functional medince doctor near me Archives - Fusion Integrative and Functional Medicine

Former Marathoner and Triathlete Achieves Pain Relief with Dr. Jessica Miller’s Functional Medicine Approach

“On January 23, 2023, I set a personal goal of cumulatively swimming 150 miles (equal to the width of the English Channel.) I will complete my goal this week, November 2024. Determining my next challenge comes next. I could not have achieved this without the care and guidance from Dr. Miller.”

When Stuart had exhausted traditional medicine treatments and medications, he refused to give up and sought the guidance of Dr. Jessica Miller, a Marlboro, NJ, physician specialist specializing in Functional and Integrative Medicine.

“When I met Dr. Miller in 2017, my health was a mess,” recalls Stuart G., a retired optical industry professional and competitive athlete. “I was a competitive recreational athlete for over 30 years until health and environmental issues compromised my ability to participate.”

How does Functional Medicine differ from traditional medicine?

Functional and Integrative Medicine differs from the standard healthcare most Americans receive today. Its practitioners diagnose and treat the root causes of illness; this approach combines personalized, science-based, non-invasive therapies and lifestyle adjustments to optimize overall health.

Patients benefit from this type of holistic care that considers diet, stress, environment, and genetics, promoting long-term wellness and disease prevention.

Frustrated, exhausted and in pain

Stuart met with Dr. Miller in 2017 during a particularly difficult time, personally and professionally. Understandably, his worsening mental and physical health, including a significant battle with chronic pain syndrome, was compromising his ability to enjoy his passion for recreational sports.

“Dr. Miller spent a lot of time with me during my initial visits. She analyzed my health history and symptoms and ordered several blood and gene tests,” Stuart explains. “I quickly realized my health issues were going to be treated very differently, which I welcomed.”

After studying his results, Dr. Miller prescribed a new health plan that included changes in diet and lifestyle and the addition of specific supplements to address Stuart’s health deficiencies. His health improvements were significant and sustained far beyond his previous treatment efforts. As needed, he continued to see the doctor to measure his improvement and address any new concerns.

Seeking renewal after a second Covid battle

After a second Covid diagnosis in 2024, Stuart returned to Dr. Miller for guidance to regain his physical strength to start swimming again, a passion for Stuart. “I admire Dr. Miller’s expertise in Functional Medicine and her desire to continuously learn more about this emerging field of medicine.”

Stuart says. “She is at the top of her field and uses the latest clinical studies to benefit her patients.” Since Dr. Miller prescribed specific supplements for Stuart, he has felt strong enough to get back into the pool again, a major milestone to support his mental and physical health.

“I’m especially appreciative that Functional Medicine is non-invasive and does not focus on prescribing pharmaceuticals for every acute and chronic health issue.”

Dr. Miller weighs in on Stuart’s case

“Stuart arrived frustrated and worried about his worsening health symptoms, which had taken over his life,” Dr. Miller explains. “I was impressed how open he was to adopt a different health strategy to address his specific issues, particularly those related to pain management.” Dr. Miller stated that she admired his zest for many types of exercise, which she knew sustained him physically and mentally.

The peace-of-mind of ‘lifestyle medicine’

Today, Stuart says he won’t change his current health management plan without consulting Dr. Miller first. “She improved my health in countless ways, and I have no intention of returning to where I was before I started working with her.”

Stuart offers words of experience to others considering a Functional Medicine doctor: “If you are unsatisfied with your current health plan, you have nothing to lose by meeting with the doctor and learning more about her approach to health and wellness.”

Get the FAQs about Fusion Integrative & Functional Medicine

Are you getting the healthcare you need to truly thrive in wellness and disease management?

Functional Medicine and Integrative Health take a more proactive approach to helping treat chronic medical conditions and help support optimal health through all the phases of life. If you’d like to learn more about working with Dr. Miller and her team, call our Practice Manager at 732-631-4410 or click the button below for a no-cost New Patient Discovery Session:

Limited-Time Functional Health Coach Wellness Package

As we approach the end of 2024, there’s still time to optimize your wellness with a personalized Functional Medicine reboot. Our team developed a specially-priced treatment package with Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach Cortney Goodstadt designed to address key aspects of your health—whether it’s restoring mineral balance, improving gut health, or managing chronic symptoms.

The Cellular Health Reboot package (details below) is suitable for previous patients and those seeking an introduction to an Integrative & Functional health approach, starting with an HTMA (Hair Tissue Minerals Analysis.)

To reserve your package or learn more about how to work with Cortney, call 732-631-4410. We look forward to partnering with you for improved health and wellness!

How to Strengthen Your Body’s Natural Defenses

Building Immune Resilience for Fall

By Jessica Miller, MD – Founder & Medical Director

As the cooler months approach and we prepare for the transition into fall, it’s essential to consider how we can strengthen our immune systems. At Fusion Integrative and Functional Medicine, we believe building immune resilience is not just about avoiding illness but boosting your body’s natural defenses through personalized nutrition, lifestyle modifications and targeted supplementation—an approach echoed by renowned Functional Medicine experts like Dr. Mark Hyman and Dr. Josh Axe.

Vitamin D and Antioxidants

Dr. Hyman, a leading voice in integrative medicine, emphasizes the importance of maintaining optimal vitamin D levels for immune health. As sunlight decreases in the fall and winter months, many people experience a drop in vitamin D levels, crucial for activating the immune system. We recommend incorporating high-quality, synergistic vitamin D supplements and dietary sources like fatty fish to support your body’s immune response. In addition, I cannot overstate the role of antioxidants, particularly vitamin C, in reducing oxidative stress and boosting immunity. I also recommend incorporating a variety of brightly-colored fruits and vegetables to boost plant polyphenol attributes.

Gut Health

Dr. Axe underscores the importance of gut health in supporting immunity.

Over 70% of your immune system resides in the gut; the health of your microbiome plays a vital role in protecting your body against pathogens.

He emphasizes incorporating prebiotic- and probiotic-rich foods such as fermented vegetables, kefir, kimchee and yogurt to balance gut bacteria and enhance immune function. Targeted probiotic supplements may also be recommended to restore and maintain a healthy gut environment.

READ: Five Reasons You Need a Functional Health Coach

Stress Management

We emphasize adopting stress management tools to protect the body’s immune ecosystem. Chronic stress can lead to disruptive imbalances in cortisol levels, which can significantly jeopardize the immune system. By integrating stress reduction techniques, simple efforts like interacting with pets, meditation, spending time in nature, socializing with trusted friends and family and committing to quality sleep can regulate stress hormones and help fortify your immune defenses.

In addition, singing, humming, gargling, cold water plunges, vagal nerve stimulation and Dynamic Neural Retraining System (DNRS) can strengthen the parasympathetic nerve system, leading to a more balanced immune response.

At Fusion Integrative & Functional Medicine, we take a comprehensive approach to warding off negative factors that can debilitate health and longevity. By blending Functional and Integrative Medicine, personalized nutrition and lifestyle modifications, we help our patients build a platform of health and strength to ward off health risks throughout life.

If you’re ready to optimize your immune health and strengthen your body’s natural defenses, call Fusion Integrative and Functional Medicine (732-631-4410) and sign up for your free personalized Discovery Consultation.

Wishing you a happy and healthy fall season!

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used in place of an individualized healthcare visit.

Janine’s Patient Review of Fusion IFM (Sept. 2024)

Our thanks to Janine for her thoughtful and detailed review of her health and treatment experience with Functional Medicine specialist Jessica Miller, MD, Practice Manager Mara, and our entire Fusion IFM team. Patient outcome and satisfaction are paramount to everything we do.

Excerpt (Google Review):

“I have been a patient of Dr. Miller‘s for over five years. I have a complicated medical history, including autoimmune, fibromyalgia and an array of chronic illnesses, which ended my career over 12 years ago.

I have been to every healthcare specialist, including conventional and holistic-minded doctors in New York and top-notch hospitals. While some offered relief, none of them ever really got to the root cause of my myriad issues. I was often recommended antidepressants and more prescriptions.

Dr. Miller did extensive bloodwork and left no stone unturned. She takes the time to listen carefully and spends an entire hour not only going over my medical history and any recent changes, but also listening to personal issues affecting my health, wellness and ability to heal.

Learn more about some of our Functional Medicine treatment specialties:

Because of Dr. Miller’s extensive experience, she does not hesitate to research everything, including any conventional medications and treatments, and will give her highly educated opinion. She is always learning and keeping up with the newest advances in not only Functional Medicine but also conventional medicine to stay informed and offer her patients the highest level of treatment.

I also attended a very informative wellness workshop with her Health Coach team consisting of Brianna and Cortney. It was a four-week series, and it included a wealth of information including dietary changes, gut health and more to encourage simple lifestyle changes to improve overall wellness.

Her team at Fusion IFM is so empathetic and truly treats every patient like family. I cannot say enough about her Practice Manager, Mara. From the first day I met her, she truly took an interest in knowing me personally and going above and beyond to always make sure she was available to help. Our visits always start and end with a hug, and I truly cannot imagine where I would be today without Dr. Miller and her staff.

Honestly, it feels like I am talking to a friend, not my Doctor, and I feel the same way about her team, especially Mara.

Could Adrenal Fatigue Be Sabotaging Your Weight Loss?

Your workout might be the reason you’re not losing weight.

By Cortney Goodstadt, DPT, AFMHC, Fusion IFM Health Coach

When it comes to losing weight, the intensity of your workout might be working against you, especially if you’re dealing with adrenal fatigue. This condition involves an imbalance in hormones produced by the adrenal glands, such as cortisol, which can hinder your weight loss efforts and even lead to weight gain.

Understanding Adrenal Fatigue

Adrenal fatigue occurs when you have a prolonged period of excessive cortisol. The prolonged excess cortisol eventually downregulates the brain’s signaling to the adrenal gland. This results in decreased cortisol production, leading to hormone imbalances that affect your body’s ability to manage stress, energy and metabolism.

Symptoms include feeling constantly run down, brain fog, poor sleep quality, salt cravings–and unexplained weight gain, particularly around the belly. If these signs sound familiar, your overtaxing exercise regime could be the culprit.

Why High-Intensity Workouts Can Stall Weight Loss

High-intensity workouts–running, cardio boot camps, CrossFit or competitive sports seem like the key to maximum weight loss, but if your HPA (hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal) axis is disrupted, these exercises can increase cortisol production. In a healthy body, this helps manage energy levels. However, if your cortisol levels are already imbalanced, your body may start storing fat instead of burning it—especially in the abdominal area. This can lead to a frustrating cycle where the more you work out, the more weight you gain.

Learn more about the Functional Medicine supplements, tests and products curated and endorsed by Fusion IFM:

The Right Exercise for Adrenal Health

Low-impact activities are often better for those with adrenal fatigue. Walking for an hour or more at a leisurely pace can help your body recover and gradually return to a state where it can effectively burn fat again. Other beneficial exercises include yoga, which helps reduce stress, water aerobics, which is gentle on the joints and light strength training, which can build muscle without stressing your system.

Listen to Your Body

A good rule of thumb for adrenal fatigue sufferers–if you work out and still feel energy-depleted 30 minutes or more later–you have gone too hard. This is a sign that you are not doing the right kind of workout for your body. Rather than pushing through the over-exertion and demanding your body exercise again, do the opposite and give it a rest.

Remember, the goal of exercise should be to boost your energy levels and overall well-being. If a workout leaves you feeling depleted, it’s a sign that your routine needs to be adjusted.

Personalized Functional Health Support for Your Fitness Goals

Finding the right real-life fitness balance is essential for optimal health. No one knows your body better than you do. If something doesn’t feel right when you workout, it probably requires professional guidance to help identify the issue and help to avoid injury and possible medical complications.

As a Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach with a lifelong devotion to fitness, I would be happy to meet with you and determine the ideal fitness strategy for your life today and in the future. Contact me at 732-631-4410 or click below to schedule your no-fee Discovery Consultation:

*This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used in place of an individualized healthcare visit.

Fusion’s July Newsletter is Here!

Our Functional Medicine experts offer all the Integrative Medicine tools you need for a healthier New Jersey summer!

This month, Dr. Jessica Miller and her dedicated Fusion IFM team highlight essential practices for men to enhance prostate health, emphasizing the significant impact of diet, particularly refined sugar, on prostate function. By integrating these Functional Medicine strategies, men can take proactive steps to improve their overall well-being and reduce the risk of prostate-related diseases. Check out our July newsletter:

We also delve into the importance of making informed daily lifestyle choices, combining integrative treatments with traditional medicine for a holistic approach to health.

Our Certified Functional Health Nutritionist and Health Coach Brianna Manginelli is sharing a delicious Brussels Sprouts Salad recipe featuring a creamy tahini dressing that will be perfect for your summertime entertaining. This refreshing dish is perfect for summer gatherings and adds a nutritious boost to your diet.

Certified Health Coach Cortney Goodstadt provides valuable advice on reducing exposure to environmental toxins, a crucial aspect of maintaining long-term health. With a special promo code for discounts on Designs for Health products and a link to schedule a free Discovery Session, the newsletter is packed with resources and actionable steps to help you lead a healthier, fuller life. Dive into these expert tips and discover how Integrative and Functional Medicine can transform your health journey.

We’d love to meet you and learn more about your personal health challenges and goals. Call our practice manager, Mara Munoz, at 732-631-4410 or email us at info@fusionifm.com to learn more about Fusion’s holistic health services and review some of the conditions we treat here: https://fusionifm.com/services/

The Impact of Sugar on Prostate Health: What Every Man Should Know

By Jessica Miller, MD – Founder & Medical Director

June is Men’s Health Month, a perfect time to re-focus on prostate health—a critical yet often overlooked aspect of men’s well-being. As an Integrative & Functional Medicine physician, I’ve seen firsthand how lifestyle choices, particularly diet, can protect or adversely affect the health of the prostate.

One major dietary risk factor is sugar. Below, I explain the connection between sugar and prostate health and explore strategies to optimize prostate function:

The Sugar-Prostate-Cancer Connection

Emerging research suggests a strong link between high sugar intake and prostate health issues, including prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate. Excessive sugar consumption can lead to chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and obesity—all factors that contribute to prostate problems.

A diet high in refined sugars can create an environment conducive to cancer cell growth because sugar fuels insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF), both of which can promote cancer cell proliferation. High blood sugar levels can also suppress the immune system, making it harder for the body to combat cancer cells.

Four Simple Steps to Optimize Prostate Health

Integrative & Functional Medicine emphasizes a holistic approach, addressing the root causes of acute and chronic health issues, rather than merely treating symptoms. To offset prostate disease risk, I recommend the following action steps, which are simple, direct and achievable:

I. Reduce Foods with Processed Sugar: Limiting refined sugars and high-glycemic foods can help lower insulin levels and reduce inflammation. Choose whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. (You can quell sugar cravings within about 10 days of reducing intake.)

2. Keep Your Weight in Check: Obesity is a significant risk factor for prostate issues. Regular physical activity and a balanced diet can help manage weight effectively.

3. Anti-inflammatory Diet: Incorporate foods rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties–berries, leafy greens, nuts and fatty fish. Aim to eat a rainbow of nutritious foods daily.

4. Prostate Screening: Early detection of prostate issues is crucial. Men over 50 or younger with a family history should discuss prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing with their healthcare provider. Learn more here: https://www.cdc.gov/prostate-cancer/screening/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/prostate/basic_info/screening.htm

READ: “Five Reasons You Need a Functional Health Coach”

Functional Medicine Approach to Address Prostate Conditions

For men diagnosed with BPH or prostate cancer, functional medicine offers integrative treatments that complement conventional approaches:

Herbal Supplements: Saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol are known to support prostate health and alleviate symptoms of BPH. Mushrooms such as Lion’s Mane and Turkey Tail help to support the immune system and encourage the body to find/eliminate cancer cells.
Nutritional Therapy: Tailored dietary plans focusing on reducing inflammation and boosting immune function.
Stress Management: Chronic stress can exacerbate prostate issues. Techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, and meditation can be beneficial.

Fusion IFM Specializes in Functional Health for Men

As an Integrative and Functional Medicine physician, I aim to empower men with ‘real-life’ education and best practices to take charge of their prostate health. By making informed lifestyle choices and seeking integrative treatments, men can significantly improve their quality of life and reduce the risk of prostate-related diseases.

Protect your prostate—and your overall health and wellness–by breaking the sugar habit once and for all. You’ll be amazed by how much better you look and feel every day. Feel free to schedule a consultation with me or a free Discovery Session with my team for personalized health guidance.

Jessica Miller, MD, is double Board Certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation as well as Integrative Medicine. She is also a Certified Institute for Functional Medicine Practitioner, located in Marlboro, NJ. Learn more about her approach and services here.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used in place of an individualized healthcare visit.

Thrive in a Toxic World: Your Guide to Reducing Environmental Toxin Exposure

Fusion IFM certified Health Coach Cortney Goodstadt provides real-world guidance to minimize daily toxin exposure.

By Cortney Goodstadt, DPT, AFMHC

Take a moment and think about our food supply, the products you use to clean your home, the products and cosmetics you place on your skin, and the general environment and air that you breathe in your home and office.

If you’re like me, you might feel a little disgusted now. Furthermore, you may be struggling with health issues due to toxin exposure and not even realize the symptoms. It is essential to understand the specific toxins we commonly encounter and how to remedy the exposure to live longer, healthier and happier lives.

Humans create many environmental toxins, but others occur naturally in the environment–

Examples:

Man-Made Toxins Naturally Occurring Toxins

Phthalates Mercury

BPA Formaldehyde

Pesticides Cadmium

Lead

Radon

Benzene

Arsenic

These toxins have four distinct entry methods into the body:

Skin
Inhalation
Digestion
Injection

Once encountered, the body has various ways of handling or metabolizing the objectionable toxin. This reaction often varies, depending on how long you have been exposed to the noxious substance.

Brief or mild environmental toxin exposure

Being exposed to toxins for a short period of time can have somewhat negative, yet in the scheme of life, mild consequences. These may include:

Abdominal pain
Cough and sneezing
Diarrhea
Excessive fatigue
Headaches
Nausea and vomiting
Skin irritation
Throat and nose irritation

Long-term toxic environment exposure

Long-term exposure to toxins is incredibly unhealthy. Many short-term effects of exposure begin to take hold and can present as complex and more serious physical conditions. As exposure continues, the damage it causes can result in chronic disease and have permanent physical effects.

Toxins can affect the body by disrupting the endocrine system and can become carcinogenic. Those toxins that disrupt the endocrine system interfere with the body’s ability to produce hormones and participate in cell signaling. This can negatively affect the reproductive, immune, and neurological systems.

Additionally, it may alter a person’s behavior and personality. In children, it can cause issues with development. Possible effects may include (but are not limited to) obesity, aggressive behavior, hormone-dependent cancers such as breast and prostate, infertility, early-onset puberty, low sperm and testosterone, increased risk of diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, lung cancer, Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders.

READ: “Five Reasons You Need a Functional Health Coach”

Actionable steps for environmental toxin protection

As a mom and health coach, I am shocked by this information and want to educate others on making simple yet actionable lifestyle changes to affect your health and save our planet. Here are some things that you can do to make a difference.

Here are simple and achievable action items to reduce everyday toxins and protect yourself and your loved ones:

1. Reduce exposure as much as possible to decrease your risk of adverse health effects.

2. Remove toxins from your home and your skin:

Use green cleaning products (be aware that some products that market themselves as “toxic-free” or “clean” are not! Read the labels.)
Replace candles and air fresheners with essential oils.
Add plants to your home to create cleaner air.
Use natural skincare and makeup.
Replace non-stick cookware.
Avoid using the microwave whenever possible.
Reduce the use of plastics.
Leave footwear outside or by the entrance to your home.
Use a dehumidifier to reduce mildew or mold.
Consider an air purifier.
Filter and remineralize drinking water.

3. Remove toxins from your diet:

Reduce refined seed and vegetable oils.
Eliminate foods stored in plastic as they may disrupt hormone function.
Eliminate foods with trans fats.
Eat organic foods whenever possible.
Avoid buying and consuming sugar-laden foods and beverages.
Eat certified organic and grass-fed meats and wild-caught fish.
Eliminate processed foods.

READ: “Harness the Healing Powers of Grounding”

Reducing environmental toxins: Committing to living safer and disease-free

While it is difficult and nearly impossible to live a full, toxic-free lifestyle — as the air we breathe is full of pollutants —choose to make small changes to minimize toxins you can control in daily life.

Unfortunately, in traditional health and wellness, environmental toxins are an overlooked piece of the wellness puzzle, but our Fusion IFM team is dedicated to helping our patients live as toxin-free as possible in today’s world.

Allow me to help lead the way as you build a healthier future for you and your family.

Let’s get started!

_______________________________________________________________________

To learn more about improving and protecting your lifelong health, schedule a Free Discovery Session with Cortney or one of our certified functional medicine health coaches. Learn more about the conditions we treat here: https://fusionifm.com/services/.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used in place of an individualized healthcare visit.

Patient Review: Fusion Functional Medicine Services

We are deeply appreciative when our patients take the time and effort to leave a review about our Functional Medicine services on Google and other patient satisfaction sites. Last week, we were delighted to receive this review from Jane, who has been with us since 2020.

Dr. Miller will meet with you and give you a big-picture idea of what may be underlying your symptoms and what areas can be improved; Cortney will delve into the specifics with you and make sure you stay on track and also listen to any concerns you may have through your journey.

READ: “Five Reasons Why You Should Work with a Functional Health Coach” By Cortney Goodstadt

The great thing about functional medicine is that it grows with you. It is directed by your health goals and what are your most bothersome symptoms. They will start from there and begin the work of suggesting possible ways to improve your health and your life. Supplements are just one part of functional medicine and they can be highly supportive in many cases. But they aren’t the only healing modality that will be suggested to you.

I also like that you can pause your appointments at any time. The functional medicine practitioners, doctors and health coaches will not do the work for you – it’s up to you to use the resources they suggest, work on your health every day.

This is a very different approach and it’s important for people to understand that taking care of yourself is a lot of work–and it’s ultimately up to you. Having Dr. Miller and health coaches like Cortney to support me in my health journey has been one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Jane Frank | Fusion IFM Google Review | May 2024

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used in place of an individualized healthcare visit. Read more Fusion Patient Reviews here:

“Feel Good in Four” Metabolic Reboot Series Starts June 3

Learn Essential Functional Medicine Health Guidance During 4 One-Hour Weekly Sessions

Dates:

Fusion IFM Instructors

Cortney Goodstadt, DPT, AFMHC

Brianna Manginelli MS, CNS, LDN, DSS

“Feel Good in Four” Series Benefits

We look forward to meeting with you and helping to boost your health in 2024!

Questions/Sign-Up:

732-631-4410 | info@fusionifm.com

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