Unveiling the Buzz! The Surprising Benefits of Akkermansia

Akkermansia is a fascinating bacterium that plays a key role in maintaining gut health and may offer potential benefits for metabolic health, obesity, and inflammation. Research into its therapeutic applications continues to evolve, and it could be a key player in future microbiome-based treatments.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY POINTS OF AKKERMANSIA?

1. Role in the Gut:

Akkermansia muciniphila is a type of mucin-degrading bacterium, meaning it breaks down mucin, which is a major component of the mucus lining the intestines. By doing this, Akkermansia helps maintain the integrity of the gut lining and may play a role in gut health.

2. Health Benefits:

Research suggests that Akkermansia may have several beneficial effects on health, including:

Improving Gut Barrier Function: It helps in maintaining a healthy mucus layer in the intestines, which acts as a barrier to harmful pathogens and supports gut health.
Metabolic Health: Studies have shown that higher levels of Akkermansia muciniphila are linked to improved metabolic health. It may help with weight management and insulin sensitivity, potentially reducing the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Anti-inflammatory Properties: Akkermansia may help reduce inflammation, which is associated with many chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and others.
Gut Microbiome Balance: Akkermansia is considered a “beneficial” bacterium, and higher levels of it may be associated with a more diverse and healthy gut microbiome, which is crucial for overall health.

3. Factors Affecting Its Levels:

The levels of Akkermansia muciniphila in the gut can be influenced by various factors, including diet, lifestyle, and overall gut health. For example:

Dietary Fiber: A diet rich in dietary fiber, especially from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can promote the growth of Akkermansia.
Prebiotics and Probiotics: Certain prebiotic fibers and probiotics might help increase the abundance of Akkermansia in the gut.
Obesity and Metabolic Disorders: Lower levels of Akkermansia have been found in individuals with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

4. Potential Therapeutic Uses:

Researchers are investigating the use of Akkermansia muciniphila in therapeutic applications, including as a probiotic. The potential benefits include:

Weight Management: Studies have suggested that Akkermansia supplementation may help with weight loss and metabolic health, although more research is needed.
Gut Health: Akkermansia supplementation may help restore balance to the gut microbiome and improve conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or IBD.
Type 2 Diabetes: There is ongoing research into how Akkermansia may help improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.

5. Research and Future Directions:

While much of the current research into Akkermansia is still in the experimental stages, its potential for improving gut health and metabolic conditions is promising. However, more clinical trials are necessary to fully understand its therapeutic applications and optimal usage.

At Carolina Total Wellness, we evaluate the levels of Akkermansia through a stool test and treat you accordingly on whether this probiotic would benefit you.

Come see us about what the hype is all about!

To schedule an appointment with one of our certified Functional Medicine Physicians, please give us a call. We are excited to partner with you on your journey to optimize your health and wellness through personalized care tailored to your unique needs.

919.999.0831

March 28, 2025March 28, 2025

Allergy Drops: Effective & Convenient

ALLERGY DROPS

Effective & Convenient

Carolina Total Wellness offers effective allergy treatment for both indoor and outdoor allergies through sublingual immunotherapy drops formulated just for you to safely and conveniently treat the cause of your allergies.

How Allergy Drops Work

Sublingual immunotherapy, also called allergy drops, works similar to allergy shots by gradually helping your body build tolerance to the substance(s) causing your allergies. The difference is that the antigen is placed under your tongue in a liquid drop form instead of an injection.

WHAT KIND OF ALLERGIES

CAN BE TREATED WITH ALLERGY DROPS?

One of the benefits of sublingual immunotherapy is that it can treat a broad range of allergies, including those caused by:

· Dust mites
· Mold
· Animals
· Foods
· Seasonal pollens such as grass, trees, ragweed, and mountain cedar, etc

WHO SHOULD TAKE

ALLERGY DROPS?

Anyone interested in treating the cause of their allergic disease, instead of just temporarily managing symptoms, can consider allergy drops.

· Infants and children*
· Asthmatics
· People with highly sensitive conditions including EoE
· Those who don’t like needles
· Those with chronic conditions including sinusitis and eczema
· Those with food and mold allergies
· Those with multiple allergies including dust mites, pollen, foods, and animals

Allergy drops have proven especially helpful for children with eczema and recurrent ear infections, which often have underlying allergic causes. Research shows that many children with untreated eczema and allergies often develop asthma and other chronic conditions later in life, so treating them early can have life-long benefits and may prevent development of other allergies and asthma.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES

to daily drops?

In addition to being a viable option for people of all ages and conditions, there are more advantages:

Lower cost, fewer clinic visits. Compared to shots and many medications, allergy drops typically cost less over time. Most patients receiving allergy drops need only a few clinic visits the first year, and then once every 6-12 months thereafter until visits are no longer needed. That can also mean a lot less time away from work or school.

More convenient. You can take allergy drops at home or wherever you are, making it much easier to stay with your treatment.

Less medication. Our patients report, and research confirms, that they typically need less medication to control symptoms after beginning allergy drops.

Enjoy healthier days. The end benefit of taking drops consistently? Feeling better, more productive and better able to enjoy life and activities that allergies once made it hard to enjoy.

Allergy Clinic

Appointments

INITIAL ALLERGY CLINIC VISIT: $235

Please allow 30 minutes for your initial visit which will include consultation with your physician and discussion of allergy testing. Your physician may recommend blood testing for environmental and/or food allergy evaluation. Once lab results have returned, a prescription will be provided for allergy drops and we will review how to administer these at home.

FOLLOW UP ALLERGY CLINIC VISITS: $100

Please allow 15 minutes for your follow up allergy visits. This will include review of your allergy symptoms and immunotherapy plan of treatment as well as new 3 month prescription for allergy drops. Follow up visits are recommended every 3 months for the first year and then every 6 to 12 months for the subsequent 2 to 4 years, depending on your response to treatment.

To Schedule

an appointment, please give us a call. We are excited to partner with you on your journey to optimize your health and wellness through personalized care tailored to your unique needs.

919.999.0831

March 14, 2025

Plate to Prevention: Your Guide to Cancer-Fighting Foods

Plate to Prevention

Your Guide to Cancer-Fighting Foods

Eating certain foods can play a vital role in reducing the risk of cancer by supporting your body’s natural defense mechanisms. Many foods contain powerful nutrients, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds that help fight inflammation, repair damaged cells, and enhance detoxification processes. A diet rich in these cancer-fighting foods can help protect your cells from oxidative stress, boost your immune system, and promote overall health. By choosing nutrient-dense foods that support your body’s natural healing and protective functions, you empower yourself to prevent cancer and other chronic diseases.

These cancer-fighting foods include:

Cruciferous Vegetables: Your Cancer-Fighting Allies

First and foremost, let’s talk about cruciferous vegetables. These nutritional powerhouses include broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, and cabbage. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins (like vitamin C and K), and minerals, but what makes them particularly beneficial is their sulfur-containing compounds, such as sulforaphane. Studies suggest that sulforaphane may help prevent cancer by enhancing the body’s detoxification enzymes and reducing inflammation.

Berries: Nature’s Antioxidant Boosters

Berries—such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries—are not only delicious but also packed with antioxidants like anthocyanins and flavonoids. These compounds have been shown to protect cells from damage that can lead to cancer. Including a variety of berries in your diet provides a flavorful way to boost your antioxidant intake and support your body’s defense against oxidative stress.

Whole Grains: Fiber-Rich and Protective

Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa and oats are excellent sources of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Fiber is known for its role in promoting digestive health, but it also plays a significant role in reducing the risk of certain cancers, such as colorectal cancer.

Fatty Fish: Omega-3 Rich and Anti-Inflammatory

Fatty fish such as salmon, trout, mackerel, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health and have potent anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation is linked to an increased risk of cancer, making omega-3 fatty acids a valuable addition to your diet. Aim to incorporate fatty fish into your meals at least twice a week to reap their health benefits.

Green Tea: Potent Polyphenols for Protection

Green tea is renowned for its high concentration of polyphenols, particularly catechins, which have powerful antioxidant properties. Studies suggest that catechins may help prevent cell damage that can lead to cancer. Enjoying a cup or two of green tea daily supports your body’s natural defense mechanisms against oxidative stress.

Garlic and Onions: Flavorful Cancer Fighters

Garlic and onions, members of the allium vegetable family, are known for their distinct flavors and potent health benefits. They contain sulfur compounds, flavonoids, and other bioactive substances that have been studied for their potential anticancer effects. Including garlic and onions in your cooking not only enhances the taste of your meals but also contributes to your overall health and cancer prevention efforts.

In conclusion, your dietary choices play a significant role in reducing your risk of cancer. By incorporating cruciferous vegetables, berries, whole grains, fatty fish, green tea, garlic, and onions into your meals regularly, you can harness the power of nutrition to support your health goals. Remember, small changes in your diet can yield significant benefits over time.

919.999.0831

Your Partner In Health,

Sara Yadlowsky

Health Coach Carolina Total Wellness

March 12, 2025

The Future of Cancer Detection: Blood-Based Multi-Cancer Screening Tests

The Future of Cancer Detection:

Blood-Based Multi-Cancer Screening Tests

The field of oncology continues to evolve, with new innovations in early detection offering promising advancements in how we can detect and manage cancer. One such innovation is the advent of blood-based multi-cancer screening tests, such as Galleri, which aim to detect a variety of cancers at their earliest, most treatable stages through a simple blood draw.

In this newsletter, we’ll explore the benefits, utilization, and potential impact of these cutting-edge blood tests on clinical practice.

WHAT IS GALLERI?

Galleri is a blood-based test developed by GRAIL, designed to detect over 50 types of cancer, many of which are hard to detect through traditional screening methods. Unlike single-cancer tests, Galleri uses advanced genomic sequencing and artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze patterns in the DNA of cancer cells that circulate in the blood, known as ctDNA (circulating tumor DNA).

By identifying subtle markers of cancer that may not yet present symptoms, Galleri offers a new method for identifying cancers earlier, improving the chances of successful treatment.

BENEFTS OF BLOOD-BASED MULTI-CANCER SCREENING

Early Detection: Early detection of cancer significantly improves survival rates. Galleri can identify cancers before symptoms appear, giving patients a better chance for effective intervention. Early-stage cancers are often more treatable and have better outcomes than those detected at later stages.

Non-Invasive and Convenient: One of the major benefits of a blood test over traditional diagnostic methods (such as imaging or biopsies) is its non-invasive nature. Patients simply need to provide a blood sample, eliminating the need for complex procedures, multiple visits, or discomfort.

Detection of Hard-to-Reach Cancers: Galleri tests for a wide array of cancers, including those with no current routine screening options, such as pancreatic, ovarian, and esophageal cancers. This capability broadens the scope of early detection significantly, enabling proactive care for cancers that would otherwise be difficult to spot.

Potential for Longitudinal Monitoring: Regular screening with Galleri offers the potential to track changes over time in the genetic profile of a patient, which could help identify cancer recurrence, relapse, or the presence of new cancers in a timely manner.

Personalized Patient Care: Since Galleri provides a multi-cancer analysis, it helps clinicians focus on specific areas of concern. The test offers more comprehensive information than single-cancer tests, enabling a tailored treatment or monitoring plan.

UTILIZING GALLERI in Clinical Practice

The integration of multi-cancer blood tests like Galleri into clinical practice is an exciting opportunity, but it requires careful consideration and thoughtful implementation:

Patient Selection: Galleri is intended for asymptomatic adults, typically those aged 50 and older, who may be at increased risk for cancer due to age or family history. However, it is important to remember that over 90% of cancers are not hereditary.

Complementary to Routine Screening: Galleri does not replace standard cancer screenings, such as mammograms for breast cancer or colonoscopies for colorectal cancer. Rather, it should be used as a complementary tool to enhance early detection efforts, especially for cancers without established screening protocols.

Understanding the Results: One of the challenges with any early detection test is interpreting the results. A positive result in Galleri doesn’t necessarily confirm cancer, but it indicates that further diagnostic testing is needed to determine the presence and location of a cancer. False positives and false negatives are possible, and the results should be used as a starting point for further investigation, not a final diagnosis.

Follow-Up Testing and Diagnosis: In the case of a positive Galleri result, the next steps involve targeted imaging or biopsies to confirm the presence of cancer and determine its stage. This ensures that patients are not unnecessarily subjected to invasive procedures if the blood test was inaccurate.

Insurance and Cost Considerations: While blood-based, multi cancer screening is a groundbreaking tool, it is important to note that insurance coverage is generally not yet available. However, we expect insurance reimbursement to begin in the coming years.

CLINICAL IMPACT: Changing the Landscape of Oncology

The potential to detect multiple types of cancer from a single blood test could revolutionize oncology by reducing cancer mortality rates through earlier and more accurate diagnoses. Early detection allows for treatment to begin before the cancer has spread, which can significantly improve outcomes.

Additionally, for high-risk populations or those with a family history of cancer, this test can provide invaluable peace of mind or prompt early intervention, potentially saving lives.

As we continue to integrate such innovative tools into clinical practice, the future of cancer care appears brighter, with earlier diagnoses, better prognoses, and a greater emphasis on preventive and personalized care.

As research continues to advance, we anticipate that these tests will become an increasingly important part of routine health assessments, leading to fewer missed diagnoses and better patient outcomes.