Take Control of Your Metabolism
October 23, 2024
"Are you struggling with your weight?" Do you feel an after lunch slump which leaves you drowsy and unproductive? Are you confused and overwhelmed by the nutrition infobesity epidemic? If so, read on to learn some ways our practice can help you address metabolic concerns through an integrative medicine lens.Based on data from the CDC, there are currently 29.7 million people in the US diagnosed with diabetes. In addition, there are 8.7 million more people with undiagnosed diabetes. Metabolic conditions including diabetes, prediabetes, and obesity are on the rise in the US. No wonder, given the average of 3 fast food commercials in every NFL football game commercial break!Besides the usual labs that you may get at a conventional practice, at WAVE Wellness, together we will pursue more in-depth testing including fasting insulin. In addition, I can order a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) such as Dexcom, which provides invaluable minute-by-minute data of your blood sugar levels throughout the day and night for a two week period. This data is extremely personalized and helps us see how your body responds to various behavior changes in real time. You and I can sit down and review it in detail along with your schedule, activity, food choices and exercise schedule. This way, you are not just looking at graphs that don’t make sense to you. I will be there to help us bring it all together.To evaluate adrenal function, which is closely tied to blood sugar levels, we can check a salivary cortisol (which is another test that is not routinely available in doctors’ offices). Additional specialized tests include a micronutrient panel and comprehensive stool test. The micronutrient panel can help identify deficiencies in essential nutrients that can be addressed to improve blood sugar control. A comprehensive stool test can provide lots of information regarding gut function, dysbiosis (imbalance in the gut microbes), and gut inflammation- all of which affect blood sugar control.Rather than simply prescribing medication, we will then focus on your diet, supplements, exercise, as well as sleep and stress management as effective ways to help you manage your metabolic concerns – with a holistic approach. Beyond weight loss, optimal glycemic control can restore your energy levels and boost your mood, and has important implications for immune system function.If this integrative approach appeals to you, please reach out to our office to schedule an appointment and get started on your journey to optimize your blood sugar. I look forward to meeting you and working closely with you on your wellness journey!
