Functional Medicine - What is It?

I hope you were able to reflect on the many breakthroughs you have had even in the past couple months. Remember that with every breakthrough there is new learning, new skills, new attitudes, new actions etc.  If you’re truly one of the 5%, you realize the clouds of excuses, rationalizing, blame, life without gratitude are only temporary.  Though you can’t see the sun, you know it’s there. What are you doing on a daily basis to breakthrough old habits and change your location to see the sun once again?

I’m struggling a little with my thoughts for this week’s reflections.  I must admit that part of my struggle is on a topic I’m not sure everyone will at least be willing to think about. Yet, I must also take my own advice…is my struggle due to a need for control or a need for acceptance?  Admittedly, it’s my need for acceptance.  As my weekly thoughts are just that, my thoughts, I will proceed and as with each week’s blog, I will let you take what works and leave the rest behind.

Over the past few years I have become more and more convinced that Western medicine has its own place and is a definite must in our health care, however, it is not the only way to solve health problems. I do my yearly physical with my physician, due to a history of breast cancer with my mom I do a mammogram once a year, I do take synthroid on a daily basis due to low thyroid, and I do give myself a shot once a week of a low dose of methotrexate for my rheumatoid arthritis. So yes, I know these things are important to my overall health.

With that being said, I am also more and more convinced there is a need for more.  More solutions to reoccurring health problems, more solutions that do not involve one more pharmaceutical drug, more answers to how our nutrition can be part of the solution, more information on what else is available and other alternatives to deal with both mental and physical health issues. “We don’t know what we don’t know,” so isn’t it important to share information which could change someone else’s life?

For Jon and myself, we were introduced to a functional medicine chiropractor/kinesiologist a few years ago.  Let me first define “functional” medicine.  Basically, it comes down to solving health issues by “getting to the bottom” of the problem…WHY is something happening?  Western medicine takes more of a pathology approach – disease oriented – with pharmaceuticals primarily the “answer” to what is wrong. 

In my humble opinion, how do we get to the cause if we’re covering things up with medicines? How many people do you know who are not just taking one medicine but 2,3,4 etc? Each has its own side effects and then is one medicine counter acting the others or are they effectively working together?  I don’t know about you, but when you listen to commercials about a certain drug, I just shake my head when they go through the litany of side effects.  YIKES!  From my list of personal medications listed above, I am not opposed to some meds.  I depend on synthroid for my life function as I have a thyroid but it is no longer working.  It was permanently shut down 32 years ago. I know the side effects of the methotrexate which is why I get regular lab work done to watch my liver function.  In 17 years, I have never had issues, so at this point in time, the medicine is doing what it’s suppose to do – support my immune system.

I’m bringing up this topic because I continue to hear various health issues people are experiencing, and, to a person, they are frustrated with the lack of answers.  Doctors prescribe yet another drug that may work for a period of time but symptoms resurface, or they are sent to another doctor who has a different approach and now it’s back to “trying something new.”  Sometimes the answers are that they don’t have an answer or there’s the response, “You’re getting older and it’s a part of old age.”  None of those actions or responses are acceptable to me. Are you willing to take time and investigate other alternatives and not settle? 

Our daughter lives in a small community that does not have the same opportunities to learn about other alternatives like I have here in Boulder.  At 29, diagnosed with gall stones, she was told she had to have her gallbladder out.  She was told there was no way to pass gall stones.  WRONG!  Our functional medicine doctor who is a highly educated and trained chiropractor/kinesiologist had her take some “clean” pills to soften the gallbladder and bile duct for two weeks.  The next step was to have a one day cleanse which also entailed taking more pills.  On that day, she was able to easily pass a lot of the stones, not all, but was feeling much better.  The original problem of pain and discomfort was being addressed but the next question was key…WHY was she producing gallstones? Gallstones occur when there’s a build up of calcium forming the “stones.”  After some blood work, Dr. Jared found she was deficient in zinc. By taking the zinc, her body was able to be more efficient in utilizing the calcium.  BINGO!  We had an answer to help avoid reoccurring problems.

From menopause issues, to leaky gut syndrome, ADD, emotional issues which are often the underlying  reasons for the physical problems, to thyroid difficulties, to sleep conditions, poor digestion, to inflammation, allergies, head and back trauma from car accidents etc. etc. there are people who are able to give another viewpoint.  We absolutely DO NOT need to settle.  When you become frustrated enough with the “same old – same old” responses your primary care physician is giving you, are you willing to look in another direction?  I’ve always had the mindset that it's important to get as much information as possible to have a complete picture.  It doesn’t mean I have to do everything, but how can I make the best decision with only a small piece of the puzzle?  I need that bigger picture to make the best decision.  After all, it is my life.

If I’m not physically and emotionally at my best, how can I be my best at home, at work, with my colleagues, friends, and most important with my family?  I spent a year, 1997-98, being in crisis mode with my arthritis.  I continued to teach full time, had two children in high school, along with all the other daily demands.  The emotional side of it was exhausting let alone the pain and exhaustion that comes with the rheumatoid itself. I tried my best to work through it on my own until I finally came to the conclusion that I needed help.  And guess what?  People were more than willing to help me, but I had to ask.  I couldn’t assume people “would know” what I needed. 

When the summer came I dedicated myself to doing whatever I needed to do to get out of crisis mode and back into a healthier frame of mind and healthier body.  With that experience came my drive to pursue not ever going back to that crisis state ever again.  I found answers, I tried various foods and nutritional supplements, I had to admit methotrexate was a part of the answer, but I also was willing to try acupuncture.  Exercise was THE best thing I could do especially weight bearing exercises as well as reading and talking to others with similar experiences.

My point this week is in order to Be the Best You that You Can Be, to have that strong "fertile soil" you must have a healthy mind and body.  If you are not feeling your best, if you are not getting answers that make a difference in your health, I encourage you to look at all your options.  If you are interested in knowing more about what Dr. Jared is doing, please feel free to give me a call.  I am NOT promoting him.  I AM promoting the functional medicine approach of learning WHY something is happening, I am promoting getting to the base of the problem and finding answers. 

Here’s to a mindset that enhances your overall physical and emotional health.

   

Why is Omega-3 important to your health?

This week’s focus is on your nutritional mindset.  We've all heard Omega-3  fatty acid and Omega-6, but what are these fatty acids, how are they different, and why are they important to our health?  When we hear the word “fat” we have a tendency to think we need to avoid this food or supplement.  However,  when it comes to EPA and DHA this is one type of fat you DO NOT want to cut back on.

Omega-3 and Omega-6 are “essential” fats.  The human body needs these fatty acids for many of our daily functions such as building healthy cells, and maintaining brain and nervous system functions.  

More specifically then, how do these essential fatty acids help our health?  First, triglycerides are a blood fat.  We often hear the term when talking about cholesterol.  When there is a higher level of this blood fat there is more risk for heart disease.  Fish oil, however, can lower the triglyceride levels.    Second, and one I can relate to, is the stiffness and joint pain of rheumatoid arthritis may also be reduced by taking fish oil.  In addition, there is evidence that the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory drugs may get a boost.  Third, there have been studies done on cultures that eat foods with high levels of Omega-3 and the people were found to have lower levels of depression.  Fourth, the visual and neurological development in babies is enhanced with DHA.  Fifth, asthma is another inflammation issue and those with a high diet of Omega-3 lowers the inflammation, as inflammation is a key component in asthma.  Other benefits include such results as: ADHD appears, in some studies, where some children improve their mental skills such as thinking remembering, and learning.  However, in regards to ADHD, Omega-3 should NOT be a primary treatment.  Curbing plaque build-up inside the blood vessels may help lesson stroke issues, and there may also be help in protecting our bodies from Alzheimers and dementia.  (Information from WebMD)  In addition, Dr. Mercola's research suggests that many scientists believe one reason there is a high incidence of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, premature aging, and some forms of cancer is due to a profound imbalance of Omega-3 fatty acids to Omega-6 fatty acids.  Learn more about Dr. Mercola by following this link  http://www.mercola.com/forms/background.htm

Since our bodies do not produce Omega-3 or Omega-6 fatty acids, our only source then is through food and supplements.  You've probably heard that eating fish such as salmon is a great source of Omega-3.  This is true, although you will want to purchase the wild salmon versus the farmed salmon since the wild does have more of the Omega-3, and the farm-raised of any type fish, may have more contaminants.  Other fish sources are: anchovies, mackerel, bluefish, herring, sardines, lake trout, and tuna.  You will obviously want to watch those fish with higher levels of mercury, PCB’s, or other toxins.  Be sure to consult with your physician if you have small children or you are pregnant.  Most will want you to avoid fish entirely.  If you are eating fish, the guideline usually suggest eating no more than 7 oz. per week and trout and salmon are the safest fish overall.  Other plant sources of Omega-3 include: walnuts, flaxseed, and flaxseed oil.  You may find enhanced eggs, beans such as edamame, pinto, and kidney beans as good sources as well.  These are all easy to add to salads, chilis, soups etc.  Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and collard greens contain some level of the Omega-3’s for a great salad.   I put ground flaxseed into our NutriBullet drinks at lunch and sometimes add them to our morning shakes.  Flaxseed is an easy way to get good Omega-3’s into our diet without a lot of hassle.  I purchase the gold flaxseed in bulk from Sprouts, grind up about ½ cup at a time, then put it into a container that I refrigerate.  This process seems to provide the most benefits.  Despite how well we think we are eating, most of us do not get enough of these fatty acids in our diets, therefore we do need to add a supplement. 

According to Dr. Mercola, most women have major deficiencies of Omega-3.  “A fetus must obtain all Omega-3 fatty acids from the mother’s diet.  A mother’s dietary intake and plasma concentrations of DHA directly influence the DHA level of the developing fetus and impacts a child’s brain and eye health.”  He also recommends that from pregnancy through a child’s later life, Omega-3 fats of DHA and EPA are radically important in brain health and other functions.”  SO what do we look for in an Omega-3 supplement?  Whether for adults or children, the right kind is: pollution-free, eco-friendly, highly sustainable like krill which may be more affordable than fish oil.  Krill also seems to be more accepted by children as it’s odor-free and when they can easily swallow capsules it’s also more palatable than a liquid.  Be sure to read all labels as just because you’re purchasing something at Whole Foods, Vitamin Cottage and similar locations does not necessarily mean it’s the best supplement.  Personally, I have found a supplement through my chiropractor which I feel comfortable taking.

One further understanding to be aware of is the two kinds of fatty acids:  Omega-3 and Omega-6.  Ideally and in the past, the ratio use to be 1:1.  Today, however, the ratio ranges from 1:20 to 1:50!! That causes serious concerns.  Omega-6 includes such thinks as: corn, soy, canola, safflower, and sunflower oils.  This over abundant, typical diet encourages inflammation!!  Numerous scientists believe that many of our health issues today relate back to this profound Omega-3 to Omega-6 imbalance.

I hope you have found this information helpful.  It's getting information, understanding it, and applying it to our personal lives that will make a difference and further a healthy lifestyle.  

How Do You Handle Adversity?

What is it that makes a difference in how people handle adversity?  That’s the million dollar question. I continue to be amazed at the number of people who, despite the fact they have health issues, choose to not do anything about it. It might be they've been diagnosed with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, heart disease, high cholesterol or they have weight problems with the list continuing on and on.  If they would only change their eating and/or beverage choice they could lose that extra weight, their heart problems could be more controlled, their cholesterol levels could be reduced, their chance of various cancers could be reduced etc. etc. etc.  But…they don’t make those changes or do anything different.  The reactions to the various health issues range from trying something for a short time then they revert back to the same old – same old, being angry, blaming, depression, an attitude of denial, or even just ignoring the problem altogether, believing that this is just their “lot in life,” or even the excuse that it's what you have to deal with when you get older.    

Personally, none of these excuses make any sense to me, but that’s my judgment.  My belief is if there’s a way to live the life God has blessed me with, why would I not do whatever it takes?  Yes, I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at age 36. I did go through the “why me?” stage, the angry stage, the depression stage, and I even tried to push through the pain thinking that this was just a phase.  And where did that get me?  NOWHERE. I saw too many people with the same disease that didn't do anything and were in constant pain, on high levels of meds with their own side effects, and had very disfigured hands and feet.  I made a conscious decision to NOT be a victim. 

So how did I move forward?  First of all, I gathered information from dietitians, nutritionists, occupational therapists, chiropractors, specialists, and physical therapists. I also read a lot of books, articles, and testimonials. I needed to take control of MY life, make choices of what works for my body, and most importantly move forward.  In all this, I had to make the decision what I was willing to do and what was not something I would consider.  For example, a rheumatologist specialist told me I needed to start on liquid gold. Liquid gold?! NO!  When I asked him if there was anything I could do nutritionally he told me it wouldn't make any difference.  WRONG!  So, needless to say, I didn't go back to that specialist.  We do not have to accept some of the recommendations that rather than focusing on the solution only continue the problem and may even add more problems.  A nutritionist told me to “listen to my body” and learn what my body needed.  First of all, that made sense to me, second I had to learn how to listen to my body, and third I had to pay attention to the signals my body was trying to tell me. 

The past 26 years have been a process, paying attention, and for me, learning the triggers to the pain.  I had to commit to giving myself a shot once a week of a drug.  Not what I wanted to do, but the goal has been to reduce that amount.  But what else can I do? My trigger was stress.  I spent a year trying to get my body back without pain.  There have been ups and downs, but I knew what it was like to not be in pain, so I focused on getting back to being pain free.  I realized I had slacked off paying attention to my eating habits, I also wasn't exercising, and I definitely needed to do some work on my own attitude.  I was allowing negative words from others “get to me.”  That only added to my stress level. I wasn't letting go of the fact that there was my reality and there was someone else’s good intentions for me .  Because of a self-development weekend that Jon and I went to with author and speaker, Jim Britt, I began to learn to truly listen to my body.  Previously, I wasn't aware of the power our thoughts have on our health.  I also learned the process of totally letting go of negative thoughts, actions from others, etc. I learned to understand that I could only do what was in my control, and it was not my job to change someone else’s view.  I could share my thoughts, educate if necessary, and yet allow them to have their thoughts and beliefs too.  What I wasn't willing to do was to “buy into” their views and opinions.

With my last crisis now 17 years behind me, I can say I only have a few days with some pain.  I am consistently working out five to six days a week, cardio and strength training are a part of the workout, I am constantly learning more about health and nutrition and putting that learning into practice.  We have a meal replacement shake in the morning that is more for the good nutrients, our NutriBullet drinks at lunch are filled with spinach, fruit, and gold flaxseed, we’re aware of our portion sizes since our bodies change with age, we’re taking specific supplements from companies that are focused on clean and healthy ingredients, and I've discovered an incredible product that focuses on inflammation of ANY type.  That product is what allows me, for the first time, to begin to reduce my medication amount.  Another key component is I’m paying close attention to my thoughts and attitude.  There is a huge connection between our bodies and our minds.  During more stressful times, I have to first be conscious of the type of thoughts running through my head.  For the negative ones, I ask myself the question, “Is this my need for control or acceptance?”  I will go through the “letting go” process I learned from Jim Britt, I remind myself that what I focus on expands - negative or positive (thanks to Jim Rohn), and sometimes I just have to “Let go and Let God.” 

This is all a process, it’s a journey, but most of all it is a decision.  I WILL NOT be a victim. I AM in control of my life.  I AM blessed with the life God has given me.  My story is about rheumatoid arthritis, but there are other stories out there.  I just finished a book by Jay Leeuwenburg, Yes I Can! Yes, YOU Can!  It’s a book where Jay “tackles diabetes and wins.”  He was 12 years old when he was first diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and “through self-discipline and self-reliance overcame the odds to achieve pro football stardom and admiration of America.”  Jay was a high school All-Stater, was a University of Colorado Buff and All-American, as well as a 9-year NFL starter.  From the beginning, even at age 12, Jay took control of the diagnosis of diabetes.  And a crucial part of that journey was the role his family played.  “From the get-go,” explains Jay’s brother, Chris, “we were really immersed in it as a family.  It was a lifestyle.  We knew, to be successful, it was something you did as a family.” Don’t we all need a team around us for support?  It was especially amazing to me to read Jay’s words to his mother as a 12 year old, “Mom, I had a talk with myself.  He said he told himself, ‘Hey, I can accept this and get on with my life, or I can fight it, and say, “This isn't happening to me, and woe is me.”  He made a personal resolve, right then and there, to get on with his life.”  He continually says, throughout the book, that “this is the life I was dealt, I’m going to make the best of it.”  Diabetes was NOT going to define him.

The book continues through Jay’s life as a 12 year old diagnosed with diabetes, through the challenges of playing sports, the challenges of having to take control of his life and not depend on others to always have the correct information, and to educate those around him.  Even in the NFL, he relates a story of being dehydrated and being given a 20% dextrose IV.  That is NOT the answer when you’re diabetic.  Jay, himself, realized the mistake and forced the trainers to give him one with saline.  The stories and his journey are a fascinating read.  The disappointments, the uneducated views about diabetics, the need to constantly monitor his blood sugar levels – 25 times during a game – his “giving back” which has impacted so many children’s lives who have diabetes and especially those who want to play sports, his role not only as an NFL player but a husband, father, and now elementary teacher all have a common theme.  Set goals, no excuses, learn to deal with your own personal challenges in your life, never give up, and “If you put the effort in, if you’re committed, if you’re educated, it you take the necessary steps, you will succeed.”  

Isn't that the message no matter what our challenges might be?  After all, disappointments, loses in a football game, a diagnosis we’d rather not deal with, ignorance, conflicts, family issues etc. are part of that journey we call LIFE.  Will you be one of the 5% that takes control and makes changes in both a healthy body and a healthy mind?  Or will you fall into the 95% that does nothing and ignores the truth?  I wish for you to be one of the 5%!!!

As my focus in these blogs is on health and wellness, to me, there is a definite link between our mindset and how we approach our physical health.  Is it the chicken or the egg?  Which comes first?  We don’t feel good about ourselves because of what we’re telling ourselves in our minds?  Or is it the negative view of ourselves physically ,that causes the negative mindset?  Our physical health is at the core of what we can or can’t do in the other areas of our life.

If you turn on the news, you will hear about obesity issues in children and adults, the epidemic of heroin users on all economic levels,  bullying linked to suicides etc. etc.  A day doesn't go by where someone I’m speaking with doesn't  refer to the fact they’re tired all the time, or can’t sleep, or are stressed out about something personal or at work, maybe it's struggling with hormonal issues, pain of some kind etc.   The complaints don’t appear to be age or gender specific.  It’s women in their 30’s and 40’s, men in their 70’s, young children with allergies, athletes with breathing issues and others.

Am I just more aware of these issues now than maybe 5, 10, or more years ago?  Yes, I do think that’s some of it.  But it's also because I’m expanding my understanding of what health and wellness really means. As I get older, I'm reflecting over my own health, as I want to be around a long time to watch my grandchildren grow up, graduate and get married.  I can't do that if I'm not healthy.  Sometimes it seems that we hear conflicting information so what really is the truth?  The more I'm learning, the more there appears to be a common “culprit” -  INFLAMMATION!  Research has shown that chronic inflammation is the reason for the vast majority of our ailments.  It can lead to: cancer, cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, other autoimmune diseases such as lupus and fibromyalgia, allergies, migraines, and so much more.

For me, I previously thought inflammation was a swollen ankle, the redness around a paper cut, or the redness in my daughter’s ear when she had an ear ache.  But,  yes…my rheumatoid arthritis is inflammation!  Fancy that. According to Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP, “Our bodies keep a delicate balance between when our body needs the white blood cells to clear out infection and damaged tissue.  These agents are matched by equally powerful, closely related anti-inflammatory compounds, which move in once the threat is neutralized to begin the healing process. When this ebb and flow process occurs as needed, we have a well-balanced immune system.  The problem occurs when the symptoms of inflammation don’t recede and the “on” switch to our immune system is basically stuck.  It’s continuously on “high alert.”

Here’s the good news!! We are in control of so many things in our lives that will “cool” this type of inflammation!  I CAN take action!  I CAN take control of this chronic inflammation even with the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.  The first step is learning to “listen to our bodies.”  When I was 36 and originally diagnosed with the rheumatoid,  I had a dietitian tell me I needed to “listen to my body” as it was “telling me” what my body was needing  My first response was, “I don’t have a clue what you're talking about, I've never been taught how to do that”  So I began to learn to pay attention to how my body was reacting to various foods, how I felt an hour after I had eaten, what foods gave me more energy and a clearer mind, and what foods had the opposite effect.  When was I in the most pain?  Was there a particular time of day? The questions I began to learn to ask myself became more and more specific the more I began to really "listen" to what my body was telling me  Keeping a journal was very helpful as patterns started to appear.

Now I'm paying close attention to not only my mental mindset but also my health mindset.  If I’m feeling “off,” I begin to look for reasons.  Why am I not sleeping well?  Why am I feeling bloated?  Why do I feel lethargic and can’t seem to focus?  Just like our mental mindset, it’s important to discover what’s going on in our bodies.  Personally, I don’t want to take medication unless it’s essential.  I believe if our bodies are in the right environment, fed the right foods and take the right natural supplements, our body can have a greater chance of healing itself. 

How often, in our microwave society, are we looking for a quick fix?  Get rid of the pain now, get rid of my sadness now, get rid of my stress now.  There are natural “highs” and other ways to discover what is going on with our bodies.  I hope to explore these ways with you in future blogs.

My “assignment” for you this week is to take a critical look at your health:  energy level, stress level, aches and pains, wanting to lose weight or maintain your weight, or increase your fitness level?  What's your health mindset?