Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson discusses the topic of leptin resistance and its impact on weight loss. Leptin is a hormone that controls appetite and energy expenditure, but when the body becomes resistant to its effects, weight gain and difficulty in losing weight can occur. Leptin resistance can be caused by factors such as high body fat percentage, insulin resistance, and inflammation.
To improve leptin sensitivity and aid in weight loss, Nicholson suggests a few strategies. Lowering insulin levels through a healthy diet and regular exercise can be beneficial. Inflammation can also be reduced by balancing blood sugar, consuming high-quality foods, improving gut health, and maintaining a balanced exercise routine. Additionally, reducing overall body fat through physical activity can help improve leptin sensitivity and decrease inflammation.
Overall, improving leptin sensitivity requires a holistic approach that includes a healthy diet, exercise, stress reduction, and quality sleep. By addressing these factors, individuals can improve their chances of successful weight loss and overall well-being.
Read more...Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson highlights the misleading nature of symptoms when it comes to our health. Symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, weight gain, and digestive problems, may not always indicate the true root cause of the issue. Focusing solely on treating the symptoms without addressing the underlying imbalance can lead to temporary relief or even make the problem worse in the long run. Nicholson emphasizes the importance of taking a holistic approach to health, considering all aspects of an individual's life and working with a holistic health practitioner to explore options beyond traditional medicine for lasting relief.
Read more...Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson highlights the importance of quality when it comes to selecting dietary supplements. With the supplement industry being largely unregulated, it is crucial to ensure safety, effectiveness, and accurate labeling. Nicholson emphasizes the need to buy from reputable, certified, and independently tested manufacturers.
Supplements are not just limited to vitamins, but also include herbs, antimicrobials, minerals, anti-inflammatories, amino acids, enzymes, and more. They come in various forms, such as capsules, tablets, liquids, powders, and teas. However, the history of the supplement industry reveals shady practices and a lack of compliance with regulations.
To find quality supplements, Nicholson recommends using trusted suppliers that are transparent about their values, testing procedures, certifications, and industry research. It is also advisable to rely on products recommended by healthcare professionals and look for third-party certifications like gluten-free, Non-GMO, and organic. Using a reputable online dispensary with high standards for the products they sell is also suggested. Nicholson stresses that purchasing pharmaceutical-grade products from qualified healthcare professionals is essential due to the safety concerns and manufacturing issues prevalent in the industry.
Read more...Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson explores the limitations of health insurance when it comes to holistic healthcare. Andrea explains that insurance companies are primarily focused on making money and paying out as little as possible, rather than prioritizing the overall health of individuals. She points out that while conventional healthcare excels in critical care and acute illness, it falls short in preventing and managing chronic diseases.
Nicholson argues that individuals should take more responsibility for their own health, and that healthcare should focus on a holistic approach that considers mind, body, and spirit through lifestyle and nutrition. However, insurance policies typically only cover treatments after a crisis or illness has already occurred, rather than preventative and maintenance care. Nicholson discusses the benefits of holistic care and the importance of being proactive in maintaining health.
While holistic care can be expensive, Nicholson suggests that strategically spending money on functional testing, quality foods, supplements, lifestyle practices, and health technology can ultimately save individuals thousands of dollars in medical costs over the long term. She also notes that paying directly for certain services can often be cheaper than going through insurance. Nicholson concludes by emphasizing the need for personalized care and a shift in the healthcare system toward prioritizing overall health and wellness.
Read more...In this blog post, Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson explores the concept of adrenal health and HPA axis dysfunction. The term "adrenal fatigue" has been used to describe fatigue and exhaustion caused by cortisol imbalance from chronic stress. However, research has shown that this issue involves more than just the adrenal glands and doesn't always cause fatigue or exhaustion.
The HPA axis refers to the interaction between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands. This axis regulates energy and stress levels, metabolism, and immune response. Imbalances in these systems can lead to various symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain or loss, poor sleep quality, difficulty handling stress, and more.
Fortunately, HPA axis dysfunction is reversible with lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and appropriate supplementation. Strategies such as reducing stress levels, practicing yoga or meditation, prioritizing sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, and engaging in exercise can help improve adrenal health. Additionally, adaptogenic herbs can counteract the effects of stress on the body. It's important to work with a practitioner to select the right adaptogen for individual needs. Functional testing can also provide insight into the root causes of HPA axis dysfunction for targeted treatment.
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