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Nutrition

Thrive Carolinas / Nutrition
Fermented foods for gut health including yogurt, kefir, kimchi and sauerkraut

Fermented Foods: A Simple Way to Support  Your Gut and Your Overall Health 

By: Harlee Palmer Edited by: Thrive Carolinas You may have heard that fermented foods are good for your gut. But what does that actually mean, and why should you care about the bacteria in your digestive tract?  The answer starts with your gut microbiome: the trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms that live primarily in your digestive tract. These microbes do much more than help you digest food. They interact with your immune system, influence metabolism, help produce important compounds, and communicate with other parts of your body—including the brain.  One of the simplest ways to support this community is to regularly include fermented foods in your diet.  What exactly is a fermented food?  Fermentation is an ancient process in which microorganisms such as bacteria and yeast transform food.  Think about what...

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Eat for Your Gut: Simple Ways to Support Your Microbiome Naturally

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...

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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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Fresh pumpkins and roasted pumpkin seeds arranged on a rustic wooden table, representing healthy fall ingredients.

It’s Pumpkin Season!

[caption id="attachment_10577" align="alignleft" width="226"] By: Nancy A. Palermo, MD[/caption] By Nancy A. Palermo, MD As the air cools and the leaves begin to change, it’s officially pumpkin season, and not just at Starbucks. While the pumpkin spice latte may get all the attention, the humble pumpkin itself deserves the spotlight for its incredible health benefits and versatility in the kitchen. The Power of Pumpkin Pumpkins belong to the Cucurbita family, which includes squash, zucchini, and cucumbers. Native to Guatemala and Mexico and cultivated for over 10,000 years, pumpkins were originally prized for their nutrient-dense seeds. Over time, selective cultivation has made them sweeter and more flavorful, the perfect fall ingredient. Why Pumpkin Deserves a Spot on Your Plate Pumpkin is technically a starchy vegetable, but it’s lower in carbohydrates than potatoes...

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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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Healthier Snacking: What You Need to Know

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...

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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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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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The New Mediterranean Diet: A Modern Approach to Healthy Eating

Written by: Nancy Palermo Edited by: Thrive Carolinas Understanding the Evolution of the Mediterranean Diet The Mediterranean diet has long been recognized as one of the healthiest eating patterns. It is known for its ability to promote longevity and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Traditionally, this diet is associated with the cuisines of Greece, Italy, and Spain, emphasizing whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, lean proteins, olive oil, nuts, and seeds. However, limiting the Mediterranean diet to just these three countries overlooks the diverse and equally nutritious diets of more than 20 nations that border the Mediterranean Sea. What Is the New Mediterranean Diet? The New Mediterranean Diet expands on the traditional Mediterranean diet by incorporating a wider variety of global...

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