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Lifestyle Medicine

Thrive Carolinas / Lifestyle Medicine (Page 2)

Summertime and The Fire Element in Eastern Medicine and Acupuncture

[caption id="attachment_11875" align="alignleft" width="226"] Dr. Scott Greenapple[/caption] Summer is now officially here.  In traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the Fire element governs summer, the season of the highest heat and outward expression. In TCM, this is considered the most Yang time of year. Yang distributes function and energy.  The season, when we are in balance, rewards us with abundant energy, growth, fun-filled activities, and meaningful connections.  As the days grow longer and nature reaches its full bloom under the intense sun, the Fire element, as it relates to us, supports our bodies with vitality, joy, and hopefully, our capacity to show love for one another and the universe at large. Each element in Chinese medicine is associated with what are known as meridians or channels, which are named after...

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How to Stay Illness-Free During Summer Travel

As summer travel season heats up, a new Omicron subvariant, NB.1.8.1, has been making headlines. Though it’s the dominant strain in China and some surrounding regions, early data shows it remains uncommon in the U.S. Still, it’s a good reminder that staying healthy while traveling requires a few thoughtful strategies. What You Should Know About NB.1.8.1 This emerging strain is part of the Omicron lineage, but it hasn’t been classified as a new variant in the U.S., since it lacks the number of mutations required to meet that definition. So far, most symptoms have been mild and have resolved within 2 to 3 days. One standout symptom is a very sore throat, often described as feeling like "razor blade irritation." While not more severe than previous strains, it may...

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Functional Medicine: The Future of Healthcare Transformation

By Dr. Nancy A. Palermo This year’s International Conference for the Institute of Functional Medicine (IFM) brought together over 1,500 forward-thinking healthcare professionals from around the world, all focused on a powerful theme: Transformation. As someone deeply committed to the principles of Functional Medicine, I was inspired by the conversations and research presented, ranging from AI in healthcare and cognitive decline reversal to regenerative agriculture, mitochondrial health, and muscle-centric medicine. These topics share a common goal: to redefine the way we approach health and healing. Why Functional Medicine Matters Now More Than Ever The data is overwhelming—new medical research is doubling every 76 days, yet conventional medicine continues to fall behind. Despite spending 17–30% of our GDP on healthcare, the U.S. ranks among the sickest nations in the developed...

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Keys to Longevity: It’s Not That Complicated

By Nancy A. Palermo, MD Edited by: Thrive Carolinas In today’s world of biohacking, cold plunges, IV drips, and influencer-endorsed supplements, it’s easy to assume the path to longevity is complex and out of reach. But the truth may be much simpler, and far more accessible than we think. What Is Longevity, Really? Longevity isn’t just about living longer. The focus has shifted to health span, how well we live during those extra years. Influential voices like Dr. Peter Attia and Dr. Andrew Huberman have helped spark widespread interest in optimizing the aging process. But if we want answers rooted in real life, we may need to look beyond Silicon Valley and turn our attention to the world's centenarians already living long, healthy lives. The Real Longevity Experts: Centenarians From Sardinia...

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Are Hidden Chemicals in Your Food Packaging Harming Your Health?

More than 10,000 chemicals are still approved for use in food and food packaging materials in the United States, and many of them may be doing more harm than good. A growing body of research shows that many of these chemicals are endocrine disruptors, meaning they interfere with your body’s hormonal systems. These disruptions can contribute to a wide range of health problems, including developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune disorders. Where Are These Chemicals Found? These harmful substances often hide in everyday items like: Plastic bottles (disposable and reusable) The linings of canned foods Cosmetics and personal care products Detergents and cleaning products Toys Thermal paper receipts Food packaging and wrappers Chemicals to Avoid in Plastics Here are some of the most concerning chemicals still commonly used: Phthalates: Found in...

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How Stress Impacts Your Hormones and Your Health

    By Nancy A. Palermo, MD Edited by Thrive Carolinas We all know stress isn’t good for us, but understanding exactly how it affects our hormones may be the wake-up call we need to take it seriously. While stress impacts every system in the body, it’s especially disruptive to your hormonal balance, and that disruption can lead to a cascade of health problems. The Hormonal Stress Response When your body experiences acute stress, it releases adrenaline and noradrenaline hormones that trigger the well-known “fight or flight” response. You may feel a racing heart, increased energy, and sharper alertness. This is helpful short-term, but when stress becomes chronic, these hormones begin to take a toll, increasing anxiety, fatigue, and even straining your heart. At the same time, your body increases production of...

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

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 ...

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

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...

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

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...

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The Mighty Microbiome: How Gut Health Impacts Your Overall Wellness

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...

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