Drranamd

Drranamd Integrative and Functional Medicine Physician & Wellness Website. Working to educate people on best practices to optimize health.

Learn how to optimize your lifestyle, and supplements, and when to seek care from a functional medicine doctor like myself.

04/28/2026

“Vulnerability post! 🫣

Have you had your annual stool test? Yes it sounds unappealing, but this one test will yield a wealth of information and provide substantial insight into the health of your microbiome. 🦠

Personally, after enduring a severe case of a traveler’s bug in 2022 and subsequent diagnosis of post-infectious IBS, my testing (through the GI Map test) revealed findings that were certainly compelling including:
🦠 2 parasites
🦠 Yeast overgrowth
🦠 A bacteria called H. pylori
🦠 Key missing beneficial (probiotic) bacteria
🦠 Fundamentally suppressed immune function in my gut

These findings were critical to uncovering the “”WHY”” and the “”ROOT”” of my IBS diagnosis. 💡
And to assist in beginning my healing process. ❤️‍🩹

Even in the absence of overt digestive complaints, I have seen COUNTLESS cases of abnormal findings meriting treatment. Which is why I believe this type of stool testing shoud be a standard annual practice.

Perhaps in a decade or 2 this will be the case. In the meantime, I’m encouraging you to protect your gut to protect your brain.

Comment TEST to get more insights on how to go about stool testing.

”

04/24/2026

If you’re in perimenopause and you feel hungrier, fluffier around the middle, or more “crashy”… don’t skip protein. 💙💪

Protein supports…

✨ Stable blood sugar (fewer cravings + energy dips)
✨ Muscle + metabolism in midlife
✨ Satiety so you’re not snacking all day
✨ Brain support (focus + mood)

One of my simplest “busy woman” tools? Whey protein (if you tolerate dairy). 🥛

Here are 4 easy ways to use it (no complicated recipes):

✅ Add whey to a yogurt parfait for an easy high-protein snack

✅ Make a quick whey “drizzle” (mix with a splash of liquid) and drizzle over fruit

✅ Matcha latte + whey = protein + calm energy 🍵

✅ Smoothie add-in when you’re on the go

Start small, see how you feel, and choose the method you’ll actually repeat. 🙌

Save this post as a reminder to get your protein!

Disclaimer: This information is intended for general educational purposes only. It is not intended as and should not be relied upon as medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or exercise routine, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.

04/23/2026

“Hi, I’m Dr. Rana 👋💙

I’m a double board certified neurologist and integrative medicine specialist with advanced training in functional medicine as well. 🧠🩺
I love my family to pieces, I’m passionate about eating real food and moving in a way that appeals to me as well as being an educator. ❤️🥗🧘🏻🧑🏻‍🏫
I’m a cancer survivor of one of the scariest forms of cancer. 🎗️

For over a decade, I’ve helped countless people conquer things like...

✨ Brain fog and cognitive issues
✨ Seemingly unresovlable gut issues
✨ Chronic fatigue
✨ Autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammatory conditions
✨ Perimenopause and hormone imbalance
✨ Stubborn weight gain
✨ And much more....

What sets me apart from other practitioners in my space...

🧠 I’m a medical doctor, practicing evidenced based medicine.
🔬 I combine advanced lab testing and evidenced based integrative strategies to develop a personalized plan for my patients.
🤝 I bring habit change science into my work...so you actually FOLLOW THROUGH with therapeutic lifestyle change.

I’ve navigated through my own health challenges, including several autoimmune diseases, tough to resolve gut issues, medically induced menopause, and even cancer.

My journey throughout the years has deepened my committment to helping others navigate complex and challenging health issues.

My passion lies in unraveling the complex and well documented gut-microbiome-brain axis and how this relates to cognitive and mental health. This has been inspired by both my exploration of this phenomenon for my patients but also for myself as I navigated through tough gut-brain challenges. 🦠🧠

To start a conversation about working together, comment CALL or book a call here:
drranamd.com/calendar

Follow along here as I translate the science of the gut-microbiome-brain axis into real world insights.
Protect your gut. Protect your brain.



“

04/22/2026

Let’s talk about gut healthy foods!

One thing you can do to support your gut health:

✅ Aim for 1 prebiotic + 1 probiotic most days so that your gut can make postbiotics.

Postbiotics are helpful compounds your gut bacteria make to help lower inflammation, boost brain health, and more.

Probiotic foods (pick 1 a day):

🥛 Yogurt or kefir (if tolerated)
🥬 Sauerkraut or kimchi
🍵 Miso
🌱 Tempeh
🫧 Kombucha (watch added sugar)

Prebiotic foods (pick 1 a day):

🧅 Onions + garlic
🥦 Asparagus
🍌 Slightly green banana
🥬 Dandelion greens
🌿 Jicama
🥔 Cooled potatoes or rice (resistant starch)

👉Save this post to refer back to when you’re grocery shopping!

04/21/2026

“When that sweet tooth hits, think about smarter ways to satisfy the craving. 😉

While the store bought chocolate mousse is organic, it has 20 grams of carbs, 16 grams of sugar but only 1 gram of fiber per serving!

Try dark chocolate avocado mousse instead. Decadent, bold and rich it hits the spot...especially with some berries on the side!

2 large avocados 🥑
1/4 cup cacao 🍫
2 Tbsp milk or milk alternative 🥛
1/2 tsp vanilla extract 🍂
2-3 Tbsp maple syrup 🍯
5-10 drops of Stevia (optional)

With nearly 8 grams of FIBER per serving, your gut microbiome will thank you!

Feed and protect your gut to protect your brain 🦠🧠

Save this post for the next time you’re craving a creamy chocolate dessert!


“

04/20/2026

You’ve probably heard about PROBIOTICS, but what about POSTBIOTICS?

These are the helpful compounds your gut bacteria make when they digest prebiotics.

Think of gut health like a 3-step chain:

1️⃣Prebiotics = the “food” for your good gut bacteria 🍌🧅
The best prebiotic foods are fiber + resistant starch.

2️⃣Probiotics = the “helpers” (beneficial bacteria) 🥛🥬
These are the bacteria you can get from certain fermented foods (yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut).

3️⃣Postbiotics = the “results” ✅

Some of these (like short-chain fatty acids) can influence inflammation and send signals that support brain function—including mood, focus, and resilience.

Aim for 1 prebiotic + 1 probiotic most days so that your gut can make postbiotics!

What questions do you have about gut health? Share below! 👇

04/16/2026

"Why would a neurologist think about the gut ALL the time??

Your gut is well known as the SECOND BRAIN. Some might argue it's the first!

The complex interplay between your gut's nervous system known as the ENTERIC NERVOUS SYSTEM 🧠 and your MICROBIOME 🦠 is a critical piece that tells the whole story.

The microbiome is one of the hottest topics exploding in research. Collectively it weighs about the size of your liver, and is arguably actually an ORGAN in and of itself.

One which connects the

✨ Gut
✨ Immune system
✨ Nervous system

Especially in midlife in the menopausal transition...this connections are CRITICAL.

So...here's my plot twist. While I'm still passionate about the menopausal transition and how it connects with neurologic health, I'm dedicating more focus on the gut-brain axis. The research is too hard to ignore.

Follow along for more insights on what the research actually shows.....in plain English, and for practical insights! 💡😉

"

04/15/2026

Two women can have similar “menopause timing”… but very different symptoms, because:

✅ The gut is helping determine what hormones get cleared vs recirculated

For example, there’s a group of gut bacteria called estrabolome & it decides how estrogen is processed and eliminated.

This is one reason gut health matters when women struggle with:

🧠 Brain fog
🎢 Mood swings
🔥 Hot flashes/night sweats
😴 Sleep disruption

The takeaway: How challenging your menopause transition will be all depends on how your gut, nervous system, and hormones are working together.

What you can do to help (no extremes):

🥦 Aim for diverse plant foods (colors + types)
🌾 Prioritize fiber daily
🥬 Add fermented/probiotic foods (as tolerated)

Share this with a female friend!

Disclaimer: This information is intended for general educational purposes only. It is not intended as and should not be relied upon as medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or exercise routine, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.

04/14/2026

“What do these have in common:
Singing 🎵
Gargling 💧
Deep breathing 🫁?

They stimulate your VAGUS nerve. ✅
The PRIMARY communication highway between the gut and brain and the foundation for GUT-BRAIN axis. 🧠🦠
But 80% of signaling is actually from the GUT to the Brain!!
So “”trusing your gut”” and “”gut feelings”” have real biologial connections that have a meaningful impact on your brain.
Remembering to take DEEP BREATHS has far reaching impacts. Including lowering INFLAMMATION and altering neurotransmitter activity in the BRAIN!

If breath could be bottled up and sold it would be the best selling drug on the market!!!

Have you taken any deep breaths today? Try setting an alarm on your phone to go off every day at the same time as a reminder to take 5-10 deep breaths.
Your gut and your brain will thank you 😊

04/13/2026

I’m a neurologist—and I spend a lot of time thinking about the gut.

Not because it’s trendy, but because the science is getting harder to ignore.

Your gut and brain are constantly communicating through what’s known as the GUT-BRAIN AXIS.

In fact, the gut is referred to as the SECOND BRAIN. Signals travel through the nervous system, the immune system, and even through microbial metabolites.

This means:

✨What’s happening in your gut influences inflammation in your brain

✨ Your microbiome affects mood, cognition, and even neurodegenerative disease risk

✨ “Brain symptoms” don’t always start in the brain
Most of what you see online about gut health is oversimplified—or just wrong.

My goal here is different:

To break down the actual science, explain what matters clinically, and help you understand how to protect your brain by taking care of your gut.

If you’re interested in brain fog, memory, mood, or long-term brain health—you’re in the right place.

Follow along to learn what actually matters (and what doesn’t).

04/10/2026

For some women, perimenopause feels like a hurricane + a forest fire at the same time. 🌪️🔥

Your hormones are in flux AND for many women, perimenopause can also be a brain energy transition — the way the brain uses fuel can change, which can amplify things like:

🧠 Brain fog
🎢 Mood swings
😴 Insomnia
⚖️ Weight changes
🔥 Hot flashes/night sweats
🦴 Joint aches

But menopause CAN be a gift — a window to listen and make a smarter plan for the next phase of life.

Your symptoms are your body trying to communicate with you what it needs. 💙

I made a free downloadable guide called “Your Menopauscopy” — a simple framework to help you understand your symptoms & start gaining relief!

Comment MENOPAUSCOPY and I’ll send you the link to download it. 💙📩

Disclaimer: This information is intended for general educational purposes only. It is not intended as and should not be relied upon as medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or exercise routine, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.

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