As we approach 2025, are you exploring a Functional Medicine approach, but not sure where to start?
Great! We have an easy solution–Fusion Integrative and Functional Medicine is excited to offer a 1-hour private InBody Analysis session with our Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach Cortney Goodstadt, DPT, AFMHC.
Using the simple but effective InBody device, this health diagnostic evaluation goes beyond basic metrics to provide a deeper understanding of:
Body Composition
Muscle Mass
Fat Percentage
Water Balance
What Is the InBody Device?
The InBody device is a state-of-the-art body composition analyzer that provides precise and detailed insights into your physical health. Using advanced bioelectrical impedance technology, the InBody measures key overall health metrics without invasive procedures.
Unlike traditional scales that only show weight, InBody offers a complete picture of your internal health, helping you and Cortney formulate a realistic wellness plan that works for your lifestyle. This cutting-edge tool is invaluable for anyone seeking to optimize health, manage chronic conditions or achieve specific fitness goals.
Paired with a personalized one-hour consultation and actionable strategies, this session is your first step toward better health and wellness. Whether you’re managing chronic conditions or looking for tailored lifestyle recommendations, Cortney will provide a roadmap to improved health in 2025 and beyond, regardless of age or health status.
Reserve Your Appointment
We are accepting appointments beginning Monday, January 6, 2025. Email our Practice Manager Mara at mara@fusionifm.com or call 732-631-4410 to sign up or receive more information. We’re excited to partner with you on your new health journey. Let’s GO!
“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 onprescribing 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:
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used in place of an individualized healthcare visit.
“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.”
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.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used in place of an individualized healthcare visit.
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!
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.
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.
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/
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:
Jaclyn Ross, a 41-year-old teacher, battled years of chronic gut problems that not only affected her physical health but also took a toll on her mental well-being. The relentless nature of her symptoms left her feeling frustrated and trapped in a negative mindset. After failed treatment courses with traditional doctors, she was referred to Alexandra Davidson, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, at Fusion Integrative & Functional Medicine in Marlboro, NJ.
Reflecting on her initial consultation, Jaclyn recalls Dr. Alex’s proactive approach to her health struggles: “After studying my New Patient Questionnaire and lab test results, Dr. Alex had a treatment plan ready at my first visit with her,” Jaclyn recalls.
“Her expertise in gut health and personalized approach to helping me was so different from the care I received elsewhere. She created a detailed and proactive treatment plan customized specifically for me.”
Transitioning to a tailored functional medicine treatment plan
Dr. Alex’s integrative treatment plan encompassed a holistic approach, combining targeted supplements with dietary adjustments tailored to her specific needs. “She prescribed a number of supplements and helped me change my diet,” Jaclyn shares, highlighting the comprehensive nature of her treatment plan.
But her health journey didn’t stop there. Recognizing the importance of nutrition in healing her gut, Dr. Alex recommended Jacklyn see Fusion Functional Nutritionist Brianna Manginelli, MS, CNS, LDN, DSS, to use food as another gut-healing mechanism. With Brianna’s expertise, she gained invaluable insights into optimizing her nutrition plan to support digestive health and her body’s health ecosystem. (She also lost 10 pounds in the process.)
“Brianna introduced me to a wider menu of foods and meals that also keep my gut health in check, which is invaluable to me. No one wants to eat the same thing all the time.”
Personalized care for improved gut and holistic health
“Until I met Alexandra and Brianna, I felt more like a number than a person in the traditional medicine arena,” Jaclyn notes. “It’s very meaningful to receive a health treatment plan developed with your unique medical history in mind.”
Through the collaborative efforts of Dr. Alexandra Davidson and Nutritionist Brianna Manganielli, she experienced a remarkable improvement in her health. By addressing the root causes of her gut problems and implementing personalized interventions, Jaclyn regained control over her mental and physical health and vitality.
“Dr. Alex recommended I start a daily gratitude journal focusing on three positive things that happen daily,” Jaclyn explains. “It seems so simple, but journaling has improved my daily life outlook just by documenting the positive aspects of my life.”
Resolving chronic GI issues and improving mental outlook
Jaclyn’s story serves as a real-life testament to the transformative power of functional medicine in overcoming chronic health challenges. It underscores the importance of individualized treatment with an integrated approach that supports the interconnectedness of body, mind and spirit.
This patient’s journey exemplifies how embracing alternative approaches, such as functional medicine, can lead to profound healing, renewed vitality and a return to a thriving quality of life.
“From my perspective as a patient, working with functional medicine healthcare providers has taught me invaluable tools that I will use for the rest of my life, particularly how I look at the actual purpose of food,” Jaclyn notes. “I never realized that food can be used for healing and offsetting symptoms—no prescription medications required!”
To meet with our Integrative and Functional Health experts to improve your overall health or manage a chronic health condition, call our team at 732-631-4410 or email us at info@fusionifm.com for a prompt appointment.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used in place of an individualized healthcare visit.
