Nebraska Functional Medicine

11/19/2025

Cosmetic procedures are everywhere these days - breast implants, fillers, you name it. And while these treatments can absolutely boost confidence, there’s also a not-so-glamorous side of things: inflammation, strange symptoms, and something called biofilms that most people don’t even know exist.

At Nebraska Functional Medicine we see more and more patients connecting the dots between their cosmetic history and their whole-body health. So let’s break it all down in a way that actually makes sense.

Breast Implant Illness: Why People Are Talking About It.

“Breast implant illness” (BII) isn’t an official diagnosis, but thousands of women are experiencing eerily similar symptoms - and many see improvements after removing their implants.

Common complaints include:
👉 Being tired all. the. time.
👉 Facial swelling
👉 Achy joints or muscles
👉 Brain fog or trouble concentrating
👉 Skin rashes
👉 Weight gain
👉 Digestive problems
👉 Hair thinning
👉 Autoimmune-like flare-ups

Not fun. And while every person reacts differently, here are a few theories that help explain what might be going on.

Your Immune System Never Gets to Relax:
Implants are foreign objects. Your body knows it, and attacks, trying to protect you. This constant, low-grade inflammation, spirals into bigger symptoms if it goes on long enough.

Silicone & Metals Can Irritate Sensitive Systems:
Even saline implants have silicone shells, and over time tiny amounts can migrate out. Add in trace metals from manufacturing, and some bodies react more strongly than others. And if one leaks? Literal mold can form. Just look up "infected breast implants" and you will immediately cringe.

Biofilms Love to Set Up Camp:
We always address biofilms with our gut healing patients. Anytime something artificial is put in the body, biofilms form. Biofilms don’t cause the kind of infections that send you to the ER. Instead, they create a slow, smoldering inflammation that can spread beyond the implant or filler site. Biofilms require up to 5,000x the antibiotic dose to break them open! Add in chronic low grade infection, immune dysregulation, and stress on the adrenals, and you have a mess.

When it comes to implants, your body forms a capsule around them—that’s normal. But bacteria inhabit that space and create biofilms, driving all of the issues mentioned above.

Cosmetic Fillers: Small Injections, Big Ripple Effects:
I used to inject cosmetic fillers, and loved it! The creative and artsy side of me thrived. But after diving into Functional Medicine, you couldn't pay me enough to ever inject them into someone again. They can interact with your body in ways most people never consider.

Random Swelling or Lumps Later On:
Some people develop delayed reactions—weeks, months, or even years afterward. These flare-ups might show up after an illness, dental work, stress, or anything that fires up the immune system.

Yep, Biofilms Can Form in Fillers Too:
Remember how I said if anything foreign is put in the body it forms a biofilm on it? Fillers are no exception. This can lead to recurring swelling, chronic infection and inflammation, or little nodules that seem to “mysteriously” appear.

Your Lymphatic System Doesn't Love It:
Fillers sit right in your facial tissues - aka the same areas where lymphatic drainage is crucial. Your lymphatic system is basically your body’s drain and detox network. When it gets overloaded—whether from inflammation, toxins, or foreign materials—you feel it.

When things get congested, you may notice:
👉 Swollen lymph nodes
👉 Puffiness in the face
👉 Stubborn dark circles
👉 Brain fog
👉 Fatigue
👉 Breast tenderness
👉 Facial swelling
👉 Sinus pressure and congestion

Supporting lymph flow becomes really important for anyone with implants or fillers, especially if symptoms show up.

"I have implants and filler, what do I do?"
We look at the whole picture - not just the symptoms.

A typical evaluation might include: a deep dive into your symptom history, testing of immune and inflammation markers, gut and microbiome testing, hormone and adrenal assessments, assessment of detox and lymphatic function, and coordination with surgeons who specialize in explant or corrective work.

No cookie-cutter plans with us - your body gets a personalized roadmap to healing.

Bottom Line:
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to look and feel your best. But it’s important to know the whole story when it comes to implants and fillers - and to pay attention if your body starts sending signals. Remember that it whispers before it screams.

If you’ve had cosmetic procedures and now you’re dealing with symptoms that don’t quite add up, you’re not alone. Our functional medicine approach can help uncover what’s going on and guide you to feeling like yourself again! 🩵

11/01/2025

A Note From Our Founder:

November 1st marks six years of NFM. And year six was a big one. We moved to our brand new location. Expanded our team. Brought on new healing services. And my husband and I welcomed our fourth baby girl.

This year also brought new challenges mentally for me. With a growing business and a growing family, my heart is constantly pulled. Walking alongside my patients on their journey to health is such an honor. But nothing brings me more joy than being a mommy. And the sacrifices it takes to manage it all, are too numerous to count.

And yet I’m still so grateful. Since opening in 2019, we’ve had four moves to new spaces. Gone from myself as the only employee, to 11. Welcomed patients from several different states. Been a featured speaker on some big stages. And elevated ourselves to a premier healing center.

When it all feels like too much, I cling to a verse that brings me peace—“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” Luke 12:48

I’ve been blessed with so much. NFM is what it is because I stand on the shoulders of giants. This journey has been nothing short of divinely inspired. The mentors in my life at the perfect times. A team that feels like family. And the beautiful unfolding of the entire journey itself.

Cheers to a wonderful year, and undoubtably, another exciting one ahead!

In Health,
Keri 🤍

10/29/2025

Urine Hormone Testing and Key Breast Cancer Clues 🔎

Let us start by saying, awareness for breast cancer isn't pink. It's properly testing your hormones and assessing your risk factors. Proper testing means using urine. Not saliva. Not blood.

When you test hormones using urine, you gain insight into their metabolism. And how you metabolize estrogen can influence how it affects your cells, the symptoms you experience, and overall vitality. One pathway in particular — the 4-hydroxylation (4-OH) pathway — has drawn attention for its potential link to breast cancer risk.

🩵 What Is the 4-OH Pathway?

When estrogens like estradiol are broken down in the liver, enzymes (especially CYP1B1) can convert them into 4-hydroxyestrone and 4-hydroxyestradiol. These compounds can be further oxidized into quinones, reactive molecules that can bind to DNA and cause mutations. Over time, this kind of DNA damage may contribute to cancer development — particularly in estrogen-sensitive tissues like the breast.

🩵 What the Research Shows

👉 Studies have found that higher levels of 4-OH estrogen metabolites — or a higher ratio of 4-OH to other estrogen forms — are associated with increased breast cancer risk, especially in postmenopausal women.
👉 In contrast, metabolites from the 2-hydroxylation pathway seem to be protective.
👉 Lab experiments back this up: 4-OH metabolites can damage DNA and transform normal breast cells into malignant ones.

🩵 Why It Matters

I tell my patients all the time--"Based on your symptoms, I can reasonably estimate the amount of each hormone you have. I don't need a test for that. I need to know HOW it is getting out of the body. That's where the healing happens."
Understanding the 4-OH pathway helps explain why estrogen’s role in breast cancer isn’t just about how much estrogen you have, but also about how your body processes it.

Genetics, liver function, diet, and lifestyle can all influence this balance. And if you're not pooping every single day, forget the rest of this! None of it matters if you're not eliminating those estrogens in your stool.

🩵 Checks and Balances

I also always tell my patients that God designed us perfectly. He created some "checks and balances" in the estrogen metabolism pathways, to protect us. If an estrogen does traverse down the 4-OH pathway, it can be methylated.

This is why it's important to be taking methylated B vitamins and understanding the MTHFR mutation! If that estrogen still becomes a quinone, it can be detoxified with glutathione! But so many things deplete our glutathione levels daily, that most of us are not optimal. Our urine test checks this, and we address it if necessary. That's why I love to say "test, don't guess."

🩵 The Bottom Line

If you are concerned about your hormones, breast cancer risk, and optimal health. Work with a team like ours. It is imperative to understand the complexity of hormones and the impact on your health. But also remember, hormones are one piece of the puzzle. You need to look at the entire picture. Only addressing hormones will lead to a bigger mess!

10/22/2025

Did you know that everyday products like plastic bottles, skincare, makeup, and even receipts can contain xenoestrogens - synthetic compounds that mimic estrogen in the body? Especially in breast tissue.

These hormone disruptors can interfere with your endocrine system, and growing research suggests a potential link between long-term exposure to xenoestrogens and an increased risk of breast cancer.

Over time, accumulation of xenoestrogens can cause:
👉 Increased estrogenic activity in breast tissue
👉 Altered gene expression related to cell cycle regulation
👉 Epigenetic changes that may promote tumor growth
👉 Elevated risk of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer

Examples of xenoestrogens include:
👉 Bisphenol A (BPA): Found in plastics & food linings
👉 Parabens: Common in cosmetics and lotions
👉 Phthalates: Hidden in synthetic fragrances
👉 DDT & other pesticides: Sprayed on fields environmentally

Make small swaps that make a big difference!
🩵 Choose glass or stainless steel containers
🩵 Go fragrance-free -- no more candles!
🩵 Opt for organic produce when possible
🩵 Swap your personal care products for lines like our OSEA and Jane Iredale

When you know better, you do better.

10/08/2025

We are ONE MONTH out from our Health Summit! 🩵

Curious how to win our "favorite things" basket? Here's how!
💙 Attend the Health Summit on 11/8 for an entry
💙 A BONUS entry if you tag 3 friends and share this post

Our "favorite things" basket is valued over $1,200! The basket will be given away at the summit. To register, click here: https://l.bttr.to/RPs4l

Prepare to leave our summit enlightened, empowered, and inspired to reclaim your health!

10/02/2025

It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we’ll be sharing some fun facts and educational info throughout the month—that you likely have never heard! 🩷

Starting with this alarming statistic from renowned Dr. Mercola, MD. He reports that 97% of breast cancer patients also have a root canal on the breast meridian and on the same side! 😳 (We have to add this was pre-💉, which has since complicated things.)

What’s a meridian? This photo was taken in our AMA room of the tooth meridian chart.

The tooth meridian chart is a unique tool that breaks down the connection between specific teeth and various organs and body systems. It was developed by German physician Dr. Voll.

It displays the energetic pathways (also known as meridians) that connect various organs and systems throughout the body. Each tooth is linked to a specific meridian, and disruptions or diseases affecting a particular tooth may be connected to imbalances in the corresponding meridian and the associated organs.

We could share endless success stories from our patients about their overall healing, when we’ve addressed both their systemic and oral health! 🦷

09/29/2025

We are incredibly honored. Immensely humbled. And forever grateful! 🩵 Thank you for voting us "Best of Grand Island" in THREE categories. What a joy it is for all of us to come to work each day and serve you!

Nebraska Functional Medicine is an individualized, patient-centered, science-based clinic.

09/18/2025

Ever had a knot in your back so stubborn it felt like it deserved its own zip code? Or that sharp, nagging pain in your shoulder that refuses to leave, no matter how many stretches, massages, or foam rolling sessions you throw at it? That’s where trigger point injections come in - quick, simple, and surprisingly powerful.

Trigger points are those tight little bundles of muscle fibers that get stuck in spasm. They’re like the drama queens of your musculoskeletal system - overreacting and dragging the rest of your body down with them. Trigger point injections help put an end to this.

Here’s the magic: a tiny needle is inserted right into that knotted muscle, delivering a small solution - without steroids or other harmful substances. This is just enough to calm the muscle down, restore blood flow, and tell the trigger point, “Okay, you can chill now.”

What makes them so awesome?
🩵 Fast Relief: Whether you’ve tweaked your neck sleeping funny or you’re dealing with chronic, long-term pain, trigger point injections can bring noticeable relief in minutes to days.
🩵 Drug-Free Zone: No steroids, no heavy-duty meds. Just a gentle nudge to get your muscles back on track.
🩵 Versatility: They can help with headaches, back pain, shoulder tension, post-injury soreness - you name it.
🩵 Low Downtime: You’re usually in and out in less than 15 minutes. That’s faster than most coffee runs.

Think of it as rebooting a frozen computer. Sometimes your muscles just need a reset button, and trigger point injections are exactly that. Quick, safe, and surprisingly effective for both acute flare-ups and stubborn chronic pain.

The Bonus Finish: Ozone Oil Top-Off
And because we like to go the extra mile, we “top off” the procedure with a gentle application of ozone oil. Why? Ozone oil helps keep the healing momentum going.

It’s known for:
🩵 Fighting Inflammation: Helping calm down irritated tissues.
🩵 Boosting Circulation: Encouraging oxygen flow to speed recovery.
🩵 Supporting Natural Healing: Antimicrobial properties that keep things clean while supporting the body’s repair process.
🩵 Longer-Lasting Relief: It’s like sending your muscles home with a little aftercare hug.

So, next time a knot tries to take over your life, remember: you don’t have to live with it. Sometimes the simplest solutions pack the biggest punch - and a little needle (plus some ozone love) can make all the difference.

09/10/2025

✏️✂️ School is back in full swing—and so are the germs! 🦠

We put together some of our “Essentials” and “Extras” to have on hand to support both your children, and you!

Have a concern you don’t see listed? Call us or stop by! We’re always happy to help.

Aiming for prevention, to get on top of an illness quickly, or recover from one? We have so many treatment options available to support you and your family. Just ask! We love seeing our patients thrive all year long. 📚🖍️

08/18/2025

Okay, let’s set the scene: You’ve got joint pain. Maybe it’s your knee that’s been cranky since you helped a friend move last fall, your shoulder’s still mad from that one weekend of overenthusiastic gardening, or your ankle’s been quietly protesting every time you try to jog. You’ve done the rest-ice-repeat cycle. You’ve popped the ibuprofen. Maybe even tried a cortisone shot (but hopefully not). And yet… here you are.

Let us introduce you to PRP - aka Platelet-Rich Plasma - your body’s own secret weapon for healing. 🩵

So, what exactly is PRP? In the most non-sciencey way possible: We draw a little bit of your blood, spin it around in a high-tech centrifuge (picture a super fast blender), and pull out the good stuff - your platelets. These tiny powerhouses are loaded with growth factors, which are like little messengers that tell your body, “Hey! It’s healing time!”

We then inject those concentrated platelets right back into the area that’s bothering you - your knee, shoulder, hip, ankle, etc. - to kickstart and supercharge your body’s own repair process.

Your Body, Doing What It Was Meant to Do: Heal Itself 🩵
PRP isn’t some fancy new-age thing. It’s just science helping your body do its natural job - but better. Think of it like giving your immune system a map and a megaphone. Instead of “hoping” things heal on their own, PRP focuses healing exactly where it’s needed, fast-tracking recovery in muscles, tendons, and joints.

PRP is especially helpful for:
👉 Joint pain/arthritis (knees, hips, shoulders, ankles - you name it)
👉 Tendon or ligament injuries (like rotator cuff or Achilles strains)
👉 Partial tears
👉 Chronic inflammation that just won’t quit

Cortisone vs. PRP: Let’s Compare 🩵
Cortisone shots have been the go-to for a long time, and sure, they can give you short-term relief. But here’s the catch: Cortisone is more like a temporary numbing agent. It doesn't heal - it just quiets things down for a bit. Really, it’s treating a symptom, not the problem. And repeated use can actually weaken tissues over time.

PRP? It’s the long game. It reduces pain, and promotes real tissue healing. In studies, patients report:
👉 Better pain relief from Day 1 to Day 30 (fewer ups and downs)
👉 Significantly better results at 1 year compared to cortisone (yep, people feel better longer)

That means fewer repeat visits, more long-term relief, and - best part - you're not pumping your body full of synthetic chemicals. You're using your own cells to heal. Kinda cool, right?

How Do I Know If PRP Is Right for Me? 🩵
If you’ve got:
👉 Joint pain that’s been nagging for a while
👉 A sports injury that isn’t healing as fast as you'd like
👉 A ligament or tendon issue (not completely torn, but not great either)
👉 Arthritis that’s making daily movement a chore

Then yeah, PRP might be your new best friend.

We primarily use it in shoulders, knees, hips, and ankles - but it’s versatile. If you’re not sure if your issue can be treated with PRP, just ask.

A Few FAQs We Always Get:
Is PRP painful? ​You’ll feel the injection, sure - but it’s usually mild and short-lived. Some people feel soreness for a day or two after, kind of like a workout. That’s your body getting to work.

How long does it take to work? ​Some people feel relief in the first week. Most see solid improvement over 4-6 weeks as healing kicks in. And the benefits keep coming over several months.

Are there reasons I can’t get PRP? ​Yes. If you’ve had any history of cancer, you must be in remission for a certain length of time (depending on the type).

Final Thoughts: PRP Is the Real Deal 🩵
We love PRP, because it works. We’ve seen it help people get back to the activities they love - without surgery, without toxic meds, and without feeling like they’re stuck in a cycle of pain. It’s a smart, natural, science-backed way to get better.

So if you're tired of being told to "just rest" or "take more anti-inflammatories," maybe it's time to try something different. Your body’s got what it needs to heal - sometimes it just needs a little boost.

If you would like to book a PRP Injection, give our office a call at
308-390-2663 to schedule your consultation starting in September!

08/01/2025

“They told me if I didn’t get to Children’s Hospital in 48 hours my kidneys and liver would shut down.”

Listen to a short segment of Isabelle’s story. It’s a powerful one to say the least. No answers and declining rapidly. Then they found NFM and finally got a diagnosis of Lyme disease.

We are so proud of her and honored to be part of her journey to thriving again!

Listen to Isabelle’s full story here: https://nefunctionalmedicine.com/success-stories/

07/25/2025

I'm a big sports fan. If ESPN called today and said, "We need you on Gameday", I would ask where to sign! Baseball runs deep in my family and will always have my heart, though.

I use sports analogies often in my practice, as it helps to simplify really complex physiology. But I thought I would simplify it even further. What if your health is as simple as playing offense or defense?

The choices we make daily are doing one of two things - either healing or hurting.

The food on the end of your fork. What you're putting on your skin. Going to bed on time. The liquids you're consuming. Your cleaning supplies. Supplements you take. Time in the sunshine, ideally barefoot. Toxic relationships. A moldy home. The list goes on!

And as daunting as it may all seem, it is pivotal to your health. Those consistent, positive choices, are like making the most perfect offensive play calls during a football game. Or throwing an untouchable pitch every time. You're in control. You're on offense. And winning is easy!

But what if that wasn't the case? If you slip up here and there.

A weekend of poor eating, because you're with friends having fun. Toxic makeup and skincare on your teenager because "that's what's in." Going to bed after midnight, because "life is busy." Ignoring the mold in your home. Another round of antibiotics for a viral infection. Candles and fragrance in your home because you like the smell. Hardly any water intake because you're living on caffeine. Concession stand food because you're living in a gym.

All of these choices add up. And you can justify literally anything if you really want to. Think of it this way - every slip up is like a wild pitch. And the other team steals a base. Eventually the score is going to get out of hand. And you have to play big time defense.

High blood pressure. Blood sugar imbalance. Hormone issues. Anxiety. Autoimmune disease. Those may not seem like a big deal. And sadly that's because it's now "normal" in America to have a chronic disease. But in time those things become big things. Your body has been whispering to you that something is wrong. Your pitcher keeps throwing wild pitches. And now things are out of hand. Your body is screaming. You have cancer. Or Parkinson's. Or some other very debilitating disease.

And if you've ever played a game and been down by several points, it is hard to come back. It can definitely happen. But it takes a whole lot more work.

We walk alongside really sick people every day. And I can tell you if they had the choice, they'd all go back and play offense. Because defense is definitely not fun.

So put the work in now. Make consistently healthy choices. Get regular IVs and ozone treatments. Give you lymph some love. Detox in a sauna. Drink Kaqun water and sit in our tub. Take quality supplements personalized for you. Treat your body the way God designed.

In time you'll find it's the top of the 9th inning and you're up by 12 runs. 💙