Functional Medicine

I believe that by posing high-quality questions like these, we can enhance our search for solutions to prevent cardiovascular diseases. Let’s delve into this topic in our blog. Heart disease and atherosclerosis is found exclusively in arteries, not veins. What is the reason behind this? Let’s start by understanding arteries must dilate (expand) and contract to accommodate changes in blood pressure. This is achieved through a thin layer of muscle surrounding the arteries. In contrast, veins do not perform this function. To illustrate, consider a new rubber garden hose versus one that is dry and cracked. These cracks are filled to prevent leaks. Similarly, our arteries experience cracks due to poor health of the arterial walls, necessitating repair by the body. The prevalence to the cracking is measured by certain inflammatory markers such as CRP and others. Interestingly, cholesterol is required for repairing these damages, which explains the increase presence of cholesterol at sites undergoing repair. Therefore, the analogy that cholesterol acts as firefighters rather than arsonists is apt; just because firefighters are present at every house fire does not mean they caused it. In fact, studies indicate that heart attack survivors tend to have higher cholesterol levels. Whereas there is a larger percentage of individuals who succumb to heart attacks having lower cholesterol levels. If we have elevated inflammatory markers in the blood that is the leading sign you must find the cause of what is inflaming your body or else this inflammation will continue to damage the walls within your arteries. One such cause of inflammation within the walls of the arteries is the increase in oxidative stress. It is this oxidative stress that can cause the cracks in the artery walls. Read a published study about this further on PubMed or click on the target title here Oxidative Stress in Cardiovascular Diseases: Still a Therapeutic Target? – PubMed (nih.gov) For those seeking a more in-depth approach to preventing cardiovascular diseases and understanding risk factors, consider scheduling a functional medicine consultation. We can explore our cardiometabolic blood panel testing, which offers more precise insights into your cardiovascular risks and strategies for addressing them. Please feel free to contact our office at (614) 839-1044.

Menopause is a natural phase in every woman’s life, marking the end of her reproductive years. However, the transition can often be accompanied by uncomfortable symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and vaginal dryness. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has been a game-changer for many women seeking relief from these symptoms. If you’re wondering how to get HRT for menopause and searching for “HRT near me,” this guide will provide you with all the necessary information. Understanding Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Before diving into how to get HRT for menopause, it’s essential to understand what it is. Hormone Replacement Therapy involves taking medications containing female hormones to replace those that your body no longer makes after menopause.  As the female ovaries dry up during menopause there is a shift in hormones no longer being made by the ovaries to the adrenal glands which is an organ that is used for many things but most notably the ability to manage the daily stressors. For more information on the adrenal gland function you can go to Adrenal Gland: What It Is, Function, Symptoms & Disorders.  As a result, the Adrenals become more taxed and highly important.  This is why HRT is a highly effective treatment method that can help manage menopausal symptoms and improve your quality of life. There are three main types of HRT: Estrogen-only therapy (ET): This is typically prescribed for women who have had their uterus removed. Estrogen plus progestogen therapy (EPT): This is recommended for women who still have their uterus because estrogen alone can increase the risk of uterine cancer. Testosterone: It’s not just for men.  Women need it just in lower amounts. Plus Testosterone can and does convert to Estrogen through a process called aromatization.  Finding an HRT Provider Near You The first step in getting HRT for menopause is finding a healthcare provider who specializes in this field. Start by searching online using keywords like “HRT near me.” This should give you a list of potential providers in your area. Once you have a list, research each provider thoroughly. Look at their reviews and ratings online, and call the medical office and ask questions like; Do you use Bio-identical Hormone replacement therapy or are they synthetic?  HINT do not use synthetic hormone replacement therapy. What are the different administration methods used?  For example, pellet insertion, lotions or oral dosages.  Pellet insertion is the best option most of the time because it gives you a healthy consistent dose all the time without the ups and downs of other types of administration. Scheduling an Appointment After choosing an HRT provider near you, the next step is to schedule an appointment. During this initial consultation, your healthcare provider will discuss your symptoms, medical history, and any concerns you may have about HRT. They will likely order blood tests to check your hormone levels. This information will help them determine if HRT is right for you and what type of therapy would be most beneficial. At Pure Health we go an extra step with necessary and perform a DUTCH test to make sure the hormones in your body are being metabolized (broken down) properly so they do not cause any side effects and health concerns. Discussing Your Treatment Options If your healthcare provider determines that you’re a good candidate for HRT, they will discuss the different treatment options available. These could include pills, patches, gels, creams, or vaginal rings. Each method has its pros and cons, so it’s crucial to discuss these with your provider to make an informed decision. Your healthcare provider will also talk about the potential risks associated with HRT. While it can significantly alleviate menopausal symptoms, it’s not without risks. Some studies suggest that certain types of HRT can increase the risk of breast cancer and heart disease. However, the benefits often outweigh these risks for many women. Starting Your HRT Journey Once you’ve decided on a treatment plan with your healthcare provider, you can start your HRT journey. It’s important to remember that every woman’s experience with HRT is unique – what works for one person might not work for another.  Which is why you need to find a medical clinic who you trust. You’ll need regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. It’s also essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle while on HRT by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption because the hormones will work synergistically and be more effective the healthier you are. Conclusion Getting started with Hormone Replacement Therapy can seem daunting at first. But by understanding what it involves and how to find an “HRT clinic near me,” you can take control of your menopausal symptoms and improve your quality of life. Remember that open communication with your healthcare provider is key in this journey. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or express any concerns you may have about HRT. After all, your health and comfort are what matter the most.  If you are searching for a reputable provider, you can learn more about Pure Health Hormone Optimization Center by clicking HERE Contact Pure Health Aesthetics and Wellness for Hormone Replacement Therapy in Columbus Ohio At Pure Health, we specialize in providing personalized treatment for each of our patients. See why we’re different right away when you enter our clinic and speak with our knowledgeable team.  If you are ready to schedule a FREE Consultation or would like to learn more about HRT treatments, call Pure Health at 614-839-1044.

In this blog, you will also learn when to use B12 injections vs. oral Methylcobalamin vs. oral Hydroxocobalamin for supplementation.

Amazing Benefits of Olive Oil (Be Aware of Fake Olive Oil) Olive Oil is considered a superfood source It is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats. The key fatty acid in olive oil is oleic acid. This fatty acid has been found to be responsible for lowering inflammation.  Research suggests that oleic acid can reduce levels of important inflammatory blood markers like high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and Interleukin-6. Inflammation is at the heart of virtually every chronic disease.  So reducing inflammation is a really good thing. There is also a reduced stroke events associated with consumption of olive oil. Thirty-two cohort studies (42 reports) including 841,211 subjects  found that olive oil was the only source of monounsaturated fat associated with a reduced risk of stroke. Now some cardiovascular benefits! Olive oil intake has also been shown to lower blood pressure. In one study, olive oil reduced the need for blood pressure medication by 48%. Study found that a single dose of high polyphenol olive oil increased endothelial function (cells lining the interior of blood vessels), decreased bad” LDL cholesterol from oxidation and moderated blood glucose. Diabetes Benefits Several studies have found that olive oil olive oil, combined with a Mediterranean diet, can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and improve insulin sensitivity. Olive Oil and Helicobacter Pylori A study in humans suggested that 30 grams of extra virgin olive oil, taken daily, can eliminate Helicobacter pylori infection in 10–40% of people in as little as two weeks. The results of lab studies showed olive oil’s phenolic compounds were effective against eight strains of H. pylori, including three that are resistant to some antibiotics. Now before you go sucking down tablespoonfuls of olive oil you should know that you first need to get your omega 3-6-9 ratios in check.  The fatty acid ratio in your body is most important.  Our bodies and cells need the proper composition of essential fatty acids to produce healthy cells and hormones. We can measure this ratio by getting a Pure Health fatty acid profile blood test. The other important factor is to first clean up your diet with consuming less processed oils before adding in more oils(fatty acids) even if it is healthy olive oil. Choose Your Olive Oil Wisely Turns out many companies that make extra virgin olive oil dilute their product with cheaper, lower grade oils like canola, safflower or sunflower oils. Brands that passed the University of California test were: Bariani, California Olive Oil, Kirkland Organic, Lucero, Lucini, McEvoy Ranch Organic, Olea Estates Ottavio. Look for the approval California Olive Oil Council (COOC Certified Extra Virgin). If in doubt you can test for fake olive oils yourself. Simply refrigerate the oil. It should become more solid as it gets colder. If you oil doesn’t become thick and cloudy in the refrigerator you know it’s probably fake or lower grade oil. In addition you can look for the seal denoting approval by the California Olive Oil Council, labeled as “COOC Certified Extra Virgin” Seals of approval from the Italian Olive Grower’ Association, the Extra Virgin Alliance (EVA) and UNAPROL also signal a good pure product. Advice: stick with high quality brands that passed the University of California test of that have earned a seal of approval from one of the organizations we just mentioned and clean up your fatty acid diet first.  Pure Health Medical can help you get started with a free consultation can to learn more at 614-839-1044. References: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23278117/https://www.nature.com/articles/1602724https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4586551/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25274026/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8517637/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/13129466/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15447913/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15380903/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10737284/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19531025/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22759331/ Special thanks to http://www.functionalmedicinedoctors.com for contributing to this article! Contact Pure Health Medical about Olive Oil Benefits Today At Pure Health Medical, our experienced functional medicine doctor can help you find out what is affecting your well-being and get you feeling healthier and more energetic faster. Check out our Functional Medicine page to see if any of these conditions relate to your issues. If you feel extremely fatigued, have stomach and gut problems, or have other health issues, call us now at 614-839-1044 to schedule an appointment with our functional medicine specialist, Dr. Matthew Marcotte.

  The practice of functional medicine is designed to address unique causes of diseases within one patient which differentiates the treatment given to another patient with similar symptoms yet slightly differing variables. Each patient may undergo comprehensive testing and observation of the genetic, biochemical, and lifestyle environment surrounding the patient. As no two patients can ever be the same in all these factors, the treatments, accordingly, must be tailored uniquely to that patient.  Many drugs, for example, are currently tested in a randomized placebo-controlled trial (RCT), meaning there are at least two groups involved, with one getting the drug at a set dosage, while the other receives a dummy drug or nothing at all. Or there can be a third group receiving a lower or higher dose of the drug. RCTs are designed as parallel, crossover, or factorial. While RCTs deal with groups of people in a setting, functional medicine, and subsequent treatment is designed to focus on the systems of the body (circulatory, digestive, lymphatic and endocrine system etc.) and how they’re interacting with the other systems and the environment they are in contact with.   Health comes from proper functioning.  Symptoms are the body’s way of telling us, something is not functioning properly.  So we dive into finding out why.  We know that drugs are not the answer to why the body isn’t functioning properly, it’s a way to force the body to stop those symptoms from showing up.  For example a doctor may prescribe to you a high blood pressure medication(anti-hypertensive) to lower the blood pressure but never find out why they’re blood pressure has been rising.   Not finding or searching for the reason WHY somebody’s blood pressure is rising is in our opinion dangerous when dealing with a person’s health symptoms. We call this SICK CARE, at Pure Health Medical we focus on the HEALTH CARE of a person. Finding out why the body is trying to raise the blood pressure.  For instance, the inability for your blood vessels to be able to expand (stretch) could be coming from a nutrient deficiency or the elevated blood pressure could be a response to stressors in the environment externally or internally. Either way functional medicine is there to find these difficult answers. Food Sensitivity Here is an example of a typical scenario where your functional medicine doctor provides personalized review and assessment to identify the condition. A patient comes into the doctor’s office complaining of constant fatigue and irregular bowel movements, ranging from constipation to bouts of diarrhea with painful stomach cramps. Rather than suggesting that the patient should take a certain number of milligrams of a prescribed drug, the first step is to have the patient record what is eaten every day and at what time of day each described meal is eaten.    The patient creates the list of food eaten and there appears to be a correlation between the coffee consumed upon rising, the cereal and milk eaten for breakfast, and diarrhea occurring more often in late morning hours rather than later in the day. The patient is told to drink the coffee and wait an hour before eating the cereal. The patient reports back that the coffee does not upset his stomach but, half an hour later after eating his cereal, he begins getting the usual stomach cramps.  The patient is tested for dairy immune reaction by testing the antibody levels to certain components of dairy.  The doctor provides a different menu to eat for breakfast which proves very successful within a week. Another outcome is the patient is not as tired, bloated or inflamed. In this case, it is a change in diet and uncovering that dairy should be removed from the diet for a time being until we reset the immune system is the correct move to improve the health condition. Allergies Another example of a general case where a functional medicine doctor analyzed the patient’s condition and circumstances and applied proper testing to determine the cause and then solution.  A patient complained of always waking up with dry irritated eyes and a stuffy nose. When asked if there was a lot of dust in the room, the patient said yes. The AC vent was on the ceiling to the left of the bed and when it came on intermittently, it blew air right onto the patient. The patient also had pets that slept on the bed at night.  The patient tested positive with a dust mite allergy test. The recommendation for irritated eyes was to have a small air purifier placed in the room and turned on at night. Next, specialized AC filters were recommended, and the patient decided to have the vents cleaned out as well, suspecting this was half the problem with eye irritation. However, the pets remained in place but were brushed down a few hours before going to bed. These solutions were proven successful within two weeks after implementation. Call Us Today if You Need Personalized Help with Your Health Issues At Pure Health Medical, our experienced functional medicine doctor can help you find out what is affecting your well-being and get you feeling healthier and more energetic faster.  Check out our Functional Medicine page to see if any of these conditions relate to your issues.  If you feel extremely fatigued, have stomach and gut problems, or have other health issues, call us now at 614-839-1044 to schedule an appointment with our functional medicine specialist, Dr. Matthew Marcotte. 

These are the top ten thyroid symptoms we successfully treat in our office. If you have any one or more of these symptoms it could mean your thyroid is underactive AKA-hypothyroidism. 1) Weight Gain In our office, we see weight gain as the most common symptom associated with an underactive thyroid. This is because the thyroid regulates metabolic function (metabolism) of the cells in your body, therefore, your ability to burn calories slows way down. You will notice you are slowly gaining weight without even changing your eating habits. This is a big indicator you need to check your thyroid function from the thyroid gland itself and from the cellular uptake of the thyroid hormone. 2) Fatigue Since the thyroid controls metabolism and energy levels, feeling extra run down and exhausted is a sure sign that something is off. This is the type of fatigue that persists day in and day out, interrupting your everyday quality of life. It also makes it extra difficult for weight management as you may feel less like working out and instead want to lie down on the couch. 3) Constipation An underactive thyroid slows everything down, especially your GI tract. Usually this can be associated with the adrenal glands. If your body is constantly in a stressed flight-or-flight state, then your adrenals will kick up stress hormones (like adrenaline and cortisol) to get you through your day. The problem with that is your body gets robbed from the rest-and-digest process (the parasympathetic nervous system) which is needed to help digest food properly. Think of your thyroid as the engine of your car and the adrenals are the gas pedal- they are connected to each other, and the gas will affect the engine. So make sure to be thorough and get a complete picture. 4) Frequently Feeling Cold People with hypothyroidism may feel especially cold in their feet and hands or have difficulty adjusting to temperature changes. This is because when your metabolism slows down, you’re not burning energy, which causes you to feel cold. You will most-likely feel cold hands and feet first, because those are furthest away from your heart. If the hypothyroidism gets bad enough you will notice your core temperature will drop as well. 5) Mood Changes Research has connected hypothyroidism and depression. In order to make a thyroid hormone, you need the amino acid Tyrosine. Tyrosine is also needed to make dopamine, which is the feel good neurotransmitter in your brain. So if you notice mood changes, don’t forget the missing link could be an underactive thyroid. 6) Dry Skin Your skin cells are continually turning over. When the thyroid isn’t working optimally, this process slows down. As a result, older skin remains on the body longer, which can cause dry and itchy skin. 7) Brain Fog Your thyroid has a significant impact on your brain function and health. Your thyroid controls the metabolism of the cells which means it controls the energy production in your cells. The most energy demanding organ in your body is the brain. If the brain cannot get energy, it will feel sluggish and foggy. 8) Hair Loss Thinning hair, including the outer edge of eyebrows, are a sign of hypothyroid function. Since your thyroid regulates hair follicles, a low thyroid hormone level affects hair growth. 9) High Cholesterol Many are surprised to learn that your thyroid and cholesterol are deeply connected. Low thyroid levels affect the body’s ability to remove LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) and increase the absorption of cholesterol. Your body also needs cholesterol in order to make thyroid hormone. It’s the building block of all hormones, so if your body is signaling you don’t have enough thyroid hormone, then your liver will have to make more cholesterol. The body making more cholesterol is just the symptom because once we fix the underlying cause of why the thyroid isn’t functioning, your cholesterol symptoms will normalize. 10) Weak, Achy Joints and Muscles Why might someone’s muscles get weak and joints get achy? This all goes back to the inability for the muscle cells and cartilage of the joints to be able to get the energy they need to release the toxins out of the cells. Toxin release out of cells is an active process, which means it requires energy to do so. So it wouldn’t be surprising if your thyroid gland is sluggish and your muscles and joints, in turn, are sore from toxic accumulation. On a side note… if your traditional medical doctor stated your thyroid labs are normal, or just put you on medication and you still have these symptoms, your thyroid isn’t the root cause of your symptoms. If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, we encourage you to find the root cause. If left untreated “properly”, it can develop into more serious complications. We suggest working with a Functional Medicine provider to get to the root cause of your symptoms.  Call us at (614) 839-1044 if you have any further questions so we may be of assistance in getting your life back on track! Book Appointment New Patient Information

Are you frustrated with your body not dropping weight like you want it to? After all, you cleaned up your diet, you decreased calorie intake, heck… you’ve even been working out and still, your weight isn’t budging. If this sounds like you, then we may have found the answer you’ve been looking for! After many years of clinical experience helping people with weight loss resistance, we have finally cracked the code and found the most common reason why someone has such a tough time dropping those pesky pounds. Could your dishwasher soap cause you to be overweight or your shampoos or your water or air? Science has shown it could and probably is the cause of your weight gain. According to a recent study, 80% of Americans have traces of hormone disrupting chemicals in their body. Chemicals found in our environment are known to cause:● Obesity (even childhood obesity)● Excess estrogen production● Immune system weakening● Weakened metabolism In fact, some chemicals that are pervasive in our environment are even called “Obesogens” which are “endocrine disruptors” that mess with your hormones! Obesogens are exactly what they sound like… chemicals that can lead to obesity. Some of the worst obesogens to watch for:● Parabens (linked to reproductive issues)● Triclosan (Mimics estrogen and causes weight gain)● Phthalates (Disrupts hormones related to metabolism)● Bisphenol-A (BPA) (Linked to weight gain in women) For a lot of people … THIS can be the hidden reason why it seems impossible to lose weight. Now if you’re wondering, “How can I find out if obesogens are causing my weight gain? We have doctors waiting to analyze your body’s level of toxicity! Our office runs a special urine test called “Total Tox Burden”. This urine collection will let us know what toxic exposures you could be struggling with. The science is clear… The more Obesogens present in your body, the more difficult it is to lose unwanted weight. So why fight an uphill battle? Instead- schedule a consultation with our weight loss doctor today! If the doctor finds an accumulation of toxins, this could mean one of two things: 1. You need to improve or change your current environment, or 2. You need to improve your level and ability to detoxify naturally. Either way, we can help you get the answers you need to lose those pesky pounds! Please feel free to contact our office at (614) 839-1044.