Metabolic Health

Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson discusses the importance of correlating lab values with symptoms in order to identify the root cause of health issues. Lab tests can reveal imbalances in the body that may not directly cause symptoms, so understanding how these lab values relate to symptoms is crucial. Sometimes, lab values that are out of range can perfectly correlate with a symptom, providing a clear answer. However, even if lab values appear normal from a reference range standpoint, there may still be imbalances that contribute to symptoms when analyzed from an optimal perspective. Additionally, sometimes symptoms persist even when lab values are within the optimal range, indicating the need to investigate why hormones or nutrients are not properly entering the cells.

The blog post emphasizes that lab values are not the sole indicator of health and should be considered alongside symptoms and an overall assessment of the individual. Some lab values may need to be addressed regardless of symptoms, as they might be silently trending toward disease. On the other hand, certain lab values that are within range may not require immediate attention if symptoms are absent. Taking a holistic approach that includes nourishment, exercise, sleep, stress management, and toxin reduction is crucial. Treatment plans may also involve nutritional supplements or medications based on individual needs. Ultimately, the totality of an individual's health needs to be considered to help them achieve optimal well-being.

In this episode of the Millennial Housewife podcast, Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson shares her fascinating journey from being a forensic scientist to transitioning into the field of Holistic Health. She also discusses the importance of gut health and various nutrition plans. Andrea emphasizes the significance of functional testing, the impact of past traumas on our health, and why digestion is the foundation of healing for all illnesses. She offers valuable advice for getting started on a health journey, highlighting the benefits of working with a practitioner to expedite progress safely. Tune in to this engaging episode to learn more about holistic health and Andrea's insights.

Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson highlights that generic health books may not provide the personalized solutions we need. These books often offer one-size-fits-all approaches, which rarely work because they don't take into account our unique needs and circumstances. Moreover, without support, accountability, and strategies to keep us motivated, it can be challenging to implement the solutions correctly and achieve our health goals.

According to Nicholson, a more effective approach is to work with a practitioner who can create a tailored plan specific to our needs, preferences, and health challenges. This one-on-one support helps us achieve results faster, as the practitioner assists in identifying imbalances and deficiencies in our body through detailed assessments and functional testing. The personalized protocol addresses various aspects of our health, such as diet, lifestyle, sleep, stress, necessary supplements, and toxin removal, with the goal of developing sustainable habits.

To get lasting results and find a real solution to our health problems, Nicholson encourages us to invest in a comprehensive solution designed uniquely for us. By combining multiple modalities and resources, providing ongoing communication, and offering support and accountability throughout the journey, a targeted approach can be taken to accomplish our specific health goals.

Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson shares the importance of metabolic health in brain function.  Insulin receptors in every cell, including those in the brain, play a crucial role in cognitive abilities, appetite control, and learning and memory. However, prolonged insulin resistance in the brain can lead to structural and functional changes, increasing the risk of degenerative brain diseases like dementia and Parkinson's.

Insulin resistance has been found to have a strong connection to various forms of dementia, with Alzheimer's now being referred to as type 3 diabetes. Moreover, insulin resistance is also associated with Parkinson's disease and an increased risk of migraines. Addressing insulin resistance and achieving metabolic flexibility, where the body can efficiently switch between burning glucose and fat for energy, is the key to improving brain health. This can be achieved by reducing carbohydrate intake, eating real meals, and practicing mindful eating.

Overall, metabolic flexibility is crucial for optimal brain health and can lead to benefits such as improved memory, mental clarity, sustained energy, and weight management. Building metabolic flexibility takes time and effort, but the results are well worth it. Reducing carbohydrate intake, avoiding snacking, and listening to the body's hunger cues are important steps in achieving metabolic flexibility and improving overall health.

Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson discusses the impact of metabolic health and hormones on conditions like PCOS and erectile dysfunction. She explains that insulin plays a crucial role in reproduction and that both too much and too little insulin can cause problems, including infertility. Insulin resistance in women during pregnancy can lead to gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, while insulin resistance in men and women can contribute to PCOS, the leading cause of infertility in women.

Nicholson also explains how insulin resistance affects hormone balance in both men and women. In women, insulin blocks the aromatase enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to estrogen, resulting in high testosterone levels and low estrogen levels. This can cause menstrual irregularities, ovulation problems, and a range of other symptoms associated with PCOS. In men, insulin resistance can lead to low testosterone levels, impaired sperm production, and erectile dysfunction. Maintaining metabolic health and addressing insulin resistance can help rebalance hormones and address these issues.

In the next blog post, Nicholson will delve into the connection between insulin resistance and brain health, including migraines.