Lifestyle Archives - Thrive Carolinas

How to Stay Illness-Free During Summer Travel

June 17, 2025

Health Hints, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Medicine

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...

Keys to Longevity: It’s Not That Complicated

May 14, 2025

Blog, Health Hints, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Medicine, Nancy's articles, Nutrition, Uncategorized

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...

Are Hidden Chemicals in Your Food Packaging Harming Your Health?

May 13, 2025

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

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...

Healthier Snacking: What You Need to Know

May 6, 2025

Dr NP, Health Hints, Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Nutrition, Weight Management

By Nancy A. Palermo, MD Edited by: Thrive Carolinas In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of grabbing “healthy” snacks that are anything but. From smoothies to snack bars, clever marketing and hidden ingredients can derail even the best intentions. Let’s break down the top pitfalls of on-the-go snacking—and how to make smarter, truly nourishing choices. The Sneaky Side of “Healthy” Snacks 1. Hidden Sugars That smoothie you grabbed on the way to work might seem like a smart choice, but many are loaded with fruit juice concentrates, sweetened yogurts, or syrups. Some store-bought smoothies pack up to 60g of sugar in a single serving! Snack bars, trail mixes, and granolas can be just as misleading, using names like agave syrup, cane juice, or brown rice syrup to...

Spring into Health: Support Local Farms and CSAs

April 29, 2025

Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Uncategorized

Spring is here, and so is the return of our beloved farmers markets, brimming with vibrant, seasonal produce and wholesome food items from dedicated local growers. At Thrive, we love this time of year because it naturally encourages healthier choices and deeper community connections. We’ve always emphasized the value of eating locally, seasonally, and organically whenever possible. Spring and summer make this easier than ever. One powerful way to commit to this lifestyle is by joining a CSA or Community Supported Agriculture program. A CSA connects you directly to a local farm, providing you with weekly deliveries of fresh, seasonal produce. By subscribing, you receive top-quality food that’s just been harvested and access to unique fruits and vegetables that may not even be available in traditional grocery...

How Stress Impacts Your Hormones and Your Health

April 22, 2025

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

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...

Let Food Be Thy Medicine

April 15, 2025

Dr NP, Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Weight Management

At Thrive Carolinas, we believe food can be your first defense in healing. “Food as medicine” is about choosing and preparing whole, nutrient-dense ingredients that nourish your body beyond basic calories. These foods are rich in phytonutrients, polyphenols, and antioxidants, which have been shown to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and prevent disease. “The food you eat can be either the safest and most powerful medicine or the slowest form of poison.” – Ann Wigmore. Many of these foods have been used for centuries across cultures, and today, science continues to confirm what traditional wisdom has long known: food can heal. How to Use Food as Medicine in Everyday Life 1. Prioritize Whole, Colorful Foods Fill your plate with a rainbow of vegetables and fruits to maximize nutrient intake. Each color...

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

April 8, 2025

Dr NP, Health Hints, Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Medicine, Nutrition, Vitamins

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 ...

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

March 26, 2025

Functional and Integrative Medicine, Health Hints, Healthy Eating, Healthy Life, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Medicine, Nutrition, Safe & Effective Supplements, Vitamins

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...

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

March 25, 2025

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

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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How to Stay Illness-Free During Summer Travel

Keys to Longevity: It’s Not That Complicated

Are Hidden Chemicals in Your Food Packaging Harming Your Health?

Healthier Snacking: What You Need to Know

Spring into Health: Support Local Farms and CSAs

How Stress Impacts Your Hormones and Your Health

Let Food Be Thy Medicine

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

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

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

Where is a Patient to Go? Planning Unplanned Medical Care

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