Tag: functional medicine

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

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

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

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

How does Functional Medicine differ from traditional medicine?

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

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

Frustrated, exhausted and in pain

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

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

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

Seeking renewal after a second Covid battle

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

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

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

Dr. Miller weighs in on Stuart’s case

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

The peace-of-mind of ‘lifestyle medicine’

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

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

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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:

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.