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Thrive Carolinas / Lifestyle
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

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...

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

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

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

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

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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Couple embracing under a sunset, symbolizing connection, intimacy, and whole-body wellness

A Valentine’s Aphrodisiac That Lasts: How Whole-Body Health Supports Desire

Valentine’s Day tends to focus on grand gestures, flowers, chocolates, and reservations made weeks in advance. But if we’re honest, romance doesn’t start with what’s on the table. It starts with how you feel in your body. Energy. Mood. Hormonal balance. Confidence. These are the real aphrodisiacs, and February is a perfect time to focus on them. As we head into Valentine’s Day 2026, consider this your reminder: supporting intimacy is really about supporting health. Desire Is a Whole-Body Conversation Libido isn’t controlled by a single switch. It’s influenced by ongoing conversations among hormones, metabolism, stress levels, sleep quality, and nutrition. When one piece is out of sync, chronic stress, poor sleep, blood sugar swings, and nutrient deficiencies often take a back seat. That’s why quick fixes rarely work. Sustainable intimacy comes...

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Colorful Mediterranean meal with olive oil, vegetables, legumes, fish, and whole foods arranged on a shared table.

The New Food Pyramid & the Mediterranean Diet: A Return to Real Food

By Nancy A. Palermo, MD The newly released 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines represent one of the most meaningful shifts in federal nutrition policy we’ve seen in decades. For the first time in a long while, national guidance is beginning to align with what science and common sense have been telling us all along: real, whole foods support health, while highly processed foods drive disease. From a Functional Medicine perspective, this change is long overdue. The updated guidelines are illustrated using an upside-down food pyramid, emphasizing whole, nutrient-dense foods at the foundation, particularly protein, healthy fats, and lower-glycemic carbohydrates. While the recommendations are not perfect, they signal an important shift toward prevention, metabolic health, and longevity. At its core, this new pyramid closely mirrors the principles of the Mediterranean diet, one...

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