Thrive Functional Medicine, San Diego, CA (2025)

01/15/2025

Ginger has been a prized spice for thousands of years. During the Middle Ages, ginger was only available to the wealthy. Some sources estimate that in England, 1 pound would have cost around a hundred to several thousand days wages by the average person. Now it’s a few cents for more ginger than you can eat. So let’s take advantage of its superfood benefits for a fraction of the price and make it a daily routine.

Ginger is recognized for many health benefits:
Antibacterial properties. Anti-candida properties.
Reduces inflammation. Contains potent antioxidants.
Helps with digestion.
Can improve blood sugar levels.
Natural pain relief. Some studies say it can reduce arthritis pain.
Can improve cholesterol levels.
Anti-carcinogenic properties from gingerol and antioxidant content.
Can improve brain function with 6-shogaol and 6-gingerol compounds.
Reduces oxidative stress.
Helps with cold symptoms: Improves sore throat, cough, helps protect against cold viruses, can strengthen immune system.

The bottom line:
For a few cents per day, you can consume the optimum amount of one of the world’s healthiest foods.

Q&A:
What is the optimal amount per day? 3-4 grams according to research.
What is the best way to consistently get ginger into my diet? Ginger shots.

Daily ginger shot recipe:
Organic ginger 4g.
Lemon.
Raw organic honey. 1 tsp.
Cheyanne pepper or black pepper.
Sea Salt.
Water 1oz.
Orange if desired.

Blend, pour, repeat.

01/06/2025

What are leaky gut symptoms?
Leaky gut (also known as intestinal permeability), is when food particles and bacteria pass through the intestinal wall into the blood stream. The immune system attacks these foreign invaders, which causes chronic inflammation. Leaky gut is triggered by food sensitivities, NSAIDS, GI pathogens, parasites, yeast, stress, gluten, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, etc. Symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain, gas, and many non-GI symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, depression, headaches, brain fog, joint pain, weight gain, impaired immune response, and skin conditions. Leaky gut affects the entire body, many people do not have any GI symptoms. Therefore, it can be difficult to trace the cause back to the gut without proper testing. Specific markers such as Zonulin and LPS can identify leaky gut. This type of testing can be the first step to find the cause and start your journey back to health. If you are experiencing some of these symptoms, schedule a time with us to see if testing is right for you.

Testing Resources:
1.https://precisionpointdiagnostics.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/AIBAReport.pdf

2. https://www.usbiotek.com/blog/fecal-zonulin-what-does-it-tell-us

09/25/2024

Protein supplementation has many health benefits other than building muscle. Here are a few:

Promotes weight loss
Whey protein helps with weight loss by stimulating metabolism and energy levels. It contains leucine which stimulates burning of fat. It can also suppress appetite.

Improves insulin sensitivity
Whey protein can improve insulin levels and more importantly insulin sensitivity.

Heart health
Improved insulin levels and sensitivity lowers the levels of oxidative stress to the blood vessels and cardiovascular system, which lowers the associated health risks.

Blood pressure
Whey protein contains lactokinins which can lower blood pressure.

Immune function
Whey protein contains lactoferrin and immunoglobulins that boost immune function. It also has been shown to bind to bacterial toxins and viral particles. It strongly promotes the growth of good bacteria in the gut which is where most of the immune system is located. Healthy bacteria competes with pathogenic bacteria.

Reduces inflammation
This is one of the most important health benefits of whey protein. Whey protein is one of the best sources of the building blocks necessary for the body to make glutathione. Cysteine and methionine are sulfur amino acids which are precursors to make glutathione - the body’s most powerful master antioxidant.

Tissue repair
It also helps rebuild tissues and provide the building blocks for healthy skin, hair, and nails. Not including water, our bodies are mostly made up of proteins.

How to use:
This is an easy thing to add to your morning routine.
1. Just add a scoop to a glass or metal water bottle and shake (add cacao powder for better chocolate taste and powerful antioxidant effects).
2. Add vanilla or unflavored whey protein to fruit smoothie - Or use chocolate whey with a cocoa, almond butter, coconut, etc, style smoothie.

How to buy:
Look for Grass-Fed, Raw or un-denatured. Native or cold processed.
The typical brands many people use have less of the health benefits.

Here are some suggestions:
https://a.co/d/9KeHT4p
https://a.co/d/bA9T1sU
https://a.co/d/fg56oAX
https://a.co/d/2GrZuAt
https://a.co/d/8lGEwPv

09/17/2024

Turmeric Powder vs. Curcumin

Turmeric is a well-known superfood with numerous health benefits. It is taken regularly by an estimated 11 million people in the US. However, 11 million people, is only 3% of the population.

Turmeric is known for its curcumin content which is the most active ingredient. Most research studies are based on this active ingredient. Turmeric powder contains an average of 3.14% curcumin - ranging from 0.3 to 8.6%. (Curry powder contains a minuscule 0.28%) The recommended amount of turmeric powder is around 2-3 grams per day for optimal health benefits. In contrast, curcumin supplements contain up to 95% curcumin.

Even though turmeric power is around 80% carbohydrates, moisture, fat, and protein by weight - it has a number of other compounds with health benefits that do not fit into the curcumin category. Turmeric exhibits diverse beneficial chemical properties. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1399888/full

Non curcumin compounds found in turmeric powder:
*22 Diarylheptanoids - anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, antibacterial, antifungal properties.
*8 Phenylpropenes - antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumor, natural anesthetic, anti-diabetic properties.
*Phenolic compounds - (polyphenols) antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-allergic, cardioprotective, anti-cancer, anti-aging, anti-diabetic, detoxification properties.
*68 Monoterpenes - anticarcinogenic, antioxidant, LDL reduction.
*5 Diterpenes - antifungal, cytotoxic, antioxidant, potential chemopreventive effects.
*109 Sesquiterpenes - anti-inflammatory, inhibit NF-kB signaling, nitric oxide generation, anti-tumor, antimicrobial, antifungal, some act as pain relievers.
*3 Triterpenoids - anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, anticancer properties.
*2 alkaloids - antioxidant captures free radicals, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, analgesic, anti-asthmatic, anti-hypertensive, anti-hyperglycemic properties.
*4 Plant sterols - can lower cholesterol, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory.
*14 Other compounds with health benefits.

There are over 200 other compounds with powerful health benefits listed above. To concentrate turmeric powder into curcumin is also throwing out most of these other health properties. So the question is which is better?

The bottom line: How much do you like the taste of turmeric powder? Which is easier to add to your daily routine?
1. Using 2-3 grams per day from a 1lb bag purchased twice per year for $14 on eBay, etc? (Mixed into drinks, sparkling water, or smoothies?)
2. Taking a concentrated curcumin supplement 2x daily for around $20 per month?

The breakdown: Our advice would be either or both. Ideally both. Curcumin supplements are reasonably affordable and very easy to take every day. Turmeric powder, depending on the person, may be easy or difficult to consume several grams per day. Find some recipes you enjoy, and add these to your routine, and make up for the difference with curcumin supplements. Adjust over time as needed for maximum benefit. Curcumin extract powder is another option.

Tips: Take with black pepper to increase absorption by up to 2,000%. Absorption can also be improved by taking with fat containing foods.

Concentrated Curcumin Supplements
https://us.fullscript.com/o/wholesale/products/U3ByZWU6OlByb2R1Y3QtODUzNTA=/U3ByZWU6OlZhcmlhbnQtMTAxOTIy/

Curcumin Extract Powder
https://www.ebay.com/itm/235466758023

Turmeric Powder 1 lb
https://www.ebay.com/itm/145953819981

09/02/2024

Matcha vs. Green Tea

1 cup of matcha may equal 10 cups of green tea. Matcha contains more antioxidants and caffeine. It's higher in EGCG and L-theanine. It also has a richer and more intense flavor.

Green tea is much more common, but has less health benefits compared to matcha. In Japan, matcha is reserved for special occasions. In the US, it is used even less frequently, but if you have around $1 per day (or less), you can make it a routine and experience the health benefits. Green tea costs about 20 cents per serving. Matcha is the clear winner. We recommend spending a few minutes researching the well known health benefits of matcha and the compounds below:

Catechins - Specifically epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
Polyphenols
Antioxidants
Quercetin
L-theanine

How to buy:
There are 3 grades of matcha: ceremonial grade, culinary grade, and cafe grade. Ceremonial grade has higher L-theanine and caffiene content, has a smoother flavor (less bitter), and bright green color. If you want a traditional preparation with water, ceremonial grade may be preferred. For making lattes or foods, the culinary grade may be better.

How to use:
The key is to make a routine. Consistency makes a big difference in experiencing the health benefits. You could use the traditional preparation of sift and whisk with bamboo, or more simply, just add matcha powder to a sealed container and shake.

1. Make traditional matcha with water. (Ceremonial grade recommended)
2. Make an iced matcha latte. Add matcha to glass container with lid, add coconut, almond, or oat milk. Add organic raw honey if desired. Shake.
3. Add matcha powder to protein shakes, smoothies, other foods or drinks, keto pancakes, etc.

Where to buy:
https://a.co/d/9sCxJRM
https://a.co/d/aLdRDeB
https://a.co/d/itZvULS
https://a.co/d/e3wtF0J

08/29/2024

Cocoa vs. Cacao. Processed sugar drink powder vs the ultimate raw superfood. (Cocoa pronounced coco) is very common and highly processed. However, natural raw cacao (pronounced ka-cow) is a powerful superfood.

It’s one of the healthiest foods you can eat.

Raw Cacao powder ORAC value: 95,500

ORAC scores for the Top 10 Antioxidants Foods (per 100 grams)
1. Raw cacao powder 95,500
2. Raw cacao nibs 62,100
3. Roasted cocoa powder 26,000
4. Organic Goji Berries 25,300
5. Acai Berries 18,500
6. Dark Chocolate 13,120
7. Milk Chocolate 6,740
8. Prunes 5,770
9. Raisins 2,830
10. Blueberries 2,400

Source: US department of Agriculture/Journal of American Chemical Society

(Reported ORAC values vary based on the testing and food sources)

Where to buy:
https://a.co/d/6EiF8Xo

Tips: Many recipes involve baking with breads or flour and deserts with high sugar, which defeats the purpose of the health benefits. Keep it simple. Choose something easy that you can do routinely, like a simple drink.

How to use:
Add to protein shakes, smoothies, coffee (mocha), topping for keto waffles.
Chocolate drink: cacao powder, almond or coconut milk, sea salt, shake in glass jar, add topping of choice like mint leaves, cloves, cinnamon, or cayenne.

08/29/2024

Açaí berries have the highest antioxidants or ORAC value of any food. Therefore, we recommend adding it to your diet as much as possible - a daily routine is ideal. ORAC = oxygen radical absorption capacity. Higher numbers have better ability to absorb oxygen free radicals. Basically, it absorbs oxidative stress which is a major component of aging.

1. Açaí Berry – ORAC Value: 102,700

Rich in vitamins B, K, and the minerals potassium, manganese, copper, iron, and magnesium. Açaí berries contain high levels of polyphenolic anthocyanin compounds, which have been linked to numerous health benefits.

How to use: Our top choice is to add açaí berry powder to smoothies with protein powder for breakfast.
Our second choice is using frozen puree for açaí bowls. With açaí bowls, the sugar content can ramp up very quickly. We recommend using lower sugar options like almond butter, cacao nibs, coconut flakes, chia seeds, protein powder, nuts, and seeds.

Where to buy:
eBay https://www.ebay.com/str/edecandidodelim0?_trksid=p4429486.m3561.l161211
Amazon https://a.co/d/d1jitdp

08/29/2024

Zinc is essential in many body functions. The important questions is: Are you getting enough?

There is a simple test you can do at home to check your zinc levels, using an oral solution zinc test by Standard Process.

Available here:
https://www.amazon.com/Standard-Process-Non.../dp/B00LY7WTFM
https://www.ebay.com/itm/284114843989

08/27/2024

Zinc is an essential nutrient that plays a major role in promoting the activity of over 300 enzymes. Your body uses zinc in the process of making DNA.

Zinc is an important factor in immune health, skin and hair health, bone density, mood regulation, reproductive health, vision support, digestive health, and blood sugar regulation.

Zinc plays a role in wound healing, as well as carbohydrate and protein metabolism. It supports healthy levels of growth hormone, testosterone, insulin-like growth factor-1, promotes muscle repair, and protein synthesis.

Food sources: Oysters, crab, lobster, grass-fed beef, beef liver, shrimp, lamb, cashews, pumpkin seeds, turkey, eggs, and sardines - typically seafood, beef, poultry, nuts and seeds.

Supplements: Zinc Picolinate

08/18/2024

Stressed, tired, fatigued?

At home testing kits can help identify the problems. High or low levels of cortisol may explain these symptoms. https://www.zrtlab.com/test-specialties/stress-hormones/

Schedule today and make a step towards finding the solution.
https://thrive-fm.com/fatigue/

08/18/2024

Feeling sharp.

Thrive Functional Medicine

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