The Foot Bone’s Connected to the Ankle Bone….

January 28, 2018

Lisa Jackson

#adrenalfatigue|#carpediemwell|#hypertension|#hypothyroidism|#infertility|#simplesolutions|#sleepapnea|

Last weekend I gave a talk to a group of Biologic Dentists on “A Functional Medicine Approach to Hypertension and Sleep Apnea.” I had them all get up and move to the song Dem Bones.

My point was two fold. First, everything is interconnected. Second, 10 people with the same diagnosis may have 10 different root causes. This is true for any given chronic dis-ease. Treating symptoms and separate “body parts” is why conventional medicine is ineffective for chronic disease. I’ve written some of my own personal story here.
For those of you who are already thinking of training for Spring time marathons, and are feeling fatigued, here’s my unsolicited advice to you. In addition to a coach or personal trainer, consider this. Hypothyroidism (low energy), adrenal fatigue (stressed out adrenals), low muscle mass (catabolism) and infertility are rampant. Similarly, the root causes may be different for each of us. A functional medicine approach will uncover the hidden internal and/or external stressors, so the body can heal from within. Here’s a few common stressors:

  1. Food Sensitivities and the SAD standard American diet.
  2. Mental/Emotional Stress
  3. Gut dysbiosis (bacterial overgrowth)
  4. Micronutrient insufficiencies 
    1. Zinc and B12 deficiencies are very common especially in vegetarians and vegan diets.
    2. Magnesium deficiency is the most common overall. Common symptoms may include insomnia, constipation, tight muscles and hypertension.
    3. Vitamin D is a hormone important for immune function and positive gene expression
  5. Malabsorption and/ or maldigestion leading to malnutrition. Not having enough stomach acid or pancreatic enzymes due to stress, aging and/or eating on the run is one example.
In my case, I’ve had all of the above.  Growing up in Washington DC and wearing stress on my shoulder as a badge of honor, makes me prone to this. 
A common myth is that we just need to eat less and exercise more. This can exacerbate stress related conditions. Instead, most of my clients need to eat more healthy fat and nutrient dense food, and exercise less. It takes a commitment to uncover these stressors and to heal from within. Functional and nutritional testing can help you discover what is needed for your unique body. Then it’s a matter of committing to small simple changes to create sustainable optimal health. What small simple steps will you gift yourself this year?
With Love,
Carpe Diem,
Lisa

About Lisa Jackson, RN, CHC, RYT-500, FDN-P, AFMC
Lisa is an author, inspirational speaker and functional medicine and nutrition trained health coach. Lisa’s mission is to inspire, educate and empower others to feel and look their best at any age.

Lisa’s book, Savvy Secrets: Eat, Think and Thrive outlines her seven step process towards optimal health that is fun and transformational.

Lisa is the founder of Carpe Diem Wellness and The Wellness Inspired Network. When she is not coaching, speaking or writing, you can find her practicing yoga and joyfully sharing Carpe Diem Dance.