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Moyer Functional Medicine, 32071 Beaver Run Drive Suite B, Salisbury, MD (2025)

10/29/2024

Leaky gut, also known as intestinal permeability, is a condition in which the lining of the gut becomes damaged, allowing undigested food particles, bacteria, and toxins to leak through the gut wall and into the bloodstream. This can cause an immune response, leading to inflammation and a range of symptoms such as food sensitivities, autoimmune disorders, skin conditions, and chronic fatigue.

The gut lining is a barrier that is designed to keep out harmful substances while allowing nutrients to pass through. The gut lining is made up of tight junctions, which are small gatekeepers that control what is allowed to pass through the gut wall. When the gut lining is damaged, these tight junctions become loose, allowing harmful substances to pass through the gut wall. This can cause an immune response, leading to inflammation.

Leaky gut can be caused by a variety of factors such as chronic stress, poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption, certain medications, and certain infections. A diet high in processed foods, sugar, and artificial ingredients can contribute to inflammation in the gut and can lead to leaky gut.

This complex condition and its diagnosis is not widely accepted by mainstream medicine that's why it's best to work with a functional practitioner - like me - if you suspect you may have leaky gut or any other health condition. Together we'll get you the proper health assessments and protocol to get you back to feeling your best!

10/27/2024

For some people, prescription medications are an important part of maintaining health. However, many come with the unwanted side effect of depleting your body of key nutrients.

Our bodies require sufficient vitamins and minerals to function properly– these micronutrients support healthy cell growth, immunity, and metabolism. However, many North Americans don’t eat a balanced enough diet and the nutritional quality of our food is diminishing.

The unfortunate news is that certain prescription medications can exacerbate this nutrient deficiency even further. Over time, nutrient deficiencies can cause unwanted symptoms, such as fatigue, brain fog and poor sleep. You may even develop another underlying condition caused by nutrient deficiency, resulting in more doctor’s visits than you’d probably like!

Thankfully, there are practical steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of nutrient depletion from prescription medications - we can help!

10/24/2024

Antibiotics can do a number on your gut health. Although sometimes unavoidable, a round of antibiotics can surely kill off any bad bacteria you need to be rid of but in the process it also destroys beneficial bacteria we need to maintain good gut health!

It can take several weeks to months to restore gut health after antibiotics. Research shows that most healthy gut bacteria return to normal levels roughly 2 months after antibiotic treatment.

Replenish your good gut bacteria by including plenty of probiotic-rich fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha, and tempeh and supplementing with a good quality probiotic of at least 15 billion CFU.

Be sure to speak with your healthcare practitioner before including any new supplementation to see if it's right for you - we can help!

10/22/2024

New research shows that a short but intense bout of exercise can help increase the production of a specialized protein that is essential for brain formation, learning and memory.

The specialised protein named brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) promotes neuroplasticity (the ability of the brain to form new connections and pathways) and the survival of neurons.
Animal studies have shown that increasing the availability of BDNF encourages the formation and storage of memories, enhances learning and overall boosts cognitive performance. The study suggests that this increase may help protect the brain from age-related cognitive decline.

Read more on the study here: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/01/230112090919.htm

10/20/2024

There's no time like the present to help your body function at its best. Support your body's natural detoxification system with these 5 natural ingredients that help remove heavy metals and toxins that we commonly encounter in everyday life.

Astaxanthin is one of the most potent antioxidants found in nature and has been widely explored for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune-enhancing properties, along with beneficial effects on DNA repair.

Chlorella offers numerous nutritional benefits and helps enhance the elimination of heavy metals to which exposure can be highly toxic.

The major component of garlic, allicin, contains antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial activity, and is thought to play a role in its antioxidant and detoxification capabilities.

Broccoli sprouts, or baby broccoli plants, are cruciferous vegetables that may aid in natural detoxification.

Green tea offers not just a soothing beverage, but also acts as a shield from some everyday toxins. Animal studies show that catechins from green tea also protect against age-related oxidative damage.

10/17/2024

Certain factors of your diet can impact your sleep in several ways. For optimum sleep, eliminate the things that inhibit a good night’s sleep and focus on those that relax and balance your body and mind.

Avoid:
- Stimulants like caffeine, especially after noon as it takes upwards of 4 hours to clear your system.
- Alcohol before bedtime. Although alcohol is a depressant and can make you feel sleepy, it often disrupts your natural sleep cycles and you may find yourself waking up frequently.
- Spicy and overly heavy foods, which can make you too uncomfortable to sleep and cause indigestion.

Include:
- Chamomile tea, which has proven sleep-enhancing effects.
- Foods high in tryptophan, which can relax you and encourage higher serotonin levels. Foods that contain tryptophan include turkey, salmon, pineapple, tofu, many nuts and seeds, and eggs.
- Some research suggests foods high in carbohydrates, like potatoes or rice, with foods containing tryptophan has a positive influence on sleep.
- Certain supplements can be beneficial for improving sleep, but be sure to work with a healthcare practitioner to determine what’s right for you. Some supplements used to help sleep include magnesium, which helps regulate the neurotransmitters linked to sleep, and melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate your circadian rhythm. Herbal supplements include valerian and passion flower, which both have sedative effects.

10/15/2024

Are you swollen, puffy, or does your face flush red after eating certain foods?

Inflammation is one of the leading causes of disease, and often even eating certain foods can be contributing to inflammation in the body. This can include red meat, refined grains, gluten and dairy. Longterm inflammation can cause larger issues down the road so it's important to pin point what the inflammatory factors could be.

It is possible to reduce inflammation naturally and start to feel better in your body!

If you need help, don't hesitate to call. We can recommend a strategy customized to your needs so you can stop wasting time wondering what could be wrong and start getting results.

10/13/2024

Our endocrine system is a delicate balance of hormones, and chronic stress disrupts that balance in more ways than we might realize. Here's how:

1️⃣ Stress triggers the release of cortisol, our body's "fight or flight" hormone. Too much cortisol over an extended period can lead to weight gain, insulin resistance, and even a weakened immune system.
2️⃣ Chronic stress can negatively affect the thyroid gland, leading to imbalances in thyroid hormones. This can result in fatigue, mood swings, and changes in metabolism.
3️⃣ For both men and women, chronic stress can impact reproductive hormones, affecting fertility and sexual health.
4️⃣ Prolonged stress can strain the adrenal glands, causing adrenal fatigue, which can manifest as extreme fatigue, body aches, and other health issues.

The good news is, understanding this connection between chronic stress and hormones is the first step in managing it. Self-care, stress reduction techniques, and a balanced lifestyle can help restore hormonal equilibrium. Reach out to us/me if you're ready to turn things around and get tailored recommendations for stress (and hormone) management.

10/10/2024

Did you know that by diversifying your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, you promote greater biodiversity in your gut? And more good gut bacteria = better immune health, nutrient absorption and digestion!

Studies have shown the incredible role played by a healthy and diverse gut microbiome in metabolizing flavonoids—antioxidant compounds present in a wide range of foods, from berries, apples, and pears, to kale, broccoli, bell peppers, dark chocolate, green tea. This enhanced metabolism makes these valuable nutrients more readily available to your body. As a result, the findings indicate improvements in blood pressure, lowering the risk of future heart disease.

How are you diversifying your fruit and vegetable intake today? Share in the comments!

10/08/2024

The connection between poor sleep and hormone imbalance is undeniable. Critical hormones like growth hormone, melatonin, cortisol, leptin, and ghrelin are all influenced by the quality of your sleep. When sleep suffers, it triggers a cascade of effects that can take a toll on both your mental and physical well-being.

The repercussions are far-reaching, causing issues such as anxiety, depression, weight gain, and even changes in the appearance of your skin, to name just a few.

If you're grappling with sleep difficulties and experiencing signs of hormone imbalance, it's time to take action. Proper testing and a well-structured plan are essential steps towards restoring a healthy balance. Don't hesitate to reach out – we're here to support you on your journey to better sleep and overall health.

Moyer Functional Medicine

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