Lifestyle Medicine Archives - Thrive Carolinas

Cover image showing a bowl of chickpeas and the title of this blog

Getting to Know the Chickpea (Garbanzo Bean)

May 5, 2026

Health Hints, Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Medicine

Are chickpeas good for gut health? Chickpeas are rich in fiber, prebiotics, and resistant starch, which feed beneficial gut bacteria. This supports digestion, improves bowel regularity, and helps maintain a healthy microbiome. Getting to Know the Chickpea (Garbanzo Bean) By Nancy A. Palermo, MD Beans are a great food to include in a gut-healthy diet. One standout is the chickpea, also known as the garbanzo bean. This legume has been a staple in many cuisines for thousands of years, with archaeological evidence dating back roughly 10,000 years in the Middle East. Unlike many other legumes, chickpeas provide a unique combination of nutrients that support blood sugar control, weight management, and gut health. A 2016 review published in Nutrients found that individuals who consume chickpeas and chickpea-based foods, such as hummus,...

Fiber-rich fruits vegetables and fermented foods that support gut health and the microbiome

Eat for Your Gut: Simple Ways to Support Your Microbiome Naturally

April 28, 2026

Blog, Functional and Integrative Medicine, Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, In The Kitchen, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Medicine, Nutrition

A diet that supports gut health must also support the microbiome—your community of beneficial gut bacteria. This starts with removing common disruptors and focusing on foods that nourish and protect the gut lining. A gut-friendly diet should minimize processed ingredients such as hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, preservatives, and additives. It should also be low in added sugars and GMO foods that are often exposed to higher levels of pesticides. The more anti-inflammatory the diet, the better it supports the gut mucosa and overall digestive health.If you are actively trying to heal your gut, a structured approach like an elimination diet can be a helpful starting point. From there, the goal is to rebuild with foods that support balance and diversity in the microbiome.A gut-supportive...

Image showcasing the peptide revolution for thrive

The Peptide Revolution: Understanding the Hype, Risks, and Reality

April 21, 2026

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

If you've been following health and wellness trends lately, you've likely heard about peptides. Small proteins being promoted as everything from anti-aging solutions to performance enhancers. As interest grows, it’s important to separate fact from fiction and understand what the science actually says What Are Peptides, and are they safe? Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. Your body naturally produces thousands of peptides that act as messengers, helping regulate how your cells function. Many of the peptides gaining attention today are synthetic versions designed to mimic or enhance natural processes, potentially influencing hormone production, tissue repair, immune function, and metabolism. A familiar example is GLP-1 medications (like semaglutide), which mimic natural hormones to regulate appetite and support weight loss. FDA-Approved vs. Unapproved Peptides Some peptides have...

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

April 13, 2026

Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, In The Kitchen, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Medicine

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...

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

Foods to Eat Now: Asparagus

April 7, 2026

Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Medicine

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...

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

Eating for Thyroid Health: The Macros and Micros That Matter

March 30, 2026

Dietitian Services, Health Hints, Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Medicine

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...

Foods high in quercetin for natural allergy relief including apples onions berries and greens

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

March 24, 2026

Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Medicine

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...

Fibermaxxing: How to Increase Fiber Intake Safely

March 17, 2026

Functional and Integrative Medicine, Health, Health Hints, Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Medicine, Nancy's articles, Nutrition

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...

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

March 4, 2026

Blog, Dr SG, Healthy Life, Lifestyle Medicine

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...

Measles rash and immunity information guide for prevention and protection during outbreak

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

February 24, 2026

Blog, Health Hints, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Medicine

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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Getting to Know the Chickpea (Garbanzo Bean)

Eat for Your Gut: Simple Ways to Support Your Microbiome Naturally

The Peptide Revolution: Understanding the Hype, Risks, and Reality

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

Foods to Eat Now: Asparagus

Eating for Thyroid Health: The Macros and Micros That Matter

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

Fibermaxxing: How to Increase Fiber Intake Safely

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

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

Where is a Patient to Go? Planning Unplanned Medical Care

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Monday Motivation: Garlic & Gut Health

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