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.
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.
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.
