Pediatric Spotlight: Chronic Illness and immune Function in Children with Bioenergetic Practitioner Cristina McMullen

Our very own Cristina McMullen was recently interviewed by Julie Miles of Beauty for Broken Life Coaching. In addition to being a caring and compassionate Patient Coordinator at Longevity, Julie works with women who desire to discover the broken rhythms in their lives and move forward to a beautiful transition to whole health: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. 

Cristina sat down with Julie for a Pediatric Spotlight Session, discussing chronic illness and immune dysfunction in children, and what we can do to support their wellness during these formative years.

As a mom to 4 children, and a practitioner seeing children for nearly two decades, Cristina has so much knowledge and wisdom to share on the topic of kids’ health. 

Be sure to tune in for this great conversation! 

Watch on YouTube Now! 

Detox, Acupuncture, and Holistic Health with Dr. Alice Honican

Our very own Dr. Alice Honican was recently featured on The Midlife Makeover Show with Wendy Valentine. During this great conversation, Dr. Honican shared her journey into the world of natural medicine and how her upbringing influenced her career path. She explained the principles behind acupuncture, a practice she specializes in, and how it helps balance the body’s energy to promote healing.

According to Dr. Honican, any imbalance in the body is due to an imbalance of energy or “qi,” which can be caused by emotional stress, poor diet, trauma, or genetic issues.

One of the most fascinating aspects of this discussion was the concept of bioenergetic testing. Dr. Honican described how this advanced technique can identify underlying causes of symptoms by tapping into the body’s electrical circuits. This method allows her to pinpoint issues such as toxicity, food sensitivities, or infections, enabling them to provide targeted treatments.

Dr. Honican also emphasized the importance of addressing emotional stress, particularly for women in midlife. She explained how chronic stress can impact the body’s organs and contribute to various health issues. By managing stress and supporting the body’s pathways of elimination, individuals can improve their overall well-being and navigate midlife transitions more smoothly.

Throughout the episode, host Wendy shared her personal experiences with Lyme disease, black mold toxicity, and the transformative power of natural therapies. Her journey of healing through acupuncture and other holistic treatments resonated deeply with Dr. Honican’s insights.

If you’re interested in learning more about how natural therapies can help you live a healthier, more vibrant life, this episode is a must-listen. Dr. Honican’s expertise and compassionate approach provide valuable guidance for anyone seeking to improve their health through naturopathy and traditional Chinese medicine.

You don’t want to miss this great conversation!

 

Tune in on Apple Podcasts                  Listen on Spotify               Listen on YouTube

 

Delicious, Low-Glycemic Recipe Inspiration for Your Holiday Table 

By Carrie Rutledge, Nutrition Therapist Master, Patient Coordinator 

 

Add These Healthy Dishes to Your Holiday Spread!

Are you looking for a little healthy recipe inspiration? Today I’m sharing recipes for Gluten-Free Root Vegetable Stuffing, Sweet Potato Mash,  a Thanksgiving Salad, and a Satisfying Sweet Treat. 

 

Whether there are family members with food intolerances, chronic health issues,  or those just looking to eat whole and healthy, it’s always nice to have a few nutritious and gluten-free options as part of the holiday table spread. But don’t worry, these dishes don’t skimp on flavor and yumminess! 

 

Root Vegetable Stuffing

This dish is low-glycemic, nutrient-dense and can be made gluten-free. Play around with this recipe to make it your own! 

 

Croutons (optional)

 

Ingredients:

You can use gluten-free bread, such as Base Culture or Canyon Bakery. If using store bought bread, Eziekiel is best. I prefer organic homemade sourdough from our local bakery.

 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F 
  • Cut the bread into 1/4 inch chunks.
  • Spread the bread chunks across a large baking tray and drizzle Pasture raised butter/ghee or olive oil over the top. Toss the bread to coat and then season with herbs, salt and garlic powder if using.
  • Make sure not to crowd the bread, and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden. About halfway through cooking take the croutons out of the oven to gently mix and flip over to get an even cook.
  • When done cooking, remove from the oven, and let cool slightly. Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks and enjoy.

 

Stuffing

  • 3 lbs turnips (cut into 1/2 inch cubes)
  • 3 sweet potatoes (cut into 1/2 inch cubes)
  • 3 carrots
  • 3 parsnips
  • 1 TBSP garlic powder
  • 1 TBSP dried sage
  • 1 tsp rosemary
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 3 large onions (finely diced)
  • 5 stalks celery (finely diced)
  • 1 apple (peeled and diced)
  • 1⁄4 cup tallow (or coconut oil, optional)

 

Instructions: 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  • Grease 2 large baking sheets with butter/ghee or olive oil and evenly spread the turnips and sweet potatoes on them.
  • In a small bowl combine all the seasonings and spices. Sprinkle about half of the spice mix onto the veggies and toss until coated. Put into the oven and roast for about an hour until they’re soft and starting to turn golden brown, tossing a few times to brown evenly.  Add the onion and celery to the skillet and saute with chicken, duck or turkey tallow.
  • Once the onion and celery have started to soften, add the apple to the skillet and continue cooking until they’re all cooked. Remove from heat.
  • Once turnips, sweet potatoes, carrots and parsnips are done, mix with the onion/celery/apple/mixture and continue mixing until well incorporated and starting to clump together. (Add croutons if using)
  • Transfer to a greased 9×13 baking dish and warm in the oven if serving immediately or put in the refrigerator, covered, if using later.

 

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

 

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled & cut into 2′′ chunks
  • 2 tablespoons of pastured butter
  • 1/2 cup raw milk or coconut milk (dairy free)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon sprigs fresh thyme

 

Instructions:

  • Place sweet potatoes in a large saucepan over high heat and cover generously with

boiling water. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium and cook uncovered until the sweet potatoes are fork tender, about 15-20 minutes.

  • Drain the sweet potatoes and return to the saucepan. Add the milk, butter, salt, pepper and

cinnamon, mash with a potato masher to desired consistency.

  • Serve warm and garnish with thyme leaves.

 

**Substitutions and additions:

  • For creamier potatoes you can add one organic Russet potato
  • For a cheesy twist you can add parmesan or gruyere
  • Spice it up with some pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg or brown butter

 

Beautiful Thanksgiving Salad

 

Salad Ingredients:

  • 7 cups mixed organic spring greens, kale, spinach or arugula
  • 1 1/2 cups sliced apples I prefer Pink Lady or Honeycrisp
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 1/2 cup high quality blue cheese crumbled
  • 1/2 cup candied pecans coarsely chopped

 

Dressing Ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic and 1 shallot minced
  • salt and pepper to taste

 

Organic Fresh Berries with Homemade Whipped Cream

 

Ingredients: 

  • 1 carton of organic strawberries
  • 1 carton of organic blueberries
  • 1 carton of organic blackberries
  • 1 carton of organic raspberries

 

Instructions:

Wash, chop, mix and store berries in a glass container.

 

Homemade Whipped Cream

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of pastured heavy cream
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 Tablespoons coconut sugar

 

Instructions: 

  • Mix all ingredients in a stand mixer on medium high speed for 3-4 minutes.
  • Use immediately or store in the refrigerator for 24 hours.

 

A Holistic Approach to Cracking the Hormones Code with Longevity’s Bioenergetic Practitioner, Maria Jones-Sasso

Our very own Bioenergetic Practitioner Maria Jones-Sasso was recently interviewed by Julie Miles of Beauty for Broken Life Coaching. In addition to being a caring and compassionate Patient Coordinator at Longevity, Julie works with women who desire to discover the broken rhythms in their lives and move forward to a beautiful transition to whole health: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. 

Maria sat down with Julie for her Summer Wellness Series to discuss all things hormones during the midlife transition! They discuss perimenopause and menopause, as well as balancing hormones like cortisol and thyroid. They also explore the DUTCH test (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) as a comprehensive tool for understanding hormones and detoxification pathways. 

Sorting out hormonal balance can be an overwhelming puzzle for many women, especially during the perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause seasons. Longevity is here to provide help and holistic solutions through blood work, DUTCH hormone testing. 

At our practice, Maria reviews these tests, providing consultation, and helping our patients create a protocol tailored to their unique needs. We look forward to supporting your health with these enhanced diagnostic tools!

If you are interested in learning more about these new testing options or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact our office at 770-642-4646. Our team is here to answer any questions you may have and guide you through the process.

Be sure to tune in for this great conversation! 

Watch on YouTube Now! 

By Cristina McMullen, Bioenergetic Practitioner

One of the most exciting times in a woman’s life is when she decides that she wants to become a mom.  The thought of creating a tiny human that will call you mama stirs up so many emotions of joy, wonder, and excitement.  Unfortunately, all of the wonderful emotions surrounding pregnancy can quickly be met with those of worry and even fear.  

Any woman who has been at this crossroad in life before knows these fears all too well.  We want to get pregnant at the drop of a dime but fear about the rising rates of infertility.  Once pregnant, we want to be the perfect little host for our growing babies and are constantly worried about doing or not doing something that would negatively affect their health.  And then, once they are born, we quickly realize that these helpless little humans rely on us for everything and so many decisions can easily become daunting ones with the never ending fear of whether or not you will make the “right” decision for them.  

Whew!  It’s stressful and exhausting just writing this!  But it shouldn’t be this way!  All of our worries should never hold enough power to rob us of the incredible joy that comes with parenting!  Fortunately, we live in a time where science has uncovered so much about what a little baby’s body needs in order to develop into a healthy adult.  And as a Naturopath, one of my jobs is to teach my clients everything I know about these scientific discoveries.  Together, we can ease these mama fears with medical facts and take charge of what we can control while also learning how to pivot if and when need be. 

So grab some tea or coffee, find a comfy spot to sit, and let’s explore some of the things we can do here at Longevity to help support you, your husband, and your future babies in your journey to becoming a happy, healthy family.  

 

The Biggest Ounce of Prevention Starts Before Conception

When we think about the fact that life is formed by the combining of two cells that come from two other humans, it only makes sense that the health of that new life starts with the health of those two humans.  Whether you have underlying symptoms or health conditions you want to address or feel generally healthy, there is so much we can do to optimize your health before you conceive.  

Now, I know this is an exciting time in a couples’ life, but I always advise these couples to take anywhere from 3-6 months to really focus on their own health before even trying to conceive.  I know it may seem like a long time to some, but this “slow down phase” really optimizes our cellular health and improves fertility rates as well as both the short and long term health of our babies.  Plus, more energy is a common result of better overall health and you are going to need all the energy you can get once you are busy taking care of that little one.  So what do we need to be doing during these 3-6 months?  

 

Clean Up Your Diet

It is no secret that the standard American diet is not only void of our necessary nutrients but is also loaded with a slew of harmful chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, and emulsifiers.  This combination of nutritional deficiencies and toxic burdens can really wreak havoc on the health and integrity of our cells and completely disrupt our gut’s microbiome (something we will talk about in a minute because it plays a major role in the health of our babies).  And, no matter how hard someone might try, no amount of supplements is going to overcome a poor diet and lifestyle. This is why our first focus needs to be on cleaning up our diet.  

We need to remove the harmful processed foods while also increasing nutrient dense produce.  Simply avoiding the aisles of the grocery store as much as possible and focusing on the perimeter of the store is a great way to start.  Reading labels of the packaged items you do buy will allow you to avoid ingredients like pro-inflammatory seeds oils and hydrogenated oils, as well as emulsifiers and preservatives.  Buying organic produce as much as possible, or at least learning about the “dirty dozen” and making sure those produce items you buy are organic will significantly reduce your exposure to pesticides and herbicides in your food.  

If you feel like you need an extra helping hand as you navigate through some dietary changes, scheduling a nutritional consultation with Carrie Rutledge here at Longevity would be a fantastic idea. She can walk you through how to easily make some changes that will truly set you up for success!

 

Focus on Lifestyle Factors

Aside from the types of foods we are putting into our bodies, the environment around us and how we live in it is the next thing that has the biggest impact on our overall health.  So, while we are cleaning out our diets we also have to look to see how we can clean up our environment and balance our lifestyle.  

Some of the obvious factors include our quality and quantity of sleep, our activity levels, and our overall stress levels. We have all heard time and time again how important it is to get enough restful sleep at night and how exercise helps improve metabolic health and overall immune function.  We have also heard of one if not multiple couples who were so stressed out trying to conceive and it wasn’t until they gave up and went on a relaxing vacation that they finally got pregnant.  

So, while we all innately know better, the time leading up to conception is when you really want to prioritize sleep, movement, and ways to decrease overall stress levels.  I know first hand, though, that this is so much easier said than done.  Life has a way of “getting the best of us” when we want or need things to be as uneventful as possible.  This is where some herbal and nutritional supplements can be very helpful in allowing our bodies to wind down, get out of fight or flight, and allow our bodies to get into a more restful, parasympathetic state of functioning. 

Other, less common environmental factors people tend to forget about but still have a huge impact on the overall health of our bodies include the toxicity of personal body care products and the air quality in our homes and work environment.  Our skin is our largest organ and absorbs every single thing that we put on it.  This includes shampoos, conditioners, lotions, deodorants, makeup, and hand sanitizers to name a few.  We want to reduce the level of toxins we are putting on our skin because so many of them are endocrine disruptors and can impact fertility rates by throwing off our own body’s hormones.  

Toxins in our air also easily make their way into our bodies by the simple act of breathing and things like mold can wreak havoc on every single cell in our bodies.  You also do not want to bring your newborn baby home into a moldy environment so navigating through any mold remediation before your baby begins growing both inside the womb or in their new home is going to prevent a lot of stress on everyone involved.  

 

Get On An Individualized Detox Protocol

While we are cleaning up our diet and lifestyle to prevent the accumulation of more toxins into the body, we also want to discover what underlying pathogens and toxins we might already be dealing with that need some help getting eliminated.  This is where setting up an appointment with one of our bioenergetic practitioners is going to be extremely beneficial.  Yes, there are dozens upon dozens of detox programs on the market, but detoxing is not a one size fits all and many of the programs out there overlook the fact that many people’s detoxification pathways are blocked and end up causing more harm than good.  

This is why no two Longevity patients are ever put on the same detox protocol.  Instead, each person’s unique toxic load is discovered during an evaluation along with uncovering which organs and systems need to be supported so that the toxins can actually be removed from the body.  This information then helps guide each practitioner towards a unique blend of supplements that will allow each person to detox without causing more cellular damage than there already may be.  

This step is unfortunately what can take the longest amount of time to complete but is such a vital step before conceiving.  This is because both mom and dad run the risk of transferring some of their toxic burdens on to their offspring.  And, even though this isn’t completely unavoidable, I know we all would like to minimize this as much as possible.  It definitely reduces or even eliminates much of the need for our kiddos to have to go through a rigorous detox program at young ages. 

 

Heal Your Gut And Balance Your Microbiome

Our GI tracts and microbiomes are hot topics these days, and for good reason.  So much of our overall health seems to stem back to the health of our guts.  This is also why gut health is such an important part in every single one of our detox protocols.  But what does mom and dad’s gut health have to do with the baby?  You might not initially think very much but emerging science is showing that it might actually have the biggest impact on your baby’s health.  Mom’s microbiome in particular is going to play an extremely important role in the immune development of baby during pregnancy, delivery, and in infancy and is why we really need to get our guts happy and healthy before conceiving. 

 

The Importance of Mama’s Microbiome

I know 3-6 months of working on your own health can feel like quite a journey, but once this time has passed and you have been given the green light to start trying, you should quickly see the fruits of your labor in an easy conception.  Yay, you’re pregnant!!!  But now what?  This little one still has to grow in utero for 9 months before making his or her debut into this world.  And contrary to original belief, the uterus is not a sterile environment that protects a baby from the outside toxic world.  

This is why the health of the expectant mama needs to be the center of attention.  No, we do not want to put mama on any detox program during the time she is pregnant or even nursing, but we can impact the health and development of baby’s immune system by focusing on the health of mama’s microbiome.    

Believe it or not, microbe-mediated immune education begins during gestation!  That’s right!  While your precious little one is growing inside your uterus, it is getting messages from your gut and immune cells and learning what is good vs bad.  A healthy microbiome that sends healthy messages to the baby has been shown to prevent infant obesity and other metabolic issues, improve infant brain health, decrease infant eczema and allergies, and reduce the risk of autism. 

And it doesn’t stop there.  Mom’s microbiome has been shown to even modulate neurodevelopment in kids, so much so that it may even provide protection from neurological diseases later on in life!    

Thankfully so much of what mama was doing leading up to pregnancy will continue to support her microbiome during pregnancy.  Healthy fibers from fruits and vegetables will provide food for the good bacteria in her gut that she is either supporting through a probiotic supplement or fermented foods.  This will then ensure that the bacteria have what they need to produce short chain fatty acids like butyrate, which is a major component of breast milk and is currently being studied on its ability to reduce food allergies in little ones.  

What we want to be cautious about is upsetting the microbial balance in mama’s gut through things like antibiotics.  Granted, there are times when antibiotics are necessary, but those who do end up having to take antibiotics while pregnant really should follow up with one of our naturopaths to make sure we get the microbiome back to where it needs to be as fast as possible.  

 

Supporting Mama During Pregnancy

Every phase of pregnancy is different, and with that comes different nutritional needs and symptoms for mama.  During the pregnancy, we want to periodically check mama for nutritional deficiencies.  There may come times when she might need more iron, magnesium, or calcium to support her growing baby while also preventing common pregnancy symptoms like nausea, fatigue, muscle cramping, etc.  

Other therapies can be very relaxing and beneficial as well.  I don’t think I have ever heard an expectant mama turn down a prenatal massage and we have an absolutely amazing massage therapist!  Acupuncture can also really help with first trimester nausea as well as possible round ligament pain and discomfort towards the end of pregnancy.

 

Building Baby Up During their First 1000 Days

The importance of supporting your baby’s developing gut and immune system continues after they are born all the way up until things seem to become fully established by the time they are around 3 years old.  This is when they continue to learn and begin to differentiate between good and bad and are taking messages both from mama’s immunity in breast milk and from the environment around them.  

This is why mama’s health still needs to be at the forefront, but also the baby’s environment.  Gut health for both is front and center as is their exposure to environmental toxins and specific nutrient needs.  And, just like each phase of pregnancy takes on different needs and potential challenges, so does every phase in baby’s development.  

We absolutely love seeing babies and establishing care with them sooner than later.  This way we can come alongside parents during each growing phase, cold and flu season, and nutritional milestones to help ensure that we can build up the microbiome and immune system within these first three years as best as possible.  It also helps us keep track of moms to make sure they are adjusting well to parenting, getting the support they need, and that their body and hormones are adjusting during the postpartum phase.  

Understanding Progesterone, Estrogen, Testosterone, DHEA, Cortisol, and the Role of the DUTCH Test

By Maria Jones-Sasso, Bioenergetic Practitioner

 

Menopause is a natural phase of life that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. It typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, though it can vary widely. This transition, while universal, is uniquely experienced by each woman. Navigating hormones and menopause can be challenging, but understanding the changes and adopting strategies for managing them can help ease the journey.

 

Understanding Menopause

Menopause is defined as the point in time when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. It is preceded by perimenopause, a transitional period where hormonal fluctuations can cause various symptoms. This phase can start several years before menopause, often in a woman’s 40s.

This period is characterized by a decrease in the production of key hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, along with alterations in cortisol and DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) levels. Managing these hormonal shifts effectively can make a substantial difference in how a woman experiences menopause. As their levels decrease, women may experience a range of symptoms.

 

Understanding Hormonal Changes in Menopause

Estrogen: Estrogen, which plays a crucial role in regulating the menstrual cycle and maintaining bone density, drops significantly during menopause. This decline is associated with common symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Low estrogen levels can also contribute to osteoporosis and cardiovascular issues.

 Progesterone: Progesterone levels also decrease during menopause. This hormone helps regulate the menstrual cycle and supports the uterus. Lower levels of progesterone can lead to irregular periods and can exacerbate symptoms like mood swings and sleep disturbances.

Testosterone: Although testosterone is often associated with men, it is also important for women. During menopause, testosterone levels decline, which can affect libido, mood, and energy levels. While testosterone levels are not as pronounced as estrogen or progesterone, they still play a role in overall well-being.

DHEA: DHEA is a precursor hormone produced by the adrenal glands that can be converted into estrogen and testosterone. Its levels also decline with age, and this reduction can impact energy, mood, and overall vitality.

Cortisol: Known as the “stress hormone,” cortisol levels can become imbalanced during menopause. Chronic stress or adrenal fatigue can lead to elevated cortisol levels, which may exacerbate menopausal symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, and mood swings.

 

Common Symptoms of Menopause

  • Hot Flashes: Sudden feelings of intense heat, often accompanied by sweating and a flushed appearance.
  • Night Sweats: Hot flashes that occur during sleep, which can lead to disrupted sleep and fatigue.
  • Irregular Periods: Menstrual cycles may become erratic before they stop altogether.
  • Vaginal Dryness: Decreased estrogen can lead to dryness, which may cause discomfort during intercourse.
  •  Mood Changes: Hormonal fluctuations can contribute to mood swings, irritability, and even depression.
  • Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling or staying asleep can be common.
  • Memory and Concentration Issues: Some women report challenges with cognitive functions during this period.

Strategies for Managing Menopause Symptoms

Lifestyle Adjustments:

  • Diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help manage symptoms. Foods high in calcium and vitamin D are particularly beneficial for bone health.
  • Exercise: Regular physical activity can help reduce hot flashes, improve mood, and support overall health. Activities like walking, swimming, and yoga can be particularly effective.
  •  Stress Management: Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness can help manage stress and improve emotional well-being.

 

Medical Treatments:

  • Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): HRT can alleviate many menopause symptoms by replenishing estrogen levels. However, it’s important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with a healthcare provider.
  • Non-Hormonal Medications: For those who cannot or prefer not to use HRT, other medications, including certain antidepressants and blood pressure medications, may help manage symptoms.
  • Vaginal Estrogen: Local treatments such as vaginal estrogen can relieve dryness and discomfort without affecting the entire body.

 

Alternative Therapies:

  • Herbal Supplements: Some women find relief with herbal supplements like black cohosh, evening primrose oil, or soy isoflavones. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplements, as they can interact with other medications.
  •  Acupuncture: This traditional Chinese medicine technique has been shown to help with symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings in some women.

Navigating menopause can be challenging, but understanding how your hormones are fluctuating can be incredibly helpful. Remember, it’s not a one-size-fits-all experience. It is crucial to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop a personalized plan for managing symptoms. The DUTCH test, which stands for Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones, is one tool that some people use to get a detailed look at their hormone levels and how they are metabolizing those hormones. Here’s a basic overview of how the DUTCH test works and how it might help with hormone balancing during menopause:

 

What is the DUTCH Test?

Comprehensive Hormone Assessment: The DUTCH test measures levels of various hormones including estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol. It also provides insights into hormone metabolites, which can help you understand how your body is processing these hormones.

Dried Urine Samples: Instead of blood samples, the DUTCH test uses dried urine samples. You collect these samples at different times of the day to get a comprehensive view of your hormonal patterns.

Metabolites and Patterns: The test not only measures current hormone levels but also assesses how these hormones are metabolized. This can help identify imbalances or patterns that might be contributing to symptoms.

Insight into Stress and Adrenal Function: Given the role of cortisol in stress management, the DUTCH test also assesses adrenal function and cortisol patterns. This can be crucial for addressing symptoms related to chronic stress and adrenal fatigue.

 

How to Use the DUTCH Test During Menopause:

Identify Imbalances: The DUTCH test can help pinpoint imbalances in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. For example, during menopause, estrogen levels typically decrease, but the DUTCH test can provide more detailed information on how this drop is affecting your body.

Assess Metabolism: Understanding how your body metabolizes hormones can be crucial. For instance, certain estrogen metabolites can be more problematic than others. The DUTCH test can help identify if you need to focus on detoxifying specific types of estrogen.

Customized Treatment: Based on the results, your healthcare provider might recommend personalized hormone replacement therapy (HRT), dietary changes, or lifestyle modifications. This can help target specific symptoms you’re experiencing, such as hot flashes, mood swings, or fatigue.

Monitor Progress: The DUTCH test can be used periodically to monitor how well your hormone balance is improving with any interventions you’re undertaking. It’s a way to see if your treatment plan is effective or if adjustments are needed.

 

Next Steps to Take:

Consult a Healthcare Provider: Before deciding on the DUTCH test, discuss it with a healthcare provider who is familiar with menopause and hormone testing. They can help you understand if this test is right for you and interpret the results in the context of your overall health.

Prepare for the Test: Follow any preparation instructions provided with the DUTCH test kit. This may involve specific timing for urine collection and avoiding certain foods or medications.

Review Results with Your Provider: Once you have the results, review them with your healthcare provider to develop a plan for managing your symptoms based on the findings.

Adjust as Needed: Be prepared to make adjustments to your treatment or lifestyle based on what the DUTCH test reveals. Hormone balancing is often an iterative process.

 

Menopause is a unique experience for everyone, and a personalized approach can make a significant difference in managing symptoms and improving quality of life. The DUTCH test is just one of many tools that can provide valuable insights in this journey.

By staying informed, seeking appropriate treatment, and embracing a holistic approach to health, women can navigate menopause with confidence and maintain a high quality of life during this transformative phase.

The Benefits of Brain Mapping and Neurofeedback Therapy with Longevity’s Naturopathic Practitioner, Anna Powers 

Our very own Anna Powers was recently interviewed by Julie Miles of Beauty for Broken Life Coaching. In addition to being a caring and compassionate Patient Coordinator at Longevity, Julie works with women who desire to discover the broken rhythms in their lives and move forward to a beautiful transition to whole health: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. 

Anna sat down with Julie for her Summer Wellness Series to discuss the many benefits of Brain Mapping and NeuroFeedback for our minds, bodies, and spirits. Brain Mapping, also known as Quantitative Electroencephalogram (qEEG), measures electrical activity in the form of brainwave patterns, showing us how brain cells are communicating and helping us create NeuroFeedback protocol specific to the brain’s needs. It can benefit those with mental and cognitive health issues such as ADHD, anxiety, headaches/migraines, sleep issues, and more. 

Anna uses her experience and expertise to advise and walk alongside both our adult and children clients at Longevity as they go through their detox and healing journeys

Be sure to tune in for this great conversation! 

 Mold and Mycotoxins with Certified Naturopath, Janelle Bertler

Our very own Janelle Bertler was recently interviewed by Julie Miles of Beauty for Broken Life Coaching. In addition to being a caring and compassionate Patient Coordinator at Longevity, Julie works with women who desire to discover the broken rhythms in their lives and move forward to a beautiful transition to whole health: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. 

Janelle sat down with Julie for her Summer Wellness Series to discuss mold and mycotoxin toxicity, how we get exposed to it, and how it can impact our health. You’ll get to hear Janelle’s own story of mold illness and how she recovered, as well as steps to aid in your own recovery. 

Today Janelle uses her firsthand experience to advise and walk alongside our clients at Longevity as they go through their own healing journeys. 

Be sure to tune in for this great conversation! 

By Dr. Alice Honican, Licensed Acupuncturist, Bio-Energetic Practitioner

 

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a system of natural health care that encourages the body toward homeostasis by observing and following the natural forces of the universe. The aim of TCM is for the harmony of the whole, for which this intricate system was developed over 4,000 years ago. 

 

Western Medicine tends to not look at the whole, but rather isolate a single causative factor for disease. When I was in Acupuncture school in the year 2000, I took a course called “The Treatment of Orthopedic Disorders.” This course was presented with an allopathic view for the treatment of muscular imbalances. The professor foresaw that medical doctors and physical therapists would try to westernize popular and effective traditional methods to increase its efficacy. And boy was he right, the term “dry needling” was coined and has become a very popular modality to treat sports injuries. 

 

Unfortunately, there has been some conflict among PT’s and Acupuncturists. Acupuncturists feel that 27 hours is not long enough to learn needling techniques and the public safety is at risk. There is ongoing debate about whether dry needling is a type of Acupuncture, or a different technique altogether. Some groups, like the American Alliance for Professional Acupuncture Safety (AAPAS), say dry needling is a form of Acupuncture and that practitioners should have the same training and oversight as Acupuncturists. Others, like Physical Therapists, say dry needling is a different technique. 

 

What is the difference between Acupuncture and Dry Needling? 

At Longevity our patients were asking if Longevity offered this service so, as a perpetual student, I decided to take the course. I got certified in Dry Needling from the American Academy of Manipulative Therapy. Since Dry needling is not taught in PT school, the therapists must take a CEU course to learn the techniques. The certification took place over 2 weekends. The first 27-hour course focuses on disorders of the upper body and the second on the lower half of the body. After the introduction of theory and Dry Needling and Acupuncture studies, the course began with disorders of the shoulder. 

 

I was honestly a little surprised to discover that the course was taught using Acupuncture points and not what I assumed to be trigger points. For example, a point suggested for posterior scapula / shoulder issues is called Small Intestine 9, or “True Shoulder” in TCM. This point treats the shoulder, relieves pain and benefits the ear. For Dry Needling purposes, this point affects the disorder of the Teres Minor muscle. The professor stated the reason they are teaching location according to the Acupuncture system is because they have found they correlate with the affected anatomy, with less errors and better success rate. However, even though the therapists are needling Acupuncture points, they adamantly state that they are not practicing Acupuncture, as they are not trying to stimulate “qi.” They are not trying to treat the whole patient, just the musculoskeletal disorder. 

 

I will say that some of the PTs at the dry needling training felt the course information was like “drinking out of a water hose.” Once I got over my personal bias, I realized we can all play in the sandbox together. Physical Therapists are extremely knowledgeable of the body and muscles and can master needling techniques with enough practice. However, you must get a referral by an orthopedic to get a dry needling prescription. 

 

As an Acupuncturist, I do not need a medical referral, however most insurance will not cover it.  For both dry needling and acupuncture, the needles allow the body to release endorphins and opioids, natural feel good hormones, to relieve pain and create a greater sense of well being.   If you are suffering from an issue of pain such as neck, shoulder, back, knees, foot, etc.  and want to try acupuncture and dry needling, I feel confident I can help.  I can spend half the session treating the chief area of pain and the second half balancing your energy.

 

Schedule a session with me at Longevity on Fridays! 

 

By Dr. Alice Honican, Licensed Acupuncturist, Bio-Energetic Practitioner

In Western physiology, emotional and mental processes are attributed to the brain. The brain, situated at the top of the body, plays a crucial role in how emotions affect us. Emotions impact the limbic system within the brain, sending nerve impulses down through the hypothalamus and through the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve centers, eventually reaching the internal organs.

 

In contrast, Chinese medicine views mental processes not as a pyramid but as a circle or sphere of interaction between the internal organs and their emotional effects. The state of an organ affects emotions, and emotions, in turn, affect the state of the internal organ. This holistic view of organs as mental-emotional spheres of influence is a cornerstone of Chinese medicine.

 

Each organ is associated with specific emotions: the heart with joy, the liver with anger, the lungs with sadness and grief, the spleen with worry and overthinking, and the kidneys with fear. For example, the kidneys correspond to the anatomical kidneys, the energies associated with the kidneys on an energetic level, the brain and thinking on a mental level, and fear on an emotional level. All these levels interact simultaneously. Consider long standing anger: while everyone feels angry at times, harboring anger for years can cause disease. Anger makes the qi rise and negatively impacts the liver. In such cases, the tongue may be red, especially on the sides, the pulse wiry, and the stools hard and dry. The patient may suffer from headaches and exhibit frustration. Acupuncture points and herbs chosen for treatment aim to soothe the liver and sedate fire.

 

Chronic stress is detrimental to both the mind and body. When a person is constantly in fight or flight mode, elevated cortisol levels compromise optimal rest and digestion. Acupuncture uses fine needles to stimulate specific points along the meridian to restore and balance the flow of qi, allowing the body to function normally and repair itself. Acupuncture can lower cortisol levels, release endorphins, and opioids—natural feel-good neurotransmitters—to relieve pain and foster a greater sense of physical and emotional well-being. Improved emotional and mental health leads to enhanced physical health.

 

To create a treatment plan, an acupuncturist observes the body and tongue, takes the pulse, and asks questions about energy, sleep, pain, digestion, menstrual cycles, and mental state. In cases of severe and long-standing emotional problems, acupuncture alone may not suffice. The patient might need the support of a skilled counselor. For chronic mental and emotional issues, I recommend a series of 10 treatments, with 1-2 sessions per week.

 

Acupuncture is highly effective for achieving emotional balance and overall wellness. By treating the whole person, it supports lifestyle improvements and self-care practices, helping individuals lead healthier, more balanced lives.

 

To learn more about how acupuncture can benefit you and to schedule your first treatment, visit Longevity Health. Start your journey towards emotional balance and holistic well-being today.