Lifestyle Medicine Archives - Thrive Carolinas

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...

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...

Pelvic Floor Health: Strengthen & Restore with Kegels and VTone

February 2, 2025

Geneveve, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Medicine

Pelvic floor health is essential for bladder control, sexual function, and overall well-being. Many women experience pelvic floor dysfunction due to childbirth, aging, or hormonal changes, leading to issues like urinary incontinence, vaginal laxity, and reduced sexual satisfaction. While Kegel exercises are a well-known solution for strengthening pelvic floor muscles, some women need additional support. VTone by InMode is a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment designed to restore pelvic floor strength through electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), providing an effective alternative to surgery or medication. [mkdf_button size="" type="" text="Learn More About Our Free Women's Event!" custom_class="" icon_pack="font_awesome" fa_icon="" link="https://thrivecarolinas.com/event/free-inmode-kick-off-event/" target="_self" color="" hover_color="" background_color="" hover_background_color="" border_color="" hover_border_color="" font_size="" font_weight="" margin=""] What Are Kegel Exercises & How Do They Help? Kegel exercises are simple pelvic floor contractions that help: Improve bladder control and reduce...

inmode vtone

Exploring InMode FormaV and Morpheus8V for Pelvic Health

January 30, 2025

Aesthetic Services, Geneveve, Health, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Medicine, Massage & Bodywork

At Thrive, we’re committed to offering the latest non-surgical solutions for women’s pelvic health. As board-certified gynecologists, we understand the importance of addressing every stage of a woman's reproductive journey—including unspoken but incredibly common concerns. That’s why we’re excited to offer InMode’s FormaV and Morpheus8V, two cutting-edge technologies designed to improve vaginal health, pelvic floor function, and overall feminine wellness. These in-office treatments provide safe, effective, and non-invasive options for vaginal laxity, dryness, postpartum recovery, and sexual wellness. What Are FormaV and Morpheus8V? Both FormaV and Morpheus8V utilize radiofrequency energy to enhance vaginal tissue health, collagen production, and circulation. However, each treatment is designed to target different levels of rejuvenation and repair: FormaV: Gentle Vaginal Rejuvenation It uses radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen and restore elasticity Ideal for mild...

Weight Management Solutions: A Comprehensive Approach

January 28, 2025

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

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...

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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

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

Pelvic Floor Health: Strengthen & Restore with Kegels and VTone

Exploring InMode FormaV and Morpheus8V for Pelvic Health

Weight Management Solutions: A Comprehensive Approach

Where is a Patient to Go? Planning Unplanned Medical Care

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