Category: Immune Health

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:

Dr. Jessica Miller’s Functional Medicine approach provided lasting relief and whole-person care for our family.

How Functional Medicine Transformed My Family’s Health Journey: From Eczema to Parkinson’s Support

Sue Milcsik – Fusion IFM Google Review – November 2, 2024

“In 2019, after exhausting every traditional medical option—including visits to our allergist, dermatologist, and primary care physician—I took my 14-year-old daughter to see Dr. Jessica Miller at Fusion Integrative and Functional Medicine in Marlboro. My daughter’s “head-to-toe” eczema left her physically and mentally in distress, but Dr. Miller’s expertise and holistic approach made all the difference.

Dr. Miller began with a comprehensive history and engaged my daughter directly, ensuring her thoughts and feelings were heard. She used clear, visual language to explain potential triggers, ordered thorough lab work, and guided us through a challenging but necessary dietary change. Identifying food allergens and incorporating specific dietary supplements provided significant relief, even though my daughter’s flare-ups persisted due to her year-round swimming.

It was Dr. Miller’s insight that led us to seek further specialist care, and her collaboration with Dr. Jason Miller, a well-known dermatologist, helped us finally understand and address the triggers behind my daughter’s eczema. Dr. Miller’s dedication to treating the root causes and willingness to seek additional support were invaluable.

Jessica Miller, MD, talks with a patient.

Her impact didn’t end there. In 2022, my 22-year-old son, who had struggled with ongoing health issues, was initially skeptical about functional medicine. Yet, after meeting with Dr. Miller, he was impressed: “She connected the biology and the systems; it made sense.” He continues to work with her, making diet changes and seeing a specialist she recommended.

Most recently, in July 2024, my husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. The first person I thought of for guidance was Dr. Jessica Miller. As a medical doctor with a background in Physiology and expertise in functional medicine, she gave my husband a comprehensive evaluation. Her approach included lab tests that considered both biological and environmental factors—crucial for a lifelong firefighter. Dr. Miller’s proactive care and compassion address the whole person, not just their symptoms.

Our family’s journey with Fusion Integrative and Functional Medicine has been life-changing, and I’m endlessly grateful for the support and expertise of Dr. Miller and her team.”

Sue Milcsik – Fusion IFM Google Review – November 2, 2024

Start your Functional Health Journey with our specially-priced Fall Packages

Start your Functional Medicine Approach to Health & Wellness

Ready to take control of your health with a compassionate, whole-person approach? Connect with Dr. Jessica Miller, MD, a highly trained integrative and functional medicine doctor, for a free Discovery Consultation.

Limited-Time Functional Health Coach Wellness Package

Cortney Goodstadt, DPT, AFMHC

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 Power of a Healthy Lymphatic System

How to detoxify, boost immunity, and support your well-being through a well-functioning lymphatic system.

By Cortney Goodstadt, DPT, AFMHC – Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach

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.

READ: Learn more about some of our treatment specialties

Eight Practices to Promote Optimal Lymph Flow

  • Relax – Get Parasympathetic

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.

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.

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.

30 Plant Foods to Transform Your Health

By Brianna Manginelli, MS, CNS, LDN, DSS – Fusion Certified Functional Health Nutritionist & Health Coach

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.

Click Here for Your 30 Plant Food Weekly Tracker

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

Fermented foods: Sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, olives, pickles

Fiber-rich foods: leafy greens, berries, legumes, nuts/seeds

Cruciferous vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage

Polyphenol-rich foods: dark chocolate, green tea, berries, pomegranate, cranberry

Omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods: flax and chia seeds

Herbs and spices: ginger, turmeric, cilantro, parsley, cumin, fennel, oregano, thyme, rosemary, dill & more!

Recipe: Try my favorite Brussels Sprouts salad

Click Here for Your 30 Plant Food Weekly Tracker

Using Plant-Based Foods as Medicine for your Gut

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!

About Functional Nutritionist & Certified Health Coach Brianna Manginelli

Brianna is a certified functional nutritionist at Fusion Integrative & Functional Medicine in Marlboro, NJ. She specializes in working with people managing medical conditions or seeking to optimize their health using whole foods, nutraceuticals and other integrative modalities. To learn more or speak with Brianna, call 732-631-4410 or email her directly at brianna@fusionifm.com.

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

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**Supporting Research Articles:**

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.

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!

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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.

5 Reasons Why You Need a Functional Medicine Health Coach

By Cortney Goodstadt, DPT, AFMHC

If you’ve been on a journey to reclaim your health, you’ve likely encountered various approaches and professionals. From conventional doctors to alternative practitioners, the options can be overwhelming. Working with a Functional Medicine Health Coach can offer a unique and comprehensive list of integrative health benefits. Below, I’ve outlined five essential reasons why health coaching, particularly with someone specially trained in functional medicine, could be the missing piece in your holistic health puzzle.

1. Personalized Guidance Tailored to You

Imagine having a knowledgeable ally by your side, guiding you through the intricate maze of health optimization. With a health coach, specifically one trained in functional medicine, you gain 1:1 personalized health optimization guidance and recommendations tailored to your bio-individual body’s needs. This personalized approach ensures that you receive targeted guidance, maximizing the effectiveness of your health journey.

2. Cost-Effective Prevention

In today’s healthcare landscape, prevention is not just preferable, it’s often more cost-effective than treating illness once it arises. By addressing the root causes and underlying factors at play for symptoms or disease, you can avoid costly medical interventions in the future.

3. Enhanced Quality of Life

For people grappling with chronic conditions, like gut health issues or autoimmune disorders, improving quality of life is paramount. Functional Medicine Health Coaches possess a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of the body, allowing them to address all facets of your health history. By piecing together the intricate puzzle of your health, we empower you to make targeted lifestyle changes that positively impact your well-being for the short- and long-term.

4. Sustainable Results

Unlike quick-fix band-aid solutions that provide temporary relief, a health coach equips you with the knowledge and tools for lasting change to protect your health against future disease risks. By elucidating the “why” behind your health struggles and crafting a sustainable plan, we empower you to take ownership and control of your health journey, rather than leaving it in the hands of traditional medicine.

5. Holistic Well-Being Optimization

Finally, a Functional Medicine Health Coach goes beyond symptom management to strengthen overall well-being. We promote vitality and resilience by focusing on controllable lifestyle factors that support healing rather than merely masking symptoms. With increased energy, reduced inflammation, and enhanced vitality, you’ll experience a newfound appreciation for the gift of good health. From personalized guidance to sustainable results, our goal is to provide you with the ammunition to defend your health for life! 

Why We Could All Use a Health Coach (Jane Brody – NYT)

Call 732-631-4410 or email info@fusionifm.com to schedule a free discovery session with certified health coach Cortney Goodstadt.

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

Health Benefits of Grounding

By Brianna Manginelli, MS, CNS, LDN, DSS

Connect with the Earth to Harness Its Proven Healing Power!

Grounding, or earthing is the practice of connecting with the Earth’s electrical energy by placing your feet directly on the ground outdoors (barefoot), sitting or lying on the ground, and [with modern technology] accessing the benefits through indoor grounding devices.

Today, we are exposed to unnatural amounts of EMF/radiation which can disrupt cell health and function by increasing the production of free radicals. These can damage cells and DNA, as well as alter the permeability of cell membranes.

The Earth’s surface has a negative electrical potential. Making direct contact with the Earth through your bare feet or body can help you absorb electrical energy to mitigate some of the negative exposures. Furthermore, the time spent inside and the barrier produced between our body and the Earth by wearing shoes leaves us more deficient in this natural source of healing energy than our ancestors.

Backed by Research

Recent research suggests that connecting with the Earth’s surface electrons may have positive effects on inflammation, immune response, wound healing, and the prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases (Oschman et al., 2015). It has also been associated with decreased RBC aggregation, thereby reducing blood viscosity, which is a major factor in cardiovascular disease (Chevalier et al., 2012).

Additionally, it may enhance muscle recovery after intense exercise. One study found that grounding after moderate eccentric contractions reduced muscle damage (Brown et al., 2015).

Other benefits include the potential for improved sleep, reduced pain, and reduced stress levels. A pilot study on grounding during sleep showed changes in cortisol levels and subjective reporting of sleep quality, pain, and stress. Reduced night-time levels of cortisol and resynchronization of cortisol hormone secretion in alignment with the natural 24-hour circadian rhythm profile were observed (Ghaly & Teplitz, 2004).

Although more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of grounding, these findings highlight its potential as a simple, FREE, and non-invasive way to promote overall health and well-being.

Now go out and connect with the Earth!

If you want to learn more, here is an additional education suggestion: https://www.earthingmovie.com/

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

https://www.earthingmovie.com