Vida Functional Medicine

For the past month we have been pleading with Facebook support to help us recover our page from being hacked by a fake company called E1. They removed all of our admins and Facebook refuses to help.

So we are forced to stop activity on our page.

We can still post to our account from Instagram so we are asking you to please follow us at where we will continue to share our knowledge and expertise on all topics Functional Medicine.

See you soon at

THINKVIDA.COM

The great debate about saturated fat, and foods that naturally contain them has continued for decades. However, recent research raises the question of whether or not we ever had sufficient evidence to fear saturated fat as a contributor to heart disease.

In October 2019 a systematic review of randomized trials found evidence that restricting red meat has “little or no effect" on major cardiometabolic outcomes and cancer mortality and incidence.

The researchers do highlight how the body of research is all low to very-low certainty, begging the question why there haven’t been more RCTs on such a controversial topic.

For decades, the top offence of animal protein was supposedly the saturated fat content. However, a meta-analysis of observational studies found “Saturated fats are not associated with all-cause mortality, CVD, CHD, ischemic stroke, or type 2 diabetes."

Additionally, the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee removed any limitation on total fat consumption from the guidelines and removed cholesterol as “nutrient of concern” because there is “no appreciable relationship between dietary cholesterol and serum cholesterol.”

So we will continue to include amounts of red meat in our meal plans. What do you think?

Carolina Cartier, CN -
Certified Nutritionist
Vida Functional Medicine Kirkland
Telemedicine Nutrition Consults Available

VIDA FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

Sometimes it can be hard, for most people, it’s no news that during the cold months of the year we tend to get a low libido, lack of energy and focus, and a decline in activity.

It is completely normal to feel any of those symptoms with the arrival of winter, especially fatigue and changes in sleep patterns, feeling lazy, hopeless, and in a bad mood.

It is also no secret s*xual desire is not constant and, during winter, there are times when libido decreases drastically. There could be many factors that affect the desire to have intimate relationships, one of them has to do with your hormones during that time of the year.

You see, unlike higher temperatures, which make us generally more active, cold climates usually diminishes our libido considerably. This may also explain why during these months of the year we feel more lazy, tired and sleepy.

Here’s why you might be affected from seasonal change:

● Melatonin: During cold months, the levels of the hormone melatonin are higher than during warm months. This hormone regulates our sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm), which induces sleep. This explains why you might feel tired and sleepy.

● Serotonin: Less exposure to sunlight has been associated with a drop in serotonin, a hormone that boosts good mood. Low serotonin levels are associated with depression.

● Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH): Levels of TSH increase during winter, and raised TSH promotes bad mood, fatigue, weight gain, and brain fog.

● Vitamin D: A reduction in its levels can also negatively impact our immune system. This vitamin plays an important role in maintaining our immune system healthy to fight infections.

However, not everything is bad news! Functional Medicine is an extremely effective way to reduce the effects that cold weather or seasonal changes may have on our health.

This is mainly because this type of medical treatment overlooks the whole body and understands diseases and ailments as a set of several causes. Thus, it treats the root cause, not only the symptoms.

Learn More ->https://thinkvida.com/services/functional-medicine/
VIDA FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

In Functional Medicine, protecting and boosting the immune system is crucial to avoid future or potential diseases and ailments. This is important because the immune system helps to protect your body from foreign and potentially harmful substances. Some examples of these threats are bacteria, viruses, toxins, cancerous cells, allergens and free radicals, to name a few.

The immune system produces cells and antibodies that destroy these harmful substances. We could say that our immune system is like a forte for our bodies.

Here we have a few tips from our Functional Medicine Physicians that you can implement right away to protect and nourish your immunity:

✨Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation suppresses the immune system, this can be due to our diet, stress or over-training.

✨Watch your diet
As previously mentioned, your diet has a big impact in the body’s inflammatory process, as well as your microbiome (the healthy bacteria that live in your intestines). Try to have a varied and balanced healthy diet, rich in fruit and vegetables, omega fatty acids found in fish, eggs and lean meats. Choose healthier alternatives, such as extra virgin olive oil and avoid ultra processed pre-packaged foods, such as snacks and white pasta.

✨Try to reduce stress levels in the body. This is key to boost your immunity. If you find yourself dealing with a lot of stress, try meditation, yoga, or a massage therapy. Take a few days off if needed.

What Supplements Can Support My Immune System?

The following list is what our Functional Medicine Physicians at Vida Integrated Health in Seattle recommend for Immune Support.

– Myco-immune (Thorne) – 1 dropperful twice daily – Balances Healthy Immune Response

– Vit D3 w/ K2 (Metagenics) 5000 IU – 1 cap daily – Enhances immune surveillance and response

– ViraCon” by Vital Nutrients 3 Caps daily – Targeted Anti-viral product.

DM us with any questions!

Join us TONIGHT, Wednesday November 4th, at 8pm EST as we go Live with our Director of Functional Medicine, Dr. Michelle Leary with Host Rachel Kim with ⁠
We're going to talk about handling💆🏽‍♂️ stress, hormones and metabolic health during . ⁠

JOIN US -> https://www.crowdcast.io/e/live-talk-dr--michelle/register

Link In Bio to register to watch tonight!

In the Functional Medicine world, we use a tool called the Functional Medicine Matrix - this is basically a map of a patient’s body systems that allows our to map out complex cases. Humans are complex!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

The very foundation of the Matrix is what we call the “Modifiable Lifestyle Factors.” These are the action items that we can work on TODAY no matter what your labs look like. The MLFs can be customized to each patient and each condition, including fertility! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Here is how I generally think about the MLFs when : ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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💗 Sleep & Relaxation: thinking about a regular bedtime to support circadian rhythm (really important for hormones), optimizing melatonin, and ensuring healthy cortisol and DHEA levels⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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💗 Exercise & movement: maintaining healthy insulin levels and protecting cardiovascular health, keeping healthy circulation through the pelvic region to nourish reproductive organs⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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💗 Nutrition: focusing on nutrient density, food sources of anti-oxidants, correcting nutritional deficiencies and reducing exposures to endocrine disrupting chemicals in the food supply⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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💗 Stress: stress coping mechanisms are SO important before new parenthood. Breathing, yoga, meditation, or mindfulness can help to improve stress hormones and quality of life ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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💗 Relationships: connection with your partner and a healthy s*x life is a great goal! We also want to think about other sources of social support to lift you up during pregnancy and postpartum life.

Let us know if you have any questions!

Post by Dr. Kalea Wattles, ND
Functional Medicine Physician

Vida integrated Health Bellevue

Vida’s Functional Primary Care offers full-spectrum family medicine from annual wellness exams to management of GI disorders, metabolic conditions, allergy, anxiety/depression, and skin disorders or concerns.

We go beyond just “absence of disease” and really looks at ways to optimize health through nutrition and lifestyle as well as supplements and medications when necessary.

Dr. Michael Corsilles, Functional Medicine Physician at Vida Bellevue is performing a small lesion skin biopsy. A simple in-clinic procedure at Vida Integrated Health.

Vida is offering TeleMedicine Services with our Primary Care for those patients that prefer to complete their appointment from their home.  Your Provider will address any concerns during the consultation and determine whether an in-person treatment, laboratory testing, or imaging is required.

Vida Functional Medicine
THINKVIDA.COM

Dr. Michael Corsilles, ND, PC-A_.c

What to Expect in a Nutrition Consultation - Vida Integrated Health Every appointment at Vida is tailored to your needs. So, what can you expect from a nutrition consultation?

THE NEED TO INTEGRATE HEALTHCARE HAS NEVER BEEN MORE EVIDENT AS IT IS NOW.

This unique approach combines the diagnostic skills of a primary care physician with a philosophy and treatment rooted in the healing power of nature determining how and why illness is occurring.

As a Naturopathic Physician and a Physician Assistant, Dr. Corsilles can seamlessly merge both types of Medicine to provide a well rounded plan of care for all of his patients.

Learn more at https://thinkvida.com/services/functional-medicine/

Dr. Michael Corsilles, ND, PC-A_.c Accepting new patients at
Vida Bellevue.

Schedule- thinkvida.com/contact

Vida Integrated Health is proud to partner with Wellevate to offer our patients and community high quality, pharmaceutical grade nutraceuticals for our patients at a discounted rate.

💠 You do not need to be a patient at Vida to create an account and take advantage of the savings! 💠

The FDA doesn’t regulate dietary supplements for safety or efficacy before companies are allowed to bring them to market.

The responsibility to ensure safety and efficacy falls on individual product manufacturers, which is why the choice of product really does matter.

Full article below. Learn before you Shop!

https://thinkvida.com/blog/vidas-wellevate-supplement-dispensary/

VIDA FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

Vida’s Online Supplement Dispensary - Vida Integrated Health Vida Integrated Health is proud to partner with Wellevate to offer our community high quality, pharmaceutical grade nutraceuticals at the lowest possible cost.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. KALEA WATTLES!
🎂🍷🥂✨🎉🎁🎈🎀🛍

We are so excited to celebrate such an amazing Human being that is a true light in our Functional Medicine team at Vida Integrated Health!

Dr. Wattles not only spends her days supporting her patients to live their healthiest and most joyous lives as a women’s health and fertility specialist but she also educates and supports her community with a social profile FULL of such important knowledge, research and tips on everything Fertility & Womens Health! DONT MISS OUT 📲

Join us with raising our glasses to Dr. Kalea Wattles on her Special Day! 🥂

Happy Birthday Dr. Wattles!

We are so grateful for our patients feedback ❤️

We are never satisfied with the status quo. We continue to strive to give more, be better and deliver the best quality care!

✨ Primary Care
✨ Women’s Health
✨ Men’s Health
✨ Fertility
✨ Anti-Aging

Review for: Dr. Michelle Leary, ND
Director of Functional Medicine
Vida Integrated Health
Seeing patients at Vida Ravenna and Vida Kirkland.

VIDA FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE
📲 THINKVIDA.COM

I know you’ve heard it time and again, but it's serious – you need to be sleeping at least 8 hours for maximum fertility potential!

Studies looking at reproductive hormones in relationship to sleep are very limited, but the most promising data is looking at FSH (follicle stimulating hormone). FSH is the hormone responsible for recruiting a cohort of eggs within the o***y every month. One of these special eggs will mature and will be ovulated. Some small studies show that women who sleep at least 8 hours have up to 20% higher FSH than women who sleep less. While not definitive, it does point to the fact that adequate sleep has an impact on hormones that control ovulation.

But wait, there’s more! There is another layer to this that is equally as important as sleep duration – the PATTERN to sleep. The highest quality sleep follows natural circadian rhythms where we are awake when it is light and sleeping when it is dark. Disruption of this normal pattern by exposure to unusual light-dark cycles has been shown to reduce reproductive capacity in animal studies.

Men produce most of their testosterone at night. In order to produce optimal levels of testosterone, they need to have at least a 3 hour stretch of uninterrupted sleep every night!

Take home message: the best fertility-supportive sleep is at least 8 hours in duration, in the DARK. Hello sleep mask!

Vida Functional Medicine
​Post Content by Dr. Kalea Wattles, Functional Medicine Physician at Vida Integrated Health in Bellevue. Dr. Wattles specializes in Fertility and Women's Health.
​

To schedule an in person or Telemedicine visit with Dr. Wattles
​📲 THINKVIDA.COM/CONTACT

Preconception Care ✨

“ I have talked openly about the fact that I strongly believe that at least 3-4 months should be dedicated to preconception care before trying to conceive” says Dr. Kalea Wattles, Functional Medicine and Fertility Physician at Vida Integrated Health in Bellevue.

Spending time connecting to your partner is a really important part of this process that we don’t talk about very often.

Here’s a theme We often hear: a couple is trying to conceive, and their entire life revolves around that positive OPK. So much emphasis is placed on that + and s*x outside of the fertile window starts to lose its charm (or straight up doesn’t happen).

Not only can the emotional connection dwindle, but the pressure of the whole experience can cause some s*xual performance issues. We know that a huge component of s*x is mental, and it can be hard to get your head in the game when it feels like a procedure that needs to be done.

Obviously the process of connecting/re-connecting will look different for everyone, but here are a few gentle suggestions to support the bond between prospective parents:

◾️Set boundaries around when you talk about your conception efforts if it becomes stressful. There is a fine line between vibing off talking of the future (which feels good), and ruminating (which doesn’t feel so good).

◾️Understand that your partner may experience TTC differently than you and may need to be supported in a different way. A situation that is exciting for one person can be anxiety producing for another.

◾️Try physically connecting in a way that is unrelated to baby making: just snuggling, massage, or even doing something like yoga together.

◾️Utilize professionals: ain’t no shame in calling in the pros when you need them. Whether it’s a family or marriage counselor, s*x therapist, or your fertility doc – leverage the care providers you have in your support system to get what you need.

If you have a great tip for how you stayed connected to your partner when TTC, please share and leave it below!

Repost from Dr. Kalea Wattles
Vida Functional Medicine
Practices at Vida Bellevue

THINKVIDA.COM

So Yummy that we had to share! Check out this great Protein Pudding Recipe from ❤️
Author: Maria Emmerich

Serves: 5 servings (1/2 cup each)
Ingredients
10 hard boiled eggs, peeled
1 (14oz) can coconut milk
½ cup Swerve confectioners (or equivalent amount of liquid or powdered sweetener)
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon Redmond Real Salt (use code Maria15 for 15% off)

Instructions
Place all the ingredients into a blender and puree until very very smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness to your liking.
Place in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Try it out and let us know what you think!
FUNCTIONAL NUTRITION at Vida Integrated Health

Functional Nutrition focuses on building and restoring health by rebalancing proper physiological functions of the body through food as medicine. Imbalances due to vitamin/mineral deficiencies, poor digestion, malabsorption, bacterial overgrowth and chronic inflammation can be realigned with personalized, nutritional interventions.

In addressing the root causes of illness and dysfunction, we will work together to optimize your health and vitality.

Nutrition Telemedicine Consultations are covered by most major insurances and available to all Washington State Residents.

Want to check your coverage?
📲 thinkvida.com/contact
Complimentary Insurance verification provided!

Vida Integrated Health

The Vida Physician team offers in-person and Telemedicine appointments.
☑️ We Accept all Major Insurances.

The best part?
We take the confusion out of your insurance billings. Vida will provide a complimentary insurance verification to let you know if your coverage includes functional medicine services at Vida Integrated Health and where your deductible (if any) is at and if you will have a Copay for your visits.

📲 THINKVIDA.COM/CONTACT

Meet Carolina Cartier, Nutritionist at Vida Integrated Health!

Carolina utilizes a whole food approach and works collaboratively with clients and the Vida team in the health building process.

She concentrates on education to support clients in achieving their goals with a plan tailored to their needs and preferences.

Carolina recognizes the challenges of implementing lasting change, so she guides clients with detailed methods of integrating food preparation within their daily routine. Her goal is to support clients to impart sustainable and enjoyable changes that fit within their lifestyle to not only heal, but thrive with sustained energy and endurance, stable mood, consistent sleep, no cravings, and no digestive issues or bloating.

A functional nutrition consultation with Carolina involves a thorough discussion of your recommended functional medicine food plan and lifestyle changes as well as clarification of how to optimize your food plan in a sustainable way. She will also have a conversation about your personal goals, potential obstacles to these goals and the importance of mindset and maintaining a healthy relationship with food.

Nutrition and lifestyle changes are complex and difficult. At Vida Functional Medicine, in collaboration with our functional medicine doctor and nutritionist, we aim to help support and guide you in the process of embracing these changes and discovering the healing effects of food.

Telemedicine Visits Available!
📲 THINKVIDA.COM/CONTACT

Carolina Cartier, CN
Vida Ravenna, Bellevue & Kirkland

At Vida Functional Medicine we combine conventional, naturopathic, genomic, and anti-aging medicine for the management of disease and optimization of health.

This unique approach combines the diagnostic skills of primary care physicians with philosophy and treatment rooted in the healing power of nature.

Functional Medicine determines how and why illness occurs and restores health by addressing the root causes of disease for each individual.

Vida Integrated Health is the only Functional Medicine & Primary Care clinic in the greater Seattle area on an insurance-based model.

We Accept All Major Insurances.

Seattle Functional Medicine - Vida Integrated Health Functional Medicine combines conventional, naturopathic, genomic, and anti-aging medicine for the management of disease & optimization of health.

𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐈𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐦-𝐀𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 ⁣
⁣
As you know, hormones are critical for cell communication. And remember, when we say “hormones”, we go beyond just estrogen and testosterone (although they are super important). These include melatonin, cortisol, DHEA, growth hormone, vasopressin, and thyroid among others. ⁣
Hormone signaling (mostly) starts in the brain at the level of the (hypothalamus & pituitary gland). During aging, desensitization at the level of the brain can occur, lead to disruptions in the critical axis known as the “hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-thyroid-gonadal” axis (among others). ⁣
⁣
✨𝐀 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐬⁣ 👇
⁣
✔️ Melatonin is the hormone that surges at night and competes with cortisol to put us asleep. In aging, we see a reduction in the actual genes that are programming our brain (pineal gland) to make more melatonin, thus encouraging healthy, restful sleep Cortisol and DHEA imbalance may negatively impact melatonin thus reducing sleep quality and increasing inflammation. ⁣
⁣
✔️ Growth hormone declines are well-documented in the literature its in role in aging. This hormone is produced by the pituitary gland and is highly regulated by metabolic factors including insulin and increased free fatty acids. Insulin resistance SUPPRESSES growth hormone release and the compound IGF-1, made in the liver, that helps to encourage growth hormone release, aggravating the lack of growth hormone
⁣
⭐️ While we could dive deep into every single one of these hormones, the general point is hormonal decline and inflammation are closely related and should be addressed simultaneous for optimal outcomes.

Lab testing can provide many answers and guide in ⁣optimization of your hormones.

Dr. Michelle Leary-Chang
Vida Ravenna


THINKVIDA.COM/CONTACT

Our very own Dr. Kalea Wattles is featured in this article by The Healthy discussing the benefits of meditation practice.

CHECK IT OUT ⬇️

Vida Functional Medicine
Dr. Kalea Wattles- Functional Fertility
Vida Bellevue

6 Compelling Benefits of Meditation, According to Science Meditation benefits include everything from relaxation to improving your brain function, and more. Here's why you should give it a try.

Happy Independence Day. Wishing you and your family a safe and healthy July 4th celebration. 🇺🇸💥

Sick and Tired of Being Sick And Tired?
Learn what lab tests check for fatigue and burnout at Vida Bellevue.

Fatigue is an extremely common problem. Are you just overweight and need to eat better, exercise more and deal with stress better? Is this simply depression?

What happens when lifestyle improvements don't help with your energy at all? Learn about some basic as well as more comprehensive tests I typically check to rule out some other contributing factors to low energy.

Check out Dr. Michael Corsilles, ND, PC-A from Vida Bellevue in the video below talking to you about fatigue, how to learn what is going on with your body.

Video by: Dr. Michael Corsilles- https://thinkvida.com/dr-michael-corsilles/

THINKVIDA.COM/CONTACT

Sick and tired of being tired? Learn what lab tests I check for fatigue and burnout. Fatigue is an extremely common problem. Are you just overweight and need to eat better, exercise more and deal with stress better? Is this simply depression?...

MUTED

Vida Integrated Health is now offering Antibody Testing for anyone who may have had experienced COVID-19 respiratory symptoms and never got tested. The use of antibody testing may help to determine who has actually been infected with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and who may have been infected and only developed mild symptoms or was completely asymptomatic and recovered.

The test, offered by Quest Diagnostics uses the Abbott Biotechnology which is highly reputable and has been given permission by the FDA under the emergency use authorization to provide testing under an authorized laboratory.

What You Need To Know 🙌🏼
🔸Covered by Most Major Insurances
🔸Telemedicine available with one of Vida’s Physicians to obtain the required Quest Lab order for your test.
🔸In clinic visits available at Vida Ravenna
🔸Antibody Test requires a blood draw that can be done at Vida Ravenna during your in clinic visit or at Quest Labs once you obtain your lab order during a Telemedicine Visit with One of Vidas Physicians.
🔸You must not have experienced any Covid19 Symptoms 14 days prior to your test.

To Schedule Test 📱thinkvida.com/contact
VIDA INTEGRATED HEALTH
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