Epigenetics
Transgenerational Soul Wounds and the Trauma of the Sri Lanka Bombings
The terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka claimed the lives of over three hundred people and injured hundreds more. When I read about the suicide bombings, it’s not just the hundreds of dead and injured and their grieving families and communities whom I hold in my thoughts, but also the future generations of family members, who…
Read MoreIs Aging Optional?
Is aging optional? Do we have more control over our aging than we might believe? Or are we victims of our environment and genetic code? I’m fascinated by the mission to extend the glory of middle age for as long as possible; the daily choices that extend healthspan, the length of time you feel awesome…
Read MoreThe Skinny on the Sirtfood Diet
Since time immemorial, humans have been fascinated by the pursuit of the mythical fountain of youth. Fast forward to the twenty-first century and nothing has changed, with enormous scientific interest now focused on a family of metabolism regulating genes called sirtuin, and their potent actions which can fundamentally change how our cells function. These potent…
Read More5 Genes That Make It Hard to Lose Weight, and What You Can Do To Combat Them
Do you ever feel like you exercise and eat well, but don’t see positive results? I feel you. I’ve been there! The problem may be with your genes. As scientists look into weight-loss genes, they have found that people with variations of certain genes are more prone to put on weight than others. I know,…
Read MoreHow Wild Alaskan Salmon Rocked My Locks and Transformed My Life
It’s August, 1989. Something weird and wonderful is happening en route to Harvard Medical School, and it’s not just the music of Nirvana and Pearl Jam. My hair is astonishingly full, thick, and shiny even though I haven’t used “product” on it for the entire summer. My nails are curiously strong.
Read MoreWhat I Recommend My Patients to Eat for Clear, Glowing, and Ageless Skin
The skin is a mirror of the gut and mind. In functional medicine, symptoms are divine messages from the body. It’s our job together to decode them, not rush to a new pill or cream. We need to identify the root cause and then create a protocol to heal that cause. The same rule applies whether the issue is acne, eczema, rosacea, wrinkles, weight gain, rapid aging, or diabetes.
Read MoreI’m a Doctor. Here’s What I Eat On a Typical Day.
I’m a board-certified gynecologist who practices functional medicine for women but I’m also a regular gal – busy working mom, constant chauffeur for my daughters, devoted wife, and spiritual seeker. I help women balance their hormones naturally, starting with their fork. I know that good food needs to be easy and convenient, or it’s unlikely…
Read MoreWhy High-Intensity Burst Exercise May Be Better For Your Brain
I’m a runner and have always enjoyed the “high” I get from it. I first ran after my freshmen year of college, determined to drop the freshman 15. Then I ran in medical school because it was so efficient and helped me problem solve. Then I ran as a young mother who didn’t have much…
Read MoreDial in the Carbs: Choosing the Right Dose for You in 3 Easy Steps
Confused about carbs? You’re not alone. There’s a lot of conflicting information out there. Maybe you’ve been Paleo for a while, or perhaps you’ve just started to ditch carbs in hopes of shedding pounds. While low carb diets have proven to be healthful and therapeutic for a number of health conditions, it’s important to note…
Read MoreHair Loss in Women: A Crisis of Vanity and Sanity
You’ve seen the infomercials. You’ve clipped the ads with before and after photos. Rogaine (minoxidil) and Propecia (finasteride) are two treatments for hair loss. Before I tell you why I don’t think you should be in a rush to slime your hair follicles every day or remove every molecule of testosterone in your body, let’s…
Read More