At Texas Center for Lifestyle Medicine, we believe healing is about more than just treating symptoms—it's about understanding the intricate connections within our body. Our recent POTS and Dysautonomia support group dove deep into a fascinating aspect of health that often goes overlooked: the profound relationship between our mental state, our environment, and our physiological responses.
Dysautonomia is more than a single-system disorder. It's a complex condition that demonstrates just how interconnected our bodily systems truly are. One of the most remarkable connections we explored is how our mental state can directly influence physiological responses—particularly through mechanisms like histamine release.
Your body is constantly communicating—between your nervous system, digestive system, and brain. These communications happen through neural pathways, hormones, and chemical messengers. For...
In our fast-paced world, it's easy to view symptoms—whether physical or mental—as inconveniences to be suppressed or ignored. However, what if we approached these experiences differently? What if we saw them not as nuisances, but as valuable signals and teachers, guiding us towards better health and balance?
Our bodies and minds are constantly communicating with us. A headache, fatigue, anxiety, or digestive issues aren't random occurrences—they're messages. These symptoms are our body's way of saying, "Hey, something's not quite right here. We need to pay attention."
Think of symptoms as warning lights on a car's dashboard. When that "check engine" light comes on, it's not trying to ruin your day—it's alerting you to a potential problem that needs addressing. Similarly, our symptoms are signaling areas of imbalance or stress in our lives.
Every other week, Dr. Cheng Ruan meets with patients suffering from dysautonomia and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) to discuss various aspects of managing their conditions. In our most recent session, we delved into the crucial topics of hydration and salt, exploring their impact on autonomic function and overall well-being.
Our discussion centered around the significance of electrolyte supplementation, particularly salt, in regulating autonomic dysfunction. Dr. Ruan emphasized how proper electrolyte balance can play a vital role in managing symptoms associated with dysautonomia and POTS.
We explored the effects of sodium on various bodily functions:
Interestingly, we also touched on...
In the fast-paced world we live in, it's easy to forget that our mental and physical health are deeply interconnected. Here at TCLM, we honor the connection between the mind and the body and recognize that ancient forms of treatment often have deeper evidence based methodologies. For example, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a holistic approach to health with over 2,000 years of history, offers a fascinating perspective on this mind-body connection. Let's explore how TCM views the relationship between our emotions and our physical well-being.
At the core of TCM's understanding of emotions and health is the Five Element Theory. This concept links specific emotions to particular organs in the body:
According to TCM, an imbalance in these emotions can lead to physical ailments in their corresponding organs, and vice versa.
In TCM,...
At Texas Center for Lifestyle Medicine, we believe in addressing the root causes of health issues, not just treating symptoms. Recent research has shed light on a fascinating connection between our thoughts, emotions, and physical health through gene expression. Dr. Cheng Ruan recently discussed this topic in a group visit, and we'd like to share some key insights with you.
The FKBP5 gene plays a crucial role in our body's stress response. This gene can be affected by trauma experienced not only in our own lives but also in previous generations. It influences our immune system, hormone balance, and may contribute to a more exasperated physiological stress response.
Dr. Ruan emphasized the role of our thinking in shaping the choices we make and actions we take for our present and future, Our imagination and perception can actually affect our gene expression. By...
We're thrilled to announce that our clinic is expanding its services with a variety of new group visit programs! These sessions are designed to provide you with comprehensive care, education, and support in a collaborative environment.
One program we're particularly excited about is our Type 2 Diabetes Group Visit Program. Due to high demand, we expect this program to fill up quickly, so we encourage you to register as soon as possible.
In the intricate world of neuroscience, one molecule stands out for its crucial role in maintaining and enhancing brain function: Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, or BDNF. This protein, often dubbed "Miracle-Gro for the brain," plays a pivotal role in cognitive health, neuroplasticity, and even protection against neurodegenerative diseases. In this post, we'll explore the importance of BDNF and how our lifestyle choices can significantly influence its production.
BDNF is a protein that acts like a fertilizer for our brain cells, promoting the growth of new neurons and supporting the survival of existing ones. It's essential for:
One of the most exciting discoveries about BDNF is its role in reducing the formation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques, which are closely associated with...
In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, it's easy to overlook one of the most fundamental aspects of human health and wellbeing: genuine connection with others. At TCLM, we believe that fostering meaningful relationships and building strong community ties are essential components of the healing process. Research over the years has shed light on just how crucial these connections are, revealing some surprising findings about the impact of loneliness on our health.
You might be surprised to learn that loneliness has been found to be more detrimental to one's health than even being overweight. This startling discovery underscores the vital role that social connections play in our overall wellbeing. Chronic loneliness can lead to a range of health issues, including:
Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) are commonly associated with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). In fact, a 2020 worldwide survey found that 31% of POTS participants were classified as having hEDS, and 55% met the criteria for being hypermobile.
The Crucial Role of Fascia
The fascia, the connective tissue that permeates our bodies, plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including autonomic processes. In hypermobile individuals, the extracellular matrix of connective tissues, especially fascia, is organized differently than in non-hypermobile individuals. This altered fascial structure can affect:
At Texas Center for Lifestyle Medicine, we believe in treating the whole person, not just isolated symptoms. When it comes to chronic gut issues, this holistic approach is particularly important. One key aspect that's often overlooked in traditional treatments is the role of the autonomic and enteric nervous system (ANS). In this post, we'll explore why addressing the ANS and enteric nervous system is crucial for achieving lasting gut health.
The gut and the brain are in constant communication, and this dialogue is primarily facilitated by the autonomic nervous system. This complex network of nerves connects your central nervous system to various organs, including your digestive tract. The ANS is responsible for controlling many involuntary bodily functions, including digestion, heart rate, and blood pressure.
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