Waco Center for Functional Medicine

🌸 Mother's Day Special! 🌸

Give the gift of health and wellness to the special woman in your life this Mother's Day with our exclusive offer! 🎁

Unlock the power of Functional Medicine and save $100 on your initial consultation!

🌱 Are you tired of merely treating symptoms without addressing the root cause of health issues?

🌿 Our Functional Medicine approach goes beyond traditional medicine. We delve deep into understanding the unique needs of your body, uncovering the underlying causes of symptoms and illness.

💪 Empower your loved one (or yourself!) to take control of their health journey with personalized care that focuses on:

- Identifying nutritional deficiencies
- Balancing hormones
- Managing stress effectively
- Enhancing gut health
- Optimizing lifestyle factors

With our expert team of Functional Medicine practitioners, your loved one will receive tailored recommendations to promote vitality and longevity.

Take advantage of this limited-time offer to invest in her well-being and give her the gift of renewed energy and vitality.

Book her consultation now and celebrate Mother's Day with the gift of health! 🌟

BOOK HERE: with promo code: MOTHERSDAY
https://l.bttr.to/FB01Z

After taking a brief hiatus (you know... Life, building a second clinic, etc. etc....) our podcast has an exciting new facelift!!

We can't wait to share some of our new content with you including the Functional Medicine scoop on various different health topics, new and emerging research/health insights as well as interviews with our patients discussing their journey to wellness using Functional Medicine!

Stay tuned for more! 😉

Is there a topic you want to hear more about? Let us know below? 👇🏼

The DREAM TEAM!!

I seriously never knew work could be this fun! What I love most about our team at and is that we each have our own unique God-given talents and strengths. Together, we use them to serve each other and our patients!

We had fun last week celebrating our wins in the Heart of Texas Championships as the

✨Best Alternative Medicine Clinic - Waco Center for Functional Medicine

✨Best Pediatric Clinic - Natural Primary Care

✨Best Pediatric Provider - Loryn Higginbotham, PA-C

We are SO thankful to our patients and supporters!! We would not be here today serving this community without you all!! Thank you so much and we are excited to serve for many more years! ♥️

Spotlight on Glutathione

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant in every cell of your body. Even though our cells make it every day, here are some reasons your body might have a higher need for this incredible antioxidant:

😕Weight gain
🍩Poor eating habits
🍷Alcohol consumption
👵Aging
😣Stress

But…if you don’t have any of those, you can just stop reading now. Anyone 🤷‍♀️

For those of you still with me, here’s why glutathione is called the “master” antioxidant.

➡️It neutralizes free radicals
➡️It regenerates other antioxidants—like vitamins C, E, and CoQ10
➡️It’s needed for liver detox pathways
➡️It supports immune cell function

Basically, without glutathione, our cells would be overtaken by free radicals and oxidative stress with unimaginable consequences. Best we do everything within our power to support glutathione. So here are some ways:

1️⃣Fresh meats, dairy, fruits, and veg contain some glutathione, but food processing destroys it.
2️⃣N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a precursor to glutathione and can be supplemented to support glutathione levels.
3️⃣Glutathione can be supplemented directly—as long as it is a high quality and absorbable form!

There are lots of ways to support your body’s antioxidant defenses, so we pick and choose what makes the most sense for each patient. But almost all antioxidant strategies? They end up supporting glutathione.

Have a favorite antioxidant? Drop it in the comments👇

Castor Oil Packs

It’s a classic naturopathic therapy that really is timeless.

A castor oil pack is a piece of flannel, soaked in castor oil, and placed on the abdomen with a hot water bottle. Let’s break down the why and the how…

Why would I use a castor oil pack?

➡️Castor oil contains fatty acids that are absorbed through the skin.
➡️Castor oil packs stimulate circulation and bile flow.
➡️Castor oil packs are relaxing.
➡️Castor oil packs support detoxification, with the domino effect of helping with a wide range of concerns.

How do I use a castor oil pack?

1️⃣Fold a piece of flannel into 3-4 layers, large enough to cover the abdomen.
2️⃣Soak the flannel in castor oil.
3️⃣Wrap the soaked flannel in plastic wrap.
4️⃣Lie flat on an old towel (in case the castor oil drips) and place the pack on your bare abdomen.
5️⃣Place a hot water bottle or heating pad over the pack as a heat source.
6️⃣Rest like that for 15-60 minutes (best to talk with a practitioner about this to choose the amount of time appropriate for you).
7️⃣Save the pack in a sealed bag in the refrigerator for reuse.

Castor oil packs are best used in the context of other strategies to support detoxification. We are here to empower you with education and information to live a healthier life, but this post should NOT be considered medical advice. There are some pitfalls, and castor oil packs are not appropriate for everyone or all situations.

Please consult with a healthcare professional if you have any questions about how to safely use castor oil packs or other detoxification strategies. You can book a consult with us through our website!

Waking at 3am?

It’s…LIVER TIME!!!

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, each organ system of the body has a time of day that it is more active than others.

For the liver? It’s 1-3am.

That means that if you repeatedly wake up at 3am, it’s possible your liver is overworked or you need some additional support for detoxification. Here are some things to consider to give your liver a break:

🍷Go light or stop the alcohol altogether.
☕Watch your caffeine intake.
⏰Eat dinner early in the evening.
👟Get regular exercise (and sweat!)
🍬Decrease sweets to support blood sugar balance.
🌱Try a gentle herbal tea to support detoxification.
🥗Consider a whole-foods cleanse.

Your body was built to naturally detoxify every day. You can support in in this process with some simple lifestyle changes.

And a possible side effect?

There’s a chance it might help you sleep a little more soundly 😴

We would like to argue that the liver is one of THE most important organs in our body.

It is responsible for detoxifying almost everything we come in contact with, it has a major role in blood sugar balance as well as hormone health and many more important functions.

Did you know that the liver can also repair itself when given the right ingredients??

Below are a few different tips to help your liver:

1️⃣Eat for Blood Sugar Balance. Insulin resistance is central to the development of fatty liver, so avoiding a sugary diet is a top priority. Looking for a liver-friendly diet? Consider the Mediterranean Diet—high in fruits and vegetables and low in saturated fats.

2️⃣Cut Alcohol. The term “nonalcoholic” fatty liver can be confusing because it implies that alcohol is not involved. But even modest amounts of alcohol can put a strain on the liver. Best case scenario is to dramatically reduce or even eliminate alcohol altogether.

3️⃣Exercise Regularly. The main conventional approach to fatty liver is weight loss. Exercise is key to weight loss and will help support blood sugar and fatty acid metabolism.

4️⃣Live Clean. Your liver has to process every chemical, pesticide, and environmental pollutant that enters your body. Choosing organic foods and chemical-free products can decrease the burden, support mitochondrial health, and give your liver a chance to heal.

We are here to support you! Check out our website to learn how to get started at our clinic.

Question for you. What were you doing the last time you ate (or is it right now)?

Most people I know eat while driving, watching a show, scrolling through social media, or working at their desk 🚘📚💻📱

I want to shake things up here and suggest something radical.

🍽️ What about doing nothing other than EATING while you eat?

It’s called mindful eating, and it might help with everything from overeating to indigestion to just everyday stress 🌸

Here are a few more tips for mindful eating:

🥣 Don’t skip meals
If you sit down to eat feeling absolutely starving, it’s going to be hard to appreciate your food and eat slowly.

🥣 Bring all your senses
Take in everything about your meal—how it looks, smells, tastes, and feels in your mouth.

🥣 Take small bites
Eat slowly and allow yourself time to fully taste the food in your mouth.

🥣 Appreciate your food
Recognize that your food is nourishing you and be grateful for that. Mindfulness is all about holding your awareness in the moment.

Are you ready to set down that phone and give mindful eating a try?

Don’t get us wrong—sometimes medicine is necessary and life-saving. And we use hormones, compounded medications and antibiotics as needed. BUT, to use medications as a Band-Aid without finding the root cause should never be the approach. Our approach is to help you achieve your highest level of health by the least invasive means possible.

You may have heard that fermented foods are good for gut and immune health. They’re chock full of naturally occurring probiotics to support your microbiome and more!

But most people don’t consume too many fermented foods—beyond yogurt.

💚One of our favorites is kefir.

Kefir is similar to yogurt because it’s also made from milk, but it’s more of a drink and has a little more punch to the flavor.

Here are a few fun facts about kefir:

🥛Kefir is made by adding kefir grains (rich in healthy lactic-acid producing bacteria) to milk and allowing it to sit for 24 hours.

🥛Nondairy forms of kefir can be made from coconut water, coconut milk, or nut milk.

🥛Kefir contains a wider variety of probiotics than yogurt.

🥛Kefir is low in lactose (because the lactose is broken down during fermentation).

🥛You can buy kefir in the dairy section or easily make it at home!

If kefir is new to you, give it a try! Then comment below to let us know what you think.

Your microbiome will thank you.

Spotlight on Glutamine

Glutamine (also called l-glutamine) is an amino acid that our bodies can make and that is present in many foods. So, why might some people benefit from consuming additional glutamine as a supplement?

Let’s look at 3 health benefits of glutamine:

1️⃣ Immune Health
Glutamine is a critical source of fuel for immune cells. That’s why after an injury, illness, or surgery, the demand for glutamine increases. If enough glutamine isn’t being consumed, the body will break down protein stores (like muscle) to release more.

2️⃣ Gut Health
Glutamine is also a critical fuel source for intestinal cells. It supports the barrier function of the intestines (keeping toxins and large molecules from passing into circulation). That means it’s protective against leaky gut and can be healing to the intestinal lining.

3️⃣ Detoxification
Glutamine is one of the 3 amino acids that combine together to create glutathione—a master antioxidant important for detoxification. That means if glutamine is depleted, detoxification will slow down.

Glutamine is most often supplemented in powder form because it’s hard to get enough by taking small capsules. Supplementing about 3 grams per day is common.

👣 Every person is unique. Some people have a higher demand for specific nutrients because of their lifestyle, stress, or medical conditions.

💊 I am not a fan of filling your cupboard with unnecessary supplements, but the right ones? Those can be transformational.

If you’d like a personalized and individualized plan for supplementation and optimal health, we are accepting new patients!

Most people think about belly breathing for relaxation and stress relief. But what about digestion?

Belly breathing means contracting the diaphragm to expand the belly and maximize airflow into the lungs. Here’s why it might support digestion:

🧘 It activates the parasympathetic nervous system—a relaxation response that supports digestive function.

🧘 It improves the pressure gradient of the lower esophageal sphincter—which relates to reflux and heartburn.

🧘 It increases the amount the stomach can hold—helpful for those who feel full quickly.

Here’s how it’s done:

1️⃣ Sit upright, with knees bent and neck and shoulders relaxed.

2️⃣ The mouth can be slightly opened, even though breathing in will be through the nose.

3️⃣ Place one hand on the chest and one on the abdomen.

4️⃣ Breathe in for 4 seconds through the nose. Try to expand the belly without expanding the chest.

5️⃣ Breathe out slowly for 6 seconds through the mouth. This can be done with pursed lips like using a straw.

Belly breathing is recommended by the American College of Gastroenterology. It can be done before eating, after eating, or any time there is discomfort.

Have you tried it before?

One of the most common recommendations for people dealing with gas, bloating, or other irritable bowel issues is to follow a low-FODMAP diet.

🍏 I agree that dietary changes are powerful for gut health!

While we work on sorting out food triggers and dietary changes, we can also support the gut with supplements. None of this should be taken as medical advice, and it’s always best to work with a healthcare professional. These are simply some of the supplements I’ve seen to be most helpful for gut healing.

🌱 Peppermint Oil
Enteric-coated peppermint is one of the most researched supplements for an irritable bowel. It contains essential oils that ease muscular spasms and intestinal pain.

🌱 Iberogast
Iberogast is a combination of 9 herbs to support gut health. It was originally popular in Europe but is now available worldwide.

🌱 Digestive Enzymes
Digestives enzymes can be supplemented to help process difficult to digest foods and reduce gas and bloating.

🌱 Probiotics
Probiotics are complicated. They can aggravate digestive issues if there is underlying SIBO, and different strains have different effects. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium may offer some benefit.

🌱 Psyllium Fiber
Psyllium is a source of soluble fiber that might benefit irritable bowel issues (be forewarned that some fibers can make issues worse!). Psyllium is recommended by the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology.

Everyone is different! Just because these supplements worked for somebody else doesn’t guarantee they’ll work for you. We like to test for underlying causes and create a customized plan for each person.

Want to work together? Learn about becoming a patient by clicking through to our website.

5 Root Causes of IBS

Do you think you should settle for a diagnosis of IBS and just deal with it?

🤦‍♀️ I don’t think so.

The only thing an IBS diagnosis tells you is that you have digestive issues that haven’t been explained yet.

📋 With testing and assessments that most conventionally trained doctors aren’t using, we can dig deep to uncover issues that may be contributing to the symptoms of IBS. Here are 5 common root causes underlying IBS to consider:

1️⃣ Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
Statistics are all over the map on this one, but the most recent data showed that about 35% of people diagnosed with IBS test positive for SIBO. That’s more than 1 in 3.

2️⃣ Gut Infections
Parasites, bacteria, or yeast infections can all disrupt gut health. A Mayo Clinic review found that 1 in 9 people who experience food poisoning go on to develop IBS.

3️⃣ Leaky Gut
‘Leaky gut’ (not a real medical term) means there’s a breakdown in the barrier of the intestinal lining. It’s linked with inflammation and gut issues.

4️⃣ Food Sensitivities
The most common foods to aggravate IBS are those high in fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPs), but other foods can trigger problems in specific individuals.

5️⃣ Stress
The gut is undeniably linked to the brain (ever heard of the gut-brain axis?). IBS is commonly linked with anxiety, depression, and high stress.

Could more than one of these issues be going on at the same time?

Absolutely ✅

Do we have natural approaches to address each of these underlying causes specifically and uniquely?

Yes ✅

Functional medicine excels when it comes to making sense of and improving gut health. Up next I’ll be sharing nutritional strategies to support digestion.

If you want to get to the root cause of IBS or gut symptoms, we are accepting new patients!

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

🌸 Even though it can happen to anyone, IBS is a serious women’s health issue—affecting more women than men and even leading to increased procedures like hysterectomy or ovarian surgery.

IBS is called a functional digestive disorder because it disrupts gut function without any detectable changes in structure—through exam, imaging, or even a microscope.

That makes it tricky for doctors to treat because they don’t see anything physically wrong. But anybody with IBS knows that it can tell you how stressful the symptoms can be.

➡️ Gas
➡️ Bloating
➡️ Cramping
➡️ Constipation
➡️ Diarrhea
➡️ Bowel Urgency
➡️ Pain

Here are the basics on IBS:

🩺 IBS is usually diagnosed by symptoms alone (although there is the IBS Smart blood test that can diagnose IBS when diarrhea is predominant).

📋 Conventional knowledge says that IBS is caused by changes in the function of nerves and muscles that regulate sensation and gut motility.

💊 Even though some medications have been approved to manage IBS symptoms, none of them work for everybody.

🌱 Functional medicine looks deeper to understand WHY those functional changes are happening. Because we want to address the root cause.

Watch for upcoming posts. We’ll be helping you understand the most common root causes of IBS, nutritional support for the gut, and a simple exercise to alleviate digestive struggles.

Curious about what it looks like to do Functional Medicine?

We get it. It is a completely different process than any other doctor office. After you book your initial consult, you will fill out an extensive health history form. It asks you many thought provoking questions about your health, stressors, lifestyle habits, health history, symptoms, etc.

All of these are clues for your provider to put the puzzle pieces together. We consider ourselves health detectives and we piece together information we gather from your intake forms, your initial visit and we come up with an initial personalized supplement and lifestyle plan. We also determine which tests are necessary to help us in correcting the root cause of your health concerns.

We will put together a treatment plan that we feel is "do-able" and not overwhelming. And we meet with you throughout your healing journey to guide you along the way.

Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day. And neither is health. This is a process. But, it is a process that has helped so many people feel their best!

We would love to be able to help!

What drains your cup?

I’m all about embracing healthy habits that feed your soul and fill your cup. But have you ever thought about AVOIDING habits that do just the opposite?

This may seem a bit uncomfortable, but I challenge you to sit quietly for a moment and think about things you do on a daily basis that might sap your energy or drain your cup.

Everyone will have a different answer to this, but here are some common energy suckers:

❎ Overthinking
❎ Worrying what others will think
❎ Staying angry
❎ Not taking breaks
❎ Sitting long hours
❎ Eating on the run
❎ Checking your phone
❎ Not drinking water
❎ Staying up late
❎ Comparing yourself to others

Nobody ever said that optimizing your health and performance would be easy. Sometimes it means being ruthlessly honest with yourself. Sometimes it means giving up things that have felt comfortable to you in the past.

🌺 But the beautiful part?

You’ll feel so much better on the other side.

Taking the first step…
The time will never be just right to start.

Maybe you’re waiting. Waiting for….

➡️Your job to slow down
➡️Your kids to be more independent
➡️Your partner to help more at home
➡️Your income to increase
➡️Or to just feel READY.

Well…..all that waiting is going to cost you a lot.

And if what you’re waiting to do has anything to do with your health, it could cost you more than just time. It could cost you SO MUCH MORE.

We like to make it easy for our new patients to take the first step. Because once you do that the other steps follow with less hesitation.

The first step to finding out if functional medicine is a good fit for you is to call our office or schedule an initial. We also have a FREE Functional Medicine Orientation Course that explains our approach to Functional Medicine as well as the tests that we commonly order.

Questions about what to expect? Give us a call or text us today! 254-229-6815. Or visit our website at wacofunctionalmed.com.

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year from all of us at Waco Center for Functional Medicine! 🎊 May this year bring you abundant health, happiness, and the determination to prioritize your well-being. Let's make 2023 a year of optimal health and wellness together! 💫

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas from the entire team at Waco Center for Functional Medicine! May your holidays be filled with joy, love, and good health. 🎄✨

🌿🎁 This Christmas, give yourself the gift of holistic health! 🎄✨ At Waco Center for Functional Medicine, we're dedicated to unraveling the mysteries behind your health concerns. Say goodbye to temporary fixes and embrace a journey towards sustainable, whole-body wellness. Let's discover the answers traditional medicine may have overlooked together! 🌟

Tired of battling weight gain with no sustainable results? The answer lies beyond conventional diets and temporary solutions. At Waco Center for Functional Medicine, we believe in a holistic approach to weight management. We explore the root causes, addressing your body's unique needs for lasting change. Discover a personalized, holistic path to a healthier weight. Start your journey with us today! 🌿

Uncover the power of true healing at Waco Center for Functional Medicine! 🌟 Founded with a passion for redefining healthcare, we're committed to unraveling the mysteries behind your health concerns. Our approach goes beyond prescriptions, focusing on understanding and treating the root causes of ailments. From infants to seniors, our inclusive practice welcomes individuals of all ages seeking a personalized, holistic path to wellness. Let's work together to unlock your body's natural healing potential.

🎄✨ 'Tis the season for giving! 🎁 Embrace the spirit of wellness and beauty with our Christmas Giveaway from The Denim Injector and Waco Center for Functional Medicine! 🌟 Get a chance to win a FREE initial consultation along with a FREE lip filler treatment! 💆‍♀️💋
To enter, simply LIKE this post,
FOLLOW both and ,
TAG two friends who'd love this,
and SHARE on your story or feed!
🎅 Hurry, giveaway ends on Dec. 24, 2023. Don't miss out on the opportunity to glow inside and out this holiday season! 🎉 🌟🎁🌿

Struggling with constant fatigue? It's time to explore beyond quick fixes and delve into the root cause. At Waco Center for Functional Medicine, we understand the complexities behind chronic fatigue. Our holistic approach seeks to uncover the underlying issues, guiding you toward sustainable vitality. Book a consultation today and let's reclaim your energy naturally! 🌱

Feeling lost in a fog of confusion and mental fatigue? You're not alone. Traditional medicine might overlook the underlying causes of brain fog, but we don't. Our team at Waco Center for Functional Medicine focuses on a holistic approach to identify and address the root issues affecting mental clarity. Say goodbye to brain fog and hello to mental sharpness! Book a virtual consultation and regain your clarity. 🌟

Autoimmune issues can be challenging and often misunderstood. Conventional medicine might offer temporary relief, but true healing involves understanding your body's intricate needs. Our team at Waco Center for Functional Medicine aims to uncover the underlying triggers of autoimmune conditions through a holistic lens. Empower your body with a personalized, natural approach towards healing. Take the first step to reclaiming your health! 🌿

It was a busy and exciting week at Waco Center for Functional Medicine!! Amy got to meet this adorable, sweet baby girl who is a miracle rainbow baby!!

Her sweet parents have prayed for her for over 2 years and with Amy's help, they were finally able to have a successful pregnancy!

We can't wait to watch this sweet girl grow and change the world!

This has suffered from alopecia for 18 years. Through optimizing diet, getting thyroid levels properly balanced, removing toxins and replacing missing nutrients he is now seeing the fruits of his hard work!!

So excited for this sweet family!

The body CAN heal.

Our providers are SO excited to be learning from the brightest minds in Functional Medicine at the American Academy of Environmental Medicine!!

We can't wait to bring home what we have learned to our patients!