http://www.optimizeyourhealthwithlori.com/, https://linktr.ee/ljcardiologynp

Lori Wendell APRN - Optimize Your Health, 510 C Street, South Charleston, WV (2025)

09/26/2025

Men’s Hormone Health Matters 💙🩺🧬

Hormones aren’t just about reproduction—they impact energy, mood, sleep, muscle 💪🏽 strength, and even heart 🫀 health.

🚹 Key hormones to know:
• T͟e͟s͟t͟o͟s͟t͟e͟r͟o͟n͟e͟ – drives energy, libido, and muscle mass.
• D͟H͟E͟A͟ – supports resilience, mood, and stress response.
• C͟o͟r͟t͟i͟s͟o͟l͟ – regulates stress and inflammation.
• T͟h͟y̲r͟o͟i͟d͟ h͟o͟r͟m͟o͟n͟e͟s͟ – power your metabolism and brain function.

⚠️ Signs of imbalance may include:
• Low energy or motivation
• Mood changes (irritability, low mood)
• Weight gain, especially around the middle
• Muscle loss or difficulty building strength
• Low libido or performance concerns

✨ The good news: hormone health can be supported through nutrition, sleep, stress management, and medical care when needed.

Your hormones work together as a team—optimizing them can help you feel like yourself again.

Schedule your appointment today to see WHAT HORMONE SUPPORT Your Body needs.

📲 +1 (681) 549-7038
Lori Wendell APRN - Optimize Your Health

09/25/2025

🌿 Thinking about a liver cleanse?

Your liver is the body’s built-in detox powerhouse. Instead of extreme cleanses or juice fasts, the best way to support it is through everyday choices that reduce the toxin load and improve how it processes waste.

🔬 Why your liver matters:

• Filters toxins from food, medications, and the environment
• Metabolizes hormones like estrogen, thyroid, and cortisol
• Produces bile to digest fats and absorb nutrients
• Stores vitamins and minerals for later use

✨ Ways to support your liver naturally:

1. Nutrition for detox pathways
• Cruciferous veggies (broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts) help phase II detox.
• Beets, garlic, onions, and turmeric aid bile flow and antioxidant support.

2. Hydration
• Water helps your liver flush toxins efficiently. Aim for half your body weight in ounces daily.

3. Reduce toxin exposure
• Limit alcohol, processed sugar, and trans fats.
• Choose clean household and beauty products where possible.

4. Support your gut
• A healthy microbiome reduces the burden on your liver by properly eliminating waste. Fiber is key!

5. Movement & sweat
• Exercise and sweating help your body offload toxins so your liver isn’t working alone.

Maybe YOUR body needs a deeper dive into what’s blocking your pathways…

Lori Wendell APRN - Optimize Your Health

09/23/2025

🧬 Deep Dive: 𝐻𝑜𝑚𝑜𝑐𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑒

What is it⁉️

𝐻𝑜𝑚𝑜𝑐𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑒 is an amino acid your body produces when it breaks down another amino acid called methionine (from protein in your diet). Normally, your body recycles ℎ𝑜𝑚𝑜𝑐𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑒 with the help of certain nutrients — mainly B6, B12, folate, and choline.

Why does it matter⁉️

When recycling doesn’t work well, ℎ𝑜𝑚𝑜𝑐𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑒 builds up in the blood. Elevated homocysteine is linked to:

• ✅ Higher risk of cardiovascular disease (artery damage, clot risk)
• ✅ Brain health issues like memory problems, dementia, and depression
• ✅ Poor detoxification and methylation, making it harder for your body to process hormones, toxins, and neurotransmitters
• ✅ Pregnancy complications if left unchecked

What causes high ℎ𝑜𝑚𝑜𝑐𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑒 ⁉️

• Low intake or poor absorption of B vitamins
• Genetic variations (like MTHFR) that slow methylation
• Poor gut health that limits nutrient absorption
• Smoking, alcohol, stress, and certain medications

What you can do: ✅

• Eat foods rich in B vitamins: leafy greens, eggs, salmon, grass-fed beef, legumes
• Consider methylated B vitamin support (with practitioner guidance)
• Support your gut health so nutrients absorb properly
• Prioritize stress management, sleep, and movement

Functional medicine perspective: ✅

Lab ranges often say up to 15 µmol/L is “normal,” but research shows levels above 7–8 µmol/L can already increase health risks.

Call is today to schedule your deep dive 📲 +1 (681) 549-7038

09/23/2025

💊Common Forms of Magnesium💊

⚡ Quick guide:
• For sleep & calm → Glycinate
• For constipation → Citrate or Oxide
• For brain health → Threonate
• For muscles & energy → Malate
• For heart health → Taurate or Orotate
• For topical use → Chloride or Sulfate

1️⃣ Magnesium Citrate
• Highly absorbable
• Gentle laxative effect → helpful for constipation
• Can also support general magnesium needs

2️⃣ Magnesium Glycinate (Bisglycinate)
• Gentle on the stomach
• Calming effect → supports sleep, relaxation, anxiety
• Less likely to cause diarrhea

3️⃣ Magnesium Malate
• Bound to malic acid (used in energy production)
• Supports muscle energy, fatigue, fibromyalgia, exercise recovery

4️⃣ Magnesium Threonate (Magtein®)
• Crosses the blood-brain barrier
• Supports memory, learning, brain health, cognitive function

5️⃣ Magnesium Oxide
• Inexpensive, but poorly absorbed
• Mostly used for constipation, heartburn, indigestion
• Not ideal for raising magnesium levels

6️⃣ Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salt)
• Used in baths/soaks for sore muscles and relaxation
• Can be taken orally (with caution, often as a laxative)

7️⃣ Magnesium Chloride
• Well absorbed orally
• Also used in topical forms (sprays, oils, lotions)

8️⃣ Magnesium Taurate
• Bound to the amino acid taurine
• Supports heart health, blood pressure regulation, rhythm stability

9️⃣ Magnesium Orotate
• Often used in sports medicine
• Supports heart health and exercise recovery

Test don’t guess … schedule your appointment with us today 📲 +1 (681) 549-7038

09/21/2025

🌸 Why am I losing hair? It might not be what you think… 🌸

Hair loss is more common than most realize, and it’s not always “just aging.” Some of the biggest hidden causes include:

🩸 Low Iron Levels – Iron carries oxygen to your hair follicles. Without enough, hair becomes weak and sheds more easily.
⚖️ Hormonal Imbalances – Thyroid issues, PCOS, menopause, or postpartum shifts can all affect hair growth.
🥗 Poor Nutrition – Not getting enough protein, vitamins (like D, B12, biotin), or minerals (like zinc) can leave your hair thin and brittle.

✨ Other signs something might be off:
• Fatigue or low energy
• Brittle nails
• Changes in your cycle or skin
• Feeling “not quite yourself”

✅ The good news: Many of these causes are reversible when the root issue is found and treated. A simple blood test and nutrition check can often uncover what your hair is trying to tell you.

💡 If you’re struggling with thinning hair, don’t just cover it up—look deeper. Your hair is often a mirror of your overall health!

Concerns?
Text us at (681) 552-1662 or (681) 549-7038 to schedule an appointment✅

09/19/2025

The Importance of a Face-to-Face Consultation in Functional Medicine 👩🏻‍⚕️ 🩺

𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞. 🩺 Functional Medicine isn’t about quick fixes or one-size-fits-all protocols—it’s about understanding the full picture of you. That’s why a face-to-face consultation is such a powerful part of your care journey.

H͟e͟r͟e͟’̲s͟ w͟h͟y̲ i͟t͟ m͟a͟t͟t͟e͟r͟s͟:̲

1. 𝚈𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚂𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢 𝚒𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚂𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝙿𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚝 😊

Unlike conventional medicine, where the focus is often on symptoms alone, Functional Medicine begins with listening. In person, you have the space to share your full health journey—your past experiences, daily challenges, lifestyle, and goals. This helps your provider see not just what’s going on, but why it’s happening.

2. 𝙷𝚞𝚖𝚊𝚗 𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚗𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝙱𝚞𝚒𝚕𝚍𝚜 𝚃𝚛𝚞𝚜𝚝 ❤️

Healing is more than lab results. Being face-to-face allows your provider to really connect with you, hear the emotion in your words, and pick up on the details that aren’t always obvious in virtual conversations. That human connection helps you feel seen, heard, and supported—something that’s vital when navigating chronic or complex health issues.

3. 𝚈𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝙱𝚘𝚍𝚢 𝚃𝚎𝚕𝚕𝚜 𝙸𝚝𝚜 𝙾𝚠𝚗 𝚂𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢 🙋🏻‍♀️

Sometimes, your body language, skin tone, energy levels, or even posture can give important clues about your health. These subtle but powerful insights are often easier to notice in person, which can guide a more precise and individualized care plan.

4. 𝙰 𝚃𝚛𝚞𝚎 𝙿𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚗𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚙 𝚒𝚗 𝙲𝚊𝚛𝚎 👏

Functional Medicine is collaborative. An in-person consultation fosters a deeper partnership—one where you feel comfortable asking questions, expressing concerns, and actively participating in the process. It’s about being a partner in your health journey, not just a patient.

5. 𝚆𝚑𝚘𝚕𝚎-𝙿𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝙰𝚜𝚜𝚎𝚜𝚜𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝 🩺

When you’re sitting together, your provider can integrate information from your story, your physical presence, and your labs or assessments in a way that creates a complete, personalized picture of your health. This holistic approach makes your care plan more effective and sustainable long term.

✨ In Functional Medicine, healing begins with understanding—and there’s no better way to truly understand you than through a face-to-face conversation.

C͟a͟l͟l͟ o͟r͟ T͟e͟x͟t͟ u͟s͟ t͟o͟d͟a͟y̲ 📲 +1 (681) 549-7038

09/18/2025

Are You Low on the Sunshine ☀️ Vitamin?

Did you know that over 40% of adults are ᴅᴇꜰɪᴄɪᴇɴᴛ ɪɴ Vɪᴛᴀᴍɪɴ D?

This powerful vitamin isn’t just about strong bones — it plays a big role in:

✨ Supporting your immune system
✨ Boosting mood & mental health
✨ Balancing hormones
✨ Reducing inflammation

Lᴏᴡ Vɪᴛᴀᴍɪɴ D can leave you feeling:
❌ Tired and achy
❌ More prone to illness
❌ Down or “blue”
❌ Struggling with bone or muscle weakness

👉 A simple lab test can tell you where your levels stand. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙖𝙡 𝙞𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 “𝙞𝙣 𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚” — 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝐨𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙗𝙤𝙙𝙮.

💡 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 “ 𝙾𝙿𝚃𝙸𝙼𝙰𝙻“ and we will get you scheduled to do a deep dive to check your Vitamin D levels — it could be the missing piece to your health puzzle!

Or contact us 📲 +1 (681) 549-7038

09/11/2025

🧪 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐇𝐁𝐆?

𝑺𝑯𝑩𝑮 stands for S*x Hormone Binding Globulin. It’s a protein made in your liver that binds to s*x hormones like testosterone and estrogen, carrying them through your blood.

🩸 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐇𝐁𝐆 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫?

Think of 𝑺𝑯𝑩𝑮 as a “hormone taxi.”

🚕 When hormones are bound to SHBG, they’re not active.
🚕 The hormones that are free and unbound are the ones your body can actually use.

🩸So, 𝑺𝑯𝑩𝑮 levels help determine how much of your hormones are really “available” to work in your body.

If 𝑺𝑯𝑩𝑮 is high 🔼

🧬 Less free testosterone/estrogen available
🧬 May cause symptoms of low hormones (fatigue, low libido, hair loss, trouble building muscle, irregular cycles, etc.)
🧬 Can be seen with things like hyperthyroidism, liver disease, aging, certain medications, or high estrogen states

If 𝑺𝑯𝑩𝑮 is low 🔽

➕More free hormones floating around
➖ May lead to symptoms of high hormones (acne, oily skin, excess hair growth in women, mood changes)
✖️Often linked to insulin resistance, PCOS, hypothyroidism, obesity, or high androgens

Why providers check 𝑺𝑯𝑩𝑮

🩸 To get the full picture of hormone balance (especially with testosterone and estrogen)
🩸Helps explain why total testosterone may look “normal,” but symptoms still exist
🩸Guides treatment for both men and women

💡 Kᴇʏ ᴛᴀᴋᴇᴀᴡᴀʏ: SHBG is like the gatekeeper of your hormones—it decides how much of your hormones your body can actually use.

09/10/2025

🚫 The Risks of a Low-Protein Diet

1️⃣ Mᴜsᴄʟᴇ Lᴏss & Wᴇᴀᴋɴᴇss

🧬 Protein is the building block of muscle. Without enough, your body breaks down muscle tissue for energy.
🔽 Leads to 𝒘𝒆𝒂𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔, poor posture, slower recovery after workouts, and 𝒇𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒕𝒚 with age.

2️⃣ Sʟᴏᴡᴇʀ Mᴇᴛᴀʙᴏʟɪsᴍ

💪🏽 Muscle mass drives your metabolic rate. Lose muscle → burn fewer calories → easier fat gain.
🔼 Can lead to weight regain after dieting.

3️⃣ Hormone & Enzyme Imbalances

🧪Many hormones (like insulin, growth hormone) and enzymes are protein-based.
🩸 Low protein disrupts blood sugar balance, thyroid function, and overall energy.

4️⃣ Poor Skin, Hair, & Nail Health

🧬 Collagen, keratin, and elastin are all proteins.
🔽 Not enough → brittle nails, hair thinning, sagging skin, and 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒈.

5️⃣ Weak Immunity

🧬 Antibodies are proteins. Low protein = 𝒘𝒆𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒓 𝒅𝒆𝒇𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒆 against infections.

6️⃣ Nutrient Deficiencies

🩸 Protein-rich foods carry other nutrients like iron, zinc, and B12.
🧠 Without them → fatigue, brain fog, anemia, depression.

7️⃣ Poor Wound Healing & Recovery

🩹 Protein is essential for tissue repair. Cuts, injuries, or surgeries heal slower.

8️⃣ Accelerated Aging & Frailty

⬇️ Sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss) happens faster with low protein.
🦴 𝑰𝒏𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒌 𝒐𝒇 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒔, fractures, and loss of independence later in life.

👉 Bottom Line:

A consistently ⬇️ 𝒍𝒐𝒘-𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒊𝒏 𝒅𝒊𝒆𝒕 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔𝒏’𝒕 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 “𝒂 𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒘𝒆𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒓.” Over time, it can 𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙢, hormones, immunity, appearance, and long-term vitality.

09/09/2025

📣 Why “𝙽𝚘𝚛𝚖𝚊𝚕” Lab Values Aren’t Always Normal in Functional Medicine

Many patients come to me saying: “𝐌𝐲 𝐝𝐨𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐥, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐈 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥.”

This is one of the b͟i͟g̲g̲e͟s͟t͟ d͟i͟f͟f͟e͟r͟e͟n͟c͟e͟s͟ between conventional medicine and functional medicine.

🔬 Conventional Labs:
❌ Labs are compared to a “normal range.”
❌ These ranges are created by averaging results from the general population—people who may not be optimally healthy.
❌ If you’re not at a level that indicates disease, your results are often stamped as “normal.”

🌱 Functional Medicine Approach:
✅ We focus on 𝕠𝕡𝕥𝕚𝕞𝕒𝕝 𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀, not just “normal.”
✅ 𝕆ℙ𝕋𝕀𝕄𝔸𝕃 𝕄𝔼𝔸ℕ𝕊 your body is functioning at its best, with energy, mental clarity, balanced hormones, and resilience.
✅ We consider how all your labs fit together, not just individual numbers.

✨ Examples:

• Thyroid (TSH): Normal may go up to 4.5, but many people feel tired, sluggish, and gain weight when their TSH is above 2.5.
• Ferritin (iron stores): A ferritin of 15 might be called “normal,” but it often comes with hair loss, fatigue, and low exercise tolerance.
• Vitamin D: Labs may say 30 is “fine,” but functionally, most people thrive closer to 50–80.

💡 The Takeaway:

Just because your labs fall into the “𝚗𝚘𝚛𝚖𝚊𝚕” range doesn’t mean your body is thriving.

Functional medicine digs deeper to identify what your body needs to function at its highest potential—not just to avoid disease.

09/08/2025

𝗞𝗲𝘆 🔑 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 🚹

1️⃣ 𝙏𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙚 – Vital for energy, muscle mass, bone strength, libido, and mood.
2️⃣ 𝘿𝙃𝙀𝘼 – A precursor hormone that supports testosterone and overall vitality.
3️⃣ 𝘾𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙨𝙤𝙡 – The stress hormone; too high or too low disrupts energy, sleep, and metabolism.
4️⃣ 𝙏𝙝𝙮𝙧𝙤𝙞𝙙 𝙃𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨 )𝙏4, 𝙏3) – Control metabolism, weight, and brain function.
5️⃣ 𝙄𝙣𝙨𝙪𝙡𝙞𝙣 – Regulates blood sugar; resistance can lead to weight gain and low energy.
7️⃣ 𝙀𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙣 (yes, men need some!) – Important for bone health and brain function, but balance is key.

📢 S͟i͟g̲n͟s͟ H͟o͟r͟m͟o͟n͟e͟s͟ M͟a͟y̲ B͟e͟ O͟u͟t͟ o͟f͟ B͟a͟l͟a͟n͟c͟e͟:

⬇️ Low energy, fatigue
⬆️ Increased belly fat, difficulty building muscle
⬇️ Low libido or erectile issues
🔀 Mood changes (irritability, depression, brain fog)
⬇️ Sleep problems
⬇️ Hair loss or thinning
⬇️ Reduced motivation or drive

📣 Lifestyle Habits That Support Hormone Health:

• 𝙉𝙪𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣: Prioritize protein, healthy fats, and limit processed sugars.
• 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙩𝙝 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜: Boosts testosterone naturally.
• 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩: Lowering cortisol helps keep testosterone balanced.
• 𝙌𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙎𝙡𝙚𝙚𝙥: Hormone repair happens at night.
• 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝𝙮 𝙒𝙚𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩: Fat tissue converts testosterone to estrogen, so body composition matters.

✔️ F͟u͟n͟c͟t͟i͟o͟n͟a͟l͟ M͟e͟d͟i͟c͟i͟n͟e͟ A͟p̲p̲r͟o͟a͟c͟h͟ ✔️

✅ TEST DON’T GUESS : lab work for testosterone (total & free), estradiol, DHEA, thyroid, cortisol, and insulin.

✅ Look for root causes: stress, poor sleep, nutrient deficiencies, environmental toxins, or underlying medical conditions.

✅ Build an individualized plan rather than just treating symptoms.

Fellas, text or call us today to get scheduled 📲 +1 (681) 549-7038

Lori Wendell APRN - Optimize Your Health

09/26/2025

09/25/2025

09/23/2025

09/23/2025

09/21/2025

09/19/2025

09/18/2025

09/11/2025

09/10/2025

09/09/2025

09/08/2025

Address

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category