If you're living with hypermobility, you've probably noticed that your symptoms don't exist in a vacuum. Pain flares, digestive issues, and hormonal imbalances often seem to worsen with the seasons — and there's a compelling reason for that. The answer lies in a protein you may not have heard much about: elastin.

What Is Elastin, and Why Does It Matter for Hypermobile Individuals?

Elastin is the structural protein responsible for giving your tissues their elastic, flexible quality. For most people, it quietly does its job in the background. But for hypermobile individuals, elastin expression is heightened — and that sensitivity makes them far more responsive to changes in their environment.

Think of it this way: the same biology that gives hypermobile people their extraordinary flexibility also makes their systems more finely tuned to — and more easily disrupted by — the world around them.

How Viruses Disrupt Elastin Function

Here's where things get particularly important for thos...

Trauma is something millions of people carry — often silently. It can shape the way we see ourselves, relate to others, and move through the world. But healing is not only possible; it's a journey that can be supported with the right tools, community, and guidance. That's why we're proud to offer our Transforming Trauma Mind-Body Skills Group Program at Texas Center for Lifestyle Medicine — and we're excited to announce the next round is starting this April.

Understanding Trauma: More Than Just a Memory

When most people think of trauma, they picture a single catastrophic event. But trauma is far more nuanced than that. It can stem from childhood neglect, relationship challenges, medical crises, accidents, loss, systemic oppression, or the slow accumulation of painful experiences over time — what researchers sometimes call "small-t trauma."

What makes trauma so complex is that it doesn't just live in our minds. It lives in our bodies.

The pioneering work of Dr. Bessel van der Kolk...

Does life feel like you're constantly running on empty, reacting instead of responding, or just trying to make it through each day?

Signs You May Be Stuck in a Fight-Flight-Freeze Response

• Feeling overwhelmed, trapped, or unable to move forward
• Lying awake with spiraling thoughts at night
• Engaging in behaviors you know aren't serving your health—like eating excessive junk food or avoiding activities that promote well-being
• Relying on social media scrolling, binge-watching TV, or other temporary escapes
• Losing motivation for the things that once brought you joy

A Different Approach to Healing

Geny Moreno, our mind-body medicine practitioner, encourages her patients to engage in mindfulness activities and nervous system regulation tools—including breathwork and tai chi—that promote a sense of groundedness and self-awareness.

Often, we avoid the very thing that will help us most: sitting with discomfort in order to move forward. We tend to skip the middle ground of healing, w...

Managing POTS doesn't mean sacrificing good nutrition—it just means working smarter, not harder.

If you're living with Dysautonomia or POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), you know that everyday tasks like cooking can quickly become exhausting. Standing at the stove, chopping vegetables, or even reaching for ingredients can drain your limited energy reserves and trigger symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, and brain fog.

But what if your kitchen could work with you instead of against you?

Introducing Our Monthly POTSie Kitchen Hacks Workshop

We're excited to offer a specialized group visit designed specifically for patients managing Dysautonomia and POTS. Led by Ruben, these monthly sessions provide practical, actionable strategies to help you nourish your body without depleting your energy.

What You'll Learn

Each workshop covers essential topics that make a real difference in your daily life:

Smart Kitchen Organization
Discover how to arrange your kitchen to minimize ...

Start the New Year Strong with Community Support and Practical Strategies

We're thrilled to announce that our patient-led diabetes support group is back! Join us on Thursday, January 29th at 8:30 AM for an empowering session hosted by Gardner Mack, NP. 

Why TCLM Created this Series:

Living with diabetes, insulin resistance, or blood sugar challenges can feel isolating. But you're not alone. Our support group brings together individuals who truly understand the daily struggles and triumphs of managing diabetes.

This group visit is designed for anyone who wants to:

• Learn practical tips and strategies for better blood sugar management
• Share experiences with others who understand your journey
• Gain valuable tools for navigating diabetes in everyday life
• Connect with a supportive community that celebrates your progress

Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been managing diabetes for years, this group offers a safe, welcoming space to ask questions, learn from others, and find e...

 At Texas Center for Lifestyle Medicine, we believe in empowering our community with knowledge that bridges ancient wisdom and modern science. Dr. Ruan recently shared valuable insights on the immune system, the role of the hypothalamus, and how simple lifestyle changes—like embracing heat—can support your health, especially during the colder months.

Where Does Immunity Begin?

When we think about the immune system, many of us picture the gut or the circulatory system. But did you know the true “command center” of your immune response is in your brain? Specifically, the hypothalamus—a small but mighty region that acts as a junction between the spinal cord and the rest of the brain.

The hypothalamus is not just a relay station; it’s the origin of the immune system and all hormones. It regulates immune responses, consciousness, and much more. Ancient civilizations even symbolized the hypothalamus in their art and religious iconography, highlighting its importance in human health and...

At Texas Center for Lifestyle Medicine, we're committed to helping our patients understand the true nature of cognitive challenges. In a recent group session, Dr. Francesco Amico, PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience, shared valuable insights about memory impairment that often gets misdiagnosed or misunderstood.

It's Not Always Dementia

When experiencing memory problems, many people immediately fear Alzheimer's Disease or dementia. However, Dr. Amico emphasizes that most cases involve what he calls "cognitive inefficiency" rather than neurodegenerative disease. Unlike dementia, where brain cells die and cannot be recovered, cognitive inefficiency is often reversible with targeted interventions.

The Major Culprits Behind Memory Problems

Chronic Stress and Cortisol

Stress occurs whenever our environment challenges us. While small amounts of cortisol can enhance learning and alertness, chronic stress tells a different story. Elevated cortisol levels affect the brain's most sensitive areas—...