Tagged: supplementation

Magnesium Deficiency: Signs, Causes, and How to Fix It

Magnesium is a powerhouse mineral, essential for over 500 bodily functions!

Yet, many Americans don’t get enough due to dietary deficiencies. Unfortunately, low magnesium levels often go undiagnosed, as symptoms can be vague, and routine tests don’t always detect deficiencies.

Common Signs of Magnesium Deficiency:

Fatigue
Muscle cramps or weakness
High blood pressure
Osteoporosis
Irregular heartbeat
Mental health challenges (such as anxiety or depression)

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, consider functional lab testing to identify potential nutrient gaps. In the meantime, you can naturally boost your magnesium levels by eating nutrient-rich foods like nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes.

Don’t leave your health to guesswork—get the answers you need! Functional testing can reveal exactly what your body requires. Reach out today to start your journey to better health!

Functional Medicine

The Link Between Vitamin D and Oxidative Stress: What You Need to Know

Did you know that over 40% of U.S. adults have insufficient vitamin D levels? This “sunshine vitamin” plays a crucial role in maintaining your body’s internal balance—including its ability to combat oxidative stress.

What is Oxidative Stress?
Oxidative stress occurs when the body struggles to neutralize free radicals—unstable molecules produced during oxygen metabolism. While some oxidative stress is normal and even beneficial, an imbalance can lead to cellular damage and long-term health issues.

Vitamin D and Oxidative Stress: The Connection
Recent research highlights the relationship between vitamin D and thiol/disulfide (T/DS) homeostasis, a key marker of oxidative stress in the body:

Thiol: A powerful antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation.
Disulfide: The oxidized form, created when oxidative stress is too high.

Studies suggest that individuals with low vitamin D levels tend to have reduced thiol activity and higher oxidative stress, potentially leading to dysfunction. Conversely, sufficient vitamin D supports a healthier antioxidant balance.

How to Support Healthy Vitamin D Levels
You can boost your vitamin D through nutrient-dense foods, sunlight exposure, and high-quality supplements. However, testing and supplementation should always be guided by a licensed professional to meet your unique needs.

Curious about how functional lab testing can uncover hidden imbalances in your health? Contact us today to learn more!

Nutrition Education

Why Supplements May Be Necessary Even with a Healthy Diet

When you’re trying to reduce the number of medications you take, starting supplements might seem counterintuitive.

There’s also a lot of negative press about supplements being “snake oil” or unnecessary if you’re eating a healthy diet. While this can be true for some, others have health conditions that could benefit significantly from natural, high-quality supplements.

Ultimately, it all comes down to what’s happening beneath the surface to cause your symptoms.

Here are some reasons why supplements might be necessary alongside a healthy diet and lifestyle:

Supporting natural functions as you age
Managing high external stressors
Dealing with a toxic environment and products
Addressing genetic factors
Compensating for low-quality foods

Most supplements consist of herbs and other natural compounds that have strong scientific support and have been used globally throughout history. It’s important to thoroughly research what’s in your supplements and where they are sourced from, and to work with a qualified practitioner who conducts comprehensive, individualized testing.

Ask our office how supplementation, paired with a customized care program, might be the right path for you!

Functional Medicine

Melatonin and Sleep: Is It Safe to Take Every Night?

Do You Rely on Melatonin for Better Sleep?

Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the pineal gland in the brain. Best known for regulating the sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm), it’s commonly used as a supplement by those struggling to catch some Zs. But is it safe to take melatonin every night?

Darkness triggers melatonin production, signaling your body to prepare for sleep. When this process is disrupted, it can negatively affect not only your sleep but also your reproductive hormones and inflammation levels. Here are some common factors that can throw your melatonin out of sync:

Night shifts
Screen time before bed
Jet lag
Aging

Melatonin helps you wind down by blocking the signals that keep you awake. The good news is that high-quality supplements generally don’t interfere with your body’s natural melatonin production. However, it’s always wise to consult a holistic healthcare provider to determine the right dosage and timing for your needs.

Curious about other supplements that could enhance your wellness journey? We’re here to guide you! Make an appointment today!

Nutrition Education

Signs of Vitamin D Deficiency

Have you been experiencing unexplained physical, mental, or emotional fatigue?

These could be signs of a vitamin D deficiency! With many people spending less time in the sun, low vitamin D levels have become increasingly common.

How to Spot and Address Common Symptoms

Here are some key symptoms to watch for if you suspect you may need more vitamin D:

Frequent colds or infections
Slow-healing cuts or wounds
Constant fatigue and low energy
Back, muscle, or bone pain
Mood swings or depression

Other indicators may include unexplained hair loss and excessive sweating. If any of these symptoms sound familiar, it’s worth consulting with a holistic health provider to identify the root cause.

Our office is here to help uncover the underlying causes of deficiencies, recommend natural supplementation, and close nutritional gaps. Reach out to learn more!

Clean Living Blog