Lifestyle Archives - Thrive Carolinas

Summer Health Do’s and Don’ts for 2026

June 2, 2026

Summer is a season of sunshine, vacations, outdoor activities, and time spent with family and friends. While the longer days and warmer temperatures offer many opportunities to recharge, they can also present unique challenges for your health. Whether you’re traveling, spending time outdoors, or simply trying to maintain healthy habits during a busy season, these summer health dos and don’ts can help you make the most of the months ahead. Key Takeaways Stay ahead of dehydration by drinking water consistently throughout the day—not just when you’re thirsty. Protect your skin with daily sun protection, even on cloudy days. Prioritize sleep and stress management to support energy, immunity, and overall wellness. Focus on sustainable habits rather than trying to be “perfect” during vacations and summer gatherings. DO: Prioritize Hydration Hydration...

The Mind-Body Approach to Health: Hypnosis, Mindfulness, Qi Gong, and the Gut Brain Connection:

May 20, 2026

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

By: Dr. Scott Greenapple We are consciously aware of only a small portion of what the mind-body system is processing. Much of our behavior is shaped by automatic, subconscious patterns. This is one of the key ideas behind mind-body healing. The body is constantly responding to signals beneath the surface: stress, breath patterns, emotional memory, muscle tension, digestive reactivity, and whether the nervous system feels safe or threatened. That is why practices such as hypnosis, mindfulness, and Qi Gong can be so helpful. They do not simply ask us to “think positive.” They help the nervous system experience calm, safety, and regulation. The Gut-Brain Connection The gut and brain are in constant communication. This is especially important with conditions such as IBS, where the digestive system can become highly...

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

May 11, 2026

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

Published: March 25, 2025 Updated: May 12, 2026 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...

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...

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Summer Health Do’s and Don’ts for 2026

The Mind-Body Approach to Health: Hypnosis, Mindfulness, Qi Gong, and the Gut Brain Connection:

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

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

Where is a Patient to Go? Planning Unplanned Medical Care

Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Kebobs

Monday Motivation: Garlic & Gut Health

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