Category: Toxins

Ten Ways to Flourish in 2024

12/31/2023

At Flourish Medical + Wellness, we're all about making sure your body works at its best. We’re very aware of the research compiled over hundreds of years on how to keep people healthy and thriving. And we aren't fond of just extending life by taking meds every day to cover up symptoms. Our approach to medicine is all about helping you live long and stay healthy, as God intended. Here are ten ways to flourish as we partner with you in your wellness.

#1 Weight Loss

At FMW we believe that an effective weight loss program needs to be tailored to each individual’s lifestyle, health, age, and hormone levels. Therefore, we offer a variety of weight loss options in order to provide optimal results for each individual patient. With the goal of sustainable weight loss, the best approach is with a balanced and individualized strategy that considers factors like nutrition, exercise, mental well-being, and long-term habits. Restoring optimal hormone levels, testosterone, estradiol, and thyroid, is an integral part of a successful weight loss plan. This makes weight loss more attainable as well as sustainable! Learn more about FMW weight loss testing and treatments>>

#2 IV Therapy

Intravenous (IV) nutrient therapy is a treatment which includes ingredients like essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids proven over decades to play a significant role in our health and wellness. IV nutrient therapy is a safe, effective, and restorative therapy used to aid in treating several medical conditions and to boost your immune system. Our IV therapy is customized to meet each individual’s nutritional needs and is administered directly into the veins which provides significantly more benefit than oral and traditional supplements and medications. Check out the benefits and our nutrient menu>>

#3 Hormone Therapy

Hormone imbalance happens to both men and women and can have a significant impact on overall health and wellness. Hormones are one of the most important regulatory systems in the body. They function as messengers, interacting with specific target cells and organs to stimulate them into action. Hormone replacement therapy offers relief from many of the uncomfortable symptoms caused by a hormone imbalance. It can change your life! Read our patient’s stories>>

Understand your options and learn more in the video from Jackie Tewes>>

#4 Toxin Removal

God designed our bodies to be able to detoxify and heal in most circumstances, however, with continuous toxin exposure and a lack of nutrient dense foods to nourish our bodies and support healing, those natural detoxification pathways can become blocked or stagnant. When this occurs, toxins build up inside the body and can cause diffuse inflammation, leading to disease processes. At Flourish, we offer thorough toxin testing and detoxification options. Discover the symptoms of toxin overl oad>>

#5 Nutrition

We have all heard (and likely tried) dozens of diets to help us achieve our weight goals. Nutrition means so many different things to each of us. The focus that we offer is to rely on natural, healthy foods that nourish our bodies in order to help us function optimally. Small, sustainable changes are the focus as they are often longer lasting solutions and easier to implement. That’s why we offer a handy (free) Food Swap Guide to make healthy grocery shopping a little easier. At Flourish, we also partner with you through holistic Functional Medicine methods. Perhaps intermittent fasting is an approach you’ve been wanting to investigate. We’ve got a great resource for you.

#6 Supplementation

Our best resource for nutrition should be food but there are many situations where we need to look at supplementation to enhance the amount of vitamins and minerals our bodies are receiving. Most American diets are full of refined carbohydrates and sugars and are insufficient in essential vitamins and antioxidants. This can leave you deficient in many key nutrients that are needed to prevent chronic disease, and to run all body systems effectively. A balanced diet provides a source of vitamins and minerals, but taking dietary supplements with your healthy diet is beneficial in ensuring your body has enough of the nutrients it needs each day. Our (free) Holistic Home Remedies booklet is a great place to start! And our supplement recommendations are available for you to purchase online or at our clinic.

#7 Essential Oils

Essential oils are concentrated extracts derived from various plants and have been used for centuries for their potential health and wellness benefits. While individual experiences can vary, here are some commonly reported benefits of essential oils: aromatherapy, stress and anxiety reduction, improved sleep, pain relief, immune system support, headache relief, skin care, natural air freshener, home cleansers, mood enhancement, and repelling insects. With so many benefits and essential oils to choose from, it’s a great way to flourish! You can learn more and order from our own doTERRA essential oil shop>>

#8 Aesthetic Therapy

At Flourish, our definition of wellness encompasses all aspects of whole-person care, including physical, mental, and emotional wellness. Appearance can have a profound impact on wellness and how we interact with those around us. That is why we offer aesthetic treatments and have chosen to use the safest FDA-approved products to keep you feeling and looking your best. Botox® Cosmetic is the first FDA-approved treatment to improve frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines in adults. The best results come from a well-trained medical provider who understands facial anatomy and musculature and customizes treatment to each individual patient. That's one of the reasons to schedule your Botox® Cosmetic treatments with us. Learn more>>

#9 Gut Health

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the relationship between gut health and overall well-being. We now understand that the gut plays a central role in our health, impacting everything from digestion to the immune system and even mental health. One approach that's gaining traction in the pursuit of optimal gut health is functional medicine. At FMW we also know the increasing exposure to toxins in our environment can worsen symptoms. That is why we offer a parasite protocol. Parasites weaken the body’s natural defense mechanisms which allows for easier invasion by parasites. They may be the underlying trigger for a variety of chronic health conditions, like autoimmune diseases and irritable bowel syndrome. We offer testing and treatment! Learn more about parasite protocol>>

#10 Emotional Health

To flourish, we must place a priority on our emotional wellness. Our medical practice seeks to bring wholeness through physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. That’s why we offer more in-depth testing. If you have been struggling with physical, mental, or emotional symptoms that have no known or identifiable cause, a trapped emotion may be the cause. Working with the Governing Meridian energy pathway and applied kinesiology, these trapped emotions can be identified and removed, leading to healing and improvement or resolution of the associated symptoms. Learn more>>

We’ve shared a few of the ways you can flourish in 2024! Hopefully, you’ve discovered what makes us different from other medical clinics. Our personal approach to YOUR individual needs is the focus. And the treatments and plans we suggest for you aren't determined by insurance companies. Instead, we give you the care that fits you like a glove. We look at your symptoms, offer appropriate testing, complete a comprehensive assessment to determine your care plan.

It's all about personalized care here at Flourish Medical + Wellness. Learn more about our Team and call us to schedule your first visit!

Nourish from Within: Exploring the Benefits of IV Nutrition Therapy

10/19/2023

In a world that often feels like a whirlwind of fast-paced living, maintaining optimal health can be a challenge. Enter IV nutrition therapy, a method that has gained popularity for its ability to provide a direct infusion of essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients into the bloodstream. While the concept of intravenous nourishment might seem like a medical marvel, it's becoming increasingly embraced by wellness enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals seeking a holistic approach to their well-being.

The Basics of IV Nutrition Therapy

IV nutrition therapy involves the administration of a customized blend of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other nutrients directly into the bloodstream. By bypassing the digestive system, this method ensures quick and efficient absorption, allowing the body to receive a higher concentration of nutrients than would be possible through oral supplements alone.

Now, let's delve into some of the remarkable benefits of IV nutrition therapy:

1) Rapid Nutrient Absorption

One of the standout advantages of IV nutrition therapy is the speed at which nutrients are absorbed by the body. Unlike oral supplements, which must first pass through the digestive system, IV infusion delivers nutrients directly into the bloodstream. This rapid absorption can be particularly beneficial for individuals with digestive issues or those who struggle to absorb nutrients effectively through the digestive tract.

2) Increased Energy Levels

Are you feeling fatigued and sluggish despite a seemingly healthy lifestyle? IV nutrition therapy might be the boost you need. The infusion of essential nutrients can enhance energy levels, helping you feel more revitalized and ready to tackle the demands of daily life. It's a popular choice for those facing chronic fatigue or recovering from illness.

3) Immune System Support

The immune system is our body's first line of defense against illness and infection. IV nutrition therapy can provide a powerful immune system boost by delivering high doses of vitamin C and other immune-supporting nutrients directly to the bloodstream. This proactive approach to immune health is especially attractive during cold and flu seasons or when facing increased stress.

4) Hydration and Detoxification

IV nutrition therapy often includes a hydration component, making it an effective way to address dehydration. Additionally, some formulations include nutrients that support the body's natural detoxification processes, helping to flush out toxins and promote overall wellness.

5) Enhanced Athletic Performance and Recovery

Athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and weekend warriors alike are turning to IV nutrition therapy to optimize their performance and recovery. The infusion of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals can aid in muscle repair, reduce inflammation, and speed up recovery after intense physical activity.

6) Stress Reduction and Mental Clarity

The demands of modern life can take a toll on mental well-being. IV nutrition therapy can help alleviate stress and promote mental clarity by supplying the brain with essential nutrients. This can be particularly beneficial for those experiencing high levels of stress or individuals seeking cognitive enhancement.

In the quest for optimal health and well-being, IV nutrition therapy emerges as a promising ally. By providing a direct and efficient pathway for nutrient delivery, this innovative approach offers a range of benefits, from increased energy levels and immune system support to enhanced athletic performance and mental clarity. At Flourish, we offer a variety of IV Therapy blends and invite you check out our menu and learn more about what we offer. So, why not consider nourishing your body from within and unlocking the potential of IV nutrition therapy? Your health and vitality may thank you for it!

Next Level Testing Options to Better Understand Your Symptoms

6/15/2023

At Flourish Medical + Wellness, we take a holistic approach to medicine. Therefore, we offer more testing options than the typical blood work labs. What this means for you is that we can use clinical results to determine the cause of physical symptoms you may be experiencing. These deeper-dive options will help us see the full picture of your health and create a personalized treatment plan. The tests include organic acid testing, muscle testing, and toxin testing. Learn more about each of these offerings and how they can benefit your health.

Muscle Test

Muscle Testing, also known as Applied Kinesiology (AK) or Nutrition Response Testing (NRT) is done through testing the response of the body’s nervous system. NRT analyzes the flow of energy at different areas of the body to help us better understand how every organ is functioning as it relates to the state of health of an individual.

With NRT/AK the practitioner gently contacts different areas of the body with his/her hand. With the other hand, the practitioner will test the strength of the muscle of the patient’s arm. If the area/organ being tested is under stress, the nervous system responds by reducing energy to the arm muscle and the arm weakens. The weakening of the arm muscle signifies underlying stress or dysfunction. How can this possibly work? Consider what happens in the body with hypothermia. The extremities have the most damage because the body pulls all its energy to the core to protect the life-sustaining organs. The same concept applies when we make contact with a stressed organ/area, the body pulls energy to the organ being tested and the patient’s arm will weaken.

Organic Acid Test

Are you experiencing…

Slowed reaction time
Poor memory
Headache
Hyperactivity
Digestive problems
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating
Hypo- or hyperglycemia
Unexplained weight gain or loss
Muscle weakness
Dermatitis
Immune deficiency
Anemia
Hearing, speech, or visual impairment
Mental and/or developmental delays
Fatigue and weakness
Depression and/or anxiety
Dizziness
Mood swings
Difficulty concentrating
Nausea
Sleep problems

If you’re dealing with any of the listed symptoms or have been seen by a provider and told your symptoms are “normal” but you know what you’re experiencing is not right, Organic Acid Testing may be the next best step for you. It is a gut health urine test that identifies organic acid markers. These organic acid markers can provide great insights toward discovering underlying causes of chronic symptoms. An organic acid test completes the clinical “picture” of root causes and can guide us in developing the most individualized and effective interventions.

The Vibrant Organic Acids panel uses the most advanced mass spectrometry technology to assess 75 metabolic markers in urine. It includes 11 subpanels and provides accurate evaluation of intestinal microbial overgrowth, detoxification, mitochondrial markers, neurotransmitter metabolism, glutathione status, fatty acid metabolism, and inborn errors of metabolism. (We’ll share an explanation of each during your test results visit.)

Environmental Toxin Test

An additional method of understanding the state of your physical health is with urine toxin testing by Vibrant Wellness. This urine test provides an in-depth look at the toxic burden on your body. This test detects:

Mold
Phthalates
Parabens
Herbicides
Pesticides

If you’ve been told your bloodwork is normal, but you know something’s not right, it could be due to toxin exposure. The Vibrant Lab urine test will give you a clearer picture of your health and guide us toward providing the recommendations needed to bring optimal results.

At Flourish, we support you on your wellness journey by offering a holistic approach to health and healing. We address physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness as we know all are important to your ability to flourish. Call us to discuss our expanded testing options and to schedule a consultation.

Call to Schedule

Detoxifying Your Body From Environmental Poisons: Why it Matters

5/12/2023

In today’s world, we are exposed to a multitude of toxins and pollutants in the environment. From the food we eat to the air we breathe; our bodies are constantly bombarded with chemicals and substances that can harm our health. While our bodies have natural processes to remove these toxins, they can become overwhelmed, leading to a buildup of harmful toxins. We’ve heard a lot about toxins, but it’s important to be aware of the ways they can enter our bodies and take steps to minimize our exposure. We’ve taken you through The Effects of Toxin and Pollutant Exposure in a previous blog post.

How toxins can enter our body:

Inhalation: Toxins can be present in the air we breathe, such as pollutants from car exhaust, industrial emissions, and second-hand smoke.
Food: Our food can be contaminated with toxins such as pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, and artificial additives. Processed and pre-packaged foods are particularly prone to contamination.
Water: Contaminants such as lead, chlorine, and pesticides can be present in our drinking water.
Skin Absorption: Toxins can also enter our body through our skin, particularly when we use personal care products that contain harmful chemicals.
Injection: Toxins can enter our body through injections, such as vaccines and medical treatments.
Occupational Exposure: Individuals who work in certain industries, such as manufacturing and construction, are at a higher risk of exposure to toxins.

To maintain optimal health, it is important to regularly detoxify our bodies from environmental toxins.

Why it's important:

Supports a Healthy Immune System

Toxins can weaken our immune system, making us more susceptible to illness and disease. A regular detoxification program can help to remove these harmful substances from our bodies and support the functioning of our immune system. This can help to boost our overall health and reduce our risk of developing serious health problems.

Helps Maintain a Healthy Weight

Many environmental toxins are stored in our fat cells, leading to weight gain and difficulty losing weight. Detoxifying your body can help to eliminate these toxins, allowing your body to function more efficiently and promoting weight loss.

Improves Energy and Mental Clarity

Environmental toxins can also affect our energy levels and mental clarity. A detox can help to remove these toxins, allowing us to feel more energetic and focused. This can have a positive impact on our daily lives, allowing us to be more productive and efficient. We offer Total Toxin Testing here at Flourish.

Supports Better Digestion

Toxins can also disrupt the normal functioning of our digestive system, leading to symptoms such as bloating, gas, and constipation. Detoxifying your body can help to improve the functioning of your digestive system, promoting better digestion and reducing symptoms.

Reduces Risk of Chronic Diseases

Research has shown that exposure to environmental toxins can increase the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders. Detoxifying your body can help to reduce your risk of developing these conditions by removing harmful substances from your body.

Reducing our exposure to toxins can help us to maintain optimal health and reduce the risk of serious health problems. At Flourish, we offer a helpful list of daily, weekly, and monthly Detox Tips. Regular detoxification of your body from environmental poisons is essential to maintaining optimal health. By supporting your immune system, promoting weight loss, improving energy and mental clarity, supporting better digestion, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases, a detox can help you feel your best and lead a healthier, more fulfilling life. Consider incorporating a detox program into your routine to take control of your health and protect yourself from the harmful effects of environmental toxins. Get your Daily Toxin Healthy Habits booklet>>

More Resources

The Effects of Toxin and Pollutant Exposure

5/6/2022

The exposure to pollutants is unavoidable. When we breath, it's in the air. What we eat and drink and even the pans we use to prepare a meal are all contaminated by some form of toxic chemicals. And here's a wake-up call: 70,000 new synthetic chemicals were introduced into our environment during the twentieth century and 80% of these new chemicals have never been screened for their effects on human health.

Pollutant overload is harmful to three of our most critical physiological systems - immune system, nervous system, and endocrine system. This exposure causes chronic illnesses, autoimmune disease, cancer, thyroid disorders, and hormone imbalance, to name a few. If you wonder why you experience fatigue, migraine headaches, aches, and moodiness - you could be over exposed to toxins. We want to make you aware and uncover some of the sources of toxic chemicals in your life. First, let's uncover the contaminants in food, water, and air.

Food Contamination

Over 1billion tons of pesticides are used in the US every year:
- These find their way into our food and water sources
- EPA (environmental protection agency) survey shows that ALL commercially grown foods in America have pesticides in them
Animals crowded into feedlots are given antibiotics and treated with pesticides:
- These animals are given commercially produced foods that are treated with insecticides and herbicides
- These toxins accumulate in the animal's bodily tissues and are passed on to consumers
Food preparation, storage, and transportation also contribute to toxin exposure
Food additives include preservatives, flavorings, colorings and dyes
Bleaching of foods like French fries, is done with sulfuric acid and chlorine
Fungicides and fumigants are sprayed directly onto perishables to delay spoiling and to protect them from insects
Phthalates are synthetic chemicals that make plastic flexible. These toxins leach out of the plastic and contaminates food and drinks

Water Pollution

Chlorinated city water contains 100-10,000 times as many synthetic compounds as natural spring water
We absorb more of these pollutants from bathing than drinking
Trihalomethane is a by-product from the chlorination process and is toxic to humans
Arsenic, mercury, and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) are also found in our drinking water
Fluoride is found in our drinking water and has been shown to destroy thyroid gland tissues

Air Pollution

Adults inhale about three metric tons of air each year (4.3 liters per minute), so minute amounts of pollutants in the atmosphere can accumulate in our bodies over time
The increase of industrialization during the twentieth century significantly increased toxic emissions
Due to trade winds, pesticides sprayed to control grasshoppers in Africa have been detected 5 days later in Florida

It helps to understand that toxins are fat soluble, meaning they are stored in our fat. This allows them to remain in our bodies for many years or decades. So, with continued daily exposure to even small amounts, the total amount of toxins in our bodies gradually increases. Toxins are also stored in the fatty tissues of animals and therefore are in the animal products we consume. Now, let's uncover the long-term effects of chemical exposure.

PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls)

Widely used as lubricants, hydraulic fluids, inks, paints, varnishes, adhesives, pesticides to make wood and rubber
Due to harmful effects on our thyroid and other bodily functions, PCBs were banned in 1977, however they have remained in our soil and water sources and are still found in the fat of animals we consume (fish, meat, and dairy products)

Dioxins

Formed during the production of chlorine containing chemicals such as pesticides, plastics, paper bleaching, and diesel engine exhaust
These are also distributed throughout our air, water, soil, sediment, food and animals
Dioxins are the most hazardous chemical pollutants and have been linked to Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and soft tissue cancers
Dioxins disrupt thyroid, testosterone, and estrogen functions
Dioxins lower sperm count and suppress immune function

DDT (Dichloro Diphenyl Trichloroethane)

Very potent insecticide
Was banned in America in 1972 after years of research that showed contamination of the entire world's food supply, high levels in fatty tissues of animals and humans, genetic
damage, cancer, and extinction of entire species
Despite the ban, America produced over 96 tons of DT for export overseas in 1991 and DT is still widely used to control mosquitoes in third-world countries
DT metabolites have a half-life of 57 years, meaning it takes 57 years for the body to completely rid itself of these toxins
DT blocks testosterone receptors and interferes with estrogen hormones
Every man, woman, and child still have detectable levels of DT

Phthalates (Group of synthetic chemicals)

Annual worldwide production of phthalates is estimated to be about one billion pounds per year
Used to make plastics flexible
Also found in hairspray, dyes, cosmetics, adhesives, oily perfumes, and lubricants
These chemicals leach into food and drinks that are contained in plastics
Phthalates interfere with thyroid hormone metabolism and adversely affect testosterone function

If we consider our exposure to heavy metals, we can see the effects on the enzymes that are crucial to produce our mitochondria. Mitochondria is an organelle found in large numbers in most cells, in which the biochemical processes of respiration and energy production occur. Our body's energy is particularly sensitive to the effects of heavy metals. And finally, we'll explore the sources and results of exposure to heavy metal toxins.

Heavy Metals: Lead

Found in paints, motor vehicle exhaust aerosolizes lead, batteries, vinyl, stained glass, bullets, and many imported products
Common source of lead poisoning is from old homes with lead water pipes
Found in calcium supplements made from bone meal and oyster shells and cigarette smoke
Lead is stored in our bones and teeth and has a half-life for elimination of 13 years
Has been linked to learning and reading disabilities, reduced memory, irritability, attention deficit disorder, hyperactivity, anemia, kidney damage, social and behavioral issues

Arsenic

Found in our food, water, soil, and air
It is the by-product of the smelting process for metal ores such as copper, lead, gold, zinc, cobalt, and nickel
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry estimates the average American's dietary intake of arsenic is between 11-14 micrograms per day - this is from meat, fish, and poultry
Grapes and tobacco are frequently sprayed with arsenic-containing pesticides which also exposes humans via tobacco products and wine
Arsenic accumulates in the hair, nails, skin, bone, GI tract, and thyroid gland
Arsenic has also been found in our drinking water at high rates. These levels of chronic exposure resulted in increased risk of cancer.
The acceptable standard was lowered from 50 ppb to 01 ppb by the World Health Organization, but has yet to be implemented across the US

Mercury

Mercury ranks highly among the most poisonous threats to animal life
It is found in our air, food, and water
Annual worldwide emissions of mercury are estimated to be around 2,200 metric tons
Mercury in the form of thimerosal has been used as a preservative in vaccinations for decades
Mercury is particularly toxic to the nervous system, especially the developing brain
Link between Alzheimer's disease and mercury exposure

We paint a dark picture, but now that you are aware of the sources of toxicity, here are steps you can take to lessen your exposure.

What You Can Do

Choose chemical-free cleansers such as dōTERRA® cleaning products, dish soap, laundry detergent, etc.
Live fragrance-free
Purchase organic foods and ingredients (download our Easy Swap Food Guide)
Thoroughly wash all purchased produce
Drink natural spring water
Take a daily binder supplement such as BiotToxin Binder from CellCore or Bind from Systemic Formulas
Get your levels checked - find the trigger and source of inflammation
Learn more about how we treat chronic disease
learn more about essential oils
Download our FREE Healthy Habits booklet

If you are experiencing symptoms of inflammation or would like to know more about your personal exposure to toxins, call us to schedule a total toxin test to check for levels of toxin poisoning. We'll give you the resources and care you need.

Source: Hypothyroidism Type 2, Dr. Mark Starr

Your Wellness Resource