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.

10/09/2025

I recently joined Abel James on his podcast to talk about how the choices we make today shape not only our own health but the health of future generations.

We explored the science of preconception health and epigenetics, how nutrition, toxin exposures, sleep, and stress before conception influence fertility and a child’s lifelong well-being.

I also shared my personal story of overcoming severe toxic mold illness in myself and my family, and how that experience continues to guide my work helping patients heal from environmental toxicity and chronic illness.

This conversation highlights why true health begins long before pregnancy, and how supporting your mitochondria, detox pathways, and gut can profoundly impact your fertility, longevity, and future child’s health.

If you are interested in optimizing your health, your fertility, or the health of your family for generations to come, you should consider listening to this powerful conversation.

Comment “Abel” and I’ll send you the link to listen to the full podcast.

Dr. Ann

If you’re feeling tired, foggy, or inflamed…your mitochondria might be the missing link.These tiny powerhouses inside yo...
10/08/2025

If you’re feeling tired, foggy, or inflamed…your mitochondria might be the missing link.

These tiny powerhouses inside your cells create over 90% of your body’s energy (ATP), fueling your brain, heart, metabolism, immune defenses, and hormones.

👉When your mitochondria are healthy, you feel strong, focused, and resilient.

👉 But when they become stressed or damaged (a state known as mitochondrial dysfunction) energy production drops, inflammation rises, and the aging process accelerates.

This dysfunction is now recognized as a root cause behind nearly every chronic condition.😳

Even if you eat clean and exercise, modern-day stressors like toxins, nutrient deficiencies, poor sleep, and chronic inflammation can still drain your cellular energy system.

Over time, these factors disrupt how your cells generate and use energy.😬

👉 See slides for 12 common root causes of mitochondrial dysfunction, and start identifying what might be depleting yours.

The encouraging part is that mitochondria are highly responsive.

👏When you reduce stressors and replenish key nutrients, they can repair and grow stronger, restoring the energy your body depends on, and helping you to be more resilient!

Here are a few tips to support mitochondrial health:

☀️ Get morning sunlight to reset your circadian rhythm and boost cellular energy

🥬 Eat nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods and minimize sugar

💧 Stay hydrated - water supports detoxification and energy transfer

🧘‍♀️ Manage stress and prioritize restorative sleep

🏃‍♂️ Move daily - even light activity improves oxygen delivery and mitochondrial growth

🌿 Limit toxin exposure and screen-time overload
Your mitochondria power every heartbeat, thought, and breath. Caring for them supports every system in your body.

👉Consider a few key mitochondrial support supplements like CoQ10, Phosphatidylcholine, NAD and Antioxidants.

💬 Comment “Mito” and I’ll send you the link to my Mitochondrial Kit, supplements to help protect and recharge your cellular energy.💪

Dr. Ann

By the time men reach 60, more than half will experience changes in prostate function, and 1 in 8 will be diagnosed with...
10/06/2025

By the time men reach 60, more than half will experience changes in prostate function, and 1 in 8 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

Those numbers may sound alarming, but there is so much they can do to help lower their risk and protect their prostate. 💪👏

I recently met a patient in his late fifties who was active, healthy, and doing “everything right.” He had never worried about his prostate until a routine PSA test came back high. It was a scary moment for him, but I reminded him of what I share with all my patients…when you understand the risk factors and begin to make intentional changes, you truly can shift the trajectory of your health.

There was so much information to share on this topic that I created a two-part blog series:

👉 Part 1: Preventive Prostate Health
Learn how everyday habits…what you eat, how you move, and the toxins you’re exposed to—can impact inflammation, hormones, and long-term prostate wellness.

👉 Part 2: Evidence-Based Supplements for Prostate Health

Discover which nutrients and botanicals (like zinc, selenium, saw palmetto, lycopene, and green tea extract) support prostate function, reduce inflammation, and lower cancer risk.

Proactive care makes a real difference for prostate health, and truly, that’s the case for most areas of your health.🥰

💬Comment “Prostate” below, and I’ll send you the links to both articles.

Share this with the men in your life. This information can make a real difference.👍

Dr. Ann

10/06/2025

Follow me for nutrition and healthy living tips. Gut health, mold toxicity, autoimmune conditions, healthy aging and more. Get to the root cause with functional medicine.

Dr. Ann


10/06/2025

To learn more about nutrition and detox strategies to help boost fertility - follow


Dr. Ann

10/06/2025

For more information on mold, toxicity and healing follow me at

Vitamin D is one of the most essential nutrients for lifelong health. It helps strengthen bones, supports immunity, bala...
10/04/2025

Vitamin D is one of the most essential nutrients for lifelong health. It helps strengthen bones, supports immunity, balances hormones, lifts mood, and even plays a role in c@ncer prevention.

But did you know your vitamin D can look “normal” on labs but still be inactive in your body? 🤔

This means your cells aren’t actually able to use it, leaving you vulnerable to infections, as well as the common symptoms associated with low vitamin D - even when your test results seem fine.

Signs your vitamin D may not be fully active:

👉 Frequent colds or infections
👉 Bone or muscle pain, weakness, or slow healing
👉 Fatigue, low mood, or brain fog
👉Hormone imbalances (thyroid, cycles, testosterone)
(See slides for more) 👆

Functional medicine red flags:
👉 Elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH).
👉 Low magnesium (needed to activate vitamin D)
👉 Liver or kidney issues (where activation happens)
👉 Chronic inflammation, toxin load, or leaky gut
(See slide for complete list)

So, if you are taking vitamin D3, your serum levels are normal, but you have symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency , one of the reasons could be that your vitamin D is inactive.

A standard vitamin D test only tells you how much is stored, not if it’s being used. If you suspect your vitamin D is “inactive,” deeper testing and looking at root causes is key.

Supporting cofactors like magnesium, boron, cholesterol, gut health, and liver/kidney health can make the difference between vitamin D sitting idle and vitamin D protecting your immunity, mood, bones, and hormones.

Looking deeper matters.

And if you suspect issues with your gut, thyroid, or toxin exposure, advanced functional medicine testing can uncover what’s holding your vitamin D back.

Want to explore deeper lab testing? Comment “Labs” and I’ll send you a link to my DIY functional medicine labs. You can check your nutrient status, full thyroid panel, gut microbiome, and more.

Dr. Ann

More and more people are realizing that if you want to feel good and age well, you have to start by looking inside your ...
09/30/2025

More and more people are realizing that if you want to feel good and age well, you have to start by looking inside your cells.

Patients often ask:

“How can I get my energy back?”
“How do I clear this brain fog?”
“How do I protect my health as I get older?”

Whether someone is facing mold exposure, chemical sensitivities, autoimmune issues, cognitive changes, or fertility challenges, or they simply want to stay healthy as they age, our conversation almost always includes mitochondrial function.

Think of mitochondria as the tiny engines in every cell. When they’re running smoothly, you feel energized and resilient.

When they struggle, you feel it everywhere: fatigue, brain fog, slower metabolism, and more.

Supporting your mitochondria is about giving your body the foundation to heal, thrive, and age well.

In my latest blog, I break down:

👉 Each part of the mitochondria and how it works

👉 How toxins, stress, and other factors can damage the way they function

👉 You’ll also discover why these cellular powerhouses are so crucial for your health and longevity, and learn practical steps you can take today keep them strong and resilient.

💬 Comment “Blog” below and I’ll send you the link. ❤️

Dr. Ann

Building muscle isn’t just about looking fit, although that is a great side effect. 💪It’s one of the most powerful ways ...
09/27/2025

Building muscle isn’t just about looking fit, although that is a great side effect. 💪

It’s one of the most powerful ways to protect your long-term health.🥰

When you lift weights or add regular strength training to your workout routine, you do several things for your body:

👉You raise your resting metabolism
👉 Keep blood sugar steady
👉 Strong muscles protect your bones by stimulating bone growth
👉 You give joints the support they need to stay stable and injury-free.

👉 Your heart benefits too, muscle activity improves circulation and supports healthy blood pressure❤️

👉 Muscle tissue also releases natural compounds called myokines that calm chronic inflammation and strengthen the immune system.

This ripple effect lowers the risk of chronic disease and helps you recover faster when you do get sick. 🥰

👉 Building muscle even affects your brain: strength training will help boost your mood, sharpen your memory, and support healthy aging.

And because weight training stimulates your mitochondria, you’ll notice steadier energy day to day.

One of the supplements I recommend to help build and preserve lean muscle is creatine monohydrate.

Studies show creatine:

✅ Supports healthy aging and cognitive function

✅ Fuels the brain with steady energy (ATP) for clearer thinking and focus, even after a poor night’s sleep

✅ Raises BDNF, the “growth factor” that protects memory and learning as you age
May help slow cognitive decline

✅ It’s even linked to improved mood 😀

Including strength training is one of the most evidence-based steps you can take to stay energized and mentally sharp, which are key to staying strong and independent.

Aim for two to three strength sessions each week.

Comment “strong” and I’ll share the link to the creatine I recommend.

As with any supplement, check with your healthcare professional before starting, especially if you have a medical condition or if you take prescription medications.

Creatine is well studied and generally considered safe for healthy adults when used as directed, but professional guidance ensures it’s right for you.

Dr. Ann

Mitochondria control how calcium moves inside your cells, a process that influences your bones, heart, and energy levels...
09/25/2025

Mitochondria control how calcium moves inside your cells, a process that influences your bones, heart, and energy levels every single day.

Here’s how:

🦴Bone strength: Mitochondria help coordinate the calcium signals that guide bone-building cells, supporting the continuous remodeling that keeps your skeleton strong throughout life.

❤️ Cardiovascular health: Every heartbeat depends on precise calcium coordination. Mitochondria help heart muscle cells receive the right calcium signals and supply the ATP needed for powerful, rhythmic contractions.

⚡️Sustained energy: When calcium signaling works optimally, cells communicate efficiently, supporting steady energy production and mental clarity throughout the day.

When mitochondria can’t manage calcium well, because of toxins, chronic stress, or nutrient deficiencies, cells become more vulnerable to fatigue, inflammation, and chronic disease, including heart disease and osteoporosis.

This is one more reason to embrace daily habits that protect mitochondrial health: nutrient-dense, antioxidant-rich meals, supportive supplements like CoQ10, Phosphatidylcholine, antioxidants and others, (see slides) plus regular movement, quality sleep, and toxin reduction.

Your body has remarkable healing capabilities when given the right support. 🥰

💡 Comment “Kit” and I’ll send you the link to my Mitochondrial Kit, designed to provide broad, synergistic support for mitochondrial health.

Dr. Ann

Your nervous system is your body’s communication network, helping you move, think, feel, and keep every organ working.It...
09/22/2025

Your nervous system is your body’s communication network, helping you move, think, feel, and keep every organ working.

It has two main parts that help you stay in balance…the “fight or flight” mode (sympathetic) and the “rest and digest” mode (parasympathetic).

In a healthy rhythm, you can gear up for stress and then settle back into calm.

But when you stay stuck in fight or flight, racing thoughts, poor sleep, constant tension, stress hormones like cortisol stay high.

Over time, this can lead to chronic inflammation, low energy, mood changes, gut issues, and weakened immunity.😞

The good news? You can bring it back into balance. Simple lifestyle shifts can make a big difference:

• Take mini breaks during the day
• Get regular exercise even if it’s just a walk in your neighborhood
• Practice meditation or breathwork
• Spend time in nature and with loved ones
• Enjoy activities you love…reading, creating, listening to music, or spiritual practices

Supplements can help too.

Some of my favorites include:
l
✅ Adrenal Support (B vitamins + adaptogens),

✅ Stress Managers (L-theanine), and

✅ Glycine (for deeper sleep and calm)

See the slides above 👆 for a more complete list. All are in my shop (link in bio).

A balanced nervous system is about having the flexibility to meet life’s challenges and return to a state of calm. ☺️

If you are feeling stuck or overwhelmed from stress, please speak with your health care professional.

Dr. Ann

“My labs are normal, but I don’t feel normal.”I hear this all the time from new patients: they’ve seen several doctors, ...
09/18/2025

“My labs are normal, but I don’t feel normal.”

I hear this all the time from new patients:
they’ve seen several doctors, had multiple tests, and every lab result comes back “normal,” yet they still feel tired, bloated, anxious, or just not themselves. It call be frustrating and isolating.

Here’s what I wish more people understood: conventional labs are designed to catch disease that’s already developed. “Normal” ranges are based on population averages—not what’s truly optimal for your unique biochemistry.

By the time a result is marked “abnormal,” you may have been struggling for a while.

This is where functional medicine testing comes in. These are tests most traditional doctors don’t routinely order, not because they don’t care, but because they weren’t trained in them during medical school.

Functional labs can reveal imbalances before symptoms progress into full-blown disease.

This approach is both diagnostic and preventive. By finding imbalances early, we can address them before they become bigger problems.

Comment “labs” and I’ll share my DIY labs page so you can explore these tests yourself.
And if you want to learn more about functional medicine testing read my latest blog: “My labs are normal, but I don’t feel normal.” (link in bio).

Dr. Ann

Address

6836 Bee Cave Road # 114
Austin, TX
78746

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+15127329975

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Ann Shippy MD posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Ann Shippy MD:

Shortcuts

Featured

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram

Category