Freedom Functional Medicine
7 Tips to Protect Against Bug Bites
The warmer months may be backyard barbecue season, but they are also mosquito season. Unfortunately, it’s common to get bit by mosquitoes and other insects this time of year because you and they are both more active outdoors. Bug bites can be itchy, painful, and irritating, so you’ll want to take steps to avoid getting bit. Here are some tips to protect yourself and your loved ones against bug bites:
7 Tips to Protect Against Bug Bites8 Best Supplements for Mental Health
If you struggle with stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues, you may benefit from taking certain vitamins and supplements. The absence of some nutrients in your diet can affect your mental health, so supplementing with them could help improve your symptoms and manage your conditions. Keep reading to find out more about the best supplements for mental health and how they can help:
8 Best Supplements for Mental HealthTop 8 Remedies for Sunburn That Actually Work
Many people enjoy spending time outside in the sun during the warmer months. However, a common consequence of hours spent outdoors in summer is sunburn. Sunburns can cause uncomfortable swelling, pain, itching, and peeling. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to treat a sunburn for soothing relief. Here are some of the top remedies for sunburn that actually work.
Top 8 Remedies for Sunburn That Actually Work5 Best Ways to Protect Yourself from Sun Damage
For many people, summer means spending time outside and soaking up the sun. It’s important to note, however, that just 15 minutes of sun exposure can cause damage to your skin. The sun can cause everything from sunburns to premature aging to skin cancer. Before you head outdoors, make sure you take the following precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones from sun damage.
5 Best Ways to Protect Yourself from Sun DamageTop 4 Vitamins and Supplements for Gut Health
The gut is involved in a lot more than just digestion. The state of your gut health can affect other areas of your health, including immune health, sleep, metabolism, and chronic diseases and disorders like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. If you have an unhealthy gut, you may experience digestive issues, a weakened immune system, sleep problems, fatigue, and mental health issues like stress and anxiety. Consider taking these vitamins and supplements for gut health to improve and maintain your gut and overall health.
Top 4 Vitamins and Supplements for Gut HealthWhat Is Liposomal Glutathione and How Can It Help?
There are a lot of nutrients that your body needs to function at its best, and these include a variety of vitamins, minerals, proteins, antioxidants, etc. Some nutrients have very specific purposes, while others play multiple roles in the body. Glutathione is one of these multifunctional nutrients. Keep reading to find out more about what glutathione is and how you could benefit from taking liposomal glutathione.
What Is Liposomal Glutathione and How Can It Help?Top 6 Remedies for Sinus Congestion
Sinus congestion can have a lot of causes. The most common causes are allergies and viral infections like the common cold or flu, but it can sometimes also be caused by bacterial or fungal infections. Sinus congestion can result in headaches, a stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, coughing, and tiredness. To help relieve the discomfort of sinus congestion, you can try one or more of these effective remedies at home.
Top 6 Remedies for Sinus Congestion7 Health Benefits of CoQ10
Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is a nutrient that occurs naturally in the body and is also found in many of the foods you eat. This compound is used to make energy for cells and also acts as an antioxidant, which means it protects cells from damage. Most healthy people have sufficient levels of CoQ10 naturally, but some people may benefit from supplementing with CoQ10 to treat and prevent health conditions. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of this compound can positively impact various aspects of health. Here’s a list of some of the biggest health benefits of CoQ10.
7 Health Benefits of CoQ107 Ways to Boost Your Immune System
Your immune system is how your body protects itself from infection and disease. Immune cells fight off viruses and bacteria to keep you healthy, and they are responsible for healing your body from injuries. The immune system is very complex and affected by many factors that can weaken or strengthen it. Here’s a list of some of the ways to boost your immune system so it can function at its best to keep your body healthy and strong.
7 Ways to Boost Your Immune SystemSeasonal Allergies: Causes and Remedies
Do you sneeze, cough, or have nasal congestion during certain times of the year? If so, you may have seasonal allergies. More than 24 million people in the United States have seasonal respiratory allergies, also known as hay fever. Here’s everything you need to know about seasonal allergies, including their causes as well as effective remedies that can get you back to feeling your best during allergy season.
Seasonal Allergies: Causes and Remedies6 Tips to Help Improve Women’s Health
It’s not uncommon for women to get in the habit of taking care of others’ health and well-being before their own. However, making your own health a priority will put you in a better position to care for those you love. No matter your age or health status, it’s important to take steps to improve your health and wellness. Here are some tips to improve women’s health that can help increase your chances of living a healthier, happier, and longer life.
6 Tips to Help Improve Women’s HealthTop 7 Foods That Are Great for Heart Health
The <a href="https://www.heart.org/en/news/2019/01/31/cardiovascular-diseases-affect-nearly-half-of-american-adults-statistics-show" target="_blank">American Heart Association</a> tells us that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and it’s reported that nearly half of adults in the U.S. have it. If you want to improve your heart health and reduce your risk of heart disease, a great place to start is your diet. Eating a heart-healthy diet can make a huge difference and help you live a healthier, longer life. Keep reading to find out more about the best foods for heart health that you should include in your regular diet.
Top 7 Foods That Are Great for Heart Health9 Best Exercises for Weight Loss
The most effective way to lose weight safely is combining physical activity with a nutritious diet that allows for a calorie deficit. It’s very difficult to lose weight through diet alone without exercise. For healthy weight loss, you should aim to do at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week. Adding strength exercises that work all major muscle groups is also great to do two to three times each week. If you want to burn calories and tone your body, try these best exercises for weight loss that will help you reach your goals.
9 Best Exercises for Weight LossHow to Stay Healthy During Flu Season
Getting sick with the flu can make you feel miserable and cause you to miss out on work, school, and social activities. The flu can cause unpleasant symptoms such as fever, chills, body aches, headaches, fatigue, sore throat, cough, and nasal congestion. Fortunately, there are things you can do to avoid catching the flu to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy. Here’s a list of some habits and tips that can help you stay healthy during flu season.
How to Stay Healthy During Flu Season5 Reasons You May Be Having Trouble Losing Weight
After making several lifestyle changes, you step on the scale but the number that pops up isn’t where you want it to be. Don’t be discouraged! When it comes to losing weight, consistency is key and it takes time to reach the results you desire. There could be a simple explanation as to why you’re still struggling to lose weight. With some adjustments to your routine, you can start shedding pounds and move several steps closer to your goal. Here are 5 reasons you may be having trouble losing weight:
5 Reasons You May Be Having Trouble Losing Weight5 Benefits of Magnesium Supplements
Among the 7 essential minerals the body requires in substantial levels, perhaps magnesium is the most overlooked. The foods we consume only account for about half of the recommended daily intake of magnesium, meaning many of us are <a href="/blog/health-implications-of-magnesium-deficiency-understanding-the-impact-on-the-body">deficient</a>. Magnesium supplementation provides a boost of this vitally important nutrient, giving us the magnesium required to lend a helping hand to the hundreds of enzymes responsible for chemical reactions impacting all aspects of our health. Here are 5 benefits of magnesium supplements:
5 Benefits of Magnesium SupplementsHow to Improve Gut Health: 8 Foods to Give a Try
Have you ever heard the saying, “Trust your gut?” This term used to describe an instinctive feeling is rather spot on when it comes to your actual gut. Why? The gut microbiome affects all aspects of your overall health. It influences digestion, the immune system, well-being, respiratory health and even mental health. If you’ve ever wondered how to improve gut health, foods full of probiotics, prebiotics and polyphenols are particularly helpful! These are 8 foods to give a try:
How to Improve Gut Health: 8 Foods to Give a Try5 Benefits of Regular Exercise Other Than Weight Loss
There’s no secret that the best way to drop pounds is to pick up an exercise routine! But, did you know the benefits of regular exercise extend well beyond just weight management? Exercise affects all parts of our bodies – even our brains – helping to boost our overall health in a number of different ways. Here are 5 benefits of regular exercise other than weight loss:
5 Benefits of Regular Exercise Other Than Weight Loss5 Tips for Better Sleep
No matter what you try, you just can’t seem to fall asleep as quickly as you’d like at night. When you do finally get some shut eye, you have trouble staying asleep. With each glance at the clock, the dread of having to be up sooner than you’d like grows stronger. This frustrating scenario is one that many people like yourself experience. The good news is by following a few simple tips for better sleep, you can fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Here are 5 tips for better sleep:
5 Tips for Better Sleep6 of the Best Foods That Boost Immunity
There’s no medicine as powerful as prevention! Rather than having to turn to hot soup and tea to combat a cold or flu, reach for foods that can help to prevent you from getting sick in the first place. Foods that boost immunity can help strengthen immune response, giving your body a better chance of fending off pathogens like viruses, bacteria and foreign bodies. By adding certain foods to your diet, you can help stop sickness before it ever gets started, saving yourself discomfort down the road. Here are 6 of the best foods that boost immunity:
6 of the Best Foods That Boost Immunity5 Ways to Prevent Cognitive Decline
As we age, the portions of the brain responsible for learning and complex thinking ability shrink. Blood flow to the brain can decrease while neurons in the brain may not communicate as effectively as they once did. It’s a natural part of the aging process, but one you can help to slow down by following a few simple tips. Here are 5 ways to prevent cognitive decline:
5 Ways to Prevent Cognitive DeclineAll You Need to Know About Perimenopause: Symptoms, Treatment & More
Hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats and trouble sleeping are no fun for anyone. If you’re a woman in your 40s, you could very well be experiencing perimenopause. Referred to as the menopause transition, perimenopause is the stage of hormonal changes that leads to menopause. As your body’s hormones begin to change, you’ll recognize physical changes and symptoms that are often inconvenient. Here is everything you need to know about perimenopause:
All You Need to Know About Perimenopause: Symptoms, Treatment & More4 Best Supplements for Detox
Your body naturally undergoes a detoxification process to rid itself of toxins, whether from pollution, food, or other environmental agents. Think of it as a deep cleansing so that your system functions can work efficiently and effectively. Whether you want to jumpstart a weight loss goal or simply boost your energy levels and overall well-being, a detox can be beneficial in addition to regular exercise and healthy eating habits. There are several ways to enhance this natural process, one of those being a daily supplement. Here are a few of the best supplements for detox we can recommend:
4 Best Supplements for Detox5 Heart-Healthy Lifestyle Changes
It’s true– lifestyle does make a difference in your overall wellness, especially when it comes to your cardiovascular health. Poor diet, little to no exercise, and smoking can significantly increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Take a look at these 5 heart-healthy lifestyle changes you can start today to begin a journey to better health:
5 Heart-Healthy Lifestyle ChangesWhat is Functional Medicine?
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When it comes to addressing medical concerns some practitioners target individual body systems with the goal of helping the patient receive relief from symptoms manifested by these issues. Here at <a href="/about">Freedom Functional Medicine</a>, we believe in uncovering and addressing the underlying causes of chronic illnesses, focusing on the whole person and understanding the relationship between different parts of the body. This allows us to target the problem at the source and provide comprehensive solutions specifically tailored for you. So, what is functional medicine? Continue reading to learn more:
What is Functional Medicine?Everything You Need to Know About Our Comprehensive Metabolic Assessment
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A <a href="/services">comprehensive metabolic assessment</a> from Freedom Functional Medicine can help you get to the root of the medical concerns that you’ve been experiencing. Our comprehensive metabolic assessment is used to check a number of body functions and processes. Liver and kidney health, blood sugar and protein levels, fluid and electrolyte balance, acid and base balance and metabolism can all be checked via our assessment. Here is everything you need to know about our comprehensive metabolic assessment:
Everything You Need to Know About Our Comprehensive Metabolic AssessmentThe Power of a High-Quality Multivitamin in Supporting Glandular Health and Delaying Dementia Symptoms
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The complexity and sophistication of the human body is unrivaled. It's a symphony of diverse systems working in harmony, powered by a vast array of vitamins and minerals. However, in our fast-paced world, maintaining a balanced diet that provides all these essential nutrients can be a herculean task. This is where a high-quality multivitamin becomes crucial. In this blog post, we'll delve into the significance of multivitamins in supporting overall body health, their specific role in nourishing glandular tissues, and the emerging evidence that indicates their potential in delaying the symptoms of dementia.
The Power of a High-Quality Multivitamin in Supporting Glandular Health and Delaying Dementia SymptomsThe Significance of Deep and REM Sleep: Unraveling the Secrets of Restorative Slumber
Sleep is a fundamental physiological process that plays a vital role in maintaining overall health and well-being. It is so critical to human health that we have dedicated 1/3 of our life to this unconscious activity in order to maintain a resilient body and mind. While sleep is often associated with rest and relaxation, it encompasses various stages, each with distinct characteristics and functions. Among these stages, deep sleep (also known as slow-wave sleep) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep are particularly significant, offering essential benefits for cognitive, emotional, and physical restoration. This article will examine the importance of deep and REM sleep, shedding light on their indispensable and irreplaceable roles in promoting optimal health and functioning.
The Significance of Deep and REM Sleep: Unraveling the Secrets of Restorative SlumberHealth Implications of Magnesium Deficiency: Understanding the Impact on the Body
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Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in numerous physiological processes within the human body. From supporting energy production to maintaining healthy bones and muscles, magnesium is involved in various enzymatic reactions. However, many individuals experience magnesium deficiency without even realizing it, which can have significant health implications. We will explore the health consequences of magnesium deficiency, understand its impact on different bodily systems, and highlight the importance of maintaining optimal magnesium levels.
Health Implications of Magnesium Deficiency: Understanding the Impact on the BodyA Functional Approach to Osteoporosis
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As an orthopedic trauma surgeon, I have experienced the social, psychological, and physical impacts of fragility fractures associated with osteoporosis. Reduced bone mineral density is estimated to affect <a href="https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/facts-statistics/key-statistic-for-north-america" target="_blank">54 million Americans</a>, and 10.2 million are estimated to have osteoporosis. Bone mineral density testing is most often performed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scanning. This test directs a quantified dose of X-ray radiation at specific bones, at risk for fragility fracture, and measures the amount of radiation absorbed at the receiver. The less radiation absorbed by the receiver indicates greater refraction from the bone and increased bone mineral density. Conversely, the more radiation that is absorbed by the receiver represents less refraction and decreased bone mineral density. These data are compared to population statistics of "normal" controls. A T-score is given at each anatomical site measured and represents the standard deviation from the mean bone mineral density of a given control population.
A Functional Approach to OsteoporosisHow the Gut Impacts Joint Health
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"Arthritis" is a generic term that describes a destructive, inflammatory, painful joint condition. It affects <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/data_statistics/national-statistics.html" target="_blank">almost 25%</a> of the United States population. There are numerous types of arthritic conditions including:
How the Gut Impacts Joint HealthWhy I Chose Functional Medicine
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In 1953, James Watson and Francis Crick laid the foundation for contemporary study in cell and molecular biology with the discovery of the double-helical structure of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). By 1962, this earned them the Nobel Prize in Medicine. This was a <a href="https://profiles.nlm.nih.gov/spotlight/sc/feature/doublehelix" target="_blank">monumental discovery</a> , rapidly advancing our study of genetics, protein synthesis, and cell biology. I remember celebrating the 50th anniversary of their discovery while I was an undergraduate at Oregon State University, in 2003. Linus Pauling, a former Oregon State University alum, was hugely influential in the discovery of the DNA double helix by working out <a href="https://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/discovery-of-dna-structure-and-function-watson-397/" target="_blank">bond angles and molecular distances</a>. Pauling's work helped solidify Watson and Crick’s theory. This discovery, 50 years old at the time, was an exciting period to start a career in medicine, understanding the potential of possibility when combining science with the technological revolution.
Why I Chose Functional MedicineThe Necessary Role of Stomach Acid
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Conventional wisdom proposes that acid reflux is the consequence of too much stomach acid and that acid suppression is necessary when reflux occurs; it is imperative to examine the mechanisms of this process and the repercussions of a reduced acidic environment in the stomach. The process of digestion is highly complex, requiring coordination between the compartmentalized gastrointestinal tract and associated organs (liver, gallbladder, and pancreas). Disruption at any location can trigger severe health consequences, some that occur immediately and others that are more latent. Functioning as a coordinated ecosystem, it is important to maintain each partitioned microenvironment to maximize nutrient absorption, protect the delicate small intestinal brush border, and nourish a diverse, healthy microbiome (beneficial intestinal bacteria). Stomach acid performs multiple functions including initiating nutrient absorption, reducing pathogenic microorganism burden1, and triggering pancreatic enzyme excretion. Medication aimed at suppressing acid in the stomach interrupts nutrient digestion and absorption through numerous mechanisms. Prolonged use may negatively impact many organ systems including the liver, stomach, brain, bones, and kidneys2.
The Necessary Role of Stomach Acid