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Somewhere In Between: Leaky Gut

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As an MD and fellowship-trained Integrative Physician, I am often asked about “health conditions” that are not recognized by the medical community and do not qualify as medical diagnoses for a number of reasons: (a) there may be an evolving theory that has not been thoroughly researched, and/or (b) there may be an oversimplified physiologic process or finding that, while having some science, lacks consistent connections to the disease process or outcomes. Some theories, when fully investigated, may in time come to be recognized while others will not–the scientific method is a lengthy process. When approached with these “conditions,” I often find myself “somewhere in between” and I continually pour over new research outcomes in an effort to treat patients who are feeling unwell. While I am sympathetic to those who are frustrated with the pace of medicine and the lack of answers pertaining to their health, we must remember that little truths that are strung together produce interesting headlines, but do not make for sound medical practices. This is the first in a three-part series.  

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Timing Matters when Intermittent Fasting

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In the 15th century, the word breakfast became used to describe “breaking the fast.” However, when many people start intermittent fasting they tend to skip breakfast and begin eating at lunchtime. Unfortunately they are undermining their weight loss goals, as studies show that the benefits of fasting tend to be diminished when calories are shifted to the latter part of the day. 

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New Continuous Glucose Monitors in the Office

Last year a statistic was published stating that only 12% of the population is considered metabolically healthy. Although alarming, this figure didn’t surprise me, as very often I see patients with metabolic issues such as elevated blood sugar, cholesterol and BMI. As a preventive integrative physician, it is not my initial reaction to send patients to the pharmacy, but rather to offer information on practical lifestyle changes that may bring the numbers down into a normal range. 

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Every Patient Has a Story to Tell: Narrative Medicine

Narrative Medicine uses a patient’s background and language to assist in clinical practice and research

Narrative Medicine uses a patient’s background and language to assist in clinical practice and research and is an effective and often cathartic approach to individualized healing. When physicians are able to address the personal “stories” that may work in conjunction with physical illness, we can validate the experience of the patient and promote a stronger relationship between patient and physician. 

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COVID-19 Brings Attention to Cardiometabolic Health

COVID-19 Brings Attention to Cardiometabolic Health

Every day I see patients with varying health challenges, many of whom are additionally metabolically unhealthy. With the risk of COVID-19, poor cardiometabolic health has gained more attention, and some experts are even referring to it as a pandemic within the pandemic. As a preventive integrative physician, I see this as an opportunity for many to focus on metabolic health and, hopefully, make lemonade from lemons.

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