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!
The lymphatic system is a complex network of tissues, vessels, and organs that play a vital role in maintaining the body’s overall health and immune function. It works in close coordination with the circulatory system to transport a fluid called lymph throughout the body. The lymphatic system is responsible for filtering out waste products, toxins, and pathogens, while also helping to regulate fluid balance.
The lymphatic system has several key components that work together to facilitate its functions. These include lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, tonsils, and adenoids.
While it may not get much attention, the lymphatic system is vital in maintaining overall health and well-being. One of the primary functions of the lymphatic system is waste management. It collects and transports excess fluid, waste products, cellular debris, and toxins from the tissues back into the bloodstream for elimination. This is crucial to maintaining a healthy fluid balance and preventing the buildup of harmful substances in the body.
The lymphatic system is intimately connected with the immune system. Lymph nodes, present at various points along the lymphatic vessels, serve as hubs for immune cell interaction, helping to detect and fight off infections, pathogens, and foreign substances. They act as a vital line of defense, safeguarding the body against illness and disease.
The fluid that circulates within the lymphatic system is known as lymph. It contains white blood cells, proteins, fats, and other substances necessary for immune function and tissue nourishment. But unlike the blood that has the heart for a pump, lymphatic fluid is only propelled by rhythmic contractions of muscles, movement, and breathing throughout the body.
Therefore, lymphatic fluid is pumped into the body only when the fascia moves. As it travels around the body, the fluid collects cellular waste and toxins that need to be eliminated from the body. The body eliminates waste through the bowels, urine, breath, blood (menstruating women) and sweat. This means the body must move to stay healthy!
The lymphatic system is like a highway of health, helping to clear away waste, toxins, and inflammation from the body. It is a vital system that deserves attention and support for overall wellness. But just like your car’s oil filter, if it hasn’t been changed or cleaned recently, it will get clogged, lessening the efficiency of potentially every system in the body.
Warning Signs of a Sluggish Lymphatic System
So how do you know your lymph may be sluggish or clogged? Some common symptoms of stagnant lymph are: Persistent swelling, Fatigue and Low Energy Levels, Recurrent Infections, Brain Fog and Cognitive Issues, and Digestive Issues.
In today’s world, every body on the planet is challenged with keeping their lymphatic filter clean! We must make a diligent effort to live a lifestyle conducive to assisting our lymph instead of asking our lymph to work harder due to modern conveniences.
Movement is a MUST for lymphatic health:
You can support optimal lymphatic flow and prevent stagnation by incorporating specific movements and exercises into your daily routine to stimulate lymphatic circulation. The best choices are walking, rebounding, yoga, arm swings, and breathing exercises.
The toxic load will overcome us if we don’t engage our parasympathetic system more frequently. We must allow the body to recover, regenerate and drain to enhance the flow of our lymphatics. There are many ways to assist the body: breath practice, yoga, manual relaxation like massage, acupuncture, walks in the woods, and the ocean.
Dry Brushing
Dry brushing is one of the best ways to keep your body healthy and smooth. It’s an excellent way to remove dead skin cells, improve the skin’s appearance (including cellulite), and promote cell renewal and lymph flow.
Drink More Water
Well-hydrated cells are necessary for the lymph to remove the “trash.” Of course, always provide the body with only the purest water you can, as it is counterproductive to add water to the trash. We are asking it to help take out the lymphatics.
Castor Oil Packs
Castor oil can, unlike other oils, penetrate through the upper layer of the skin. When applied externally over specific body areas, these packs can help improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote detoxification.
Manual Stimulation Drainage Therapy
My favorite drainage exercise that you can do at home is the Big 6 technique.
Vibration Platforms
Vibration machines produce mechanical vibrations that travel through the body, forcing your muscles to contract. These muscle contractions help by strengthening bones, improving circulation, and increasing blood flow. They increase the flow of lymphatic fluid through the lymphatic vessels, which helps remove toxins and waste products from the body.
Epsom Salt Baths
Epsom salts aid the lymphatic system due to their high magnesium levels, a mineral known for its anti-inflammatory properties. In combination with the natural diuretic quality of mineral salts and the water temperature, Epsom salt baths have been shown to stimulate lymph circulation in the body.
Saunas
The deep penetrating heat of infrared saunas aids the body’s natural process, allowing it to flush out toxins and, in turn, prevent a buildup of excess foreign bodies in the lymphatic system.
Functional Medicine and Lymphatic Health Treatment in Monmouth County, NJ
Cortney Goodstadt, DPT, AFMHC
At Fusion Integrative and Functional Medicine, we offer expert guidance on improving lymphatic health through natural healing methods. If you’re experiencing signs of lymphatic stagnation or want to learn more about improving your lymphatic health, contact Certified Health Coach Cortney Goodstadt. She offers personalized treatment plans that include dry brushing, lymphatic drainage therapy and more.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used in place of an individualized healthcare visit.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
Mara Munoz
Cortney Goodstadt, DPT, AFMHC
Honestly, it feels like I am talking to a friend, not my Doctor, and I feel the same way about her team, especially Mara.
Today, I feel for the first time in many years, I have a better understanding of my conditions and what my triggers are and can address my issues with a plan put in place by Dr. Miller to keep me on the path to optimal health. I would highly recommend Dr. Jessica Miller and her team. I am extremely grateful for the excellent care and compassion I have received.”
We’d love to speak with you about your health and wellness goals and challenges. Call our friendly team at 732-631-4410 or click below to speak with our team or schedule a Free Fusion Discovery Session with our team:
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.
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.
It is no secret that the microorganisms living in our gut play a crucial role in our overall health, influencing everything from our digestion and immune system to our mood and brain function. In fact, there are between 10 and 100 times MORE microbes than human cells in our body, and approximately 70% of our immune system lies within our digestive tract.
Research shows that “diet has the most powerful influence on gut microbial communities in healthy human subjects.” The majority of the Standard American Diet (SAD) is of limited or no benefit to the microbiota in the lower gut.
Since most of the SAD diet consists of refined carbohydrates, it is readily absorbed in the upper part of the GI tract, leaving minimal amounts of minerals, vitamins and other necessary nutrients available for our microbiome.
Constipation is an issue many people struggle with on a daily basis. Part of our treatment approach is to prescribe personalized dietary modifications including a decreased intake of refined carbohydrates and the addition of 30 plant foods weekly. We have noticed that this has changed patients’ microbiome in a beneficial way.
As an example, my patient had been having difficulty with constipation. Her microbiome began to shift after prescribing a decrease in refined carbohydrates and adding 30 plant foods weekly.
The increase in fiber (from the plant food consumption), various phytonutrients feeding the beneficial species residing in her gut and structured water obtained from these plant foods began to “wake up” her digestive system to function the way it was designed.
Keep in mind that increased fiber and plant food consumption is not appropriate for everyone, depending on where they are in their healing journey. Always consult with a health and nutrition specialist for customized treatment if you are experiencing digestive dysfunction.
Below, I’ll explain how and why to incorporate 30+ plant foods into your weekly routine to significantly improve the diversity and health of your microbiome.
Gut and Immune Health
Eating 30 or more plant foods per week provides a variety of phytochemicals, polyphenols and other bioactive compounds that can inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria while promoting beneficial bacteria growth, provide anti-inflammatory benefits, improve gut-barrier function, and aid in the production of beneficial metabolites such as butyrate, acetate and propionate to name a few.
Mental Health
In addition to improved digestive and immune health, a healthy microbiome has been linked to improved mental health outcomes, including:
1. Reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety: A study published in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine found that patients with depression had improved symptoms after receiving a fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) (2).
Research published in the journal Neurogastroenterology and Motility found that individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) experienced reduced anxiety symptoms after receiving FMT (3).
2. Improved cognitive function: A study published in the journal Neurology found that older adults with higher levels of certain gut bacteria had improved cognitive function and reduced risk of dementia (4).
3. Increased production of neurotransmitters: The gut microbiome produces neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which are essential for mood regulation.
Five Tips to Build 30+ Plant-Based Foods into Your Diet:
Vegan tacos with baked chickpeas, avocado, sauce and vegetables.
1. Start your day with a savory/plant-rich breakfast: Incorporate leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds into your breakfast routine.
2. Eat various colorful vegetables: Aim for at least 5 servings of different colored vegetables each day. EAT A RAINBOW!
3. SPICE IT UP! Fresh herbs and spices count toward your 30. The more variety of herbs and flavors, the better!
4. Incorporate legumes into your meals, if you tolerate them. Legumes are rich in prebiotic fiber and can be added to soups, salads, and stir-fries.
5. Emphasize eating WHOLE FOODS and plant-rich dishes, which can account for 6+ plant foods in one meal. Think salads topped with legumes/fruits/nuts/seeds, vegetable medley soups with fresh herbs and spices, creative smoothies and stir-fry with fresh herbs and seeds.
The Best Plant Foods to Improve Your Microbiome
Prebiotic-rich foods: Asparagus, bananas and plantains, onions, garlic
As a functional medicine nutritionist, I am passionate about the incredible impact that a diverse, plant-based diet can have on our gut health, immune function and mental well-being. By incorporating 30 or more plant foods into your weekly routine, you nourish your body with essential nutrients and foster a thriving and balanced microbiome.
This simple yet powerful dietary shift can improve digestion, immunity, and even cognitive function. I invite you to take the first step on this transformative journey today. Don’t forget to download your 30 Plant Food Weekly Tracker to start your journey to improved health and wellness TODAY!
To learn more about Functional Health and Functional Nutrition, request your free Discovery Session with us below:
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used in place of an individualized healthcare visit.
1. **Suez et al. (2014)**: “Microbiome analysis reveals large interindividual variation in the gut microbiota of healthy individuals.” Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology.
2. **Collins et al. (2013)**: “Fecal microbiota transplantation for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection.” Psychosomatic Medicine.
3. **Bergmann et al. (2018)**: “Fiber-rich diets are associated with improved gut health.” Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
4. **Cryan et al. (2019)**: “The gut-brain axis: The role of gut bacteria in neurodegenerative diseases.” Journal of Neurology.
5. **Kong et al. (2019)**: “Dietary fiber intake and risk of depression.” Journal of Affective Disorders.
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/
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I have been working with Dr. Jessica Miller since 2020 and I fully believe in the value of functional medicine and having a dedicated practitioner who will spend a full hour following up with you – not something you will find with most primary care physicians practicing conventional medicine.
Functional medicine provides a different approach in that it looks for root causes of disease instead of treating symptoms. Instead of putting a band-aid over the problem, Dr. Miller will use her extensive knowledge to suggest the underlying mechanism for the symptoms and will then prescribe targeted therapies to address the imbalances that may be present.
If you’ve been through the conventional medical system and have seen numerous doctors and haven’t made any progress with your health, I would fully recommend seeking out an alternative approach and seeing if Dr. Miller and her team can help.
Dr. Miller combines her passion for functional medicine with empathy and compassion for her patients, as she seeks to support the health of the whole individual. In between appointments with Dr. Miller, there is the option of meeting with a health coach in more frequent intervals to make sure you are staying on track with your health goals.
A health coach can be helpful to address any specific, smaller concerns such as questions about supplements or alternatives, questions about specific exercises, or even certain foods or diets. For me this has been a great experience.
Cortney Goodstadt, DPT, AFMHC
Health Coach Cortney Goodstadt has a calm and centered approach and a determination to bring unique solutions to each individual patient and meeting with her helps me feel on track with my health goals and makes me feel like I have a constant supporter in my corner who is rooting for me to take care of myself every day.
She will listen to your concerns and do research after your appointment to bring you suggestions on everything:
Diet
Exercise
Sleep
Supplements
Emotional/mental support
Gathering patient-specific resources
Cortney is invaluable to discussing what health strategies worked, so I can continue to feel better and get stronger.
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.
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.
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:
