The Gut Microbiome: How our Dietary and Lifestyle Habits Impact Diversity and Resilience
by Olivia Moeller We often talk about the importance of a healthy microbiome, but what does that exactly look like? Our lead nutrition resident, Olivia Moeller, MS, CNS takes a deep dive into the literature to help us define just that.…
The American Epidemic of Micronutrient-Related Malnutrition
Research indicates that Americans are significantly deficient in many critical nutrients due to the Standard American Diet (SAD). The SAD diet is high in processed foods and empty calories, leading to a decline in essential nutrients. The lack of nutrient…
Surprise! 5 Potential Benefits of Lectins
Have you wondered whether you should be avoiding lectins? Some consumer health sites caution about the potential negative effects of these natural food compounds, but (as often is the case) there is more to understand. In this article, you’ll learn…
SIBO – How to Avoid the Recovery Trap and Unlock Healing
Digestive complaints are common and can significantly impact quality of life. Not only that but they can also often be dismissed by conventional medical thinking or swept into the bucket of irritable bowel syndrome without much relief offered. In functional…
Hormone Balancing Almond and Maca Smoothie
Maca root is an amazing superfood and adaptogenic herb, originating from Peru where it has a long history of medicinal and culinary use. One thing you might not know about Maca is that it is a member of the cruciferous…
Harnessing the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis to Improve the Stress Response
New understandings of the intricate connections between gut and brain are revolutionizing medicine’s approach to mood, brain function and digestion, giving our “gut-wrenching experiences” or our “gut-feelings” a lot more meaning than they already have. The emerging evidence in this…
Grain-Free Blondies
By Nutrition Resident Megan Piffner (@MeganPfiffnerNutrition) Chickpeas for dessert?! There is nothing better than having a treat that also gives you fiber, protein and micronutrients. Chickpeas are rich in potassium. They also have iron, B6, magnesium, and calcium. ½ a…
BPA Exposure During a Pandemic
According to a study released just last year in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA Network Open), having high levels of bisphenol A (BPA) in the body is associated with a 49% increased risk of death within 10…
The Top Seven Benefits of Turmeric and Two Major Problems
Most people don’t realize that inflammation is at the root of nearly every chronic disease, and the symptoms that go along with them. Things like joint and muscle pain, brain fog, fatigue, depression, anxiety, weight gain, and more are all…
Short-Chain Fatty Acids: Strengthen the Gut-Brain Health Connection with Butyrate
All SCFAs have wide-ranging therapeutic benefits, but in this article we’ll focus on butyrate as a therapeutic agent for gut and brain health. Butyrate is the food for the colonocytes, the thin layer of cells that comprises the lining of…
Trauma, Biological Embedding, and the Prevention of PTSD
Living in Sandy Hook, practicing medicine in Sandy Hook, my life – and the lives of all of us here – continue to be influenced by the 12/14/12 mass shooting. The day it happened, despite not losing a child in…
Savory Breakfast Bowl
A versatile dish that can easily be prepared for breakfast or lunch, featuring watercress, which contains a high amount of the bioactive chemical, phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC).
Why we Choose to Practice (and Live) Functional Medicine
For all of us here at the clinic, functional medicine is a calling. It’s a desire to do better for our patients, to pursue optimal health (whatever that means for each individual), and to meaningfully address many of our society’s…
Unbelievable Beet Burger
Are you looking for a fresh take on the quintessential American summer favorite – the burger? This gluten and dairy-free vegetarian version accompanied by pickled red onion won’t disappoint.
Acne, the Skin Microbiome and Salicylic Acid Treatment
There has been a lot of published research lately around the role of our skin’s microbiome on overall immune health as well as the impact bacterial dysbiosis has on different diseases. The bacteria Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) — one of…
The Journey to “Evidence-Based” for Functional Labs
In the Functional Medicine space, we all desire to be described under the banner of “Evidence-Based.” What does that mean, and how do we get there? In this article I will attempt to address the laboratory component of this question…
Shiitake Vegan Pate
Adapted from Eco Parent Magazine This vegan-friendly pate packs some of our favorite epigenetic superstars into a tasty recipe that can be spread on a slice of our Life-Changing Loaf of Bread, enjoyed with your favorite crackers, or served with…
The Many Uses of Manuka Honey for Wound Healing & Skin Conditions
Is manuka honey part of your home toolkit for healing skin ailments? This natural remedy is rich in antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-proliferative activity and a product we like to keep on hand to use as needed. In this guest blog,…
Beet Tahini Sauce
By Nutrition resident Jacquelyn Lombardi Social media: @jacquilombari Adapted from: Whole Food Cooking Every Day Beets are rich in beneficial phytonutrients lending to their beautiful pigments. The most studied of these bioactive compounds are called betalains. Beets also contain…
What is Biological Aging and What Does it Have to do with Methylation?
Biological age is the gradual accumulation of damage and loss of function of our cells, tissues, and organs. This damage is what turns into disease.