Let’s talk about vitamin D—often called the “sunshine vitamin,” but here’s a fun fact: vitamin D isn’t really a vitamin at all. It’s a hormone. Or at least, that’s how it functions in the body. When your skin is exposed to sunlight, it makes a compound that your liver...
June is Men’s Health Month—a time to bring awareness to the unique health challenges men face and to encourage early detection, healthy habits, and proactive care. Let’s be honest—there’s a running joke that men will do just about anything to avoid going to the...
Menopause — it’s a word that might stir up feelings of uncertainty, curiosity, or even a touch of dread. But here’s the thing: menopause is not a sudden shift or an end to anything, really. It’s more of a slow evolution, and it deserves to be talked about...
Exercise is one of the most powerful tools for improving overall health. It enhances physical, mental, and emotional well-being, reducing the risk of chronic disease while boosting energy, mood, and longevity. Yet, many people struggle to establish a consistent...
Many people experience gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and acid reflux. However, gut health extends beyond digestion—issues like low energy, mood imbalances, joint pain, poor sleep, skin rashes, and...
Type 2 diabetes is a complex and chronic condition that impacts how your body regulates blood sugar (glucose). Its development stems from a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors, and its management requires a multifaceted approach. In this...
In integrative medicine, we often emphasize the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and environment in achieving optimal health. One of the most powerful tools for transformation lies in what we do without thinking: our habits. In this blog post, we’ll review the...
The holiday season is often painted as a time of joy and connection—but it’s also so much more. For many, it’s a season that stirs up complex emotions, from grief over those we’ve lost to the stress of travel and family gatherings. Personally, I’ve found that the...
At Integrative Family Medicine of Asheville, we believe that health is more than just the absence of disease. Wellness includes living a life that is fulfilling, meaningful, and aligned with who you are. This holistic approach to health is one of the pillars of our...
When it comes to your health, it’s easy to focus on the usual suspects: your heart, lungs, or muscles. But one unsung hero plays a crucial role in your overall well-being—your gut. Often overlooked, the gut is a powerhouse of activity that influences many other...
World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) occurs every August 1st to August 7th. It is a global campaign to raise awareness and galvanize action on themes related to breastfeeding. I want to honor this week by writing a blog on my perspective on breastfeeding. One of my favorite...
This blog was written by Dr. Aneela Cox Treating hypertension is the bread and butter of primary care (or more like kale and carrots in integrative primary care!). Using lifestyle and holistic treatments to treat or reverse elevated blood pressure is possible through...
This guest blog post was contributed by Cindy Kimmel of Kimmel Benefits +. Exploring cost management in self-funded health plans isn’t complete without considering Direct Primary Care. To truly appreciate what sets Direct Primary Care apart, we must first understand...
Ever wonder what those blood pressure readings at the doctor’s office mean? You’re not alone. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is as common as forgetting your grocery list – it affects nearly half of all adults in the United States!...
Stress is a common occurrence that affects everyone at some point. Some people feel stress daily, while others may have difficult circumstances that create stress. Stress in small doses allows us to transform and build resiliency and grit. However, chronic stress can...
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus, commonly on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic peritoneum. This tissue responds to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, leading to inflammation,...
Forget the New Year’s resolution graveyard. This year, embrace the power of small, consistent action. Floss one tooth, read a single page, or do five squats while your coffee brews. This concept, explored in popular psychology books, podcasts, and scientific...
The holidays are over. You made it! It’s time to take a breath and relax. Did you take a breath? Are you relaxed? Good. Now, you’re ready to embark on one of the most challenging quests in the world: starting a new habit. Set a goal and make it happen!...
I made a mistake. My chest tightens, my hands tense, and the negative self–talk starts. “How could I have done that?” Worse-case scenarios fly through my head. I start worrying about how this will impact others. Then I pause. I take a deep breath and do...
The twinkling lights, the cheerful songs, the aroma of freshly baked cookies – the holiday season ushers in a time of joy and togetherness. However, in the whirlwind of festivities and family gatherings, it’s remarkably easy to lose sight of the most important...
