Ann Shippy MD

07/10/2024

Did you know melatonin is more than just for sleep?😴

This powerful hormone, naturally produced by our bodies, offers a host of benefits.

Not only is it a potent antioxidant that protects our cells from damage, but it also boosts fertility, reduces inflammation related to C0VID-19, and helps regulate blood sugar levels. 💪

In Functional Medicine, we prioritize natural remedies whenever possible.

Melatonin is a perfect example of how simple supplementation can be incredibly powerful and effective.

It reminds us that there may be alternative options that can lead to long-lasting results and overall wellness.

When taking for sleep it has been shown to help you fall asleep faster, increase total sleep time, and improve sleep efficiency.

To learn more, read my latest blog The Hidden Powers of Melatonin: More Than Just Sleep, link below.

Ann Shippy MD

https://annshippymd.com/the-hidden-powers-of-melatonin-more-than-just-sleepmelatonin-supplements-for-sleep-improve-your-sleep-quality/

07/07/2024

Did you know melatonin is more than just for sleep?😴

This powerful hormone, naturally produced by our bodies, offers a host of benefits.

Not only is it a potent antioxidant that protects our cells from damage, but it also boosts fertility, reduces inflammation related to C0VID-19, and helps regulate blood sugar levels. 💪

In Functional Medicine, we prioritize natural remedies whenever possible.

Melatonin is a perfect example of how simple supplementation can be incredibly powerful and effective.

It reminds us that there may be alternative options that can lead to long-lasting results and overall wellness.

When taking for sleep it has been shown to help you fall asleep faster, increase total sleep time, and improve sleep efficiency.

To learn more, read my latest blog The Hidden Powers of Melatonin: More Than Just Sleep.

Ann Shippy MD

https://annshippymd.com/the-hidden-powers-of-melatonin-more-than-just-sleepmelatonin-supplements-for-sleep-improve-your-sleep-quality/

Melatonin supplements offer more than just sleep support. They also act as antioxidants for immune support, enhance metabolism, and promote fertility.

06/10/2024

Did you know that everyday toxins in your environment could impact your health? 😳

Over the years I’ve observed a considerable increase in patients suffering from health issues linked to environmental toxins.😳

Unfortunately toxins are everywhere—our air, water, food, homes, and even skincare products are filled with harmful substances that can not only disrupt your body’s natural detox systems like the liver, kidneys, lymphatic system, skin, and gastrointestinal tract but lead to serious health conditions.

Here are some toxins to avoid to help lessen your toxin load:

➡️ Bisphenol A (BPA) —commonly found in plastics, food and beverage containers, thermal receipts

➡️ Phthalates - in plastics and cosmetics

➡️ Pesticides - (Glyphosate and Chlorpyrifos) non-organic produce

➡️ Heavy metals - like mercury (some fish) and lead - (paint, plates, glasses, bowls, silverware, diesel fuel)

➡️ VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) - in paints, air fresheners

➡️ PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls) - in older electrical equipment

➡️ Formaldehyde - in furniture, building materials

➡️ Air pollutants - from vehicles, industrial activities

➡️ Benzene - from forest fires, cigarette smoke, car exhaust

➡️ Particulate matter—dust in the air that is so small you can’t see it - from burning wood, to***co, gasoline, or diesel

➡️ Aluminum - can beverages, tin foil (avoid cooking with)

➡️ Cadmium— smoke, non-organic soy, fertilizers, paint, and even some chocolate☹️

❗️Read labels and do your research! 🧐

✅ The ewg.org is a great resource for clean non-toxic products.

✅ Check out the healthy living resources on my website (link in bio).

✅ If you’d like to learn more, download my free guide, “How to be Safe in a Toxic World”.

Stay informed, choose safer alternatives, and support your body’s natural detox pathways for better health.💪

Ann Shippy MD

05/23/2024

We all know exercise is great for our health, but recent research reveals its benefits are even more complex and far-reaching! 🏃‍♂️💪

A groundbreaking study on rats by scientists across the US has shown that physical activity triggers numerous cellular and molecular changes in all 19 organs studied, including the heart, brain, and lungs. 🧬🧠

These changes help the body regulate the immune system, respond to stress, and control pathways related to inflammatory liver disease, heart disease, and tissue injury. 🌟

The study provides valuable insights into various human health conditions. For instance, the researchers discovered why the liver becomes less fatty during exercise, paving the way for new treatments for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. 🚴‍♀️🏋️‍♂️

Whats your favorite form of exercise? Let me know in the comments 🤗

Ann Shippy MD

05/16/2024

Are you curious about why so many children have food allergies?

There are many contributing factors!

Here are several:

➡️ WHEAT HYBRIDIZATION! Today’s wheat is higher in gluten, which can lead to sensitivity and leaky gut—a condition that may trigger allergies as unwanted substances leak into the bloodstream.

➡️ GMOs! Crops like corn and soy that are genetically modified (GMO) disrupt nutrient content and gut health. Plus, the pesticides used on these crops can harm the gut lining, further increasing allergy risks.

➡️ LOW NUTRIENT DIET! Lack of essential nutrients can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to allergies. It can also cause immune dysregulation - leading to an overactive immune response to certain foods.

➡️ TOXINS! Our kids are facing more toxins - not just in the food, but in the air and environment than ever before, which can upset their immune systems and lead to allergies.

➡️ GUT IMBALANCES! The gut microbiome that babies inherit from their mothers plays a crucial role in immune responses. Gut imbalances are exasperated when kids are exposed to a poor diet like sugar and other inflammatory foods. This can lead to “leaky gut” triggering an immune response.☹️

➡️ TOO CLEAN?! Too much cleanliness might limit the immune system’s ability to develop properly, leading to more allergic reactions.🙃

Navigating food allergies can be tough, particularly when your child has multiple sensitivities.

This is something I’ve been helping families with for years❣️

In addition to supporting the immune system with a nutrient rich diet, balancing the microbiome, and eliminating toxins - one of the biggest struggles I hear from parents when dealing with children with food allergies is…

“WHAT ARE WE GOING TO EAT?!”

To help solve this challenge I created a wide collection of allergy friendly recipes on my website - gluten-free, dairy-free, nutritious and delicious 😋 see RECIPES on my website. 🥰

Ann Shippy MD

05/08/2024

Yes, if I were stranded on a desert island and could only take one supplement with me, I would 100 percent choose phosphatidylcholine (PC for short).❤️

PC is a powerhouse nutrient that's essential for almost every function in your body. It's not just important—it's crucial, making up about 50% of your cell membranes! 🧬

Yet, astonishingly, 60-70% of us are not getting enough of it. 😳

Ensuring you have adequate phosphatidylcholine is key to keeping your cells and your body healthy and functioning optimally.
Please take a look at the last slide for 8 benefits of PC.

If you want to dive deeper into why this nutrient is so vital, especially during pregnancy - check out my latest blog post: "Importance of Choline for Pregnancy – Choline Health Benefits." Tap the link in my bio to read more! 📚

I'm curious what your desert island supplement would be - let me know in the comments.

Ann Shippy MD

04/15/2024

Did you know that your gut affects your body’s reaction to histamine? 🤔

Histamine intolerance isn’t about producing too much histamine—it’s about not breaking it down effectively.

This happens mainly due to a shortfall in an enzyme called diamine oxidase (DAO), essential for degrading histamine absorbed from our gut or released in our body.

🍽️ Triggers: This intolerance often mimics allergic reactions, especially after eating histamine-rich foods like aged cheeses, cured meats, and fermented items.

Some symptoms of histamine intolerance include headaches, skin rashes, stomach pain, nausea, and sometimes even respiratory or heart symptoms.

🦠 Gut Microbiome’s Role:

Some gut bacteria naturally produce histamine. An overgrowth of these can lead to higher histamine levels, which might intensify intolerance symptoms.

Good news! Certain beneficial bacteria help break down histamine, enhancing the activity of enzymes like DAO. A diverse microbiome can keep histamine levels in check. 👏

A balanced microbiome supports a strong gut barrier, preventing too much histamine from entering the bloodstream. An imbalance, or dysbiosis, might lead to a “leaky gut,” increasing histamine absorption.😟

The microbiome also helps regulate our immune system, influencing inflammation and mast cell behavior (the cells that release histamine).

Managing your microbiome through probiotics, prebiotics, and a balanced, low inflammatory and low histamine diet are strategies to help mitigate histamine intolerance.

For more information on histamine, download my Low-Histamine guide (link below). If you are looking for DAO supplement try my histamine support tablets.

https://annshippymd.com/low-histamine-diet-download/

Ann Shippy MD

04/03/2024

You’re probably familiar with the health hazards of mercury and aluminum, but what about cadmium?

This toxic heavy metal is everywhere—in our environment and on our plates—and it doesn’t take much to start harming our health and fertility.😳

Cadmium exposure can cause kidney damage, cardiac disease, c@ncer, respiratory problems, neurological disorders including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s and reproductive problems - to name a few! 😟

Here’s what we can all do to protect ourselves:

🥕Choose organic produce to reduce cadmium uptake from soil and water.

🚭 Quit smoking and steer clear of secondhand smoke—both major sources of cadmium.

💧 Test your water regularly and use filters to keep it clean.

🍳 Swap out cookware that could leach cadmium, opting for stainless steel or glass.

🥦 Follow a nutrient-dense diet to fight off toxins.

👩‍⚕️ Talk to your doctor about cadmium testing to know your levels.

While the EU has set strict limits on cadmium in food to protect everyone, especially kids and pregnant women, the US is lagging behind with no regulations for cadmium in food. 😩

🛡️ Be your own health advocate: Stay informed and choose wisely to protect yourself and your loved ones from cadmium exposure.

See slides for foods and other cadmium sources to avoid. 💪

Ann Shippy MD

04/02/2024

Could the key to a longer, healthier life be found in your microbiome? 🤔

Research shows that an imbalance of microorganisms correlates with changes in immunity, metabolism, and chronic age-related conditions. 😳

On the other hand, a more diverse microbiome is associated with slower aging and is fundamental to strong and resilient health. 👍

The microbiome, a complex ecosystem within us, influences everything from digestion and immunity to brain function.

And yes, our lifestyle, diet, and environment all play critical roles in shaping our microbiome, affecting our overall well-being and longevity.💪

What influences the microbiome?

➡️ Toxins
➡️ Stress
➡️ Exposure to mother’s bacteria in womb/birth canal
➡️ Exposure to plants/animals/soil
➡️ Diet
➡️ Antibiotics
➡️ Age - microbiome health declines as we age.

If you’d like to learn some practical steps on how to nurture your microbiome, prevent disease, and slow aging, read my latest blog…link below.

“Does the Microbiome Hold the Key to Longevity and Anti-aging? Understanding Inflammaging”.

If you are curious about your gut health - test it! See DIY GI MAPS on my website.

To shop for brain, aging and gut support supplements head over to my shop.

Ann Shippy MD

https://annshippymd.com/does-the-microbiome-hold-the-key-to-longevity-and-anti-aging-understanding-inflammaging/

-healthy

03/22/2024

Have you been feeling off even after cutting out gluten?

It might not be just about the wheat. 🤔

Glyphosate, the herbicide found in Roundup, is sprayed on crops like wheat, oats, and soy right before harvest to speed up drying.

This means it’s not just in gluten-containing foods but also in many that are labeled gluten-free!

Research suggests the widespread use of this herbicide could be disturbing our gut health, mimicking gluten sensitivity symptoms, and may even play a role in the rise of celiac disease.

Glyphosate is known to mess with beneficial gut bacteria essential for wheat protein digestion.

This disruption causes undigested proteins to harm the gut and contribute to leaky gut syndrome - which means these proteins get into the bloodstream and may provoke an immune reaction, leading to antibodies that attack the body’s tissues, a process called molecular mimicry. 😩

This can result in chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases due to the body’s confused immune response - including Celiac disease.

For those of you who are avoiding gluten, this may be frustrating news.

The bright side? Information is power. 💪

Be conscious of avoiding these foods and foods made with crops that are sprayed with glyphosate especially the ones sprayed right before harvest:

➡️ Wheat
➡️ Chickpeas (hummus)
➡️ Lentils
➡️ Oats
➡️ Sugar cane /Sugar beets
➡️ Barley
➡️ Sunflower seeds
➡️ Soy
➡️ Corn (canola oil)

Did you know Mexico has pledged the gradual phasing out of the use of glyphosate, with a total ban by March 31, 2024.

Why isn’t glyphosate banned in the US, as it is in other countries? Great question❗️

Until changes are made, the best course of action to take is to eat organic as much as possible. And eliminate the foods listed above.👆

Ann Shippy MD

03/19/2024

Thanks to the groundbreaking field of epigenetics, we’re learning that our lifestyle choices can modify the way our genes operate.

This means that the food we consume, our stress management techniques, our physical activities, and even our social interactions don’t just affect us—they influence the well-being of our descendants too.👍

Considering starting a family soon? This insight is especially crucial. 🤰💕

Understanding this interconnectedness, it becomes clear that health is not merely the absence of disease today; it’s about making choices that ensure the vitality of generations to come.❤️

Functional medicine takes a deep dive into healthcare, zeroing in on the underlying causes of symptoms, right down to the genes that might be at play.

But rather than reaching for medication as the first line of defense, this approach emphasizes natural strategies to tackle these root issues. 🌿

It revolves around lifestyle changes capable of influencing our genetic expression—essentially, switching off or dialing down genes that could be causing trouble.

This empowering strategy opens the door to achieving optimal health and lays the groundwork for a lasting legacy of wellness.💪

For my favorite healthy lifestyle resources head over to my website. 🥰

Ann Shippy MD

03/18/2024

In 2015, Kellogg’s promised to phase out Red Dye 40 from Froot Loops.

Fast forward a decade, and it’s concerning to see that the promise hasn’t been fulfilled in the U.S., where the cereal still features this artificial dye.

Contrastingly, in Canada and the UK, Froot Loops shine with colors from natural sources like carrots, watermelon, blueberries, blackcurrant, spinach, and nettle. 🫐🥕

The stark difference raises questions about food standards and safety.

Why the worry?

Red Dye 40 is linked to DNA damage, inflammation in the colon, and potential for serious health issues, including colorectal cancer.

BHT, another additive, poses risks as an endocrine disruptor and toxic effects on organs. 😑

Alarmingly, Red Dye 40 finds its way into skincare and makeup, penetrating our bodies beyond what we eat. 🚫💄

This revelation is a call to action: scrutinize labels, demand transparency, and prioritize natural, wholesome foods for ourselves and our young ones.

Kellogg’s isn’t alone in facing this challenge. General Mills also pledged natural colors in 2017 but has yet to fully deliver. 😣

This goes beyond just steering clear of artificial colors.

It’s about consciously selecting natural, minimally processed foods that feed both our bodies and those of our children with the nutrients they need.

When we speak of “eating the rainbow,” we should be reaching for the vibrant hues provided by nature, not the artificial spectrum created in a lab.

True health doesn’t come from shortcuts or artificial sweeteners; real, lasting wellness is found in nature’s bounty, not at the end of a synthetic rainbow.🌈

Ann Shippy MD

🌈

03/03/2024

What “medicine” will you take today?

And by “medicine”, I mean what self-care activity do you have planned for your well-being?

With our busy daily routines, it’s important to carve out moments for practices that nourish not just the body, but your mind and soul as well.🥰

Maybe you’re planning on doing more than one today…

Whatever “healing” activity(ies) you do, take note of how you feel afterward. ❤️

Share with me in the comments.

Wishing you a day filled with health and happiness!💗

Ann Shippy MD

03/02/2024

Did you know that managing your blood sugar is not only vital for your health but also for the health and well-being of your future children? 👩‍🍼

Studies reveal that high blood sugar levels can impact fertility in both men and women, leading to conditions like PCOS and affecting s***m health.🧐

High blood sugar during pregnancy can lead to complications and even affect your baby’s genetic health through something called epigenetic inheritance.

This means the lifestyle choices you make today could influence the health of your children and even their susceptibility to certain conditions.😳

The good news is that if you do there are steps you can take to manage it.❤️

By adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a diet rich in whole foods, regular physical activity, stress management, and monitoring your blood sugar levels, you can improve your fertility and pave the way for a healthy pregnancy and a healthier next generation.

Consider using a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) to tailor your diet and exercise plan to your unique needs, and explore supportive supplements for optimal glucose metabolism.

By looking at how blood sugar impacts fertility we are highlighting the critical role of comprehensive health care in achieving successful conception.

Though personal outcomes may differ, the core advice remains consistent: keeping blood sugar levels in check lays down a healthier groundwork for both fertility and pregnancy.🥰

If you are thinking about starting a family or just want to learn more, read my new blog…Blood Sugar, and Fertility: Understanding High Glucose’s Impact on Conception - link below.

Ann Shippy MD

https://annshippymd.com/blood-sugar-and-fertility-understanding-high-glucoses-impact-on-conception/

02/25/2024

Feeling tired, anxious, or just not yourself lately?

Toxins and waste buildup in your cells could be to blame. In our everyday lives, we’re exposed to hundreds of synthetic chemicals.

These toxins can accumulate in our cells and organs, impairing cell function and leading to a host of symptoms, including:

➡️ Anxiety
➡️ Depression
➡️ Blood pressure irregularities
➡️ Cardiovascular issues
➡️ Digestive issues
➡️ Weight fluctuations
➡️ Immune and stress resilience decrease
➡️ Cognitive decline
➡️ Respiratory problems
➡️ Fatigue
➡️ Headaches
➡️ Reproductive health problems
➡️ Auto-Immune conditions
➡️ Skin conditions
➡️And more

Conventional medicine often addresses these symptoms with medications like antidepressants or painkillers without identifying the underlying cause.

In contrast, Functional Medicine seeks to uncover and address the root cause of these issues, including cellular detoxification.

For insights on detoxifying at a cellular level, understanding the effects of toxin buildup in cells, and strategies for managing it, visit my the link in my bio to read several blogs on this topic, and to download my free guide, How to Be Safe in A Toxic World.

Ann Shippy MD

02/22/2024

I often discuss the many benefits of meditation - from easing stress, enhancing immunity, boosting brain function, and uplifting mood.

But did you know that meditation offers another incredible benefit - it could be your tool for aging well.

Why? Research points to meditation’s potential to lengthen telomeres. 🧬

These are the protective end caps of our chromosomes that naturally shorten as we age, a process linked to aging and related diseases.

By preserving and extending these telomeres, meditation emerges as a formidable tool against the inevitable march of time, helping to reduce the risks of age-related health issues😊

Imagine dedicating time each day to meditate, not only nurturing peace within your mind but also fostering longevity and vitality. 🧘

If you are interested in tips and tools for meditation, read my latest blog post “Healing Through Epigenetic Changes: The Transformative Power of Meditation”- see link below.

One of my favorite tools for beginners is the Muse headband device - I started with it years ago and highly recommend it.

But you don’t need to spend a lot money to start meditating - there are many free guided meditations available online.🥰

Ann Shippy MD

https://annshippymd.com/healing-through-epigenetic-changes-the-transformative-power-of-meditation/

02/19/2024

A recent study found that an overwhelming 80% of Americans have been exposed to Chlormequat.

This chemical is primarily used on wheat, oats, and barley, and is designed to make harvesting easier but comes with a cost to our health. 😬

The EPA prohibits its use in the U.S., but since 2018 has allowed imported food crops treated with Chlormequat - leading to widespread exposure through foods like cereals, oatmeal, and snack bars. 😳

Researchers analyzed urine samples from participants across three geographical regions from 2017 to 2023, assessing the levels of chlormequat - and found that concentration levels have increased over the years.

What’s more concerning are the animal studies linking Chlormequat to serious health issues, including decreased fertility and delayed development.😩

And now, with the EPA considering the domestic use of Chlormequat, the Center for Food Safety is sounding the alarm on a potential 28,000-fold increase in its application.

According to a report by the EWG on the study, the chemical has found its way into 92 percent of conventional oat-based products bought in May 2023. Organic oat-based products had a lower detection rate of 12.5%.

You may have read only a small amount was detected — however it’s the cumulative effect.

How can you protect yourself and support your body’s detoxification? A few tips:

✅ Read labels and go paleo to avoid grains and processed foods.

✅ Fill your plate with organic cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, rich in detoxifying sulforaphane. 🥦

✅ Keep active, exercise, and sweat regularly.🏃‍♀️

✅ Consult with your healthcare professional about detox supplements, such as glutathione and NAC, to enhance your body’s detox process.

This is a great time to reassess your dietary choices and prioritize your health. For more information on the paleo diet, detoxifying, and product recommendations, head over to my website.

Ann Shippy MD

02/06/2024

Did you know that magnesium is a key player in more than 300 biochemical reactions within your body?

It supports everything from muscle and nerve health to strengthening bones, regulating sleep, and beyond.

It’s a supplement I frequently suggest for two main reasons: first, many of us are running low on magnesium, and second, our diets alone often don’t provide sufficient amounts of this essential mineral.

To accurately assess magnesium levels, I prefer an RBC blood test over a serum test. It gives a clearer picture of what’s happening inside your cells.

6 different forms and what they are typically used for.

➡️ Magnesium Citrate: Highly bioavailable and great for improving digestion, easing muscle cramps, and treating constipation.

➡️ Magnesium Oxide: Less bioavailable than other forms. Supports easing indigestion, and constipation relief.

➡️ Magnesium Glycinate: Magnesium combined with glycine - a precursor to GABA. This specific combination has high bioavailability, meaning the body can absorb and utilize it more effectively compared to other forms of magnesium. Helps improve sleep quality, calm anxiety, and create a sense of calm.

➡️ Magnesium Malate: This form is magnesium combined with malic acid, which is naturally found in fruits. Energy-boosting, gentle on the digestive system, and can help with muscle pain and function.

➡️ Magnesium Taurate: Combined with taurine. It’s believed to help lower blood pressure and supports overall heart health.

➡️ Magnesium L-Threonate: Unique for its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, offering cognitive benefits, improving memory, and potentially aiding in the management of anxiety and age-related cognitive decline.

Two of my favorites are Magnesium Glycinate and Memory Mag (magnesium L-threonate).

Discuss with your healthcare professional to determine which form is best for you. See my shop to learn more about magnesium.

Ann Shippy MD❤️

02/04/2024

Have you ever wondered if the key to overcoming chronic illnesses lies within your gut?

I had the privilege of diving deep into this topic with Dr. Steven Gundry, a renowned medical expert with decades of experience.

Our enlightening discussion revealed how the gut microbiome plays a pivotal role in combating conditions like leaky gut and autoimmune diseases.

A few highlights of our conversation:

➡️ How our diet influences our health

➡️ The science behind how certain bacteria can neutralize harmful substances like gluten and oxalates

➡️ The significant impact of leaky gut and gluten on our well-being

Highlighting the critical findings from his research, Dr. Gundry discussed the widespread presence of gluten antibodies in patients and the transformative power of restoring gut health.

We also touched upon the Human Microbiome Project’s link to autism spectrum disorder and the crucial role of nutrition during fetal development.

In a world where the herbicide Roundup poses threats to our gut and overall health, Dr. Gundry emphasizes the need for informed consumer choices to protect our food supply.

We close out our conversation on an optimistic note - where Dr. Gundry gave us a sneak peek into his upcoming book, ‘Gut’, and shared how his company, GundryMD, is at the forefront of uncovering the root causes of leaky gut and more.

To watch the full episode click the link below.

Ann Shippy MD

https://youtu.be/sFx8vDNtFkM?si=NwBvV7Naz-Bgaz1p