Functional Health KC

Are you looking to up your wellness game as you age? If so, acupuncture is an excellent addition. Acupuncture relieves stress, reduces pain, helps with sleep, anxiety, depression and can even help with symptoms of hormone imbalance. Acupuncture supports pain relief, improves circulation, and boosts energy, helping you stay active and vibrant as you age. Curious about what acupuncture can do for you? Give us a call! Embrace the natural way to age well and thrive!

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Functional medicine takes a personalized, root-cause health approach to help you age more healthfully. Whether it's balancing hormones, improving gut health, or reducing inflammation, functional medicine empowers you to thrive at every stage of life.

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Regular chiropractic adjustments enhance mobility and flexibility, crucial for staying active as we grow older. By maintaining spinal health, chiropractic care supports overall wellness, helping you enjoy life to the fullest at every age.

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How are you aging? Have you thought about it? Do you have an action plan for things you should do today to feel your best tomorrow AND ten years from now? Are there things you want to be able to do as the years go by? What are your goals for your 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's and beyond? What are you doing today to age healthfully? Chiropractic, acupuncture, and functional medicine all have roles to play in helping you feel your best as you age!

Here are a few healthy aging tips to get started:

-Optimize your adrenals.
-Learn how to manage stress.
-If you are a woman, work on pelvic floor health and consider vaginal estrogen. Incontinence is real and slows women down so much as they age.
-If you are a woman, look into hormone replacement therapy. Newer studies show BHRT is essential to reduce risks of dementia, osteoporosis, Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease, and more.
-Maintain mobility with exercise, massage, weight training, and stretching.
-Declutter your house. Clutter increases your risk of falling as you age. Also, as you age, you'll be less capable of decluttering all of those extra possessions.
-Find a hobby that you love and do it often.
-Cultivate a strong, supportive community.

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The GI-MAP analyzes a stool sample you collect in your own home and ship via FedEx to the lab. Here’s how the process works:

1. Sample Collection: You collect a small stool sample at home using a kit provided that is shipped to you from the lab. After collection, the sample is sent to a specialized lab for analysis.

2. DNA Analysis: The lab uses advanced PCR (polymerase chain reaction) technology to detect and quantify the DNA of various microorganisms in your gut. Microorganisms analyzed include bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. The GI-MAP can identify specific pathogens as well as measure the overall balance of your gut flora.

3. Marker Evaluation: In addition to microbial analysis, the GI-MAP assesses several key markers related to gut health, such as:
o Inflammation: Detects levels of inflammatory markers like calprotectin.
o Immune Function: Evaluates markers like secretory IgA, which reflects the gut’s immune response.
o Digestive Function: Assesses markers that indicate how well you’re digesting and absorbing nutrients, such as elastase and steatocrit.

4. Comprehensive Report: Test results are compiled into a detailed report that highlights any imbalances, infections, or other issues in your gut. This report reviewed with a healthcare practitioner who specializes in functional medicine.

5. Targeted Treatment Plan: Based on the GI-MAP findings, your practitioner can develop a personalized treatment plan. This might include dietary changes, probiotics, prebiotics, antimicrobial treatments, and other interventions aimed at restoring balance and improving gut health.

By pinpointing specific issues in your gut, the GI-MAP allows for a more targeted approach to treatment, helping to address the root causes of digestive problems.

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The GI-MAP (Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus) is a comprehensive stool test used in functional medicine to assess the health of your gut. The GI Map test provides detailed insights into the balance of bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi in your digestive system. This test also measures markers of gut inflammation, immune function, and digestive health. By analyzing these factors, the GI-MAP helps healthcare practitioners identify underlying causes of digestive issues, such as imbalances in gut flora (dysbiosis), infections, or inflammation. This enables a more targeted and personalized approach to treatment, focusing on restoring optimal gut health rather than just alleviating symptoms.

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Gut dysbiosis refers to an imbalance in the gut microbiome. The microbiome is the community of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms living in your digestive tract. In a healthy gut, there is a balanced mix of beneficial and potentially harmful microbes. When this balance is disrupted—due to factors like poor diet, stress, antibiotics, or illness—harmful bacteria can overgrow, and beneficial bacteria may decrease. This imbalance can lead to digestive issues, such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. Microbiome imbalances can also contribute to more serious conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and leaky gut. Dysbiosis is a common underlying factor in many gut-related health problems.

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When you have stomach issues, probiotics aren't always the solution. To truly address gut problems, it’s essential to find the root cause of your issues. Root causes for GI problems might include dysbiosis, inflammation, too much or too little stomach acid, low digestive enzymes or malabsorption. Functional medicine can help uncover these issues with tools like the GI-MAP test. If you've had stomach issues for a while and probiotics aren't solving your problems-test, don't guess! A comprehensive approach tailored to your needs is often the key to lasting relief!

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Acupuncture can help with more than just pain relief. Acupuncture is also an effective treatment for the following conditions:

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Migraines
• Digestive issues
• Insomnia
• Hormone imbalance
• And more!

By balancing the body’s energy, acupuncture supports overall wellness and natural healing. Consider acupuncture as part of your holistic approach to better health!

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Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body. These points, known as acupuncture points, are believed to be connected by pathways called meridians. Meridians are essentially mapped-out energy flows. The goal of acupuncture is to balance energy flows, which helps to promote healing and restore health. Research suggests that acupuncture may stimulate the nervous system, enhance blood flow, release endorphins, and influence the body's pain and healing responses. While it is rooted in ancient practices, acupuncture is increasingly integrated into modern healthcare.

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Happy Labor Day!

Today, we honor the hard work and dedication of everyone who keeps our world moving forward.

Whether you’re relaxing with loved ones or tackling a new project, take a moment to celebrate your achievements and recharge for the journey ahead.

Thank you for all that you do!

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Neck pain, mid back pain, low back pain, sciatica, headaches, migraines, foot pain, ankle pain, wrist pain, hand pain....we have gentle, effective treatment options!

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Are you interested in Functional Medicine but don't live in the Kansas City area? No worries. Dr. Melinda is licensed to provide functional medicine consultations, order testing and can recommend treatment via telehealth in Kansas and Missouri. Contact our office for details.

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Chiropractic can safely and effectively treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions including low back pain, sciatica, neck pain, headaches, migraines, knee pain, shoulder pain, foot and ankle pain, wrist and hand pain, arthritis pain, pain due to pregnancy, and pain related to auto accident injuries or whiplash. We accept most insurances for chiropractic services.

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How do you test for HPA Axis dysfunction?

In our office, we most frequently use a 4 point salivary cortisol hormone test with Cortisol Awakening Response. This test measures salivary levels of cortisol when you first wake up, 30 minutes after waking and then at three other times throughout the day.

Measuring cortisol levels throughout the day helps to establish your diurnal cortisol pattern.

With a healthy adrenal response, cortisol is highest in the morning and lowest at night.

If this pattern reverses, it can be hard to wake up in the morning and hard to fall asleep at night. A common complaint if your diurnal cortisol pattern is flipped will be that you fall asleep in the evening while watching TV but will be wide awake as soon as bedtime actually arrives.

In addition to measuring salivary cortisol, this test also measures salivary DHEA. DHEA is an important hormone for exercise recovery and overall healing. DHEA also acts as a precursor and pro-hormone for estrogen and testosterone.

Because of it's impact on estrogen and testosterone, optimal levels of DHEA can help smooth perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms.

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HPA Axis dysfunction can impact gut health!

Chronically high levels of cortisol can inhibit digestive function, leading to digestive issues as well as alteration of the gut microbiome.

High stress causes a high demand for the production of cortisol. When our body's stores of amino acids start to deplete from increased need, our body starts to strip amino acids from our gut lining. This can directly impact gut function, cause leaky gut and disturb gut microbe balance.

Once leaky gut is present, you have increased systemic inflammation.
Increased inflammation and leaky gut set the stage for the development of autoimmune disorders, mood and cognitive disturbances and hormone imbalances.

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Did you know that HPA Axis dysfunction can directly contribute to the the development of hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroid disorders?

It is estimated that 5% of individuals over the age of 12 have hypothyroidism. Of those 5%, over 90% have an underlying autoimmune disease known as Hashimoto's Disease or Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.

How does HPA Axis/Adrenal dysfunction cause hypothyroidism?

-When cortisol levels are high, it signals the thyroid to stop producing thyroid hormones.
-Cortisol restricts the conversion of T4 (storage thyroid hormone) to T3 (active thyroid hormone).
-High cortisol increases inflammation which also inhibits thyroid hormone conversion.
-Increased cortisol increases the conversion of T4 to Reverse T3 which essentially slows metabolic function
-Lowered thyroid hormone production increases TSH

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What is HPA Axis Dysfunction?

HPA Axis Dysfunction is more commonly known as Adrenal Fatigue. The HPA axis, which stands for the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, is a crucial system in the regulation of stress and the body's response to stress. It involves a complex interplay between three major components: the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, and the adrenal glands.

Adrenal glands are small, triangular-shaped glands located on top of each kidney. Adrenal glands produce hormones that help regulate your metabolism, immune system, blood pressure, response to stress and other essential functions.

Adrenal glands release cortisol to prepare our body for fight or flight. Cortisol increases blood sugar, enhances the brain's use of glucose and increases the availability of substances in the body that repair tissues. Cortisol also slows non-essential body functions.

In times of stress, we want the body to produce more cortisol. Issues arise when we get stuck in a pattern of increased cortisol. Over time, we start to have issues with sleep, blood sugar, concentration, weight gain and a whole host of gut and hormone dysfunctions.

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Functional medicine is an approach to healthcare that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of disease, rather than just managing symptoms. Here are some conditions that may be addressed through functional medicine:

1. Digestive disorders-IBS, acid reflux, inflammatory bowel disease
2. Hormonal imbalances-thyroid disorders, adrenal fatigue, menopause
3. Autoimmune diseases-rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis
4. Chronic fatigue syndrome
5. Fibromyalgia
6. Metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance
7. Mental health conditions-depression, anxiety, ADHD
8. Migraine and other chronic pain conditions
9. Skin disorders-eczema, psoriasis, acne
10. Allergies and sensitivities
11. Environmental toxicity and detoxification support
12. Insomnia
13. Chronic inflammation
14. Nutritional deficiencies and optimization

Functional medicine aims to treat the individual as a whole and may involve a combination of lifestyle interventions, dietary changes, nutritional supplements, stress management techniques, and conventional medical treatments when necessary.

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Happy International Left Hander's Day! 🖐️

As a proud leftie, Dr. Mike understands the unique challenges lefties face—from awkward handshakes to smudged ink and ergonomics that just don't work for the left-hand dominant individual!

But today, we celebrate the creativity, adaptability, and resilience of lefties everywhere!

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It's back-to-school month. That usually means purchasing a new backpack. Here are a few tips to help you choose the proper backpack for your child:

*Proper Fit: Ensure the backpack is appropriately sized for the child's body. It should not be wider or longer than the child's torso, and the bottom should rest just above the child's waist.
*Weight Distribution: The heaviest items should be packed closest to the child's back and centered in the backpack. This helps distribute weight evenly.
*Adjustability: Opt for backpacks with adjustable padded shoulder straps and a waist belt. This allows for a snug fit and helps distribute weight more evenly.
*Light Packing: Encourage children to pack only what they need for the day to avoid unnecessary weight.
*Two-Strap Use: Always use both shoulder straps to evenly distribute weight. Using only one strap can strain muscles and cause posture issues.
*Back Support: Look for backpacks with padded backs or lumbar support to cushion the back and protect against sharp objects inside the pack.
*Handle with Care: Teach children to lift their backpacks properly by bending at the knees and using both hands to lift it onto their shoulders.
*Regular Checks: Periodically check the backpack weight and contents with your child to ensure they are not carrying excessive weight.

These tips can help promote better posture, reduce strain, and prevent potential health issues associated with heavy or improperly worn backpacks.

Remember, children can have issues with back pain too. If your child complains of back or neck pain, consider taking them to see a chiropractor.

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🏓It's National Pickleball Day! 🏓

Pickleball is a fun and fast-growing sport, but it can come with its share of injuries!

Common pickleball injuries include low back pain, neck pain, shoulder injuries, ankle sprains, and tennis elbow.

Chiropractic adjustments can help treat these issues as well as reduce their occurrence. Chiropractic restores mobility, increases flexibility and proper function. Increased mobility is key for injury prevention as well as faster post-game recovery.

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Cervical radiculopathy is a medical condition that involves damage or irritation to the nerve roots exiting the cervical spine. This damage can be due to compression, inflammation, or injury to the nerves.

Symptoms of cervical radiculopathy include localized neck pain or pain that radiates in the shoulder, arm, or hand. In addition to pain, cervical radiculopathy can cause weakness, numbness and tingling and an inability to perform tasks that require fine motor coordination.

While symptoms can resolve on their own with time, chiropractic can help speed up the process.

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What causes the popping sound you sometimes hear when you get a manual adjustment?

Whether you call it a pop, a crack or a cavitation, it's important to know what that sound really is. The sound created when you receive a manual chiropractic adjustment, and sometimes with an Activator adjustment as well, is simply the escape of gas from the joint.

The pressure change from the joint movement creates a release of gas much like that which occurs when you open a can of soda or uncork a bottle of champagne.

In addition to knowing that this sound does not "crack" anything, it's also important to know that this sound is not required for an adjustment to occur. Joints can be adjusted without this sound.



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Happy National Avocado Day! What's your favorite way to eat avocados? Dr. Melinda loves guacamole, sliced avocado on a salad or avocado toast. Dr. Mike, on the other hand, isn't the biggest fan of avocados though one time on vacation, he consumed them and declared them "a vacation food". Dr. Melinda has NO idea why Dr. Mike wouldn't want to eat avocados any time of the year, especially with all of the modest avocado's health benefits.

Avocados are a nutrient-dense fruit that offer several health benefits.

Here are five key benefits of avocados:

1) Rich in Nutrients: Avocados are packed with essential nutrients, including vitamins C, E, K, and B-6, as well as folate, magnesium, and potassium. They are also a good source of healthy monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
2) Heart Health: The monounsaturated fats in avocados can help reduce bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and increase good cholesterol levels (HDL), promoting overall cardiovascular health. They also contain potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure.
3) High in Fiber: Avocados are high in fiber, which aids in digestion, helps maintain bowel regularity, and can contribute to weight management by promoting a feeling of fullness.
4) Antioxidant Properties: Avocados are rich in antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which are important for eye health. They help protect against age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Additionally, the vitamin E in avocados acts as a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage.
5) Anti-Inflammatory Benefits: The combination of monounsaturated fats, phytosterols, and antioxidants in avocados can help reduce inflammation in the body. This is beneficial for managing chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.

Including avocados in your diet can support overall health and well-being, making them a valuable addition to a balanced diet.

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Did you know that strong, healthy friendships are integral to good health? Strong social connections can boost your mood, reduce stress, and even improve your immune system. Spending time with friends helps increase feelings of happiness and belonging, lowers the risk of depression, and promotes a healthier lifestyle. So, cherish your friendships and make time for those who matter most – it's good for your health!

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Throughout our 20+ years of practice, we've been privileged to receive referrals from numerous medical doctors including general practice medical doctors and ob/gyns. We believe patients benefit when all medical providers work together for the good of the patient.

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Dr. Mike is in the office most Saturdays from 9am-12pm. If your weekend could use an adjustment, give him a call!

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