problem with a Narrow Approach Conventional heart disease prevention focuses on a familiar set of risk factors: Elevated...

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Finding a Functional Medicine Practitioner

By Nancy A. Palermo, MD Why Now is the Best Time for Functional Medicine Recent studies show a growing dissatisfaction with the conventional healthcare experience. In fact, trust in physicians has dropped from 71% to just 40% as of early 2024. Many patients are seeking a different kind of care, one that prioritizes empathy, collaboration, and prevention over prescriptions and procedures. This shift has led to rising interest in Functional Medicine, an approach that examines the root causes of illness and emphasizes long-term wellness rather than just symptom management. [mkdf_button size="" type="" text="Learn More About Our Functional Medicine Program" custom_class="" icon_pack="font_awesome" fa_icon="" link="https://thrivecarolinas.com/functional_intergrative_medicine/" target="_self" color="" hover_color="" background_color="" hover_background_color="" border_color="" hover_border_color="" font_size="" font_weight="" margin=""] What Is Functional Medicine? Functional Medicine is a patient-centered, systems-based model that views the body as an integrated whole. Practitioners focus on...

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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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