If you have postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), staying properly hydrated is crucial for managing your symptoms, especially during the hotter summer months. POTS is a condition that causes an abnormally large increase in heart rate when standing up, often leading to symptoms like dizziness, fainting, headaches, nausea, sweating, and more. It can be traced back to low blood volume, and typically accompanies Dysautonomia, an autonomic nervous system disorder. When trying to manage POTS, it is important to seek individualized care from a team who takes the time to listen and gather information about your story and medical history. There are several lifestyle changes that can be made to ease and eliminate symptoms. 

One of the most important lifestyle habits to improve POTS symptoms is hydration. Dehydration can exacerbate POTS symptoms by reducing blood volume and making it harder for your body to regulate blood pressure when shifting positions. Proper hydration...

If you're a menstruating woman, you've likely noticed how your monthly cycle can affect everything from your energy levels and food cravings to your mood and sleep patterns. But did you know your cycle may also influence your cardiac autonomic nervous system?

A new study published in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, sheds light on the complex relationship between menstrual cycle phases and indicators of autonomic function like heart rate variability (HRV). The researchers tracked 15 female college students throughout their menstrual cycles.

What They Found During the luteal phase (after ovulation), the participants exhibited higher sympathetic nervous system activation compared to the follicular phase, as measured by an increased low-frequency to high-frequency HRV ratio.

However, this shift was mitigated when the researchers controlled for other menstrual cycle-related factors like:

• Diet: Protein and fat intake was higher in the luteal phase
• Sleep: Total sleep...

We're excited to announce that Texas Center for Lifestyle Medicine will be hosting a very special guest speaker for our upcoming Tuesday morning group visit with Dr. Ruan. Dr. Jerald Simmons, renowned sleep neurologist and founder of CSMA, will be joining us virtually to share his invaluable expertise.

The Details:

Date: Tuesday, June 11th

Time: 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

Location: Virtual event on Zoom

About Dr. Jerald Simmons: Dr. Simmons is a pioneer in the field of sleep medicine and a leading authority on the intricate connections between sleep disorders and autonomic nervous system issues. As the founder of CSMA, he has dedicated his career to advancing our understanding of sleep's crucial role in overall well-being.

What to Expect During this engaging session, Dr. Simmons will delve into the fascinating world of sleep, discussing its vital functions and the impact of sleep disorders on our health. He will also explore the complex interplay between sleep, upper airway issues,...

We're thrilled to introduce our latest Group Visit Program at TCLM: a four-week mind-body program designed exclusively for our young adult dysautonomia patients. Geny Moreno, Mind-Body Medicine Practitioner has intricately designed this program with our patients in mind, titled "Resilient Warriors: Regaining Control Through Mind-Body Mastery for Dysautonomia." This innovative program will provide you with powerful tools to better manage your condition and cultivate resilience.

What is the Resilient Warriors Program?

This comprehensive four-session series will guide you through evidence-based mind-body practices proven to reduce stress, improve symptom management, implement positive communication skills and self-regulation, and enhance overall well-being for those living with dysautonomia. Each week, we'll explore a different aspect of mind-body medicine, equipping you with valuable techniques to regain control and thrive.

Here's what you can expect:

Week 1: Introduction to...

At the Texas Center for Lifestyle Medicine, we're committed to providing our patients with the most comprehensive and personalized care. That's why we're excited to announce our IV Infusion Team is now offering vitamin D3 injections for those with a documented deficiency.

The Importance of Vitamin D Vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in regulating calcium and phosphate absorption. Adequate vitamin D levels are essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth. However, the impact of this vital nutrient goes beyond musculoskeletal health – it also contributes to:

• Supporting immune function
• Reducing inflammation
• Promoting cognitive health
• Regulating mood and energy levels

Despite its importance, vitamin D deficiency is a common issue, particularly among those with limited sun exposure, certain medical conditions, or specific dietary habits.

Our Personalized Approach to Vitamin D3 Injections If you're experiencing...

At the Texas Center for Lifestyle Medicine, we believe that true brain health begins with a holistic approach to wellness. Our thoughts, beliefs, nutrition, relationships, sleep patterns, and boundaries all play a crucial role in supporting optimal cognitive function and overall well-being.

Thoughts and Beliefs: The health of our thoughts and beliefs have a profound impact on our mental and physical health. Self- destructive thought patterns and limiting beliefs can contribute to stress, anxiety, and even physical ailments. On the other hand, cultivating a growth mindset, practicing gratitude, and engaging in mindfulness can promote resilience, emotional well-being, and overall brain health. Happiness is not solely a reflection of our mental health or the end goal, but the ability to grow through hardships, embrace resilience, increase joy, and shift our perception of our experiences. This begins with developing self awareness of our thoughts and belief system that are governing our...

Allergy season is among us, and we want to ensure you are prepared to deal with all of the wonderful things that come with histamine release and the sniffles! For some people with allergies, this may cause drowsiness, a runny nose, and swelling, while others may face deeper issues such as autonomic dysfunction, brain fog, anxiety, sleep issues, and more. We don't want you to have to face this alone with no guidance! Therefore, we have asked an expert to share his wisdom and tools with our patients who wish to walk through allergy season prepared! 

Join us on Thursday, May 16th from 8:30-9:30am for an insightful discussion with special guest Dr. Michael Kaplan, an expert in Ear, Nose & Throat conditions.

Dr. Kaplan will be joining Dr. Cheng Ruan to discuss:

• The role of sinuses and allergies in overall health
• Common sinus issues like sinusitis and their impacts on the brain, ANS, and immune system
• Connections between sinus/allergy problems and brain health
• Effective...

During the session, Dr. Ruan discussed the importance of mindset in managing the patient's autonomic dysfunction. They explored the concept of expectations versus perceived reality and how this gap can create feelings of disappointment and loneliness. They also delved into the significance of support systems and relationships in managing the condition, as well as the concept of loneliness and its potential impact on health.

Dr. Ruan explained how loneliness can lead to a physiological response of rejection, which can exacerbate the patient's symptoms. They touched on the importance of reframing one's mindset from "fixing" to "curiosity," which can help view the condition as an area for improvement rather than a problem to be fixed.

Additionally, they emphasized the importance of communication in managing the condition, as sharing experiences and struggles with others can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, and foster understanding and support.

The discussion also...