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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

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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

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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.

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

Your Partner In Health,

Sara Yadlowsky

Health Coach Carolina Total Wellness

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Aging Gracefully

Sara Yadlowsky, FMHC

Aging is inevitable. Irrespective of our efforts to appear youthful or feel younger, aging will catch up with us eventually. However, vitality is the key to aging gracefully.

Vitality embodies an energy of involvement, appreciation, and liveliness. It represents a harmonious blend of pleasure, purpose, and significance. When we are full of these feelings, we experience a vibrant, open responsiveness.

An excellent question to ask yourself is: How vibrant am I? Vitality manifests as an ability to openly express profound emotions. It’s evident in hearty laughter, streams of tears, and a willingness to engage fully without concerning oneself with outcomes, approval, or social media “likes.”

The most vibrant individuals:

  • Seek opportunities to make a positive impact and follow through with action
  • Dedicate themselves to continuous learning from others
  • Exemplify remarkable generosity and openness
  • Embrace both laughter and tears with equal intensity
  • Share a deep connection with the spiritual realm
  • Are willing to be authentic even if it means being unpopular

This level of aliveness represents soulful fitness, which is not tied to appearing younger than our years. Soulful fitness results from a stead fast commitment to and consistent practice of the vitality-enhancing measures mentioned above.

An excellent idea is to meditate daily with the thought that this could be your last day alive, and let this awareness guide you to fully embrace and cherish each day.

Aging can be viewed as a profound opportunity to establish deeper roots and witness more abundant blossoms. We can perceive the beautiful trajectory from innocence (youth) to ambition (productive years) to wisdom (later years)as a magnificent symphony, with each phase a complete and essential component of a breathtaking unity.

Aging is not an error or shortcoming, but an invitation to embrace life more fully.

To schedule a new patient or health coaching appointment, please call our office at 919-999-0831. 

Your Partner in Health!
Sara Yadlowsky, FMHC

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Foods for Menopause and Perimenopause

The hormonal shifts that accompany perimenopause and menopause lack a clear instruction manual, often leaving many women in a continuous cycle of trial and error when it comes to managing their symptoms. Fortunately, one of the most potent tools available for regaining control of your hormones is the food you consume. Certain foods contribute to hormone balance and can help alleviate perimenopause and menopause symptoms, while others can disrupt your body’s hormonal equilibrium.

When essential nutritional elements are lacking, hormonal imbalances can arise, leading to mood swings, weight gain, hot flashes, and reduced libido. The primary hormones affected during perimenopause and menopause are estrogen, progesterone, insulin, and testosterone, and your dietary choices can significantly impact these hormones. For instance, excessive sugar consumption can elevate insulin levels, trigger inflammation, and exacerbate nearly every perimenopausal symptom. On the other hand, incorporating vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds into your diet can provide phytonutrients and healthy fats that aid in managing even the most challenging menopause symptoms.

While there’s no one-size-fits-all diet, several foods have proven beneficial for most people seeking to balance their hormones:

1. Brassica (aka cruciferous) Vegetables: These include broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and cabbage, which contain indole-3-carbinol—a compound that helps metabolize estrogen in the gut and liver. This can be particularly helpful in addressing estrogen dominance.

2. Healthy Fats: Avocados, nuts, seeds, and fish are rich inomega-3 fatty acids and other fats crucial for reducing inflammation and supporting hormone production, especially progesterone.

3. Fiber-Rich Foods: Fiber is essential for gut health, which plays a critical role in hormone balance. Low-starch fruits and veggies, nuts, seeds, and whole grains can boost your fiber intake, aiding in estrogen metabolism and blood sugar regulation.

However, there are also foods and drinks that should be limited or avoided:

1. Caffeine: Excess caffeine can lead to increased stress hormone production and elevated cortisol levels, potentially exacerbating fatigue and estrogen levels.

2. Processed Carbs and Sugar: As tolerance to sugar decreases with age, limiting simple carbohydrates and sugars (like table sugar, baked goods, and packaged foods) becomes crucial for managing blood sugar and insulin levels.

3. Alcohol: Even moderate alcohol consumption can disrupt hormones, affect brain aging, and lead to elevated insulin levels and estrogen dominance.

4. Gluten: Gluten sensitivity can contribute to gut issues, thyroid problems, and autoimmune conditions, making it advisable to assess its impact on your health

Balancing your diet can ease the transition into perimenopause and menopause, regardless of whether you’re just beginning to experience symptoms or are already in the midst of them. By making thoughtful dietary choices, you can navigate this phase of life with greater vitality and well-being.

Your Partner In Health,

Sara Yadlowsky, FMHC

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Sleep and CBD

Full-spectrum CBD (cannabidiol) is derived from the cannabis plant and contains various compounds, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). While research on the specific effects of CBD on sleep is ongoing, some studies and anecdotal evidence suggest potential benefits for sleep, and full-spectrum CBD may offer additional advantages due to the entourage effect, where different cannabis compounds work together synergistically. Here are some potential benefits of full-spectrum CBD for sleep:

  1. Regulation of Sleep-Wake Cycles: CBD may interact with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating sleep-wake cycles. It could potentially help individuals with sleep disorders like insomnia by promoting a more regular sleep pattern.
    • Reference: Babson, K. A., Sottile, J., & Morabito, D. (2017). Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: a Review of the Literature. Current Psychiatry Reports, 19(4), 23.
  2. Anxiety and Stress Reduction: Anxiety and stress are common culprits of sleep disturbances. Full-spectrum CBD may have anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects, which could indirectly improve sleep by calming the mind.
    • Reference: Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. The Permanente Journal, 23, 18-041.
  1. Pain Relief: Full-spectrum CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that may alleviate chronic pain conditions. Improved pain management can lead to better sleep quality for individuals who suffer from pain-related sleep disturbances.
    • Reference: Russo, E. B. (2008). Cannabinoids in the Management of Difficult to Treat Pain. Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management, 4(1), 245–259.
  1. Relaxation and Sedation: Some terpenes found in full-spectrum CBD, such as myrcene, have sedative properties. These compounds, in combination with CBD, may promote relaxation and sedation, making it easier to fall asleep.
    • Reference: Russo, E. B. (2011). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. British Journal of Pharmacology, 163(7), 1344–1364.
  1. Reduced Nightmares: For individuals suffering from nightmares or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), full-spectrum CBD may help reduce the occurrence of distressing dreams.
    • Reference: Blessing, E. M., Steenkamp, M. M., Manzanares, J., & Marmar, C. R. (2015). Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders. Neurotherapeutics, 12(4), 825–836.

Remember – just because a company advertises ‘full-spectrum CBD’ does not mean that it’s what we are discussing here. It’s similar to the caution you need when buying eggs, and you see ‘cage-free’ or ‘free-range.’ Thanks to clever and deceptive marketing strategies, those phrases do not indicate that the chicken was allowed to roam on open pastures eating grass and bugs – that’s exclusive to ‘pasture-raised.’

The CBD market is far more unregulated than an established product like eggs, so it’s essentially the Wild Wild West, and it’s up to you to be informed and do your homework.

What authentic full-spectrum CBD indicates is a product that includes the full range of beneficial cannabinoids, terpenes, and other unique phytonutrients found in hemp. The best way to verify this claim is by looking at the company’s COA, and check to make sure a variety of cannabinoids and terpenes are present.

It’s important to note that while there’s promising research and anecdotal evidence, individual responses to CBD can vary.

It’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, including CBD, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or are taking other medications.

Always check for recent research and consult with a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

Your Partner In Health,

Clarissa A. Kussin, ND, FMCHC, ERYT-500

Functional Medicine

Functional medicine is a science-based health care approach to assess, prevent and treat complex chronic disease.

Answers to frequently asked questions provided by Carolina Total WellnessLearn More

Allergy Testing & Drops

After a brief allergy test, you can begin sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), or allergy drops under the tongue. No more allergy shots!

learn more about Allergy testing and drops provided by [VAR_PRACTICE_NAME]Learn More

About Your Visit

Learn how to prepare for your visit and what to expect at your initial consultation and at your follow-up visits with our office.

What to expect at your appointment with Carolina Total WellnessLearn More
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