Ann Shippy MD

Ann Shippy MD Functional Medicine information and tips to improve your health She is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Certified in Functional Medicine.

Dr. Shippy practices functional medicine, a method that addresses the underlying causes of disease, not simply treating the symptoms. Her unique approach combines the art and science of healing to address the care of the whole person. She integrates conventional and complementary therapies to promote optimal health and to prevent and treat disease by addressing contributing factors. Dr. Shippy is dedicated to providing proactive and personalized medicine for her patients.

If you’re following a gluten- or dairy-free diet, chances are you’ve become an expert at reading labels. 🤓And you’ve lik...
08/19/2025

If you’re following a gluten- or dairy-free diet, chances are you’ve become an expert at reading labels. 🤓

And you’ve likely noticed ingredients like carrageenan, guar gum, or cellulose gum popping up again and again.

These “gums” are often added to make foods creamier or more appealing and they frequently show up in products marketed as “natural” or even “healthy.”

Things like almond and coconut milk, dairy-free ice-cream, and even almond flour tortillas.😬

They may start out from natural sources like seaweed, beans, or plant fibers, but by the time they’re processed and added to packaged foods, they’re a long way from truly “natural.” 😕

The problem is that they can be irritating to the gut. They’re hard to digest, can disrupt the microbiome, wear down the gut lining (cause leaky gut), and fuel inflammation.

Over time, this can show up as more than just digestive issues. Your gut health is also linked to fatigue, brain fog, mood changes, or immune imbalances.

Once you know where gums tend to hide, you can start making mindful swaps.

In the slides, I’ve shared common foods that contain gums, along with some healthier options. Often, the best solution is to do it yourself (check out my recipes- link in bio).

👉 Do you have any gum-free nut milks or other dairy free foods or recipes that you love?

Share them in the comments so we can all learn from each other.🥰

📖 And if you’d like to understand how gums could be impacting your health, read my latest blog: How Food Gums Contribute to Inflammation, Leaky Gut, and Microbiome Imbalance (link in bio).

Dr. Ann

Did you know your gut could be driving your histamine intolerance? 🤔A recent research study found that people with hista...
08/14/2025

Did you know your gut could be driving your histamine intolerance? 🤔

A recent research study found that people with histamine intolerance had more histamine-producing bacteria (like Staphylococcus and Proteus) and fewer beneficial, butyrate-producing bacteria (like Faecalibacterium prausnitzii).

This imbalance can:
➡️ Increase histamine in your gut
➡️ Trigger inflammation in your gut lining (making it “leakier”)

➡️ Reduce DAO activity (the enzyme that breaks down histamine)

➡️ Cause worsening symptoms, especially if you already have DAO deficiency

This means histamine intolerance isn’t just about what you eat, it’s often about the state of your microbiome.

While gut microbiome imbalance is a major player, there are many other potential root causes (see slides).👆

The first step is testing your gut (GI-MAP, Doctor’s Data) to see what’s really going on.

From there, you can:

✅ Repair your gut lining (see articles on my website for strategies)

✅ Reduce histamine-producing bacteria
✅ Support butyrate production
✅ Lower histamine load with diet
✅ Use DAO and butyrate supplements strategically

About butyrate supplements:
👉 Butyrate supplements can help restore gut lining integrity, calm inflammation, and support healthy microbiome balance, especially if testing shows low butyrate production.

People with SIBO, certain small intestine dysbiosis, or severe gut sensitivity may react poorly, since butyrate can sometimes feed bacteria in the wrong place. Always test first.‼️

When you uncover and address your unique root causes, you can stop chasing symptoms and start feeling better.

See slides for more details, and download my free Low Histamine Diet Guide (link in bio).

When you uncover and address your unique root causes, you can stop just treating symptoms and begin real healing.

Dr. Ann

Even if you’re eating a nutrient-dense diet, managing stress, and making healthy choices, it’s common to have nutrient g...
08/13/2025

Even if you’re eating a nutrient-dense diet, managing stress, and making healthy choices, it’s common to have nutrient gaps.

Factors like aging, environmental toxins, chronic stress, and even soil depletion can lower levels of key vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants your body needs to function at its best.

Over time, these deficiencies can affect your energy, immunity, mood, hormone balance, and your ability to maintain resilience and vitality.

By adding a few carefully chosen foundational supplements to your wellness routine, you can help fill those gaps, optimize function, and build long-term resilience.

Here are 8 supplements I often recommend.

➡️ Magnesium – Supports over 300 processes in your body, including heart, brain, mood, bone, and metabolic health.

➡️ Curcumin – A powerful antioxidant for joint health, brain function, mood, and a balanced microbial environment.

➡️ Phosphatidylcholine – Helps repair cells, supports detox enzymes, and benefits cardiovascular health.

➡️ CoQ10 – Boosts mitochondrial energy, supports heart and nervous system health, and promotes healthy aging.

➡️ Multivitamin – Lays a strong nutritional foundation and provides antioxidant protection.

➡️ Fish Oil – Supports heart, brain, skin, and inflammation balance (check with your doctor if you’re on blood thinners or certain medications).

➡️ Vitamin D – Essential for immunity, bone health, and calcium absorption (always check your blood levels before supplementing).

➡️ Probiotic – Helps maintain a healthy gut, supports immunity, and promotes regular digestion.

Everyone’s needs are different. The right form, dose, and quality matter. It’s best to work with a trusted practitioner to personalize your plan.

Which of these do you already include in your routine? Shop all in my link in bio.

Dr. Ann

Do you have gut issues?Bloating, acid reflux, constipation, or unpredictable digestion?A lot of people just deal with it...
08/08/2025

Do you have gut issues?

Bloating, acid reflux, constipation, or unpredictable digestion?

A lot of people just deal with it. Others go to a GI Specialist who often wants to run tests, and do scopes. Of course, this is a great way to rule things out, but scopes typically miss some of the most common causes of gi upset. Plus what if you could resolve your hit issues without all the invasive tests?

Persistent gut symptoms can also lead to chronic inflammation… and that can lead to bigger health issues like autoimmune conditions.

Read the slides to learn possible causes and how to test for them.

Once you know what you’re dealing with, you can start healing.

Dr. Ann

As we age, one supplement I consistently recommend is creatine monohydrate.⠀Most people think it’s just for bodybuilders...
08/02/2025

As we age, one supplement I consistently recommend is creatine monohydrate.
⠀
Most people think it’s just for bodybuilders or athletes, but creatine is so much more than a muscle supplement.

It supports brain health, energy, longevity, and healthy aging, making it one of the most researched and valuable nutrients we have.
⠀
Here’s why creatine monohydrate is a must: 👇
⠀
✅ Boosts energy by increasing ATP production

✅ Enhances strength and muscle mass, especially important for aging

✅ Improves recovery and physical performance

✅ Supports brain energy, focus, and memory

✅ Reduces mental fatigue and supports mood

✅ Improves insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism

✅ Helps maintain mobility and prevent sarcopenia

✅ Supports mitochondrial and cellular health

⠀
A great way to take it is to add it to a protein smoothie. It’s one of the simplest ways to help you stay strong, sharp, and energized.

Dr. Ann

# longevity

As men get older, their nutritional needs change, and the right supplements don’t just support health, they help protect...
07/28/2025

As men get older, their nutritional needs change, and the right supplements don’t just support health, they help protect it.

Some of the concerns many men have as they age is to maintain their energy, support heart health, preserve muscle, and stay sharp mentally. Targeted nutrients can make a real difference.

Another concern of many men as they age is their prostate health.

By age 60, over 50% of men experience prostate issues. And 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

This is why preventative care is key…supporting the body before problems start.

Nutrients like glucoraphanin, zinc, nitric oxide boosters, and antioxidants are especially powerful.

They help:
👉 Reduce inflammation
👉 Support healthy circulation
👉 Protect prostate cells
👉 Enhance detox pathways
👉 And promote long-term wellness

But this isn’t just about the prostate.
These supplements also support:

✅ Heart health
✅ Energy & stress resilience
✅ Muscle strength & recovery
✅ Cognitive clarity
✅ Digestive & immune health

See the slides ☝️for 15 supplements for men’s health - formulas especially supportive for men as they age.

Ready to start simply? Explore the Men’s Health Support Kit, featuring:

➡️ Neo40 (for nitric oxide & circulation)
➡️ Adrenal Support (with B vitamins & rhodiola for stress and energy)
➡️ Daily Probiotics (for gut, immune & metabolic health)

Another great option is SP Ultimate by Pure Encapsulations. It’s a comprehensive prostate formula; provides enhanced support for prostate function and prostate cellular health*

All supplements can be found in my shop, link in bio. The Glucoraphanin is in Every Life Well®️Onco Defense.

👇 Know someone who needs this information please share with them.

Dr. Ann

Just because you’re out of your normal routine doesn’t mean your health has to take a hit. Travel can be inspiring, or s...
07/24/2025

Just because you’re out of your normal routine doesn’t mean your health has to take a hit.

Travel can be inspiring, or sometimes completely exhausting, depending on how you support your body along the way. 🙃

You may be spending time in crowded places, like airplanes, museums, public transportation, and tourist sites, which can increase your exposure to environmental toxins, airborne pathogens, 🦠 and infectious microbes.

You may also end up staying in a moldy hotel or Airbnb, or an environmentally toxic (think high VOC) which can wreak havoc on your health. If you suspect mold, get out as soon as possible to protect your health❣️

Supporting your immune system and detox pathways during travel is key to staying well and resilient.🤗

See slides ☝️ for several tips to stay energized and healthy while you travel. And shop all supplements- link in bio.

Where are you headed this summer? What do you do to ensure you stay healthy while on vacation?

Share with me in the comments. 👇

Dr. Ann

The lymphatic system plays a vital role in protecting your body from infections and disease. It helps circulate lymph (a...
07/23/2025

The lymphatic system plays a vital role in protecting your body from infections and disease. It helps circulate lymph (a clear fluid rich in white blood cells) throughout the body, supporting immune defense, waste removal, and inflammation control.

The lymphatic system also works closely with the circulatory system delivering oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to your cells, while helping remove metabolic waste.

When it becomes sluggish or congested, it compromises the body’s ability to detox and maintain internal balance, leading to symptoms and, over time, disease.

Supporting lymph flow enhances the function of every major system in the body, including:

✅ Cardiovascular
✅ Immune
✅ Nervous
✅ Digestive
✅ Endocrine
…and more.

See slides above 👆 for 12 signs your lymphatic system might need support, and 10 simple ways to get it moving again.

Dr. Ann

#

If you’re new here, welcome 🩵For over 25 years, I’ve worked with patients who’ve been told “everything looks fine,” even...
07/19/2025

If you’re new here, welcome 🩵

For over 25 years, I’ve worked with patients who’ve been told “everything looks fine,” even when they know deep down that something’s not right. I’ve been there myself and I know how frustrating, confusing, and isolating that can feel.

That experience changed how I practice medicine. I take the kind of approach I wish I had received, one that looks at the whole person, asks deeper questions, and uses advanced testing to uncover what’s really going on beneath the surface.

If you’re dealing with gut issues, fatigue, autoimmunity, hormone imbalance, mold toxicity, histamine intolerance, fertility struggles or you just feel “off” know this: your symptoms are not in your head. And yes, you can get better.🥰

Healing is possible when we support the body with what it truly needs and begin to remove what’s interfering. Often, that starts with lifestyle: what we eat, how we sleep, the way we respond to stress, and the toxins we’re exposed to every day. These choices matter.

They shape our biology, influence gene expression (epigenetics), and impact how we feel every single day❣️

My goal is to share science backed information and resources, so you can feel informed, empowered, and more connected to your own healing path.💞

And if you’re thinking about having a baby, consider pre-ordering my new book, The Preconception Revolution - a science-backed roadmap for creating the healthiest foundation for your future family (link in bio).

And let me know what you’re interested in learning more about in the comments ⬇️

Dr. Ann

Even with a healthy, well-balanced diet, your body may still need extra support to truly thrive. The reality is that it’...
07/17/2025

Even with a healthy, well-balanced diet, your body may still need extra support to truly thrive.

The reality is that it’s hard to get therapeutic levels of certain nutrients from food alone.

This is especially true during times of stress, hormone shifts, or increased demand, which, let’s face it - can happen pretty often these days.

Specific supplements can help fill in nutritional gaps and support your overall health.

Swipe through to explore 10 foundational supplements I often recommend for women.

Supplements, of course, are just one of the many tools that can support optimal health. A few other reminders:

👉Get adequate sleep, drink plenty of filtered water, consider meditation, move your body, and do something that you enjoy daily. 🙂

And if you’re curious about your nutrient status, you can do certain functional medicine lab tests like the NutrEval, or the ION Profile, to get a personalized view of what your body needs most.

Although many of these supplements support women throughout different stages of life, some may not be right for you or appropriate during pregnancy.

Always check with your healthcare provider to be sure they’re the right fit for your individual needs.

And remember, it’s important to check your vitamin D levels regularly; both low and high levels can impact your health.

All of the supplements listed above 👆 can be found in my shop, link in bio.

Dr. Ann

A fascinating new study out of China compared water from a Longevity Region in southern Xinjiang to water from a Non-Lon...
07/14/2025

A fascinating new study out of China compared water from a Longevity Region in southern Xinjiang to water from a Non-Longevity Region (NLR) in the north, and the results are eye-opening.

Regional longevity refers to the phenomenon of significantly higher-than-average life expectancy or a notable concentration of elderly individuals and centenarians in specific geographic regions. These regions are often referred to as “Blue Zones”.

People living in these longevity regions had drinking water higher in beneficial minerals like lithium, potassium, molybdenum, manganese, and boron, and lower in toxic elements like arsenic and vanadium.

In fact, lithium levels were over 12x higher in the blue zone water.

The study also found significantly lower health risks in the blue zone, are water- fewer carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks, suggesting a strong link between water quality and longevity indicators like reduced inflammation and disease burden.

So what does this mean for you?

👉Filtered water is essential to remove contaminants like heavy metals (lead, arsenic), pesticides, PFAS, and industrial chemicals. Removing these is essential for reducing the body’s toxic burden.

👉 But pure water 💧 without minerals isn’t enough. Your body relies on trace minerals for everything from cellular energy to detoxification and brain health.

Here’s how to support your mineral intake:
Add a trace mineral supplement to filtered water

✅ Include electrolyte drops or Himalayan sea salt in your hydration routine

✅ Eat more mineral-rich whole foods like leafy greens, sea vegetables, nuts, and seeds

✅ Consider testing your mineral levels with your functional medicine provider

To learn more, read my blog, “Why Filter Your Water and Quality Water Tips”, link in bio.

And if you are interested in reading the study it was published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances, also in Science Direct.

Dr. Ann

Some people need to avoid high-histamine foods. Others need to avoid high-oxalate foods. And for many, avoiding both is ...
07/12/2025

Some people need to avoid high-histamine foods. Others need to avoid high-oxalate foods.

And for many, avoiding both is the key to feeling better, especially when navigating histamine intolerance, oxalate sensitivity, kidney stones, interstitial cystitis, gut issues like IBS or IBD, and certain autoimmune conditions.

If you’re experiencing symptoms like skin rashes, hives, headaches, joint pain, bloating, fatigue, brain fog, or bladder discomfort, these foods may be playing a bigger role than you think.

I know it can feel overwhelming to learn that certain healthy foods might be triggering symptoms. But gaining clarity around your food triggers can be one of the most powerful steps toward healing.🥰

Food isn’t the only piece of the puzzle, but it is foundational.

The right nutrition helps reduce inflammation, supports a healthy gut and immune system, and lightens the toxic burden your body is working to manage.

In addition to dietary changes, other healing strategies may include restoring gut health, identifying and removing environmental toxins, supporting detoxification pathways, balancing nutrient levels, managing stress, and addressing underlying infections or imbalances.

Each step works together to create an environment in your body where healing is possible.

The slides above 👆 include many of the foods that are typically well tolerated on a low histamine and low oxalate plan.

For a more complete list, you can download my free comprehensive food guide (link in bio).

And remember, working with a knowledgeable healthcare provider can help you personalize your plan and get the support you need. A high-quality multivitamin can also be helpful while your diet is more limited.💞

Dr. Ann

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6836 Bee Cave Road # 114
Austin, TX
78746

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