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Tag Archives: natural medicine
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.
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.
Embracing Functional Medicine: A Journey Towards Balanced Health at Health+Plus
Embracing Functional Medicine: A Journey Towards Balanced Health at Health+Plus
By Dr. David B. Clark DABCI, NMD, DC
In the dynamic sphere of healthcare, the term ‘Functional Medicine’ has been gaining prominence, signaling a transition from a disease-centric to a more individual-centric approach. This was a term I was unfamiliar with, even after my 40-plus years of practicing holistic medicine, until a recent conference populated by leading practitioners of holistic (or alternative) medicine.
During the conference, an intriguing discussion with a colleague led her to ask if my practice embraced ‘functional medicine.’ Unacquainted with the term, my response was honest yet curious, “I don’t know whether I do or not. What is it?” She urged me to describe my patient care approach, and upon hearing my description, she beamed at me and said, “That’s Functional Medicine!”
This revelation was enlightening. Although the term ‘Functional Medicine’ was novel, the concept was something I had incorporated into my practice for over four decades. This underscored the evolving healthcare landscape transitioning from a symptom-suppressing model to a more holistic, preventive approach.
In stark contrast to ‘mainstream’ medicine, which primarily focuses on diagnosing diseases and suppressing symptoms, functional medicine endeavors to detect an organ or body system’s imbalance or malfunction before it morphs into a severe disease. The ethos of functional medicine hinges on the commitment to restoring the body’s normal function and arresting any potential health deterioration.
At Health+Plus, we are staunch advocates of the functional medicine approach. We use various methods to evaluate organ function, primarily through laboratory biomarkers derived from blood and urine tests. These tests act as an invaluable tool, enabling us to compare your results with physiological normal ranges. Any deviation from these healthy ranges signals a malfunction. Upon detection, we tailor treatments and lifestyle recommendations aimed at helping your body regain normal function.
Our focus on restoring normal function and addressing deficiencies forms the backbone of our preventive healthcare approach. By identifying and addressing conditions like fatty liver disease or pre-diabetes early, we can prevent the development of full-blown diabetes, offering a robust, effective, and proactive healthcare solution.
At its core, ‘Functional Medicine’ encapsulates the essence of holistic medical practices. It stands as a beacon of hope for a healthier future where healthcare extends beyond mere disease management to nurturing an environment conducive to optimal health. As practitioners of functional medicine, we at Health+Plus eagerly await guiding you towards balanced health and wellbeing.
Consider this my personal invitation for you to make an appointment and meet us at Health+Plus. Our devoted team is committed to helping individuals lead their best lives in the most robust state of health possible. Reach us at 816-625-4497 or visit our contact page.
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.
Empowering Patient Advocacy: A Commitment to Genuine Care at Health+Plus
Empowering Patient Advocacy: A Commitment to Genuine Care at Health+Plus
In the world of healthcare, it is disheartening to learn that many women have felt their symptoms were disregarded or dismissed as “imaginary” by their physicians. In fact, a 2022 survey indicated that 71% of women said that a physician had told them that their symptoms were imagined.
This is also known as gaslighting. Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation in which one person attempts to sow self-doubt and confusion in another person’s mind. In medicine this includes not taking the patient’s concerns seriously, or even determining that the patient is ‘only imagining’ their symptoms.
To be blunt: it has no place in medicine.
At Health+Plus, located in Oak Grove, Missouri, we are committed to providing an environment where your concerns are heard and respected. As holistic medicine providers, we believe in empowering our patients and fostering a genuine partnership in your healthcare journey.
Listening with Genuine Concern
Our care team approach patient consultations with deep empathy and genuine concern. We acknowledge the validity of your symptoms and take the time to review and understand the discomfort you’re experiencing. Your voice matters, and we are here to listen.
Comprehensive Evaluations
When you become a new patient at Health+Plus, we embark on a comprehensive evaluation process to uncover the root causes of your health challenges. We go beyond the norm, conducting an array of urine and blood tests, lung function tests, EKG, and other assessments. Our commitment to examining the whole person ensures that no potential abnormalities are overlooked.
Addressing Multiple Factors
We understand that health issues can stem from a variety of factors, and we leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of understanding. An individual’s health problems may have various underlying causes, such as circulation issues, deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, chronic infections, physical and mental stresses, or harmful lifestyle choices. At Health+Plus, we address what we find and provide tailored recommendations aimed at improving your well-being.
Taking Patients Seriously
While we cannot guarantee success in every case, we want you to know that we always take our patients seriously. We value your trust and strive to create a safe space where you can openly share your concerns. Our commitment to your well-being extends beyond simply treating your symptoms; we aim to understand the complexities of your health and work collaboratively to find the best possible solutions.
Here to Listen and Help
At Health+Plus, we firmly reject gaslighting and prioritize the respectful and compassionate care of our patients. We invite you to experience the difference of a healthcare practice that listens, understands, and empowers. Together, we can navigate the complexities of your health challenges and embark on a holistic journey towards optimal well-being.
Call 816-625-4497 or use our contact page. Trust us to be your partners in health, where your concerns are heard, and your experiences are validated.
Health+Plus is not an emergency medical facility. If you are having sudden intense symptoms go to a hospital, urgent care center, or call 911.