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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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Lifestyle Medicine

Thrive Carolinas / Lifestyle Medicine (Page 3)

Looking for a Valentine’s Aphrodisiac?

  [caption id="attachment_8086" align="alignleft" width="227"] Nancy A. Palermo MD[/caption] If you are looking to heat things up in the bedroom, you might want to consider these overlooked aphrodisiacs. Scientific studies published over the past several years have found that lifestyle and dietary changes that promote heart health also promote sexual health. So basically, what is good for the heart is also good for the penis and clitoris. A 2011 study from the Mayo Clinic reviewing clinical trials of 740 men showed that men with ED (Erectile Dysfunction), even on medications, were 2.5Xs more likely to show improvements in sexual function when exercising more and eating a heart-healthy diet. So why is it? Well, it’s all related to blood flow, of course. Poor habits like eating the Standard American Diet (SAD),...

Heart Healthy Foods

A recent study (August 1, 2022) in The American Journal of Cardiology shared some grim outlooks with respect to cardiovascular diseases in the U.S. Based on current trends; the journal article predicted the four biggest contributors to heart disease would all increase significantly by 2060 with a prediction of diabetes to rise by 39.3%, dyslipidemia, (elevated lipids) by 27.6%, hypertension by 25% and obesity by 18%. The biggest increases were seen in predicted elevations in stroke, heart failure, and heart attack; all predicted to be at levels over 30%. The increases were seen mostly in the female and ethnic/minority populations. While equitable access to healthcare is involved in the equation to tackle these increases, the primary focus needs to be on prevention with education on the...

Do You Need A Detox?  Assessing Your Toxic Load

We are all living in an exceedingly toxic world. Every day we are exposed to literally hundreds of chemicals, many of which have the potential to affect our health negatively. Toxic chemical exposures have been linked to various chronic health conditions, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, infertility, mood disorders, chronic fatigue, autoimmune disease, memory impairment, and cancer. While avoidance is always the best, escaping exposure is nearly impossible. This constant exposure is resulting in an ever-increasing body burden or toxic load of chemicals.  Some toxins, such as smoking and plastics, are rather obvious, but others are lurking in our food, water, and skin care products.   The Centers for Disease Control began monitoring human exposure to chemicals in 1976. Unfortunately, no one knows how many chemicals are in use today. ...

Inflammation Fighters

These foods contain Omega-3s and properties which help to disrupt the production of inflammatory compounds. Walnuts: These are 1 of the only foods that provide alpha-linolenic acid, a very important omega-3 fatty acid that reduces inflammation. Spices: Turmeric, nutmeg, peppercorns, ginger, and cinnamon are all spices with potent anti-inflammatory benefits. Herbs: Many herbs, including Rosemary, thyme, and irregular no, offer strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Papaya: This fruit has significant amounts of vitamins A, C, and E, all known to reduce inflammation. This fruit also contains the enzyme papain, which improves digestion. Coldwater fish: Such as black caught, salmon, sardines, and anchovies show these are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Wild caught the same and contains abundant carotid nodes, which also have anti-inflammatory properties. Shiitake Mushrooms:...

Antioxidant Powerhouses

Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules linked to a host of chronic illnesses that cause oxidative stress in the body, which can lead to inflammation. Free radical damage is like rust on the inside of her body and in the cells themselves. Antioxidants are foods that are high in vitamin C and E beta-carotene in Flavonoids which helped to neutralize free radicals which contribute to the onset of aging and disease. Try to include these powerful antioxidants in your diet during the 30-day detox and beyond. Dark beans: like red beans, pinto beans in kidney beans. Pecans: These tree nuts are high in vitamin E, and antioxidant thickened help prevent cell damage Red grapes: The skin of this fruit is high in resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant Apple:...

What Exactly is Clean Eating?

[caption id="attachment_9894" align="alignleft" width="300"] Nancy A. Palermo MD[/caption] Clean eating is an important part of what we provide at Thrive is Functional Medicine. Functional Medicine is a completely different approach to symptoms and diseases. It aims to get to the root cause of the symptoms rather than cover them up with medication. When we talk about root causes we cannot proceed without discussing diet as it is such a foundational component of our health. When I first meet a patient at their Functional intake visit, we often discuss their diet. I would say that most of them say they eat clean and do not feel their diet is the cause of their issues. While this certainly might be true more than not, we can find some places where...

Can an IV Infusion Boost Your Immunity Before Flu Season Starts?

The winter months don’t just raise the risk of eating too many holiday treats; they also increase your chance of contracting a cold, the flu, or COVID. Luckily, IV infusions are a preventative way to stay healthy during this cold and flu season. Before we dive into the holiday season, let’s go over the benefits of IV infusions and who should consider them.   What are IV Infusions?   Intravenous (IV) infusions are IV nutrient therapy that delivers essential substances to the body through the veins. Unlike other forms of IV therapy, such as IV injections, infusions use a pump or gravity to slowly and consistently administer the custom “cocktail” of nutrients into a patient’s veins.   IV infusions can be used in emergency situations or to treat chronic illnesses, but in...

Myofascial Therapy with Lisa Sayegh, RN, BSN, LMT, NC

Lisa, a registered nurse, myofascial therapist, and nurse coach, has been dedicated to making a difference in the lives of her clients for the past 30 years. Her specialty in bodywork includes myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy, and medical massage, and when combined with her traditional medical training, she offers a unique balance of eastern and western medicine, intending to realign and reeducate not only the body but the being within. The fascia is an intricate web of connective tissue and the most superficial layer of tissue where emotional and physical trauma is often stored in the body on a subconscious level. By applying sustained pressure to restricted areas, Lisa facilitates the potential for profound healing. Myofascial release has many benefits, including relieving pain, restoring motion, and improving...

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar: Medical Miracle or Myth?

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a useful tool in the kitchen and can be used in anything from marinades to dressings to sauces. Recently this folk remedy has been touted to fight infections, manage stomach acid and indigestion, melt off body fat and manage skin conditions. ACV has been deemed a “cure-all, “and while this may be somewhat overstated, it clearly has been shown to have some merits. Apple cider vinegar is produced with the fermentation of crushed apples. The vinegar, raw and unfiltered (as it should be used), contains trace amounts of B vitamins, Vitamin C, and minerals like potassium and magnesium. The fermented product also contains some powerful antioxidants and flavonoids like gallic acid, catechin, caffei acid, and ferulic acid. The fermentation also produces beneficial...

COVID 19 & Long Hauler: Alterations in Taste, Smell and Brain Fog

As we are now in our third year of COVID or post-COVID conditions, we are seeing a range of new, returning, or continuing problems that people experience after first being infected with the virus. Most will get better within a few weeks after being infected, but some will have symptoms or new symptoms appearing after four weeks, and these are considered long haulers. People who experience post-COVID conditions can have a multitude of ailments, the most common are the following: Fatigue Shortnessofbreath Cough Heart palpitations Stomach pain Muscle or joint pain Rash The most common neurological symptoms and what I treat the most in the office and will focus on in the article are: Brain fog (difficulty concentrating or thinking) Loss or change of smell (anosmia-loss of smell,...

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