Blog | Lesley James MD

September 18, 2020October 4, 2020

Optimal Ferritin Levels May Surprise You

Often patients express worry that their ferritin levels are too low, when, in fact, I am concerned about the opposite.

Ferritin is a large protein molecule, and while its role is complex and still unclear, ferritin is generally considered a surrogate marker for total iron storage in the body and often acts as a biomarker of health. Optimal ferritin levels and reference ranges are not currently well defined, but what are considered “normal levels” may actually be too high, and some researchers are advocating for a change in what is considered normal. While we still don’t know the “optimal” numbers, aiming for below the 50 percentile is most likely healthier (20-40 for women, 50-70 for men). Ferritin specialist William R. Ware, PhD, suggests that we should aim even lower for some patient populations (those with cardiometabolic disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver, etc.).

August 31, 2020August 31, 2020

Preventive Integrative Medicine, the Ideal Approach to Care

How could this have been prevented? This is a question I have been asked hundreds of times throughout my training and over the course of my career. As a resident learning about surgical procedure as pertains to obstetrics and gynecology, I clearly recall thinking beyond the surgery to how the need for the surgery may have been prevented. It was during this time that I decided to switch my concentration to family medicine, which would allow me to further focus on prevention.

August 17, 2020August 17, 2020

Visceral Adipose Tissue Compromises Gastrointestinal Health

Visceral Adipose Tissue (VAT), abdominal fat that is located deep inside the abdominal cavity, can have a devastating effect on our gastrointestinal health and increase our risk of various GI conditions.

July 29, 2020October 7, 2020

Gardening a Healthy Hobby

As a lifelong and passionate gardener, it pleases me that my hobby provides not only joy, but substantial health benefits.

July 16, 2020July 16, 2020

Fertility and Preconception Planning

If you’re a woman thinking about starting a family or actively trying, it can be a strange time. After spending your whole adult life trying not to get pregnant, it can seem as if once you start trying things will go off without a hitch-and they often do. But when it comes to optimizing your and your future baby’s health, it can be a bit more complicated than ditching the birth control and taking a prenatal.

July 8, 2020July 16, 2020

What is an Integrative Physician?

I recently wrote about the difference between Integrative and Alternative medicines, but you may wonder what exactly is involved in becoming a certified integrative physician?

June 25, 2020July 16, 2020

7 Ways to Make Seasonal Allergies Less Annoying

Ah-choo!

Many of us will be spending time outdoors with our families this summer, but the beautiful blooming flowers and trees producing airborne pollen may put a damper on our plans, as they cause sniffing and sneezing. While seasonal allergies are a reality and affect about 35 million Americans, there are proactive and integrative approaches you can take to lessen your symptoms and fully appreciate summer’s splendor.

June 19, 2020July 16, 2020

Racism, Public Health, and My Commitment

Systemic racism and oppression are public health crises

I would like to begin this message by apologizing for the delay in formulating my thoughts and words for my patients, colleagues and the community. It was never my intention to appear uncaring by remaining silent during this monumental time in our lives and our history, and I assure you that I continue listening, learning and taking action to serve the community as a whole.

June 8, 2020August 5, 2020

New Guidelines, Research for SIBO

For the past decade, I have been addressing and treating Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, or SIBO, and am continually surprised that it is so often overlooked in conventional medicine. Just last week I met with two new patients via telehealth, and although both had classic symptoms of SIBO, neither had been approached about exploring this condition.

May 6, 2020July 16, 2020

Considering Running? Now’s the Time!

If you’re considering a new exercise regimen during this time of sheltering, I’d like to put in a plug for running. In completing research recently on longevity and healthy aging, I came across “The Runner’s Study,” which prompted me to want to convey the rewards of running, something I started in elementary school, continued throughout college and medical school and today still find beneficial for both the body and mind.