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Beating the Summer Heat with POTS and Dysautonomia

lifestyle medicine Aug 20, 2024

As the dog days of summer set in, many of us with POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) and other forms of dysautonomia are bracing for an uptick in unpleasant symptoms. The intense heat and humidity can be a major trigger, leading to flare-ups of issues like heat intolerance, excessive sweating, and difficulty staying hydrated.

For those of us in Texas, the summer can be an especially brutal time. The combination of high temperatures and our dysautonomia creates a serious challenge, making it even harder to stay active and manage our symptoms. When you feel like you're really struggling to get through a flare-up, there may be a helpful solution to consider - high-dose vitamin IV therapy.

Our "Energy Detox" IV infusion is designed specifically for the unique needs of those with conditions like POTS and Dysautonomia. It contains a blend of key nutrients including vitamin C, magnesium, B vitamins, and glutathione. This infusion can provide support for the metabolic functions...

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Transforming Addiction: A Holistic Perspective on Healing and Recovery

lifestyle medicine Aug 05, 2024

Addiction is often viewed through a lens of pathology and judgment, but what if we approached it from a more holistic and integrative perspective? This approach can shift our understanding from one of condemnation to one of compassion, growth, and transformation.

Understanding Addiction from a Holistic Perspective

Addiction as a Pathway to Self-Understanding

Addiction can be seen as a manifestation of the human desire for connection and wholeness. Instead of judging addictive behaviors, we can understand them as attempts to fill a perceived void or to seek a sense of completeness. This perspective encourages compassion and empathy, recognizing that addictive behaviors are often rooted in deeper emotional or spiritual needs.Limiting Belief: "I canā€™t change."

  • Reframe: Change is a natural part of growth and healing. Addiction can be a pathway to deeper self-understanding and transformation.

Integration of All Aspects of Self

A holistic philosophy emphasizes the integration of al...

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Ask the Expert: Exploring the Connection Between Airway Health and Whole-Body Wellness

lifestyle medicine Jul 31, 2024

At Texas Center for Lifestyle Medicine, we're committed to addressing the root causes of chronic health issues. One often-overlooked factor in overall wellness is airway health. Did you know that having a small airway, narrow palate, tongue tie, or any malocclusion can impact your whole body? Many people who experience chronic pain, posture issues, neurological symptoms, and other health concerns may actually be suffering from an airway or sleep disorder caused by structural issues that begin with the mouth and jaw.

To shed light on this crucial aspect of health, we're thrilled to announce the next installment in our popular Ask the Expert Series. We've previously hosted enlightening conversations with sleep specialists, airway-centric dentists, bodywork specialists, and other experts, providing our patients with valuable insights into airway health and sleep.

Now, we're excited to welcome Susi Quintana, Myofunctional Therapist and Founder of the Airway Team, for Round 2 of our Q&A a...

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The Power of Relationships in Health and Wellness

lifestyle medicine Jul 23, 2024

One of the most crucial aspects of our health is the nature of our relationships. Many health coaches refer to aspects of life that have nothing to do with nutrition as "primary food." This concept highlights the profound impact our connections with others have on our overall well-being.

Have you ever noticed how your eating habits change when you're lacking fulfilling relationships or struggling with loneliness? Most people either lose their appetite or turn to food as a replacement to fulfill a deeper craving for social connection. As human beings, we have an innate desire to be seen, heard, and genuinely cared for. When these needs go unmet, it can be challenging to maintain health in other aspects of life, including nutrition.

Unhealthy relationships can take a significant toll on us. Think back to a time when you experienced aĀ difficultĀ relational dynamic or experiencing consistent unresolved conflict over time. You may recall how it spilled over into other areas of your life, a...

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The Complex yet Unsurprising Connection Between Sleep Disorders and Neurological Autoimmune Conditions

lifestyle medicine Jul 12, 2024

Sleep disorders have long been recognized as a common complication of various neurological conditions. However, recent research has unveiled a fascinating and complex relationship between autoimmune neurological disorders and sleep disturbances. At the Texas Center for Lifestyle Medicine, we believe it's crucial to understand these connections to provide comprehensive care for our patients.

Autoimmune Neurological Disorders and Sleep: An Overview

Autoimmune neurological syndromes occur when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the nervous system. These disorders can affect various parts of the nervous system, leading to a wide range of symptoms. Recent studies have shown that sleep disturbances are not just a side effect of these conditions but can be a central feature of the disease process itself (Dubey et al.).

Common Sleep Disturbances in Autoimmune Neurological Disorders

Research has identified several sleep disorders associated with autoimmune neurological disorders:

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The Hidden Link Between Gum Disease and Your Overall Health

lifestyle medicine Jul 11, 2024

Did you know that the health of your gums could be connected to your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer? Recent research has uncovered a fascinating link between periodontal (gum) disease and various systemic health conditions. At the center of this connection is a molecule called interleukin-6 (IL-6).

What is IL-6?

IL-6 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine - a signaling molecule that plays a key role in our immune response. While inflammation is a normal and necessary part of our body's defense system, chronic inflammation can lead to tissue damage and various health problems.

The Gum Disease Connection

In periodontal disease, bacteria in dental plaque trigger an inflammatory response in the gums. This leads to increased levels of IL-6, both locally in the gum tissue and systemically in the bloodstream. Higher levels of IL-6 are associated with more severe gum disease, including bone loss around teeth.

Beyond the Mouth: Systemic Health Impacts

What's particularly int

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Sinusitis and Your Brain: Insights from Brain Mapping

lifestyle medicine Jul 11, 2024

At Texas Center for Lifestyle Medicine, we're always at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge research into our patient care. A fascinating new study has revealed an intriguing connection between chronic sinusitis and changes in brain activity - a link that our advanced Brain Mapping qEEG technology is uniquely positioned to explore.

The Hidden Impact of Sinus Inflammation

Chronic sinusitis affects millions of Americans, causing more than just the familiar symptoms of congestion and headaches. Many patients report difficulties with focus, mood changes, and a general sense that their thinking just isn't as sharp. Now, research published in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery provides evidence for what many have long suspected: sinus inflammation can alter brain function.

Key findings from the study include:

  1. Decreased connectivity in brain networks responsible for executive function and attention
  2. Increased activity in areas linked to mind-wandering and self-reflection
  3. Cha
  4. ...
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Neurobiological Understandings of Trauma, the Brain, and Evidence-Based Healing

Trauma is a complex experience that can have profound effects on an individual's well-being. While its manifestations vary from person to person, the neurobiological impact of trauma is significant and worth exploring.

The brain's response to trauma involves several key areas, including the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, thalamus, and hippocampus. To better understand this process, we can look at Paul MacLean's "triune brain" model, which divides the brain into three interconnected systems:

  1. The reptilian brain: Responsible for autonomic functions like breathing and heart rate.
  2. The mammalian brain (limbic system): Involved in memory and emotional responses, including the fight-flight-freeze reaction.
  3. The cerebral cortex: Handles higher-level thinking, planning, and language processing.

When faced with a perceived threat, these systems work together to process sensory information, assess danger, and trigger appropriate responses. In traumatic situations, this process can bec

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Exploring Airway Restrictions and Their Impact on Health: Insights from Our Dysautonomia Group Visit

At our recent Dysautonomia Group Visit, Dr. Cheng Ruan provided valuable insights into the complex relationship between facial features, airway restrictions, and various health issues. This session offered a fascinating look at how seemingly minor anatomical characteristics can have far-reaching effects on our overall well-being.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Facial Features and Airway Restrictions: Dr. Ruan highlighted several facial characteristics that can contribute to airway restriction disorders: Narrow face, deficient maxilla (upper jaw), chin dimpling, flatter upper lip, open bite, etc.Ā 

These features, while often overlooked, can play a significant role in breathing difficulties and associated health problems.

  1. Nitric Oxide Production and Circulation: The discussion explored how these facial and airway features can impact nitric oxide production and circulation throughout the body. Nitric oxide is a crucial molecule involved in various physiological processes, including blood flow r
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Resilient Warriors Program: Day 2 of our Young Adult, Dysautonomia Mind-Body Medicine Program at TCLM

lifestyle medicine Jun 20, 2024

Today marked the second session of our four-part mind-body medicine series for young adults living with Dysautonomia and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) at TCLM. Led by our inspiring and compassionate mind-body medicine coach, Geny Moreno, the session provided a safe and nurturing environment for participants to explore the intricate connections between their physical symptoms and emotional well-being.

Geny began by opening the floor for a group sharing session, creating a supportive atmosphere where members felt comfortable discussing their experiences over the past week. This open dialogue allowed participants to voice their challenges, triumphs, and ongoing struggles in managing their conditions.

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The group touched on a wide range of deeply personal topics, reflecting the complex nature of living with chronic conditions like Dysautonomia and POTS. Participants shared insights into:

  1. Family dynamics and how they impact their health journey
  2. Navigating relations
  3. ...
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