Are detox diets safe—and do they actually work? Learn what the science says, which myths to ignore, and how to support detox the right way.
FOOD ALLERGIES: A Rapid Immune Response Food allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies a food protein as a harmful invader and releases IgE antibodies to attack it. This triggers an immediate reaction , which can range from mild symptoms like hives and swelling to severe anaphylaxis. Even the smallest amount of an allergen can cause a reaction, making cross-contamination a significant concern. Governed by IgE antibodies , which recognize allergens and trigger histamine release. Symptoms appear within minutes to hours and can be life-threatening. Common allergens: Peanuts, shellfish, dairy, tree nuts, eggs, and soy. ✨ Research Spotlight : Food allergies affect about 6-8% of children and 3% of adults worldwide, with prevalence on the rise.✨
Looking to detox your home and daily routine this spring? Learn how to reduce toxin exposure with simple swaps for cleaner air, water, skincare, and household products. From non-toxic cookware to safer cleaning solutions, these easy changes will help create a healthier home in 2025 and beyond.
Joint pain can feel like an unavoidable part of aging, but with the right strategies, you can support your body and stay active. Key supplements (along-side a whole foods, anti-inflammatory diet) can help reduce inflammation, protect your joints, and keep you moving pain-free.
Discover practical tips to support gut health, reduce inflammation, and promote graceful aging in 2025. Learn why microbiome diversity and protein goals matter for true wellness.
Discover the power of functional nutrition in this comprehensive guide. Learn how a personalized, root-cause approach to health can transform your energy, digestion, and overall wellness. Explore the benefits of addressing diet, lifestyle, and imbalances to achieve sustainable results. Perfect for anyone seeking natural solutions to thrive.
Learn how to choose the right probiotic for your gut health! Our comprehensive guide covers everything from CFU count to strain variety, helping you make an informed decision for optimal digestive wellness. Find tips, expert recommendations, and more in this must-read blog!
The Gut-Skin Axis: A Functional Medicine Perspective The gut microbiome , which is the collection of trillions of bacteria that populate the human digestive tract, is the main hub of communication with the rest of the body, including the skin. Therefore, skin conditions often have an underlying cause rooted in the gut. In functional medicine, where we frequently observe concurrent gut and skin imbalances, we refer to this relationship as the gut-skin axis . Or, as the saying (maybe just my saying?) goes, if the gut ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy. Additionally, the skin itself (and other organs/body systems) has its own microbiome that protects us externally from pathogenic organisms. So, skin issues can result from gut microbiome imbalances (and a congested digestive system) and/or a disruption to the skin microbiome. Chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis, acne, and eczema are often a combination of both.
Discover nutrigenomics, how your genetic makeup influences hormonal imbalances, and learn actionable steps to manage your health through lifestyle choices and targeted support.
Well, I have officially gone down the heavy metal rabbit hole as I have discovered that I probably have elevated cadmium and possibly lead levels (test results pending). And with school starting back, I'm knee deep in researching safe food and lunch gear for my kids as well.
What are industrial seed oils?
Carrots & Sweet Potatoes: Vitamin E + Carotenoids
Vitamin B12 plays a critical role in our functioning, but are you getting enough of this necessary micronutrient? In this month's blog, we're dishing out the complete scoop.
Are you looking for the perfect gift for your health-conscious loved ones? Look no further! Carolina Functional Nutrition has compiled a fantastic gift guide filled with items that not only bring joy but also promote wellness. Each of these items has been hand-picked for their quality and contribution to a healthier lifestyle. Let's dive in: Naturepedic Linens Gift your loved ones the luxury of a good night's sleep with Naturepedic Linens. Made from organic cotton, these linens provide a soft, comfortable sleeping environment free from harmful chemicals. It's a perfect gift for anyone who cherishes their sleep! Pact Organic Undies or Pajamas Comfortable and environmentally friendly, Pact Organic Undies and Pajamas are a great gift for those who value sustainable fashion. Made from organic cotton, these items offer supreme comfort without compromising durability. Scout & Cellar Organic Wine Give the gift of a fine, organic wine from Scout & Cellar. This wine is free from synthetic pesticides and chemical additives, making it a healthier choice for wine lovers. It's the perfect way to toast to good health! Free Coat Manicure for Non-Toxic Nails For those who love nail art, a Free Coat Manicure is an ideal gift. This manicure uses non-toxic nail polish, ensuring that beauty does not come at the expense of health. It's a beautiful and thoughtful present. Primal Life Teeth Whitening System A bright smile is a gift that keeps on giving! Primal Life offers a natural teeth whitening system that is free from harmful chemicals. It's a great way to enhance one's smile while maintaining oral health. Clean Juice Gift Cards For those who enjoy fresh, healthy juices, Clean Juice gift cards are a fantastic option. These cards allow the recipient to choose from an array of nutrient-rich juices. It's a delicious way to promote wellness. Clear Filtered Water Bottle A Clear Filtered Water Bottle is a practical and eco-friendly gift. It encourages hydration, essential for good health, while reducing plastic waste. It's a gift that benefits both the recipient and the environment. Honest Elderberry Syrup Boost your loved ones' immunity with Honest Elderberry Syrup. This natural remedy is packed with antioxidants and is known for its immune-boosting properties. It's a sweet and healthy treat! Air Doctor The Air Doctor is a high-quality air purifier, perfect for ensuring clean, breathable air in the home. It's a thoughtful gift for those who value their respiratory health. Aquagear Water Filtering Pitcher The Aquagear Water Filtering Pitcher is another excellent gift for those who value hydration. This pitcher filters out harmful contaminants, providing clean, safe drinking water. Bormiolo Rocco Glassware For those who appreciate elegant dining, Bormiolo Rocco Glassware is the perfect gift. These Italian-made glasses add a touch of sophistication to any dinner table. Gift-giving can be a way to show your loved ones that you care about their wellbeing. With t
Seasonal allergies are common where I live in the Southeast. In fact, it almost seems strange when someone doesn’t complain of them. However, sometimes fall allergies are a sign of a deeper issue. While tree pollen tends to be highest in spring, grass pollen is highest in summer. Then there’s ragweed and mold which are often at their highest counts in later summer/early fall. They can trigger typical allergy symptoms like watery eyes and a runny nose, and can also be an asthma trigger as well. To make matters worse, even some foods can “look like” tree pollen or ragweed to the immune system, and worsen the effects by mimicking a similar response. Even a mold allergy can be triggered by foods stored in damp conditions where mold is likely to grow. Keep in mind if mold toxicity (usually due to past exposure that was never cleared from the body) is bad enough, it may be triggered on an ongoing basis from food. If it feels like you have allergy symptoms all year long and/or asthma along with fatigue and maybe a plethora of other chronic symptoms, consider pursuing comprehensive functional mold/mycotoxin testing. In the meantime, keep these foods in mind during your designated allergy season(s) to see how they might impact your overall immune response. The most common foods and herbs that mimic or cross-react with environmental allergens include: Tree pollen: apple, apricot, cherry, peach, nectarine carrot, celery cilantro, coriander, parsley Grass: melons, orange, wheat, chard Ragweed: apple, banana, melons, mango, chamomile, echinacea, honey, cucumber, sunflower seed, tomato, stevia Mold: mushrooms, corn, oats, peanuts, vinegar (not white), wine, sauerkraut, yeast (bread/beer), cured meats Do you notice that certain foods affect your seasonal allergies? I’d love to hear if you try this and it makes a difference!