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James. E. Hicks, DC

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Myrtle Beach, SC
James. E. Hicks, DC

Dr. James Hicks, ND, is a recognized authority in detoxification and toxicity, holding certifications as a Functional Medicine Practitioner, Blood Work Specialist, Integrative Health Practitioner, and Restorative Wellness Solutions Practitioner. As the founder of Functional Wellness LLC, Dr. Hicks is dedicated to guiding individuals toward optimal health by addressing underlying causes of illness through evidence-based approaches involving diet, nutrition, and lifestyle modifications. He is the #1 bestselling co-author of “Healing Beyond the Diagnosis” and author of “The Ultimate Way to a Healthy Quality of Life.” Dr. Hicks's commitment to promoting detoxification as an essential component of longevity is evident in his innovative Functional Wellness Protocol, which systematically addresses sensitivities, deficiencies, and toxicity—a methodology successfully implemented with thousands of clients. He incorporates a range of natural supplements to enhance daily detoxification and supports a variety of health concerns including weight loss resistance, gut health, food sensitivities, skin conditions, and hormonal imbalances. Through his virtual practice, Dr. Hicks serves patients nationwide and remains deeply committed to helping individuals achieve and maintain lasting wellness.

04/15/2026

🔥 STOP GRADING YOUR LIFE ON SOMEONE ELSE’S TEST

Comparison is one of the fastest ways to destroy self-esteem.

You look at someone else…
Their success… their body… their confidence… their gifts…

And you start grading yourself
on something you were never designed to do.

👉 That’s not humility.
👉 That’s misalignment.

You weren’t created to run their race.

You were created to run yours.

🚧 Stay in Your Lane

When you drift into someone else’s lane:
• You lose clarity
• You lose confidence
• You lose purpose

But when you stay in your lane:
• You gain momentum
• You build mastery
• You walk in alignment

🧬 You Were Designed—Not Randomly Assembled

The truth?

You are not lacking.

You are uniquely wired—with specific strengths, gifts, and purpose.

📖 As it says in Psalm 139:
“I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

That means:
👉 Nothing about you is accidental
👉 Nothing about you is inferior
👉 Nothing about you needs comparison to be validated

⚡ The Shift

Instead of asking:
“Why am I not like them?”

Start asking:
“Am I fully stepping into who I was created to be?”

Because confidence doesn’t come from comparison…

It comes from alignment.

💬 Final Thought

Stay in your lane.
Run your race.
Own your design.

That’s where your power is.

⚠️ Disclaimer:
This content is for educational and inspirational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical or mental health advice.

04/14/2026

🔥 Ever Wonder Why Olive Oyl Was Always So Tired?

💬 Think about it…

Olive Oyl was always:

Low energy
Easily overwhelmed
Struggling to keep up
Running on empty

Meanwhile, Popeye gets all the attention 💪

But what if Olive Oyl was actually showing us something deeper?

👉 Low iron. Low nutrients. Low reserves.

🧠 HERE’S THE REALITY TODAY:

Just like Olive Oyl…

Millions of people are walking around with:

Chronic fatigue
Brain fog
Hair thinning
Poor endurance
Feeling “off”… but being told everything is “normal”

⚠️ THE HIDDEN PROBLEM:

It’s not just what you eat…

👉 It’s what your body can absorb, store, and utilize

Modern foods—even “healthy” ones like spinach—
don’t carry the same iron and mineral density they once did.

So you can be doing everything right…

…and still feel exhausted.

🧪 THIS IS WHERE WE DIFFER:

At Functional Wellness, we don’t guess.

We measure what matters:
✔ Ferritin (iron reserves)
✔ Serum iron
✔ Transferrin & saturation
✔ CBC markers most providers overlook

Because:
👉 You don’t feel “normal” when your reserves are low

🔬 START WITH TESTING:

👉 Order your Iron & Energy Panel here:
https://labs.rupahealth.com/store/storefront_n9EWoWn

👉 Learn more about fatigue, mood, and deeper root causes:
Functionalwellnesslabs.com/trt2212

🥩 WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW:
Prioritize bioavailable iron (grass-fed red meat, liver)
Pair with Vitamin C for absorption
Support gut health
Reduce absorption blockers

And most importantly…

👉 Test. Don’t Guess.

🔥 FINAL THOUGHT:
Olive Oyl didn’t need more effort…
She needed better data.

So do you.

⚠️ DISCLAIMER:

This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen.

04/13/2026

🔥 ARE YOU LOSING YOUR EDGE… OR JUST LOSING DATA?
Not like the man you used to be?

At some point, a man feels it.

Energy drops.
Drive fades.
Focus isn’t what it used to be.
Performance—mentally, physically, even sexually—starts to slip.

And what do most men hear?

👉 “It’s just aging.”
👉 “Your labs are normal.”

But here’s the truth…

⚠️ You Don’t Have an Age Problem—You Have a SIGNAL Problem

Your body is always communicating.

Low testosterone is not the root issue.
It’s the symptom of something deeper:

🔻 Nutrient deficiencies
🔥 Chronic inflammation
⚖️ Hormonal imbalances
🧠 Stress overload
🍽️ Metabolic dysfunction
🧬 REAL VIRILITY IS BUILT—NOT PRESCRIBED

You don’t fix this by guessing.
You fix it by testing and targeting the breakdown.

Because when you optimize:

✔ Hormones
✔ Metabolism
✔ Nutrient status
✔ Recovery systems

Everything changes:

Energy comes back
Focus sharpens
Strength returns
Confidence rises
🔥 THIS IS HOW YOU BECOME THE MAN ON FIRE

Not by grinding harder…
Not by ignoring the signs…

👉 But by understanding your body at a deeper level.

🧭 THE FIRST STEP? DATA.

If you’ve been told “everything looks normal” or have been afraid to check it out...
…but you know something is off…

You’re exactly who this is for.
⚡ THIS IS HOW YOU BECOME THE MAN ON FIRE

Not by guessing.
Not by accepting decline.

👉 By understanding exactly what your body is doing.

🧭 START WITH THE RIGHT PANEL

The Male Virility & Testosterone Optimization Panel™ was built to go deeper—
to uncover why your performance has declined, not just confirm that it has.

👉 Order your panel here:
https://labs.rupahealth.com/store/storefront_7akYl64

💳 Payment plan available at checkout.

🔥 BOTTOM LINE

You were not designed to fade.

You were built to:
👉 Perform. Lead. Stay sharp.

⚠️ DISCLAIMER

This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before beginning any health program.

04/13/2026

THE 50% DROP NO ONE IS TALKING ABOUT

What they’re not telling you…

Since around World War II,
male s***m counts have dropped by over 50%.

Let that sink in.

Not 5%.
Not 10%.
👉 Half. Gone.

🚨 This isn’t just about fertility

This is a full-body health signal

Low s***m count is now linked to:

Low T?
↓ Testosterone
↑ Inflammation
Metabolic dysfunction
Hormonal imbalances
Increased chronic disease risk

This is not isolated.
This is systemic.

🧬 What’s driving the decline?

This is where most people get it wrong…

It’s not ONE thing — it’s a perfect storm:

☠️ Toxicity

Plastics (BPA, phthalates)
Pesticides / herbicides
Heavy metals
Environmental chemicals

🥗 Deficiencies

Zinc, selenium, magnesium
Poor protein intake
Mitochondrial nutrient gaps

🔥 Lifestyle Stressors

Blood sugar instability
Chronic stress / cortisol dysregulation
Poor sleep
Sedentary lifestyle
⚠️ The real problem?

Most men are told:
👉 “You’re normal.”

But “normal” today is based on a population that is already declining.

🔬 This is why we TEST — not guess

If you have or are:

Low energy
Gaining weight despite effort
Losing strength or drive
Mentally foggy

👉 Your hormones and cellular health need to be evaluated.

💡 The truth most won’t say:

You don’t fix this with a supplement.

You fix it by addressing:
✔️ Root cause toxicity
✔️ Nutrient deficiencies
✔️ Hormonal signaling
✔️ Metabolic health

🎯 Want real answers — not guesswork?

Start with your labs. Ask me how.
👉 FunctionalWellnessLLC.com

⚠️ Disclaimer

This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen.

04/13/2026

🔥 Popeye Can’t Punch Like He Used To…

And neither can most people today.

Not because we’re weaker —
but because our food isn’t as strong as it used to be.

Decades ago, foods like spinach delivered more of the minerals your body depends on — including iron.

Today?

Higher-yield farming… depleted soils… and nutrient dilution mean you may be eating the same foods — but getting less of what actually fuels your body.

⚠️ And when iron runs low, BOTH men and women feel it:

• Fatigue that doesn’t go away
• Brain fog / poor focus
• Decreased strength & endurance
• Hair thinning or shedding
• Reduced performance — mentally and physically

👉 So what do you do? Start with what still works:

🥩 Grass-fed red meat (most bioavailable iron)
🍖 Organ meats (liver = nature’s multivitamin)
🐟 Wild-caught fish
🥬 Dark leafy greens (still helpful — just not enough alone)
🥚 Pasture-raised eggs
🫘 Lentils & legumes (pair with vitamin C for absorption)

👉 Then optimize absorption:

• Add vitamin C (citrus, peppers) with meals
• Avoid coffee/tea around iron-rich meals
• Fix gut health — absorption happens there

👉 And most important… TEST.

Because iron status is NOT one number.

🧪 Ferritin
🧪 Serum Iron
🧪 TIBC
🧪 % Saturation

That’s where real answers live.

💬 Popeye had spinach. You have data. Use it.

🔗 Start here: Need to assess for your nutrient deficiencies?
1. You can do a simple at home test. Ask me how. OR
2. Go to LabCorp with this lab request: https://labs.rupahealth.com/store/storefront_n9EWoWn

⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet or health program.

04/12/2026

👉 “Your Gut Has a Cleaning Crew (But You Keep Turning It Off)”
“Your Gut Cleans Itself Every 90 Minutes… Unless You Stop It”

Your Migrating Motor Complex (MMC)
Clears bacteria + leftover food
Prevents bloating + SIBO
ONLY works when you’re NOT eating

👉 “Constant snacking = constant shutdown”
You finish eating… and think digestion is over.

It’s not.

Every ~90 minutes, your gut activates a powerful self-cleaning system called the Migrating Motor Complex (MMC).

Think of it as your body’s internal “sweep crew” — clearing out:
✔️ leftover food
✔️ stray bacteria
✔️ toxins + debris

But here’s the problem…

👉 It ONLY works when you’re not eating.

So if you’re:
• Snacking all day
• Grazing every 2–3 hours
• Constantly sipping calories

You’re shutting off your gut’s cleaning system before it finishes its job.

And what happens next?

❌ Bloating
❌ Gas
❌ “Food just sitting there” feeling
❌ SIBO risk
❌ Sluggish digestion

This is one of the most overlooked root causes in digestive dysfunction.

🔑 How to Turn Your MMC Back On

Simple… but powerful:

✔️ Space meals 4–5 hours apart
✔️ Stop constant snacking
✔️ Finish eating 3+ hours before bed
✔️ Support your nervous system (vagus nerve = gut control)
✔️ Prioritize sleep

💡 The Bigger Truth

Gut health isn’t just what you eat…

👉 It’s WHEN you stop eating.

If you’re dealing with bloating, SIBO, or sluggish digestion…
there’s a reason.

👉 Stop guessing. https://functionalwellnessllc.com/leaky-gut-4277

Is your Gut causing fatigue or mood issues?
Get tested: FunctionalWellnessLabs.com/trt2212

⚠️ Disclaimer

This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen.

04/12/2026

Moody? On Edge? Going through the Change?

🔥 “I feel on edge all the time…”
“I snap easily.”
“I don’t feel like myself anymore.”

If that’s you… you’re not crazy.
And you’re definitely not alone.

But here’s what most people get wrong:

👉 This is NOT a personality issue
👉 This is NOT just “stress”
👉 This is NOT something you have to live with

This is your biology talking.

🧠 What’s really going on under the surface:

• Hormonal fluctuations (hello perimenopause)
• Neurotransmitter imbalances (brain chemistry shifts)
• Blood sugar instability (the hidden mood disruptor)
• Chronic stress → cortisol dysregulation
• Inflammation affecting the brain

⚠️ When these systems are off…
You don’t just feel it physically.

You feel it emotionally. Mentally. Relationally.

And the hardest part?
Most standard labs will tell you…

👉 “Everything looks normal.”

🎯 But “normal” isn’t the same as optimal.

You don’t need another guess.
You need data.

🔬 Start here:
https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:ba01135a-afe8-4c5e-b7ec-19a07ff91ed1

👉 functionalwellnesslabs.com/trt2212

💬 Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health regimen.

04/12/2026

🚀 What a great testament of our talented space scientists and engineers with American ingenuity to have a flawless and exceptional space mission, given the safe return, timing, heat shield, 25,000 mph re-entry, communication, perfect trajectory corrections, pulling 4Gs--pretty phenomenal!

But I've always wondered since 1969...
We Can Go to Space with precision… But We Can’t Solve Chronic Disease?

We can send a rocket to the moon.
We can put a man or woman into orbit… navigate deep space… and bring them home safely with precision.

Yet somehow…

Our hospitals are getting bigger.
We struggle to reverse chronic fatigue.
We accept bloating, constipation, and poor digestion as “normal.”
We manage disease… instead of resolving it.

Let that sink in.
The Real Question Isn’t Capability — It’s Focus

This isn’t about a lack of intelligence.
It’s not about a lack of technology.

It’s about what system we’ve built.

A system that is exceptional at:
✔️ Emergency care
✔️ Trauma intervention
✔️ Acute life-saving medicine

But struggles with:
❌ Root cause resolution
❌ Chronic disease reversal
❌ Long-term health optimization

⚠️ Chronic Illness Is Not a Technology Problem — It’s a Strategy Problem

We don’t suffer from a shortage of science.
We suffer from a shortage of application and direction.

Instead of asking:
👉 “What drug matches this diagnosis?”

We should be asking:
👉 “Why did this system break down in the first place?”

🌿 Your Body Isn’t Failing — It’s Responding

Symptoms are signals.
Fatigue, gut issues, weight gain, brain fog…

These are not random.

They are your body adapting to:
• Nutrient deficiencies and sensitivities
• Hidden stressors
• Toxic load
• Hormonal imbalance
• Gut dysfunction

🔬 This Is Where Functional Medicine Changes the Game
Test. Don’t guess. When you look deeper: You find answers.
When you find answers: You can build a strategy that actually works.

💬 Final Thought
If we can engineer a spacecraft to survive re-entry…
We can absolutely learn how to support the human body to heal.
But we have to start asking better questions.

⚠️ Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure.

04/11/2026

🔬 Pre-Peptide Labs: The Step Most People Skip (And Why It Matters)

Peptides are powerful.
But without the right foundation… they’re often underwhelming.

Here’s the truth most people don’t hear:

👉 Peptides don’t fix dysfunction — they signal function.

If your body is inflamed, nutrient-depleted, or hormonally imbalanced…
you’re asking peptides to optimize a system that isn’t ready.

🧪 Why Pre-Peptide Labs Are Non-Negotiable

Before starting any peptide protocol, you need clarity on:

• Hormonal status (are pathways even responsive?)
• Inflammatory load (is your body in repair mode or defense mode?)
• Nutrient deficiencies (do you have the raw materials to heal?)
• Immune function (is regulation needed before stimulation?)

This is where most people go wrong — they guess instead of test.

⚠️ What Happens If You Skip This Step

• Blunted or minimal results
• Wasted time and money
• Increased risk of side effects
• Misaligned peptide selection
• Frustration when expectations aren’t met

✅ What Happens When You Do It Right

• Targeted peptide selection based on YOUR biology
• Better response at lower doses (often microdosing)
• More predictable, sustainable outcomes
• Ability to adjust intelligently as your body adapts

💡 The Sequence That Works

1️⃣ Clean up your diet
2️⃣ Run the right labs
3️⃣ Build your foundation
4️⃣ THEN introduce peptides strategically

That’s how you get results that actually last.

🔥 Bottom Line

Peptides are not step one.
They’re a precision tool — and precision requires data.

👉 My philosophy has always been: Test, Don’t Guess™

Ready to see if your body is actually prepared for peptides?
For more info:
https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:va6c2:67b4e929-ecff-405a-887c-0d0b66d2df79

Start with your labs. Visit:
https://labs.rupahealth.com/store/storefront_n65VLO7

⚕️ Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Peptide therapies should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner. Individual results may vary. Statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.

04/11/2026

🧬 Peptides 101: The Tiny Messengers Running the Show

What if the key to fat loss, longevity, and cellular repair was already built into your body — just waiting to be optimized?
Welcome to the world of peptides. 🔬
Peptides are your body's own signaling molecules — short amino acid chains that regulate metabolism, inflammation, hormones, tissue repair, and immune defense.
Three you need to know:
🔹 GLP-1 — Signals fullness, controls blood sugar, reduces inflammation. Declining levels drive obesity, diabetes, and cognitive decline.
🔹 GIP — Amplifies insulin secretion, supports fat metabolism, protects bones and cardiovascular health. GLP-1 + GIP together are powering the next generation of longevity protocols.
🔹 GLP-2 — The gut repair peptide. Seals intestinal lining, reduces leaky gut, improves nutrient absorption.
Natural vs. Synthetic — It matters. ✅
Synthetic GLP-1 drugs can work — but bring nausea, muscle loss, thyroid concerns, and $1,000+/month price tags.

Try GLP-Three.....Sublingual delivery for faster absorption. 🙌
Even with natural support, always work with a qualified practitioner if you have thyroid, pancreatic, or blood sugar concerns.

If you are still uncertain and want clarity.....Test, Don't Guess™. Know your baseline first.

👉 Run your labs: https://labs.rupahealth.com/store/storefront_n65VLO7
💊 Natural GLP support: https://threeinternational.com/en/ShopProducts/1911900

⚠️ FDA Disclaimer: Not evaluated by the FDA. For educational purposes only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement protocol.

04/10/2026

Mindfulness....

Sit comfortably. Feet grounded, hands relaxed, jaw unclenched. Close your eyes.

Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose… and exhale gently through your mouth.
Again—inhale slowly… and exhale, longer this time.

Let your breathing settle into a natural rhythm. No force. No effort.

Today’s intention: shift from doing… into receiving.

Bring your awareness to sound.

Without labeling or judging, notice what you hear. Let the sounds come to you.

A distant hum…
A passing car…
The movement of air…
Or the rhythm of your own breath.

There is nothing to figure out. Just listen.

Notice how each sound appears… changes… and fades.
Some steady. Some intermittent. Some loud. Some subtle.

Let your mind follow the layers—near and far—like waves moving in and out.

If your thoughts wander, gently return to listening.

Now notice your body.

Are your shoulders softening?
Is your breath slowing?
Has your heart rate shifted?

Allow your body to respond naturally. You are not forcing relaxation—you are allowing it.

With each breath, remind yourself:
“I am safe. I can slow down. My body knows how to restore.”

Now bring awareness inward.

Notice your breath… heartbeat… energy… hunger… sense of calm.

Your body is always communicating.

Today’s intention: notice before reacting… respond instead of rushing… honor your body’s timing.

Take one more slow, deep breath in… and exhale fully.

As you open your eyes, carry this with you:

Clarity comes from awareness.
Energy comes from alignment.
Healing happens when you listen.

Move into your day grounded, present, and in tune with your body.

Disclaimer: Educational only. Not medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new wellness practice.

04/10/2026

Daily Rest & Digest Reset (with Box Breathing)

Sit comfortably. Feet grounded. Hands relaxed. Jaw unclenched. Close your eyes.

Take a slow breath in… and exhale gently.
Again—inhale… and exhale longer.

Now begin box breathing:

Inhale 4… Hold 4… Exhale 4… Hold 4…
Continue this steady rhythm.

Let your body settle. No force. No effort.

Today’s intention: shift from doing… into receiving.

Bring awareness to sound.

Without labeling, just listen.
A distant hum… a passing car… your breath.

Notice how sounds appear… change… and fade.
Near and far—like waves moving in and out.

If your mind wanders, gently return to your breath… and listening.

Now notice your body.

Are your shoulders softening?
Is your breath slowing?
Has your heart rate shifted?

You are not forcing relaxation—you are allowing it.

Repeat quietly:
“I am safe. I can slow down. My body knows how to restore.”

Now turn inward.

Notice your breath… heartbeat… energy… hunger… calm.

Your body is always communicating.

Today’s intention: notice before reacting. Respond instead of rushing. Honor your body’s timing.

Complete one final box breath:

Inhale… 2… 3… 4…
Hold… 2… 3… 4…
Exhale… 2… 3… 4…
Hold… 2… 3… 4…

Return to a natural breath. Slowly open your eyes.

Clarity comes from awareness.
Energy comes from alignment.
Healing happens when you listen.

Disclaimer: Educational only. Not medical advice. Consult your provider.

functionalwellnessllc.com

Address

Myrtle Beach, SC

Opening Hours

Friday	9am - 5pm
Saturday	9am - 5pm
Sunday	1pm - 5pm

Telephone

+16145548128

Website

http://functionalwellnessllc.com/, https://drhickswellness.com/

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