Optimal Health & Wellness

04/15/2026

8 HIDDEN TOXINS DISRUPTING YOUR HORMONES (Every. Single. Day.)

You might be eating “healthy”…
But these hidden exposures could STILL be driving inflammation, fatigue, and hormone imbalance 👇

1️⃣ MICROWAVING PLASTIC
Heat = chemical leaching straight into your food
👉 Swap to glass (get rid of microwave too)

2️⃣ “FRAGRANCE” IN PRODUCTS
Perfume, lotion, detergent = phthalates
👉 If it says “fragrance”… it’s a red flag

3️⃣ RECEIPTS 🧾
Thermal paper = BPA Quick absorption through skin
👉 Limit handling + wash hands

4️⃣ PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES
Especially when hot or reused
👉 Switch to stainless or glass

5️⃣ CANNED FOODS
Most lined with BPA
👉 Choose fresh, frozen, or BPA-free

6️⃣ TAKEOUT CONTAINERS
Hot + greasy food pulls toxins from plastic
👉 Transfer to real plates ASAP

7️⃣ AIR FRESHENERS & SCENTED CANDLES
You’re literally breathing in hormone disruptors
👉 Open windows or use clean alternatives

8️⃣ VINYL PRODUCTS (Shower curtains, flooring, toys)
Loaded with phthalates
👉 Choose non-toxic materials when possible

✨ GOOD NEWS:
Your body CAN detox… when you stop the daily exposure.

Small swaps = massive hormone impact.

Supplemental Support:

Paleo Diet( supports detox pathways)
NAC
Magnesium
Glutathione Liposomal or IV
Infared Sauna twice weekly if possible
Sweating from exercise
Filtered Water 💦

04/15/2026

So, I actually have a crystal ball 🔮 in my office. It doesn't work. 😢 I can't use it to tell your future and what may happen if things remain unchanged. I got it on Amazon. You get what you pay for 😂.

What does assist me in predicting the future is your lab results, vital signs, body composition, existing conditions. This is a risk assessment. This information tells me the trajectory you are on, and what conditions may develop if things don't improve or change. We use this information to offer guidance on changes to make to alter this course.

Unlike a crystal ball, this information is validated. I can't tell you a date and time, but I can predict it will likely happen unless you make changes that alter the path. No magic. No witchcraft. No voodoo. Just good ole fashioned data analysis, knowledge of statistical probabilities, and 30 years of clinical practice.

04/15/2026

These are all the same condition manifesting in different organs.

Insulin resistance is the primary imbalance.

There are many root causes of insulin resistance that can be addressed.

These are not a medication deficiency. They are a lifestyle imbalance. Address the problem, don't just medicate the lab.

04/13/2026

What a beautiful day for an outdoor appointment.

04/12/2026

Time is running out for the early bird registration. This expires on April 15.

Tickets: $25 per attendee.
Swag bags filled with goodies.
Two free raffle tickets for a chance to win some awesome prizes.

The price goes up on April 16. Take advantage of the discounted price. Don't miss that awesome event in downtown Morganton.

Listen to some great lectures by respected local providers.

Connect with healthy, holistic-minded vendors and learn about their offerings, services, or products.

Immerse yourself for a day in a world of health and wellness.

Go to our website for the link to purchase and reserve your place. Limited seating is available. Don't miss out.

04/12/2026

Could you imagine if a local newspaper 📰 ever reached out to us to provide a health column. 🤔

04/12/2026

Nutrition Corner: Macadamia Nuts

These are a very healthy option and fit nicely into a lower carb lifestyle.

21–23 grams of fat (mostly monounsaturated)

2–2.5 grams of protein

4 grams of carbohydrates (with 2–3 grams of fiber)

1 gram of sugar

They are low in carbs and naturally cholesterol-free, making them suitable for various diets, including low-carb or ketogenic approaches.

Key nutrients include high levels of manganese (over 50% of the Daily Value), thiamine (vitamin B1), copper, magnesium, and antioxidants like flavonoids and tocotrienols (a form of vitamin E).

Overall, scientific evidence—primarily from small-to-moderate human trials and reviews—supports macadamia nuts as a heart-friendly, nutrient-packed addition to most diets, with benefits driven largely by their unique fat profile and antioxidants.

04/12/2026

Closed out my trip to Florida with a stop at a Brazilian steakhouse for lunch. Well fed for my flight.

04/12/2026

04/12/2026

I'm a fan of vegetables, it's just certain vegetables. Usually topping my steak, pork chops, chicken or fish.

I love herbs like cilantro, basil, and parsley. I'm also a huge fan of cucumber, onion, garlic, and bell peppers. These are the ones I have found do well for me, my gut and my body.

When you learn to listen to your body and how it responds to different foods it can make a world of difference in how you feel and function. This often requires elimination with a reintroduction.

04/12/2026

Finally had the opportunity to meet Dr. Pedre live.

I have been following him for the last few years. He is an iconic functional gastroenterologist and has a new book out that is a must read. The line for his book signing extended around the block.

We first "met" a few years ago on a Livestream podcast panel we participated in. His Instagram content is awesome.

04/12/2026

Standing in line waiting on a book signing listening to 2 lean women being fat phobic, concerned amount of fat in a ribeye.