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Uterine Fibroids: Ants at the Picnic
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.
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!
You’re Welcome, Annie!
Embracing Autumn: Tips from Health+Plus to Keep You Healthy
Embracing Autumn: Tips from Health+Plus to Keep You Healthy
The air is getting cooler, the scent of burning firewood is in the air, and those vivid hues of amber, rust, and gold are taking over our beloved Missouri trees. Yes, autumn is knocking on our door, and here at Health+Plus we’re eager to ensure that your health remains at its peak during this transitional season.
Gear Up for Flu Season
Flu and fall are, unfortunately, frequent companions. Stay ahead of the curve. One way is to pay close attention to your hygiene habits. Our hands are our primary contact with the world. Ensure they’re clean! While sanitizers are effective, a good wash with soap is your best bet.
Beware the Allergens
While autumn leaves are a treat for the eyes, they’re not always friendly to our noses:
– Stay Updated: Monitor local pollen counts. We’ll also be posting regular updates on our clinic’s social media channels.
– Home Sweet (Clean) Home: Regularly clean and dust your home, invest in good-quality air purifiers, and limit open windows during high pollen times.
Loving Your Skin in the Fall
As the moisture in the air decreases, your skin might feel the pinch:
– Upgrade Your Moisturizers: The lotions that worked in summer may not cut it now. Consider richer creams or ointments.
– Don’t Skip the Sunscreen: Clouds don’t block all UV rays. Ensure your skin is protected even on overcast days.
Keep the Energy Up!
Cooler weather can tempt us to hibernate, but let’s stay active:
– Embrace the Season. From enjoying the colors at the park to participating in local fall-themed runs and events, there’s so much to do!
Nurture Your Mental Health
The diminishing daylight can sometimes cast a shadow on our spirits:
– Community Gatherings: From our annual Fall Festivals to smaller events, stay connected with your community.
– Seek Support: If you or someone you know feels affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or just the changing seasons, reach out. Our team at Health+Plus is here to help.
Savor the Fall Harvest
The earth is generous this time of year:
– Visit the local Farmers’ Market: Stock up on seasonal produce like pumpkins, squash, and apples.
– Warm Meals: Shift from cool summer dishes to warm, nourishing meals. If you need recipe ideas, we’ll be sharing some on our website soon!
Wrapping Up the Season with Health+Plus
As we all wrap ourselves in cozy blankets and look forward to the festivities, let’s also wrap up our health routines. Join us in celebrating autumn with health, wellness, and the warmth of our Health+Plus spirit. Here’s to a wonderful fall season!
Learn more about ways we can help you 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 Kind of Protein Should You Eat?
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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.
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!
Kind Words from Our Patients!
Kind Words from Our Patients!
Why Intravenous Vitamin Therapy?
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.
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.