San Antonio TX Integrative Functional Medicine - Yoon Hang Kim MD

11/24/2025

Fiber is actually a missing "nutrient" in our diets - Inulin is shown to enhance optimal brain function in older adults.

What's good for your aging gut may also be good for your aging brain.

11/24/2025

Challenged by health issues, and wide social disapproval.

11/24/2025

Transforming addiction treatment with organoid research.

11/24/2025

Healthy Muscles = Healthy Aging! Are you saving your muscles?

Recent research indicates that individuals with greater muscle mass experience slower brain aging. A study involving over 1,100 adults found that higher muscle mass correlates with a lower predicted brain age and increased cortical thickness on MRI scans. Conversely, elevated visceral fat is linked to accelerated brain aging.

Notably, weight-loss medications such as GLP-1 receptor agonists may inadvertently reduce muscle mass alongside fat loss, potentially contributing to cognitive decline.

To safeguard brain health, prioritize resistance training and protein-rich nutrition to maintain muscle mass.



Share your approaches to muscle preservation in the comments below.

Research highlights possible drawback of muscle mass loss through use of GLP-1 anti-obesity drugs

09/25/2025

Three reasons for using low-dose naltrexone or LDN in my practice.

09/23/2025

Did you know that chemicals in everyday items can interfere with your body's hormones? These are known as endocrine disruptors (EDs), and understanding them is a key step toward protecting your health.

These chemicals are found in common sources like plastics, pesticides, and industrial pollutants. Over time, exposure has been linked to health concerns such as developmental disorders, metabolic issues, and certain hormone-related cancers.
Feeling concerned is a natural response, but it’s empowering to know that small changes can significantly reduce your exposure. Here are a few gentle steps you can take:

Opt for Fresh and Organic: When possible, choose fresh foods over processed or canned options. Selecting organic produce helps minimize your intake of pesticide residues.
Rethink Your Food Storage: Switch to glass, stainless steel, or ceramic containers for storing and heating food. It's especially important to avoid microwaving food in plastic.

Filter Your Drinking Water: Using a quality water filter can effectively remove potential contaminants and provide cleaner water for you and your family.
Taking these manageable steps can make a meaningful difference in creating a healthier home environment.

IntroductionEndocrine disruptors (EDs) are environmental chemicals that silently challenge public health by interfering with the body’s hormonal systems. These substances, pervasive in modern life, can cause long-term physiological disruptions with far-reaching consequences. This article delves in...

09/22/2025

Liver detox doesn’t need expensive supplements—really! Simple daily habits like 4 cups of black coffee and a brisk walk can do wonders for your liver. If you want one more thing to boost your detox, reach out to an Integrative Functional MD for guidance.

One hepatologist shares his simple, science-backed tips that can help protect and repair this vital organ

09/22/2025

What is optimum LDN starting dose? How do you trouble shoot?

09/22/2025

After Melissa Fouts was diagnosed with stage IV triple-negative breast cancer in 2019, she made her new goal to live life fast, because time was short. Seven years later, she is still here, celebrating her 100th chemotherapy infusion and cherishing every new unexpected milestone.

09/22/2025

09/22/2025

Gua sha is an ancient muscle scraping technique rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. A licensed acupuncturist explains what benefits it may bring and how to do it yourself.

09/22/2025

Scientists have achieved a medical breakthrough — a universal cancer vaccine that trains the immune system to detect and destroy cancer cells across multiple types. Unlike traditional treatments like chemotherapy, which often damage healthy cells, this vaccine uses the body’s own defenses for targeted, lasting protection.
The vaccine works by teaching T-cells to recognize proteins found only on tumor cells, marking them for attack. Early trials show promising results in boosting immunity against breast, lung, and pancreatic cancers.
If successful in large-scale human trials, this could revolutionize cancer treatment, offering a single prevention method against the world’s second leading cause of death. The vaccine could also be used in combination with immunotherapy to prevent recurrence, a major challenge in oncology.
This discovery represents the future of personalized medicine, where the immune system itself becomes the most powerful weapon against disease. Humanity may finally be on the brink of defeating cancer universally.

09/21/2025

Why should you eat celery? A registered dietitian explains how this veggie can help lower your blood pressure and clean your teeth.

09/20/2025

Oil of Oregano is one of most important tools in integrative medicine tool box.

While oregano may add flavor to your meal, have you ever wondered how it may impact your health? A registered dietitian shares the potential health benefits.

09/07/2025

Questions about LDN?

LDN and PregnancyLow-Dose Naltrexone and Pregnancy: A GuideLow-dose naltrexone (LDN) has emerged as a significant therapy in the field of integrative medicine. Originally developed at much higher doses to treat opioid dependence, naltrexone in very low doses—typically 0.5 to 4.5 mg—demonstrates ...

09/03/2025

“Awareness, insight, and indeed health as well, ripen on their own if we are willing to pay attention in the moment and remember that we have only moments to live.”
-Jon Kabat-Zinn

09/03/2025

In 2024, breast cancer survivor Mandy Gartrell was diagnosed with stage III pancreatic cancer and underwent a successful robotic Whipple procedure at MD Anderson. Here she shares how the complex robotic procedure allowed her a quicker recovery time and a return to her normal life.

09/03/2025

Finnish sauna, Roman balneae, Japanese onsen, and Indigenous American sweat lodges are just a few examples of how cultures across the globe have long considered exposure to extreme temperatures therapeutic. But today scientists are only just beginning to unravel how and why this may be the case. So,...

09/03/2025

In her late 20s, Jackie Garcia felt exahusted and rapidly gained weight. As her symptoms increased, doctors told her to lose weight. She had cancer.

09/03/2025

There are two sides to this Buddhist practice: letting go of something and letting go into something.

09/03/2025

Can ultraviolet (UV) light really be used as a cancer treatment? Dermatologist Auris Huen, M.D., and stem cell transplant specialist Chitra Hosing, M.D., explain.

09/03/2025

09/02/2025

What a productive weekend this has been! 💫
Sometimes the most meaningful work happens when we step back and reflect on what truly matters in healthcare and community. This weekend brought together three powerful threads:

✨ Deep Dive into Healthcare Philosophy - I've been working on a comprehensive exploration of integrative vs. functional medicine, unpacking how these approaches can work together to create truly personalized healing. The intersection of ancient wisdom and modern science continues to fascinate me.

🔬 The AI Collaboration - Had some fascinating interactions with artificial intelligence that helped clarify key principles of integrative functional medicine. Technology continues to surprise me as a tool for deeper understanding.

The common thread? Everything comes back to seeing the whole person, addressing root causes, and building community around healing.

Curious about the differences between integrative and functional medicine?

https://www.yoonhangkim.com/post/integrative-medicine-vs-functional-medicine-understanding-two-powerful-approaches-to-healing

What healthcare approach has made the biggest difference in your life?

By: Yoon Hang Kim MD|Integrative Functional Medicine|San Antonio TXThe healthcare landscape continues to evolve, with patients increasingly seeking comprehensive approaches that address the whole person rather than isolated symptoms. As someone who has spent considerable time exploring various healt...

08/30/2025

🌟 Living with Parkinson's in San Antonio, TX?
New hope may be on the horizon! Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) is showing promising results for Parkinson's symptoms, including:
✨ Reduced fatigue and improved energy
✨ Better sleep quality and mood
✨ Slowed disease progression
✨ Enhanced quality of life
Unlike traditional treatments that only manage symptoms, functional medicine approaches like LDN work to address root causes—targeting inflammation and supporting your body's natural healing abilities.
Dr. Yoon Hang Kim offers specialized integrative and functional medicine care via telemedicine, serving patients throughout Illinois and Missouri with personalized LDN protocols and comprehensive Parkinson's support.
Ready to explore new possibilities for your Parkinson's journey?
👉 Read the full article and learn more about functional medicine options: www.directintegrativecare.com
What questions do you have about integrative approaches to Parkinson's care? Drop them below! 👇

Root cause medicine through understanding and addressing root causes by Yoon Hang Kim MD Integrative Medicine and Functional Medicine expert through telemedicine serving Quincy, IL and the rest of IL, San Antonio, TX and the rest of Texas, Florida, Georgia, and Missouri. Direct Integrative Care.

08/12/2025

In study of Tai Chi, it is said that being able to relax, one can let go of fear, and then one can relax more so one can let go if more fear.

“Maybe the fear is that we are less than we think we are, when the actuality of it is that we are much much more.”
-Jon Kabat-Zinn

08/08/2025

🌿 Long COVID Relief Is Possible — Here’s How

Many of my patients in San Antonio, TX and Quincy, IL come to me after months—sometimes years—of battling Long COVID symptoms like:
⚡ Severe fatigue
🧠 Brain fog
🤕 Muscle & joint pain
💤 Unrefreshing sleep
💓 Palpitations or dizziness

Research shows Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) can calm inflammation, balance the immune system, and boost mood—especially when paired with a functional medicine approach that addresses gut health, nutrient deficiencies, mitochondrial function, and stress regulation.

In my practice, the most effective Long COVID recovery plans often combine:
✅ LDN
✅ Anti-inflammatory diet & targeted probiotics
✅ Vitamin D, CoQ10, & mitochondrial support - methylene blue
✅ Energy pacing & nervous system calming techniques

📊 Studies from 2023–2025 show LDN can improve fatigue, brain fog, sleep, and immune function in Long COVID patients.

📍 Serving San Antonio, TX and Quincy, IL — and via telehealth in GA, FL, IL, MO, TX

08/04/2025

Article Summary:

Why Magnesium Matters

* Essential for muscle activity, energy production, blood sugar control, nerve transmission, and bone health
* Up to 50% of Americans may not get enough magnesium

Benefits of Magnesium Supplementation

* May help with:

* Muscle cramps
* Constipation
* Insomnia
* High blood pressure
* Fatigue
* Insulin resistance
* Menstrual symptoms

Who’s at Risk of Deficiency

* Older adults
* Women
* People who drink alcohol regularly
* People taking PPIs (e.g., omeprazole) or diuretics
* Those eating a standard American diet (low in fiber and whole foods)

Diet and Magnesium

* Mediterranean or plant-based diets are rich in magnesium
* Best sources include beans, whole grains, nuts, and vegetables

Testing and Supplementation

* Magnesium deficiency is hard to test definitively
* Testing is expensive and not always covered
* For most people with healthy kidneys, supplementation is safe without testing

Types of Magnesium Supplements

* Magnesium citrate: good for constipation but may cause diarrhea
* Magnesium glycinate: gentle on the stomach and less likely to cause diarrhea
* Chelated magnesium: better absorbed
* Magnesium oxide: cheap and common, but poorly absorbed
* Choose what’s affordable, available, and well-tolerated rather than what’s trending

Recommended Dosage

* 250 to 500 mg per day is considered safe for most adults with normal kidney function
* Include magnesium from all sources such as multivitamins and stress formulas
* Avoid excessive intake and unnecessary additives like dyes and sweeteners

Who Will Benefit Most

* Those who are deficient or have risk factors
* Example situations:

* High blood pressure and diuretic use
* Poor diet and prediabetes
* If you are healthy and eat well, supplements may not add much benefit

Magnesium is an essential mineral that’s involved in hundreds of bodily functions as diverse as muscle activity, energy production, blood sugar regulation, nerve transmission and…

08/04/2025

😴 **How Can Going to Bed Early Help?**
Better sleep = better health! Going to bed early can boost immunity, balance hormones, support weight loss, and improve mood and focus.

Your body heals while you sleep—give it the time it needs. 🌙✨

New study finds link between sleep curfew, higher levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.

08/04/2025

🩺 **Early Detection Saves Lives!**
Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers—**if caught early**. Don't wait for symptoms. Talk to your doctor about screening options today.

**Your health is worth it.** 💙

Early-stage diagnoses for adults aged 45 to 49 jumped, thanks to more screening

08/03/2025

Neuropathy Relief Beyond Meds? Discover LDN.
By Yoon Hang Kim, MD | Integrative & Functional Medicine

Neuropathy can feel like burning, tingling, stabbing pain—often from diabetes, autoimmunity, or unknown causes. While conventional meds like gabapentin offer partial relief, they don’t work for everyone.

That’s where Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) comes in. This emerging therapy works by reducing inflammation, boosting natural endorphins, and calming an overactive immune system.

LDN has shown promise in:
🔹 Diabetic & autoimmune neuropathy
🔹 Fibromyalgia-related nerve pain
🔹 Chemo-induced nerve damage

With minimal side effects, LDN is a gentle but powerful option worth exploring for neuropathy.

by Yoon Hang Kim MD | Integrative & Functional Medicine | San AntonioNeuropathy LDNNeuropathy is a common yet often misunderstood condition affecting millions. Whether triggered by diabetes, autoimmune conditions, infections, or unknown causes, neuropathy can be painful and debilitating. While conve...

08/03/2025

🌿 Can Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Tinnitus Be Connected? A Functional Medicine Perspective 🌿
Ever wondered if seemingly unrelated health issues could share a common root? In my clinic, a patient with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (an autoimmune condition causing hypothyroidism) and tinnitus (ringing in the ears) saw incredible results using a functional medicine approach. Here’s how we connected the dots and what you can learn from it! 🧠💡
🔍 The Connection: Both Hashimoto’s and tinnitus can be linked to inflammation and immune dysregulation. Hashimoto’s involves the immune system attacking the thyroid, while tinnitus may stem from inflammation affecting the auditory nerve. By addressing these root causes, we saw transformative results!

💊 The Game-Changer: Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN)Using LDN, which helps normalize immune and nervous system function, the patient:✅ Reduced thyroid medication needs as their thyroid function improved.✅ Experienced >90% improvement in tinnitus symptoms.

🌟 Functional Medicine ApproachFunctional medicine looks at the whole person—body, mind, and lifestyle—to tackle root causes. Here’s how we approach conditions like Hashimoto’s (and potentially tinnitus):1️⃣ Comprehensive Testing: Thyroid panel, nutrient deficiencies (vitamin D, selenium), gut health, adrenal function, and toxins.2️⃣ Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Ditch gluten, dairy, and processed foods. Try nutrient-rich foods like Brazil nuts (selenium) and seaweed (iodine).3️⃣ Gut Health: Heal leaky gut with probiotics, prebiotics, and L-glutamine to reduce systemic inflammation.4️⃣ Stress Management: Meditation, yoga, and adaptogens (like ashwagandha) to calm stress-related inflammation.5️⃣ Supplements: Selenium, vitamin D, omega-3s, and LDN to support immunity and reduce inflammation.6️⃣ Lifestyle: Regular exercise, quality sleep, and community support to boost overall health.

🌈 The Takeaway: By addressing inflammation and immune issues, we can manage complex conditions like Hashimoto’s and even improve symptoms like tinnitus. This holistic approach empowers you to take charge of your health!

💬 Have you or someone you know dealt with Hashimoto’s or tinnitus? Share your experiences or questions below—I’d love to hear from you!
💜 www.directintegrativecare.com

Treating Hashimoto's thyroiditis and tinnitus with LDN: San Antonio, TX Integrative Functional Medicine - Yoon Hang Kim MD

08/03/2025

Functional medicine offers advanced testing of micro nutrients to ensure that we are balanced from within

08/03/2025

08/03/2025

Integrated and functional medicine physicians have been using coronary artery calcium testing for more than 20 years.

08/03/2025

Think of summer and you probably think of time spent outdoors: blue skies, beach days, ballparks. But summer also is wildfire season, when drifting smoke…

08/03/2025

Where you learned what you didn't know you had learned.

08/03/2025

Loneliness isn't the same as being alone, Drew Maygren, D.O., geriatric psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente in Oakland, Calif. shares with Next Avenue Being alone is often a voluntary physical state vs loneliness, a distressing emotional experience and that can cause serious health issues, especially in older adults. Here are some tips to help alleviate isolation. https://k-p.li/4ojeiuO

08/03/2025

Obesity as a cancer risk?

Cancer deaths are dropping overall, but not the ones linked to obesity. That’s what mounting evidence now shows. A study, presented in July at the Endocrine Society Annual Meeting in San Francisco, found that deaths from obesity-related cancers have more than tripled over the past two decades. https://wb.md/3IW0RB5