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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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy: Is it Right for You?
As we age, hormone levels begin to decline. This is accelerated by stress, poor diet, and environmental toxins. Hormone imbalances can begin at any age. Common effects of low hormone production or hormone imbalances include difficult weight loss, insomnia, fatigue, poor concentration, memory loss, attention deficit, low libido, difficulty with erections, immune problems, joint swelling, increased cardiovascular risk, PMS, menstrual problems, difficult pregnancy, loss of strength, and accelerated aging.
Bio-identical hormones are safe to use over the long term when recommended according to your individual needs. They are used to replace hormones that your body no longer makes enough of.
The providers at Health+Plus recommend bio-identical topical hormones to help replenish deficiencies and restore balance. We’ll also recommend dietary and lifestyle improvements to help you feel your best.
Check out this video with our own Dr. David Clark to learn more.
Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy may be exactly what you need to enhance vitality and feel your best. If you are interested in learning more, call 816-625-4497 or use our contact page. We would love to meet you!
Let’s Talk Terminology
What is a naturopath? Just what is functional medicine? Natural medicine? What is holistic medicine? Dr. Clark tells all in this video!
If you are interested in learning more or you want to schedule your wellness screening, call 816-625-4497 or use our contact page. We would love to meet you and see what we can do to help.
Aren’t We All the Same? A Deeper Dive into Health Disparities
Aren’t We All the Same? A Deeper Dive into Health Disparities
The term ‘racism’ is an unfortunate staple of our daily vocabulary. It denotes a form of prejudice and discrimination that society actively strives to combat and eradicate – a pursuit as necessary as it is noble.
While it’s crucial to treat everyone with equal respect and dignity, irrespective of their racial or ethnic backgrounds, it’s equally important to acknowledge the health disparities that exist between different racial and ethnic groups. However, these disparities aren’t simply down to biology – socio-economic factors, lifestyle choices, and systemic barriers to healthcare play significant roles too.
For example, studies have indicated that postmenopausal Caucasian women have a higher risk of developing osteopenia and osteoporosis compared to men of the same racial background or women from other racial and ethnic groups. But remember, this doesn’t mean every Caucasian woman will face this issue – personal health history and lifestyle also matter.
Similarly, atrial fibrillation (A-Fib), a heart condition, is more common among Caucasian men than in women or men of other racial and ethnic groups. However, this is not just a matter of genetics – other factors like socio-economic status, stress levels, and access to quality healthcare are all involved.
Let’s look at diabetes, a condition with a notably higher prevalence in certain populations such as African Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Indigenous Americans. While there’s a genetic component to this, it’s just one part of the story. A range of social and environmental factors – including diet, physical activity levels, access to healthcare, and socio-economic status – all significantly contribute to this heightened risk.
The key takeaway here isn’t to stereotype or make assumptions based on an individual’s race or ethnicity, but rather to understand the multi-faceted nature of these health disparities. We should strive to recognize and address the interplay of genetic, social, and environmental factors that result in these health disparities, aiming to provide personalized, effective care for everyone.
Healthcare must always be personalized and consider a patient’s unique health history, lifestyle, and needs. An individual’s race or ethnicity can be a part of this personalized approach, but it is just one factor among many.
At the end of the day, our goal here at Health+Plus Clinic is to guide everyone towards optimal health – and understanding the complexities as discussed here is an integral part of that journey.
Interested in learning more about natural health options we offer at Health+Plus Clinic in the Kansas City area? Call 816-625-4497 or visit our contact page. We would love to meet you and help you take your first step towards better health!