alternative medicine Archives

Uterine Fibroids: Ants at the Picnic

If you’ve ever discovered ants ruining your picnic, you know how something seemingly invisible can suddenly disrupt your day. Similarly, uterine fibroids are benign muscle tumors that often go unnoticed but can significantly impact your life when they grow in size or number.

plaid with fruits and straw hat in field — Photo by Mariam Antadze on Pexels.com

The Unseen Enemy

Think of your uterus as an upside-down, hollow bottle. Fibroids are essentially “unwanted tenants” that can develop within the walls, inside the cavity, or even on the surface of this anatomical “real estate.”

Although small fibroids are generally symptomless, as they grow, they can cause a range of problems— from pelvic pain and heavy menstrual bleeding to feelings of fullness in the lower abdomen, rectal pressure, bladder-related symptoms and even lower back aches. The larger they get, the more likely they are to be symptomatic.

Your Diagnostic Toolkit

Diagnosis is usually straightforward: a pelvic or trans-vaginal ultrasound often identifies these benign growths. Think of this test as a snapshot of your uterus, revealing the fibroids’ size and location.

What Causes Uterine Fibroids?

Physicians and researchers have identified several contributing elements linked to the growth of uterine fibroids, including low levels of Vitamin D, high estrogen, insufficient B6, and hypothyroidism. A comprehensive lab test can determine whether any of these factors are playing a role in your condition.

Do You Need Surgery?

Here’s where choices come into play. Not all fibroids require surgical removal. In fact, many can be managed by correcting dietary and lifestyle issues, allowing the body to naturally reduce the fibroids’ size and alleviate symptoms. However, if your fibroids are causing significant discomfort, surgery may be the best course of action.

The Takeaway

Uterine fibroids are often out of sight and out of mind, but when they make their presence felt, it’s often in disruptive ways. Fortunately, through early diagnosis and proactive lifestyle adjustments, you can often minimize their impact.

So, the next time you’re checking for ants at your picnic, consider this a reminder to also pay attention to other hidden aspects of your health. A little vigilance now can prevent a lot of discomfort later.

Contact us today at 816-625-4497 or visit our contact page to schedule a consultation and learn more. Wherever you are in the Kansas City area—Oak Grove, Independence, Grain Valley—we’re just a short drive away!

What Kind of Protein Should You Eat?

Learn more here.

The Protein Predicament: Animal, Plant, or Both?

The Protein Predicament: Animal, Plant, or Both?

By Dr. David B. Clark DABCI, NMD, DC

The importance of protein in our diet is a well-accepted fact. It’s crucial for growth, cellular repair, and immune function. However, as much as health experts agree on the necessity of protein, the ‘how much’ and ‘what kind’ of protein are points of disagreement. Should we get our protein solely from plants, animals, or a combination of both? How much protein is ideal?

At Health+Plus Clinic, we aim to provide a balanced perspective on this contentious issue to help you make informed dietary choices. Let’s take a look at it more closely.

Understanding Protein

Protein is a macronutrient made up of smaller units known as amino acids. These amino acids are categorized as essential (cannot be synthesized by the body) and non-essential (can be synthesized by the body). The primary point of divergence between animal and plant proteins lies in their amino acid profiles and other associated nutrients.

Animal Protein

Animal-source proteins, including meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy foods, are often referred to as complete proteins. This means they contain all essential amino acids in sufficient quantities. Moreover, they are rich in essential nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Plant Protein

Plant proteins, derived from legumes, grains, nuts, and seeds, are generally not considered complete proteins because they lack one or more essential amino acids. However, by combining different sources of plant protein, you can still obtain a complete amino acid profile. Additionally, plant proteins are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and are generally lower in saturated fats.

Digestibility

It’s true that plant proteins typically require more effort to be completely digested compared to animal proteins. This is due to the presence of certain anti-nutrients like phytates and oxalates that can inhibit absorption. However, cooking, fermenting, or sprouting plant foods can significantly improve nutrient availability.

Nutritional Requirements

The average adult should consume between 3 to 4 ounces (approximately 80 to 110 grams) of protein daily. For pregnant or nursing women and individuals over 65, the higher end of this scale is recommended. Around one-third of your daily caloric intake should ideally come from protein sources, whether animal-based, plant-based, or a mix of both.

Ethical and Environmental Considerations

Beyond the nutritional aspects, many people consider the ethical and environmental implications of their protein choices. Animal farming often has a more significant environmental impact in terms of land use, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. On the other hand, a diet overly reliant on monocrops like soy can also pose sustainability challenges.

Whether animal or plant protein is better for you can depend on numerous factors such as lifestyle, pre-existing health conditions, ethical beliefs, and nutritional needs. There is no one-size-fits-all answer.

At Health+Plus Clinic, we recommend a balanced approach to diet and nutrition, focusing on whole, unprocessed foods. If you have specific dietary concerns or health conditions, consulting with a healthcare provider for personalized guidance is always the best course of action.

Why Intravenous Vitamin Therapy?

By Dr. David B. Clark DABCI, NMD, DC

Health+Plus is renowned for its expertise in intravenous nutritional therapy. Over the years, our specially trained team has safely administered thousands of vitamin IVs without complications at our Oak Grove, Missouri location.

Intravenous nutritional therapy is a safe and effective way to quickly replenish vitamins, minerals, and amino acids in the body. Read on to see if it’s right for you.

medication pills isolated on yellow background — Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels.com

Why Consider IV Nutritional Therapy?

There are many reasons why people opt for IV nutritional therapy. Some individuals suffer from chronic malnutrition due to various factors, such as poor diet, illness, or the natural aging process. A common issue is that many people don’t consume enough nutritionally dense food. Americans often eat a high amount of ‘junk food’—food that is rich in calories but poor in essential nutrients. Over time, this leads to deficiencies in the vital building blocks necessary for optimal health.

Others may have difficulty swallowing or digesting food, making it challenging to obtain the nutrients they need from food alone. IV nutritional therapy is also useful for those recovering from surgery or illness, as well as for individuals simply looking to boost their overall health and well-being.

Benefits of IV Nutritional Therapy

Here are some of the key advantages:

Direct Absorption: It bypasses the digestive system, allowing nutrients to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream and delivered to cells throughout the body. This results in higher absorption rates and less waste.

High-Dose Nutrients: IV therapy can deliver higher doses of nutrients than what can be ingested orally. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who are severely deficient in certain nutrients or who need to boost their nutrient intake for therapeutic reasons. For example, high-dose vitamin C has been shown to strengthen the immune system, aid in toxin removal, speed up wound healing, stimulate collagen production, and boost energy levels.

Fast Acting: IV nutrients can begin to work within minutes, offering quick relief from symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and muscle pain.

Ideal for Certain Conditions: For patients with difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite, or dehydration, IV therapy is exceptionally effective. It generally helps an ill person begin to feel better quickly.

Safe and Effective: IV nutritional therapy has been used safely for many years and is considered to be a highly effective way to improve overall health and well-being.

If you’re considering IV nutritional therapy, the Health+Plus team of medical professionals can help you determine if this treatment is the right choice for your individual needs.

Contact us today at 816-625-4497 or visit our contact page to schedule a consultation and learn more about the benefits of IV nutritional therapy. Wherever you are in the area—Oak Grove, Kansas City, Independence, Grain Valley—we’re just a short drive away!

Our Patients Say

Our Patients Say

Learn why our patients keep coming back! Call 816-625-4497 or use our contact page. We would love to help you take proactive steps today to ensure a healthier tomorrow.

The Science and Benefits of Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy

The Science and Benefits of Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy

By Melissa Abramovitz APRN/FNP-BC

As we delve into the complex world of medical science, one can’t help but notice the intriguing concept of Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy, often abbreviated as BHRT. Many people are drawn to its potential benefits, yet they find themselves puzzled by the ‘bio-identical’ aspect. To fully understand and appreciate BHRT, it’s essential to grasp the fundamental role hormones play in our bodies and how BHRT’s unique approach differentiates it from traditional hormone therapies.

Understanding Hormones

Hormones are intricate molecules produced naturally in our bodies. They function as the body’s internal messaging system, traveling through the bloodstream to various tissues and organs, inciting responses crucial to maintaining optimal health. At a microscopic level, each hormone molecule bears a unique shape. This unique shape is key to their function. As hormones travel through the body, they interact with ‘receptors’, specific structures within cells. Like a lock and key system, a receptor only responds when it encounters a hormone – the ‘key’ – with a shape that precisely matches its own. This specific interaction triggers a cascade of events within the cell, which leads to specific physiological responses.

The Bio-Identical Aspect

Bio-Identical Hormones are identical in molecular structure to the hormones our bodies produce naturally. These hormones are meticulously engineered from plant sources like yams or soybeans to mimic the exact shape of natural hormones. As such, bio-identical hormones fit perfectly into our body’s receptors, effectively ‘unlocking’ the same responses as our body’s own hormones would.

The key advantage of this exact match lies in the precision with which bio-identical hormones interact with our body’s receptors. As these molecules perfectly mirror the hormones our bodies produce, they can seamlessly integrate into our body’s hormone signaling system, potentially leading to a more natural and efficient hormonal balance.

The Shortcomings of Synthetic Hormones

In contrast, synthetic hormones – the type often used in conventional hormone replacement therapies – are not an exact match to our body’s hormones. While they are similar and can elicit some of the same responses, their differing molecular structure can cause them to interact imperfectly with our body’s receptors.

This imperfect fit can result in different reactions within the body, potentially leading to side effects or even harmful consequences that you wouldn’t experience with natural hormones. In short, synthetic hormones may resemble the keys our body is accustomed to, but they are not identical, leading to less predictable and potentially undesirable results.

The Pharmaceutical Dilemma

A significant reason why the pharmaceutical industry has traditionally leaned towards synthetic hormones over bio-identical ones is a matter of patent law. Natural molecules, including hormones, cannot be patented, making them less profitable than synthetic alternatives that can be uniquely designed and patented.

Consequently, bio-identical hormones have often been overlooked by large pharmaceutical companies. However, they have found a niche in specialty pharmacies. These pharmacies custom-make bio-identical hormones using all-natural ingredients, adhering to rigorous regulation standards to ensure quality and safety.

At Health+Plus, we have experienced Health Care Providers ready to help you with Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT). We believe it represents a promising approach to hormone therapy by using hormones identical to those our bodies produce, aligning closely with our body’s natural systems. This potentially provides a safer and more effective alternative to traditional synthetic hormone therapies.

Learn more by calling 816-625-4497 or use our contact page. We would love to help you take proactive steps today to ensure a healthier tomorrow.

What Patients Say…

What Patients Say…

Learn why our patients keep coming back! Call 816-625-4497 or use our contact page. We would love to help you take proactive steps today to ensure a healthier tomorrow.

Cutting-Edge Meets Time-Tested Traditions at Health+Plus

Cutting-Edge Meets Time-Tested Traditions at Health+Plus

At Health+Plus, we’re all about merging cutting-edge scientific methods with time-tested traditions to unveil the true causes of your health challenges. Your body is equipped with incredible systems for optimal health, but various factors like diet, lifestyle, environment, and mental health can negatively impact your well-being.

We focus on you and your needs in a friendly and caring way. You’re always in charge of your health care at Health+Plus. If you are interested in learning more, call 816-625-4497 or use our contact page. We would love to help you take proactive steps today to ensure a healthier tomorrow.

Hormone Therapy: Do You Need It?

Hormone Therapy: Do You Need It?

By Melissa Abramovitz APRN/FNP-BC

Our bodies are complex, beautifully designed machines that require several components to function optimally. One of these components is hormones – biochemical substances that control major bodily functions. From regulating your metabolism to guiding your reproductive health, hormones play a critical role in maintaining your overall well-being. However, as you age, your body’s hormone production naturally declines. This gradual shift, which often begins around the age of 35, may seem subtle initially, but it can lead to significant health consequences over time.

Alarming Trend

Recent studies have highlighted an alarming trend. Over the past few decades, hormone production in individuals has seen a significant reduction compared to historical levels. Take testosterone, for instance, a hormone often associated with male sexual health but also essential for women. In the last 50 years, men’s average testosterone production has fallen by a shocking 50 percent. Concurrently, the healthy equilibrium between various hormones has been disturbed, impacting overall health and wellness.

The complex interplay between hormones is a dance of fine balance. A drop in certain hormones like estrogen or testosterone, for instance, increases the risk of conditions like diabetes. Research among Type 2 diabetics has shown that elevating these hormones to healthier levels can significantly improve blood sugar control. Moreover, maintaining optimal hormone levels can reduce the risk of serious health issues, such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and cardiovascular diseases, demonstrating the holistic role hormones play in our bodies.

Notably, our external environment and lifestyle choices can significantly affect hormone production. Chronic stress can reduce most hormone production, suppressing the immune system over time. Similarly, depression can lead to lowered hormone levels, further impacting overall well-being. Dietary habits, such as high consumption of sugars and other carbohydrates, can disrupt your body’s hormone balance.

Environmental Concerns

We also need to be mindful of the numerous environmental toxins that result in hormonal imbalances. Certain herbicides mimic estrogen, confusing our bodily systems, while various food additives and chemicals used in manufacturing processes can upset the delicate hormonal equilibrium.

Do You Need Hormone Therapy?

So, do you need hormone therapy? It’s a question worth considering, given the critical role hormones play in our health. If you’re experiencing symptoms of hormone imbalance, such as unexplained weight changes, mood swings, changes in appetite, or fatigue, it might be worth having your hormones tested.

At Health+Plus, we have experienced Health Care Providers ready to guide you. They can help assess your hormone levels and recommend personalized treatment plans, which may include hormone therapy, if necessary.

Remember, maintaining a balanced hormone level is not just about mitigating symptoms; it’s about optimizing your health and enhancing your quality of life. Don’t wait until symptoms worsen.

If you are interested in learning more, call 816-625-4497 or use our contact page. We would love to help you take proactive steps today to ensure a healthier tomorrow.

Your Health+Plus Journey: Answering Your Questions

Your Health+Plus Journey: Answering Your Questions

By Dr. David B. Clark DABCI, NMD, DC

At Health+Plus, we understand that making informed decisions about your healthcare can sometimes be challenging, given the plethora of information available and the personal nature of these choices. We value transparency and patient education, so I wanted to take a moment to clarify some of the most frequently asked questions about our clinic and functional medicine (also called holistic or alternative) approach.

One of the most common questions we encounter is about insurance. Does Health+Plus accept insurance? The straightforward answer is, we don’t. We are a pay-per-service facility, ensuring that our healthcare providers can deliver optimal patient care without the constraints often imposed by insurance companies. We firmly believe that healthcare is a deeply personal matter and should not be dictated by external entities.

Despite not accepting insurance, our fees remain affordable and offer remarkable value for the wide range of treatments and therapies we provide. Furthermore, it’s important to note that many treatments offered at our clinic aren’t covered by insurance at most health facilities. For more detailed information about our pricing, please refer to the pricing information listed here on our website.

Next, many prospective patients are curious about the range of conditions we treat. At Health+Plus, our providers see a broad array of patients daily. We manage chronic illnesses, including cancer, diabetes, and Lyme’s Disease, and conduct wellness exams and yearly check-ups. Regardless of your health status, we are committed to providing you with the highest quality of care. Our practice’s rich history also piques interest among our patients.

Health+Plus first opened its doors in September 1978 under the guidance of yours truly, Dr. David Clark. My decades of experience in holistic medicine ensure our practice is grounded in deep medical knowledge coupled with the understanding of whole-body wellness.

Our Family Nurse Practitioner, Melissa Abramovitz APRN/FNP-BC, firmly believes in the fundamental principles of functional, integrative, and holistic medicine. She leverages these foundations in her practice to provide comprehensive care for all our patients.

Speaking of holistic medicine, what does it really mean? Simply put, holistic medicine is all about seeing the body as an interconnected system rather than focusing solely on isolated symptoms. Our philosophy at Health+Plus is founded on this holistic approach. As such, we conduct comprehensive physical exams and extensive blood panels during your first visit, ensuring we gain a thorough understanding of your health status.

Lastly, many patients wonder about the duration and number of treatments required. After your initial examination, we’ll provide a tailored treatment plan based on your laboratory and examination findings. This personalized plan outlines recommended treatments and the optimal timeframe to complete them, providing you with a clear roadmap to improved health.

We hope that this To Your Health blog post has answered some of your questions and provided more insights into our holistic medicine approach at Health+Plus. Don’t forget we have numerous articles on this blog for you to peruse at your convenience.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 816-625-4497 or visit our contact page if you have any more queries or if you’d like to schedule a consultation. We’re looking forward to joining you on your journey to balanced health and wellbeing.