DNP Wellness

10/31/2025

Thyroid Health & Mental Wellness
Did you know that your thyroid plays a powerful role in your mood and mental health?
A strong connection exists between thyroid metabolism and mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder. In fact, thyroid hormones have been used for decades to:
💊 Treat depression
💊 Support patients with bipolar disorder
💊 Enhance the effects of psychotropic medications
💊 Improve overall mental health outcomes when combined with traditional treatments
Thyroid hormones have a profound influence on human behavior, and research suggests they may help modulate mood disorders by balancing neurotransmitter activity and supporting brain metabolism.
👉 Specifically, Triiodothyronine (T3) — the active thyroid hormone — may:
✨ Accelerate antidepressant response
✨ Boost the effectiveness of antidepressants in treatment-resistant depression
At DNP Wellness, we take a functional medicine approach to thyroid optimization—addressing not just lab numbers, but how thyroid balance impacts your energy, focus, and emotional well-being.
💙 Your thyroid health is deeply connected to your mental health—let’s optimize both.
📍 DNP Wellness | Functional Medicine & Hormone Optimization
📞 551-766-1269 | 🌐 www.dnpwellness.com
Reference: Bauer, M., Whybrow, P. C. (2001). Role of Thyroid Hormone Therapy in Depressive Disorders. Thyroid, 11(5), 471–476. doi:10.1089/105072501300176462

10/27/2025

10/26/2025

10/21/2025

What Is F***l Calprotectin — and Why It Matters for Gut Health

At DNP Wellness, we see many patients struggling with chronic bloating, abdominal pain, constipation, or diarrhea — symptoms that can come from a wide range of gut issues. But how do we know if inflammation is truly present?
That’s where F***l Calprotectin (FC) testing comes in — a simple, noninvasive stool test that helps detect inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
🔍 Why This Matters
When inflammation in the gut becomes chronic, it can damage the intestinal lining — sometimes referred to as “leaky gut.” This allows microbial products and toxins to enter the bloodstream, fueling systemic low-grade inflammation that can contribute to metabolic, autoimmune, and even age-related conditions.
A 2018 national survey found that 61% of Americans experience at least one GI symptom, yet it can be difficult to tell if inflammation is the cause. Conditions like IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) share many symptoms — but their treatments differ significantly.
🧬 What Is Calprotectin?
Calprotectin is a protein released by neutrophils, immune cells that migrate to the GI tract during inflammation. Once released, it helps activate other immune cells and restricts bacterial growth by binding key minerals such as zinc and iron.
When measured in stool, f***l calprotectin serves as a sensitive marker of intestinal inflammation — often more accurate than standard blood markers like CRP or ESR.
💡 How It’s Used
✔️ Distinguishes IBD from IBS – The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) recommends f***l calprotectin to help determine whether inflammation is present.
✔️ Guides next steps – A normal FC result (< 50 µg/g) has up to a 99–100% negative predictive value, meaning IBD is very unlikely and unnecessary colonoscopies can often be avoided.
✔️ Monitors IBD activity – For those with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, FC helps track disease activity and treatment response.
🌱 Takeaway from DNP Wellness
If you’ve been living with persistent GI symptoms, f***l calprotectin testing can be an excellent first step toward finding the root cause. At DNP Wellness, we focus on identifying inflammation early and restoring optimal gut health through a functional, root-cause approach.
📍 36 Franklin Turnpike, Suite 5, Waldwick, NJ
📞 551-766-1269 | 💌 info@dnpwellness.com
www.dnpwellness.com

10/20/2025

Time to Reconsider Long-Term PPI Use?
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) — like omeprazole, pantoprazole, or esomeprazole — are among the most commonly prescribed medications for heartburn and reflux.
But did you know they’re often continued long after symptoms are gone?
Recent studies and deprescribing guidelines suggest that many adults can safely taper off PPIs with the right plan and lifestyle support. Chronic use can increase risk of nutrient deficiencies (like magnesium and B12), gut microbiome changes, kidney disease, and bone loss.
👉 When deprescribing is appropriate:
According to evidence-based guidelines (Farrell et al., Can Fam Physician, 2017; Boghossian et al., Cochrane Rev, 2017):
No current need for daily acid suppression (no severe esophagitis or Barrett’s esophagus)
Symptoms well controlled for ≥4–8 weeks
Able to implement lifestyle and functional medicine strategies
🌱 Functional approaches that support reflux recovery:
Diet & Weight Optimization: Clinical trials show symptom improvement with gradual weight loss and anti-inflammatory eating (Valentini et al., 2023).
Meal Timing: Allow at least 3 hours between dinner and bedtime (Fujiwara et al., 2005).
Sleep Positioning: Elevating the head and left-side sleeping can significantly reduce nighttime reflux (Person et al., 2015).
Limit Alcohol: Even moderate intake increases reflux risk (Pan et al., 2019).
Mind-Body & Manual Therapies: Studies show benefit from osteopathic treatment, acupuncture, and manual cervical traction in reducing GERD symptoms (Lynen et al., 2022; Zhu et al., 2017; Bitnar et al., 2021).
⚖️ Tapering PPIs gradually (for example, every other day for 2–4 weeks before stopping) may reduce rebound acid symptoms. Always work with a qualified clinician for an individualized plan.
✨ At DNP Wellness, we specialize in root-cause, functional approaches to reflux and digestive health — helping patients safely reduce dependence on chronic medications while supporting true healing.
📞 Call 551-766-1269 or visit www.dnpwellness.com to learn more.

09/28/2025

Let’s Talk About Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] – An Advanced Heart Marker for Heart Disease
Most people know about LDL (“bad cholesterol”), but fewer know about Lipoprotein(a)—or Lp(a)—a powerful and independent risk factor for heart disease.
What is Lp(a)?
A unique lipoprotein made up of an LDL-like particle and a special protein called apolipoprotein(a).
Produced in the liver, and strongly influenced by genetics.
Why it matters:
Elevated Lp(a) can increase risk of:
• Heart attack (MI)
• Stroke (CVA)
• Coronary artery disease
• Vein graft stenosis
• Retinal artery occlusion
Predicts 15-year cardiovascular risk and adds valuable information to standard cholesterol testing.
Risks are especially high in younger patients with premature atherosclerosis (men

09/27/2025

Hormones & Heart Disease Risk – What the Rotterdam Study Found
The Rotterdam Study—a large, long-term population study in the Netherlands—revealed something striking:
Women with low estrogen levels (lowest 25% of normal) had a risk of heart disease equal to that of to***co use.
Why this matters:
Estrogen supports vascular flexibility, cholesterol balance, and inflammation control.
When estrogen levels fall (as in menopause), the risk of cardiovascular disease rises dramatically.
The takeaway: Protecting hormone balance—especially estrogen in women—is key for heart disease prevention.
📖 Reference: van der Schouw YT, Grobbee DE, Bots ML. Lower levels of endogenous estrogen increase the risk of atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women: the Rotterdam Study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1996 Jan;81(1):208–12. [PubMed PMID: 8550772]
At DNP Wellness, we offer bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) and functional medicine care to help women support both their hormone health and heart health.
📍 Waldwick, NJ
📞 551-766-1269
🌐 www.dnpwellness.com

09/27/2025

Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) – A Deeper Look at Heart Health

When it comes to cardiovascular risk, ApoB is one of the most important markers you can test. Here’s why:

What is ApoB?
The primary protein on all LDL particles (including chylomicrons, VLDL, IDL, and LDL).
There is 1 ApoB protein per particle, making it the best way to measure the number of cholesterol-carrying lipoproteins in your blood.
Why does it matter?
More particles = more opportunities for cholesterol to enter artery walls.
Subendothelial retention of ApoB-100 (when it binds to proteoglycans in vessel walls) is thought to be the first step in plaque formation.
High ApoB increases the risk of heart disease by 2–3 times—even if your LDL cholesterol looks “normal.”
Risk Enhancer:
An ApoB level ≥130 mg/dl is considered a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
👉 Functional medicine looks beyond standard cholesterol tests. Measuring ApoB provides a clearer, more accurate picture of heart health and helps us build a prevention plan that’s truly personalized.
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🩺 DNP Wellness | Functional Medicine & Hormone Optimization
📍 Waldwick, NJ
📞 551-766-1269
🌐 www.dnpwellness.com

09/23/2025

🔹 Low Ferritin & Hypothyroidism – What’s the Connection? 🔹
Many patients with thyroid dysfunction also struggle with low ferritin (the storage form of iron). These two conditions are closely linked—and often create a vicious cycle.
💡 Here’s why ferritin matters for thyroid health:
Iron is required to convert T4 → T3. Without enough ferritin, your body may not efficiently activate thyroid hormone, leading to persistent symptoms despite “normal” labs.
Ferritin supports thyroid peroxidase (TPO). TPO is the enzyme needed for making thyroid hormones. Low ferritin = reduced thyroid hormone production.
Shared symptoms: Fatigue, hair loss, cold intolerance, brittle nails, and brain fog can be caused by both low thyroid function and iron deficiency, making it easy to miss the connection.
Gut connection: Low stomach acid (common in hypothyroidism) reduces iron absorption, which can further lower ferritin levels.
🔍 Functional Medicine Insight:
When we see patients with hypothyroidism who still feel tired, sluggish, or can’t restore hair health, we always look at ferritin. Optimizing ferritin (not just hemoglobin) is essential. For thyroid support, ferritin is best kept in the 70–100 ng/mL range (not just “normal”).
✅ Supporting ferritin levels may involve:
Optimizing gut health for better iron absorption
Pairing iron-rich foods (red meat, lentils, spinach) with vitamin C
Addressing hidden causes of iron loss (heavy periods, GI bleeding, chronic inflammation)
Using iron supplementation if diet isn’t enough—always under guidance, as too much iron can be harmful
✨ Takeaway: If you have hypothyroidism and your symptoms persist, ask your provider to check ferritin—not just standard iron or thyroid labs. Sometimes, the missing link is low iron storage.

09/23/2025

Today is National Perimenopause Day
Perimenopause is not just about hot flashes—it’s a rollercoaster of hormonal changes that can last anywhere from 2 to 10 years.
Here’s what really happens:
🌿 Progesterone decreases first, then estradiol (estrogen) follows.
🌿 Instead of dropping smoothly, these hormones rise and fall unpredictably—creating waves of symptoms that can affect your whole body.
🌿 By post-menopause, both hormones are gone completely.
🔹 Menstrual symptoms (if you still have a uterus): periods may become irregular, heavier, lighter, longer, shorter, or skipped.
🔹 Whole-body symptoms: insomnia, fatigue, brain fog, mood swings, hot flashes, weight gain, joint pain, vaginal dryness, and more.
👉 The truth? Perimenopause is different for every woman—but recognizing the signs is essential. Symptoms are not “just in your head.” They are your body’s way of telling you it’s time to care for your long-term health.
At DNP Wellness, we believe in a functional medicine approach—looking beyond the symptoms to restore balance, protect your heart, bones, and brain, and help you thrive through this transition. 🌿
💙 Today, let’s bring awareness to this important stage of life and empower women with knowledge and support.
✨ Perimenopause is not the end—it’s a new beginning. ✨

09/22/2025

☕️ Coffee & Thyroid Medication: A Hidden Interaction ☕️
Many people start their morning with coffee and their thyroid medication—but research shows that coffee may reduce how much medication your body absorbs.
📖 Study Spotlight:
Benvenga S, et al. Thyroid. 2008;18(3):293–301
This study found that drinking coffee close to the time of taking L-thyroxine (T4/Levothyroxine) significantly lowered absorption, leading to lower thyroid hormone levels in the blood.
Why it matters:
If your thyroid medication isn’t absorbed properly, you may continue to experience symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, or mood swings—even while on the correct dose.
Best Practice:
• Take your thyroid medication with water only.
• Wait at least 30–60 minutes before having coffee or food.
• If you enjoy coffee, have it later in the morning for the best results.
Small timing changes can make a big difference in thyroid health!

09/21/2025

Thyroid Health & Type 2 Diabetes – A Hidden Connection
Did you know your thyroid function can influence your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes?
A large meta-analysis (12 studies, BMC Medicine, 2021) found:
🔹 Patients with higher TSH levels had a 17% higher risk of developing T2DM.
🔹 For every 1 mIU/L increase in TSH, diabetes risk increased by 11.4%.
🔹 Low free T3 (fT3) and free T4 (fT4) were linked to greater diabetes risk.
🔹 An fT3/fT4 ratio below 2.8/10.75 was associated with increased risk.

What this means: Even subtle thyroid imbalances can set the stage for metabolic issues, including blood sugar dysregulation and Type 2 Diabetes.
At DNP Wellness, we take a functional medicine approach to look deeper at thyroid and metabolic health—not just “normal ranges,” but optimal balance.
💙 Supporting thyroid health means supporting whole-body wellness.
📖 Reference: Rong F, Dai H, Wu Y, et al. Association between thyroid dysfunction and type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis of prospective observational studies. BMC Med. 2021;19(1):257. Published 2021 Oct 21. doi:10.1186/s12916-021-02121-2