Depression is a common mental health condition that affects many middle-aged women. It can manifest as persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and various physical and emotional challenges. In this blog, we will explore how a functional medicine approach can help address depression through personalized strategies and by addressing underlying causes.

Understanding Depression

Depression is more than just feeling sad. It is a complex condition that can impact various aspects of life, including:

• Mood and emotions
• Physical health
• Cognitive function
• Social interactions

Common Causes of Depression

1. Hormonal Imbalances: Fluctuations in hormones, particularly during perimenopause and menopause, can contribute to depression.
2. Nutrient Deficiencies: Lack of essential nutrients such as B vitamins, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids can affect mood and brain function.
3. Chronic Stress: Ongoing stress can lead to hormonal imbalances and affect mental health.
4. Gut Health: Poor gut health...

Brain fog, characterized by confusion, forgetfulness, and a lack of focus and mental clarity, is a common concern among middle-aged women. It can be frustrating and impact daily functioning and quality of life. In this blog, we will explore how a functional medicine approach can help you overcome brain fog through personalized strategies and addressing underlying causes.

Understanding Brain Fog

Brain fog is not a medical condition but a symptom that can result from various underlying issues. It often manifests as:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory problems
• Mental fatigue
• Slower thinking and processing

Common Causes of Brain Fog

1. Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones, particularly during perimenopause and menopause, can affect cognitive function.
2. Nutrient Deficiencies: Lack of essential nutrients such as B vitamins, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants can impair brain function.
3. Poor Sleep: Sleep deprivation and poor-quality sleep can significantly impact cognitive...

Hot flashes are a common symptom experienced by many middle-aged women, particularly during the transition to menopause. Characterized by sudden feelings of warmth, sweating, and discomfort, hot flashes can significantly impact daily life and quality of sleep. In this blog, we will explore how a functional medicine approach can help manage hot flashes through personalized strategies and addressing underlying causes.

Understanding Hot Flashes

Hot flashes are sudden sensations of heat that typically affect the face, neck, and chest. They can vary in frequency and intensity and are often accompanied by sweating and sometimes chills. Hot flashes are primarily caused by hormonal fluctuations, particularly the decline in estrogen levels during menopause.

Common Triggers of Hot Flashes

1. Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in estrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause are the primary cause of hot flashes.
2. Lifestyle Factors: Stress, diet, and certain lifestyle habits can trigger or...

Weight loss is a common concern for many middle-aged women. With the natural changes that occur with aging, including hormonal shifts and a slower metabolism, losing weight can become more challenging. In this blog, we will explore how a functional medicine approach can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight through personalized strategies and addressing underlying issues.

The Challenge of Weight Loss for Middle-Aged Women

As women age, several factors can contribute to weight gain or difficulty losing weight:

• Hormonal Changes: Decreased levels of estrogen and other hormones can affect metabolism and fat distribution.
• Slower Metabolism: Metabolic rate naturally decreases with age, making it easier to gain weight.
• Muscle Loss: Age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia) can reduce the body's ability to burn calories.
• Lifestyle Factors: Stress, lack of sleep, and sedentary lifestyles can contribute to weight gain.

Functional Medicine Approach to Weight Loss

Functional medicine...

Cardiovascular health is a critical aspect of overall wellness, particularly for middle-aged women. As the leading cause of death for women, heart disease is a serious concern that requires proactive measures. In this blog, we’ll explore cardiovascular health from a functional medicine perspective, addressing risk factors, prevention strategies, and personalized approaches to maintaining a healthy heart.

Understanding Cardiovascular Health

The cardiovascular system, comprising the heart and blood vessels, is responsible for circulating blood throughout the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients, and removing waste products. Maintaining its health is essential for preventing heart disease, stroke, and other related conditions.

Common Cardiovascular Issues

1. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked. Symptoms may include chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

2. Hypertension (High...

Understanding Thyroid Health: A Functional Medicine Approach

The thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions through hormone production. For many middle-aged women, maintaining thyroid health becomes increasingly important as hormonal changes and other factors can affect its function. In this blog, we'll delve into the significance of thyroid health, common thyroid disorders, and how a functional medicine approach can help you achieve optimal wellness.

The Importance of Thyroid Health
The thyroid gland produces hormones that influence every cell, tissue, and organ in the body. These hormones regulate metabolism, energy levels, temperature, heart rate, and more. When the thyroid is not functioning properly, it can lead to a range of health issues that significantly impact quality of life.

Common Thyroid Disorders
1. **Hypothyroidism:** This condition occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough...

Welcome to our exciting blog series dedicated to helping women find the perfect Functional Medicine Physician. If you're seeking a healthcare approach that looks at the root cause of health issues and offers personalized treatment plans, you're in the right place. In this first post, we will dive into what Functional Medicine is and why it's a game-changer for women.

The Functional Medicine Approach:

Functional Medicine is a patient-centered approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of diseases. Unlike conventional medicine, which often treats symptoms, Functional Medicine treats the whole person, taking into account lifestyle, environment, and genetics.

Benefits Over Conventional Medicine:

• Holistic Care: Functional Medicine looks at the interconnectedness of the body's systems, providing comprehensive care.
• Personalized Treatment Plans: Treatments are tailored to the individual's unique needs and conditions.
• Preventative Approach: Emphasis on prevention...

Author: Jorell Ellazar

Like any other person during the quarantine, I have found ample time to sit on my couch and watch some Netflix. Of these shows, my favorite is Ugly Delicious with chef Dave Chang where he spends each episode delving into a particular dish and explores its cultural, and social impact on a national and international level. For example, in the episode Fried Rice, they discuss the humble nature of the said dish and uses this as a platform to discuss the complex nature of authentic Chinese cuisine as he also compares this against our Westernized knowledge of Chinese American food. But in each episode Dave Chang goes into the reason why the discussion of each titular dish is important. Of course, the research and exploration into all of these foodways and dishes are done with conversing with multiple people in different restaurants and different countries which is something not possible during the age of social distancing.

People who adhere to...

Working with a functional medicine professional can be exciting and rewarding. At the beginning of your journey, your doctor may start with a few simple tests to see what contributing factors are responsible for your current situation. Later on if you find that you have implemented lifestyle changes and you are not seeing the results your doctor expects, testing may be exactly just what the doctor orders!! Below are the four tests most frequently used by Dr. Jordan Leasure at her clinic in Illinois. If you’ve completed any of these please share your experiences below.

1. ORGANIC ACID TEST

This is one of Dr. Jordan’s favorite tests for a variety of reasons. It’s easy to complete - just pee in a cup at home! It gives a TON of information - Dr. Jordan calls it the “poop of the poop”. Essentially it measures metabolites - a fancy word for the end products of your metabolism - when you create energy and eliminate waste. It gives an overall look at your...