Autoimmune diseases are a group of more than 80 different conditions. When you have an autoimmune disease, your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in your own body — and the symptoms it causes can be debilitating. Anyone can get an autoimmune disease. And although they may be common, there are...
Adults need between 7-9 hours of sleep each night. But unfortunately, more than a third of Americans aren’t getting enough shut-eye — and over time, this seriously impacts health. Lack of sleep makes you fatigued. It decreases your cognitive performance. And it could even be contributing to your weight problems. Poor sleeping habits are...
Nearly 25% of Americans live with arthritis. It’s the most common joint condition in the country, making your joints swollen, stiff, and painful. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, and the three most common are osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and juvenile arthritis (JA). No matter which type you have,...
Over 50 million Americans have allergies. An allergy is a sensitivity to something in your environment, and it could be triggered by almost anything from pollen in the air to a chemical in household products. When you have an allergy, coming in contact with your allergen causes an immune system reaction. Symptoms...
More than 1 in 3 American adults has prediabetes: the precursor to type 2 diabetes. While prediabetes isn’t the same as diabetes, it is a serious health condition that shouldn’t be ignored. A prediabetes diagnosis means your blood sugar levels are higher than normal. Your blood sugar isn’t high enough to be considered...
Tiny and powerful. That’s how we describe hormones. Made by your endocrine glands, hormones are tiny chemical messengers that travel in your blood regulating your mood, energy, and sex drive. Small shifts in blood hormone levels cause major changes in how your body functions and feels. At The Lamkin Clinic...
Until you get older, you probably don’t give your “poor old bones” a thought! So why would you even think about having a bone density test? And if you’ve always taken care to look after your health – in other words, lose fat, gain muscle, and get into overall shape –...
Peptides are all the rage right now. And it’s for a good reason. Even though it seems like peptide clinics appeared overnight, peptide injections have been in use to improve athletic performance, assist in weight loss, and even boost sexual stamina since the 1920s! Modern-day treatments have become even more effective due...
Are you feeling exhausted? Are you losing or gaining weight, but you don’t know why? And how about your hair? Is it falling out for no explicable reason? That’s enough to boggle anyone’s mind and leave you feeling frustrated, stressed out, and maybe even pulling the rest of your hair out....
Storing fat: Your mind probably shuddered at the words! But there’s more to this idea than meets the eye. There are important considerations both for and against storing fat. And it starts with our body’s need for energy. Your body requires energy for everything it does, even things that happen while you...
If you’ve been carrying around an extra 20 pounds or more, you’re literally sick and tired of trying to lighten your load. And as the new year begins, you’re probably in a hurry to start on your weight loss goals! We know plenty of marketing gurus out there sell all...
Having a hysterectomy can be a trying physical and emotional experience, but it doesn’t have to be the end of control over your life. Women looking at the certainty of having a hysterectomy usually have many unanswered questions about hysterectomy and hormone changes. The result is that they also have unnecessary and...
Libido. You hear that word thrown around a lot, but what exactly is it? And are you one of the 43 percent of women or 31 percent of men suffering from low libido? And if you are, what can you do about it? We’ll answer all of these questions and more in...
Have you noticed handfuls of hair coming out of your head? Or maybe your hairline slowly creeping away? Hair loss is no laughing matter. And it doesn’t just happen to men. Women can lose their hair just as often and for the same reasons as men do. The causes of...
At the Lamkin Clinic, one aspect that sets us apart is our extensive suite of advanced lab and diagnostic services. As a result, our services are comprehensive, productive, and effective. We use state-of-the-art tools to help us pinpoint and get a better understanding of your medical issue, such as: An inability to...
It’s harder to be social and maintain contact with loved ones; our options for exercising and being active are somewhat limited. And the pandemic has undoubtedly made everyone anxious about what to do now, and what comes next. Americans are staying home more than ever, and a wide range of health issues...
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women, with about 1 in 4 deaths caused by heart disease every year. Taking care of your heart is one of the best things you can do to ensure a long and healthy life....
Many health-seekers are overwhelmed by the sheer range of options available when it comes to weight loss. Weight loss is one of the hottest topics in the health arena. So, it’s no wonder there are limitless ways to gauge your success, as well as whether you are at a healthy weight. But, it’s...
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), asthma currently affects more than 25 million Americans (approximately 7.7% of adults and 8.4% of children). It’s a long-term, chronic, disease that impacts the airways in the lungs due to inflammation. This inflammation leads to what is known as an asthma attack, which can be mild...
When a new patient comes to our clinic, they are armed with a wide range of questions, and rightfully so. The Lamkin Clinic is distinctively different from ordinary medical practices. Our expertise is focusing on you, our patient, and using exceptional and cutting-edge diagnostic tools and treatments. So if you are brand new...
A healthy immune system is your body’s first line of defense against a wide array of illnesses and chronic conditions. Besides being better able to fight off viruses and cases of flu, a strong immune system will also help keep more significant health issues at bay, including cancer or chronic conditions. But having and maintaining...
Weight gain and obesity are clearly major problems in the United States. Unfortunately, more than two-thirds of Americans are currently overweight or obese, and this number has been trending upwards for decades. In fact, per a recent report, the number of obese adults (or those with a BMI of 30...
Ask anyone who has dealt with a chronic illness or condition, and they will attest that no two medical providers function in quite the same way! A visit to urgent care is certainly different than a visit to a general provider. Just as going to a family provider is a different...
If you are not a natural “morning person,” don’t worry – you’re certainly not alone! Many people struggle with waking up in the morning and can feel groggy for minutes or even hours after opening their eyes. But would you like to be more alert and refreshed when you first crawl out...
With the arrival of allergy season, now is the ideal time to take a closer look at both allergies and the health of your immune system. The following can have a huge impact on your day-to-day life, from forcing you to avoid social outings to succumbing to illness when the seasons...
Chronic diseases account for 7 out of every ten deaths of Americans per year. In addition, they result in 75% of healthcare costs in the U.S. Diseases like these are easier to treat initially and can be preventable when detected early through tests. Cancer Diabetes Heart disease Achieving optimal health requires work, but we...
A good night’s sleep can have a huge impact on your overall health from the inside out. Research has shown that individuals who get quality sleep regularly have: A healthier immune system More energy A higher metabolism Reduced risk for mood disorders such as depression and anxiety Better-looking skin But even though multiple organizations and health specialists recommend that...
When it comes to weight loss, there are often several recommended diet and lifestyle changes that patients need to make to be successful well after their diet has ended. Larger strategies are essential for results to stick. Successful long-term weight loss often involves a change in thinking about: Food Exercise Other aspects of your...
Food plays a huge role in how our brains and bodies can perform. From boosting cognitive abilities to providing an extra boost of energy, what you consume has a lot of weight other than calorie count alone. Many folks who struggle with weight take the preliminary and necessary steps to achieve...
Natural aging has several unpleasant side impacts across the board that vary by individual and life stage. As you move through your 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s, you’ll start to see more and more of these little signs that your natural growth hormone production is decreasing. And these signs become progressively...
There are several reasons why a visit to the Lamkin Clinic for advanced lab and diagnostic testing is: Comprehensive Productive Effective And, one aspect that sets us apart is our extensive suite of advanced lab and diagnostic services. At the Lamkin Clinic, we have the state-of-the-art tools that help us pinpoint and...
Unfortunately, many people don’t go to the doctor as often as they should for preventive care. They believe that if they aren’t suffering from any specific illness or symptoms, there’s no reason to schedule an appointment. However, many diseases are preventable when detected early, as are many chronic diseases avoidable with the right treatment...
It’s harder to be social and maintain contact with loved ones; our options for exercising and being active are somewhat limited. And the pandemic has undoubtedly made everyone anxious about what to do now, and what comes next. Americans are staying home more than ever, and a wide range of health...
Traditional weight loss plans and weight loss clinics are often a tempting first stop for people who want to get serious about losing weight. A typical weight loss plan may entail: Cutting calories Omitting or restricting certain foods Increasing exercise Prescribing appetite-reducing medications This certainly sounds fine on the surface,...
2020 was challenging in more ways than one, but as 2021 rolls around, it’s a great time to take stock and ensure that the coming year is your healthiest and happiest year yet! At the Lamkin Clinic, we are experts at ensuring our clients have the tools and resources they need to...
When it comes to heart disease, protecting the health of your heart is more important than ever before. Recent studies found heart disease remains the leading cause of death for Americans. Roughly 600,000 people in the U.S. alone die from heart disease every year. This translates to one out of every...
When it comes to treating hormonal imbalance, there is no uniform approach. Hormonal imbalance can come from various sources. But no matter the cause when left untreated, the consequences can be severe. One approach many practitioners use to help patients find balance is bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). Before diving into...
With the global pandemic corresponding with the arrival of pollen season, it’s an ideal time to take a closer look at both allergies and the health of your immune system. These issues may impact your day-to-day life. Autoimmune disease Fibromyalgia Environmental allergies Food allergies Chronic inflammatory conditions Getting to the Root Cause So,...
There are several reasons why a visit to the Lamkin Clinic for advanced lab and diagnostics is: Comprehensive Productive Effective And one aspect that sets us apart is our extensive suite of advanced lab and diagnostic services. We Have State of the Art Tools At the Lamkin Clinic, we have the...
Thyroid disease is one of the most common medical conditions in the country. In America alone, an estimated 27 million individuals have thyroid disease, which could potentially be as high as 60 million. That’s where thyroid optimization comes into play. But unfortunately, thyroid disease is also one of the more difficult...
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women in America. Undetected cardiovascular disease is the most significant health risk today. Although breast cancer may instill greater fear, more than ten times more women die each year from heart disease. And, compared to females, men have a...
Losing or maintaining a healthy weight is a lifetime struggle for millions of Americans across the country. Per a recent assessment from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): ~ 40% of Americans are obese and have a BMI of 30.0 or higher. ~ 71% of Americans are overweight and...
It’s easy to blow off an annual physical, but yearly exams are essential to keep you healthy. Some people approach a physical with anxiety and fear and want to avoid them at all costs. Arming yourself with knowledge and preparing yourself for the appointment can relieve those fears and make the...
Hormonal imbalances are a common problem for millions of Americans, especially as we age. And while you may not have any outward signs or symptoms, it can nevertheless have a far-reaching range of adverse health effects. A hormone imbalance may lead to dangerous health conditions now and later in life. It can...
At the Lamkin Clinic, we offer many services and treatments that help you live your best life. From addressing allergies and chronic diseases, to protecting your heart health, our experienced and professional team is adept at finding solutions for patients who have had “doctor’s fatigue,” and who are looking for treatments that...
When it comes to breathing problems, one of the most chronic conditions in the United States and all around the world is asthma. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), asthma currently affects more than 25 million Americans (approximately 7.7% of adults and 8.4% of children). But despite its prevalence, the...
Do an online search for diet plans or weight loss, and you’ll be presented with millions of options. From diets that focus on only consuming a specific set of foods to diets that have severe calorie restrictions, fad diets – or crash diets – have been popular for decades with...
Taking care of your heart is one of the best things you can do to ensure a long and healthy life. Heart health has been in the national spotlight for years. Physicians and researchers across the board are urging folks to concentrate on this integral muscle and for very good...
Every day, millions of Americans embark on a new diet in the hopes of losing weight. And it’s easy to see why! According to data from a 2016 study, approximately 70% of the U.S. population is either overweight or obese. Also, roughly 48% of the population believes a poor diet is one of...
There’s a reason why dieting is a multi-million dollar industry. There are countless: Pills and supplements Weight loss plans Meal programs Other lifestyle products at a consumer’s disposal At any given point in time, an estimated one-third of Americans are on a diet or weight loss program of some kind....
When it comes to treating hormonal imbalance, there is no uniform approach. Hormonal imbalance can come from various sources. But no matter the cause when left untreated, the consequences can be severe. One approach many practitioners use to help patients find balance is bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). Before diving into...
With millions of Americans staying home during the global COVID-19 pandemic, a wide range of health issues may be linked to inactivity and isolation are on the rise. This is especially the case with cognitive and psychological (mood) medical conditions, including: Depression Anxiety Fatigue Feeling of “brain fog” After a stressful...
The health risks of being overweight or obese are certainly well documented. Being overweight can increase your risks for heart disease, Type 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure, and several other long-term medical conditions that can have deadly consequences. But the inherent risks that accompany a weight problem aren’t just limited...
The weight loss industry is a multi-million dollar market that is oversaturated with solutions. From fad diets to pills, trendy workouts to surgical procedures, anyone who has struggled with weight loss knows full well that there is no shortage of options when it comes to finding ways to shed those excess...
For years, America has had a national issue with childhood obesity. News headlines all across the country have highlighted this growing epidemic, as the percentage of children ages 19 and under with a weight-problem has continually been on the rise. In fact, the statistics that have been recently revealed from the CDC National...
As the years’ pass, you may start to notice those little physical changes that naturally accompany the aging process. You may find that you have a little less energy. Or maybe it’s more difficult for you to do those hefty physical tasks you use to do with ease. Perhaps you’ve noticed: It’s...
Everyone has an “off” day where you just don’t feel like yourself. Perhaps you are: Having difficulty concentrating at home or the office Are feeling fatigued even though you’ve had plenty of rest Having headaches or other aches and pains that interrupt productivity Just moving a little slower than your normal, invigorated self Readily identifiable causes may...
Most everyone has a few common medical conditions that they live with on occasion. Whether it’s a sore neck from a long day at the office or a bout of sneezing when spring arrives, and pollen is abundant in the air, some minor issues are simply a part of everyday...
Are you susceptible to an allergic reaction to food, environmental factors, drugs, or other common aspects of everyday life? You’re certainly not alone! More than 50 million Americans have experienced various kinds of allergies at some point in their life. Allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S. alone. Even more startling,...
In the last year or two, you may have been hearing more about your gut and its connection to your overall wellbeing. When it comes to the big picture of your health, your gut is more important than most people think. Today we’re going to introduce the topic of gut...
Traditional weight loss plans and weight loss clinics are often a tempting first stop for people who want to get serious about losing weight. A typical weight loss plan may entail: Cutting calories Omitting or restricting certain foods Increasing exercise Prescribing appetite-reducing medications This certainly sounds fine on the surface,...
The importance of prevention, such as Advanced Cardiovascular Screening, when it comes to heart disease and stroke, cannot be underestimated. Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the U.S. Roughly one out of four deaths in the U.S. is directly linked to heart disease – that’s approximately...
Weight-loss is one of the hottest topics in the health arena. So, it’s no wonder there are limitless ways to gauge your success, as well as whether you are at a healthy weight. There’s always a trendy new: Diet Exercise routine Exercise program Measurement These new trends help you determine...
If you’ve noticed you haven’t been looking or feeling your best, rest assured you are by no means alone. Natural aging has several unpleasant side impacts across the board that vary by individual, as well as life stage. As you move through your 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s, you’ll start to...
Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other cognitive diseases have become a rising problem in America. Recent studies suggest that a person’s risk of dementia doubles every five years, starting at age 65. By age 90, roughly 30% of people will develop Alzheimer’s or dementia. And there is currently no concrete cure for...
Growth Hormone Peptide Therapy is a popular therapeutic intervention that’s used around the world for a myriad of reasons. Though many people mistakenly believe that HGH and peptide therapy is only appropriate for young bodybuilders or aging adults. The truth is this time-tested treatment can be effective across the board, for men and...
When it comes to weight-loss strategies and measurements, there’s certainly no shortage of information or advice available. Many weight-loss gurus and experts promise they have the ideal guidance when it comes to how to lose weight best, but this is definitely not always the case! One of the most important factors to...
When it comes to weight loss, there are often several recommended diet and lifestyle changes that patients need to make to be successful well after their diet has ended. Larger strategies are essential for results to stick. Successful long-term weight loss often involves a change in thinking about: Food Exercise Other aspects of your...
When it comes to heart disease, protecting the health of your heart is more important than ever before. Recent studies found heart disease remains the leading cause of death for Americans. Roughly 600,000 people in the U.S. alone die from heart disease every year. This translates to one out of every...
Unfortunately, many people don’t go to the doctor as often as they should for preventive care. They believe if they aren’t suffering from any specific illness or symptoms that there’s no reason to schedule an appointment. However, many diseases are preventable when detected early as are many chronic diseases avoidable with the right treatment...
Advanced cardiovascular screening is more important today than it’s ever been. Undetected cardiovascular disease is the greatest health risk facing people today. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women as about 600,000 people die of heart disease in the United States every year–that’s 1...
Thyroid disease is one of the most common, yet misunderstood and overlooked, conditions in Americans. It’s estimated that in the United States, at least 27 million and as many as 60 million people have thyroid disease. Women make up the majority of thyroid patients. And, unfortunately, millions remain undiagnosed and untreated. Therefore, there is a...
When it comes to treating hormonal imbalance, there is no uniform approach. Yet, many in the medical field continuously prescribe “band-aid” treatments that may work for some but don’t offer all patients optimal results, nor do they address their full scope of health concerns and symptoms. Hormonal imbalance can come...
DO you have chronic symptoms such as fatigue, aches, pains, and brain fog? If so, you might be suffering from biotoxin illness. With at least 20% of the population being susceptible to mycotoxin illness, there’s no wonder there’s an epidemic of chronic mystery illnesses occurring! HLA Haplotype Lab Test Firstly, a...
The Lamkin Clinic is a proud practitioner of Functional Medicine, an approach many are calling the future of medicine. When it comes to functional medicine, there’s a lot to unpack, but if there’s one thing you take away from this article let it be this: functional medicine is an approach to...
Arthritis is the inflammation of any of the 200 joints within the human body, and also affects the bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It is a type of rheumatic condition that involves a lot of pain that patients endure because of stiffness and swelling. The pain occurs either gradually or all...
For years, our healthcare system has always been focused on treating the symptoms of disease. Patients going to the doctor would expect to get treatment for their disease or chronic condition by way of a drug prescribed by the medical professional. In the advent of functional medicine, the framework for...
Everyone wants to figure out the secret to health and wellness, so they try various diets, workout routines, fitness plans, and more. While these are definitely the ingredients to staying in shape and maintaining emotional and physical wellness, it’s hard to go it alone. By seeking out the help of...
How many times have you seen your doctor for an ailment, only to have all your X-rays, blood tests, and other diagnostic tests come back normal? You know you’re suffering, and so does your doctor, but what can they do? Sadly, this is a common scenario, but why? One problem...
In a new study that looked at over 5,000 older Irish adults, it was found that greater amounts of belly fat are associated with cognitive impairment. This is an extremely important finding since the global prevalence of dementia is expected to increase to 81.1 million by the year 2040. The...
As part of the Lamkin medical weight loss clinic’s health plan, some patients are put on a Paleo diet for clean eating. Trials suggest that a paleo diet offers more weight loss and better appetite management than traditional low-fat diets. The Paleo diet has been around for a while now, and while...
In the last few years, platelet-rich plasma therapy has become more popular among athletes in treating specific injuries in the hopes that it will help them return to competing more quickly than medication, surgery, or physical therapy alone, but it’s not a new concept. PRP treatment was used as early as the 1990s for...
The question of whether menopausal or perimenopausal females should begin natural hormone replacement (HRT) is an individual one. There are no broad brushstrokes to paint this picture. Females undergo a hormonal shift that often begins in their mid-thirties and picks up steam around the age of fifty. In the earliest...
Today’s traditional medicine has vastly improved over years past, but there are still a variety of diseases that are not fully understood. Modern medicine tends to overmedicate the symptoms without rooting out the underlying cause of these diseases. A functional medicine doctor, on the other hand, treats the cause of chronic disorders...
It’s a new year, and many people start it off by resolving to stick to a diet. Unfortunately, when it comes to weight loss, it is not as simple as cutting carbs or eliminating fat. If it were, losing weight would be so much simpler. The truth is, most people...
Functional medicine investigates the origin of a health issue, seeking to pinpoint the cause of disease and illness. Instead of a one-track, “Band-Aid tactic” that insists on treating the symptom, not the causal issue, a multifaceted health plan treats the body as a whole, integrated system. In essence, Oklahoma functional...
Hypothyroidism symptoms in women vary, but no matter the signs, be it fatigue or weight gain, they often cause considerable physical and emotional discomfort. Luckily, women can learn how to treat hypothyroidism naturally, and significantly improve their lives. Thyroid Disease Treatment Are you curious about all-natural thyroid disease treatment? Treating thyroid...
An underactive thyroid is a medical condition known as hypothyroidism where certain hormones that are usually secreted by the thyroid gland are no longer produced in sufficient quantities or at all. These hormones are vital to physical well being, and their insufficiency causes various health problems. Hypothyroidism Symptoms In Women Hypothyroidism symptoms...
In men, an awareness of the aging process typically begins sometime in the mid-to-late thirties. The masculine physique may then begin to fade as the abdomen protrudes slightly but surely, the formerly chiseled face softens, energy and sex drive decline, motivation wanes, and sleep goes from an afterthought to a...
Well documented in the scientific literature is that the male aging process is associated with declining testosterone levels. It is also well established that testosterone plays a prominent role in many physiologic processes that impart good health. Testosterone’s decline is associated with loss of muscle strength and bone density, declining...
Low dose Naltrexone, or LDN, has unique properties unlike any other medication. Further, it’s not what it does while in your body, but what it triggers after it is metabolized within four hours of taking it. First, a little background. Naltrexone was first synthesized in 1963 as an orally active...
Thyroid hormone synthesis and then its delivery to where it needs to go is a complex process that involves various stages. The process begins in the brain and ends in the cells and tissues if all goes right. That’s a big “if” when you’re someone struggling with energy, brain fog,...
One of the most important screening tests we’ve been using for years at The Lamkin Clinic is the fasting insulin test. Insulin is the hormone produced by the pancreas to drive glucose (blood sugar) into the cells to produce energy. The test simply involves an overnight fast, then a blood...
Sleep is one of those wonderfully built-in processes that we all need to maintain health. Everyone on the planet needs regular quality deep sleep (usually between seven to eight hours) for optimal health. If you don’t get consistent deep and restful sleep, which can occur for a variety of reasons,...
A couple weeks ago in the first part of this series, I wanted to achieve two goals. First, to help people with insulin resistance or type II diabetes understand what “insulin resistance” really is. Second, I wanted to let people know they don’t have to continue to take prescription medications...
Most people consider the predominant form of diabetes (type II) to be merely a condition of high blood sugar, but the fundamental problem is much more complex (and interesting). I’ve always felt it important for my patients to understand what is actually going on in their body. As such, one...
Unfortunately, being overweight has a stigma associated with it. The opinionated and under-informed often think that overweight people are gluttonous, don’t have any discipline, or are just lazy. The truth is that the issue is much more complicated than that. Most of us go through periods in our lives in...
Thyroid hormones provide our body’s cells and tissues with important signals that affect just about every aspect of health. Every system in our bodies is affected, including our nervous and immune systems and also the functions that regulate temperature and metabolic rate. An underperforming thyroid can lead to weight gain...
With all the hype about sugar, the effects of sugar on men gets little attention. Two things stand out: Sugar can contribute to low testosterone It can also be a factor in prostate cancer Your body quickly breaks down the sugar from sweets and drinks containing alcohol and high-fructose corn...
Want to lose weight for the summer? Here are some tips on weight loss—before summer and during the sweltering weather. 1. Drink more water and fewer sugary drinks. Water is the best drink for weight loss. It keeps you hydrated without the carbs. 2. Cut down on coffee drinks high...
Your thyroid is a very important, small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that controls production of some of the most critical hormones in your body. Among other bodily functions, your thyroid hormones regulate your body’s metabolism. If your thyroid isn’t working properly, that can lead to some significant health issues—but...
If you’ve tried to lose weight for any length of time, you know the two most basic things you have to do: eat healthy and exercise. But just because those are the basic elements of losing weight doesn’t mean they’re easy! In fact, many people who are trying to lose...
Feeling tired? Struggling to concentrate? Have unexplained aches and pains? These can be symptoms of a few different things, but if you’ve just had a baby, it’s worth considering whether or not you might have postpartum thyroiditis. Postpartum thyroiditis affects about one in seventeen women in America. Pregnancy is a...
Chances are you’ve heard about the BMI (Body Mass Index) measurement. It’s a common metric used to determine whether someone is overweight or obese. However, it’s a rule of thumb at best. Your BMI is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height (in meters) squared. If you...
If you have diabetes, you probably already know that it’s the most common disease of the endocrine system. But thyroid disease is the second most common endocrine disorder. And the conditions often are found together. If you have diabetes, talk with your doctor about scheduling screening for thyroid disease—and learn...
While hypothyroidism tends to be more prevalent in women than in men, that means it’s all the more important to talk with a medical professional if you are a man concerned about your thyroid health. Hypothyroidism is often caused by autoimmune disease (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a common cause), but can...
If you’re like most Americans who are trying to lose weight, you know it can be quite a challenge. Not only is it simply challenging to change up your diet and exercise habits, but there are often barriers to losing weight that may have more of an impact depending on...
If you’re making strides to eat well and exercise more, you might be frustrated to find your weight loss slowing and even stopping! That’s called a weight-loss plateau, and it’s not uncommon. There are several things that can contribute to a weight-loss plateau. If you’ve been losing weight but have...
You may already know about some of the health effects that smoking can cause: prematurely wrinkled skin, tobacco stains, discolored teeth, gum disease, bad breath, heart disease, COPD, and lung cancer, to name a few. But did you know that smoking has some specific effects on male health? They’re not...
It can be easy to justify losing sleep when you have an especially busy week, or if you have a crucial project that comes up at the last minute. However, sacrificing your sleep can lead to several health issues, including slowing down your weight loss and even causing you to...
Hypothyroidism, caused by a thyroid that doesn’t produce enough of the hormones your body needs, can create several medical issues. I’ve written before about the symptoms of hypothyroidism, and it’s something that does need to be treated. Untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to several complications. A common complication is a goiter—an...
Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that produces hormones that your body needs. Unfortunately, some people’s thyroid glands do not produce enough of the thyroid hormones, which can create several negative physical effects. Wondering if you may have hypothyroidism? It’s a disease that typically comes on...
“You should listen to your tummy!”, I always say to my patients inwardly chuckling at using the term “tummy”. They say that half our brains are located in our intestinal tract. Who exactly “they” are, I don’t know, but they must be really smart! I’m sure it’s because half our...
The fundamental problem with Type II Diabetes is insulin resistance. What that really means is that there are fewer insulin receptors on the cells of people who have diabetes, as a response to damaging AGE proteins (Advanced Glycation End products). The cells are keeping the excess sugar outside as a...
Whether you have diabetes or not, you probably know that spiking blood sugar is a dangerous thing for people with diabetes. But why is this bad, and how does it create problems? Our cells normally have plenty of insulin receptors. Typically, our blood glucose freely and efficiently enters our cells...
One of the most interesting, exciting things we see in our clinic is when our patients come in week after week with improved blood sugar after decreasing their medication. On the Help Your Diabetes program, patients receive support and weekly follow-up to reverse their diabetes. Our patients experience better blood...
PRP (Platelet-Rich-Plasma) therapy is an emerging treatment for individuals suffering from degenerative or arthritic joint conditions. Professional athletes have had access to this type of cutting-edge treatment for years, but more and more physicians are beginning incorporate it into their offerings for joint pain, arthritis, injuries and even cosmetic enhancements....
I’ve always believed that true health comes from within. This still holds true for dental health. It’s interesting, for example, that there are isolated non-industrialized populations around the world in which brushing does not exist and dental health is superior to that in western countries. Dr. Weston Price, D.D.S., has...
The obvious problem with Diabetes is that the excess sugars will build up OUTSIDE the cells (in our blood) and cause damage to our vessels. This is where most of health problems Diabetics face actually occur… in the blood vessels. The damage The damage in our vessels can manifest as...
Are you feeling the effects of a low or thyroid? You’re not alone! Thyroid disease is an increasingly common cause of fatigue and weight gain. The symptoms Not all people with low thyroid present the same. Some of the more common symptoms of low thyroid include fluid retention (puffy face), constipation,...
The well established approach to mental health in our country is one of ‘trial and error.’ While millions suffer from depression and anxiety, it may not be the best approach. In this case, the ‘trial and error’ approach referred to involves any number of medications that influence various neurotransmitters whose...
If you’re in OKC, you’ve probably been peppered with men’s health commercials, many of which even take an antagonistic tone on the subject of male erectile dysfunction (ED). “Touchdown!” a female voice calls out. Then comes the question, “When was the last time your significant other said that? Been too...
When I sit down with new patients, I am always surprised to hear how little they know about the underlying cause of their condition. When we hold seminars, I even ask the audience, “What is the underlying problem with Diabetes?” The answers I get include what you would expect: “High...
Pain is… well, PAINFUL, even if it’s for a good cause. So when considering what type of exercise to do, instinctively many of us would choose the least painful option. Would you sprint up a steep hill or take a leisurely walk down a windy road? Would you do a...
Each year, around half a million people in the US die suddenly from a heart attack. The truly troubling thing is that around half of them had no previous symptoms of a heart problem. What a tragedy for those individuals and their families! As a biochemist, physician, and functional medicine...
The term biochemical individuality has been used to describe what most scientist know (and even what non-scientist instinctively know) which is that each one of us has our own unique chemistry making us wonderfully and perfectly different, not just in appearance, but down to the manner in which our bodies...
I give my mother credit for introducing me to a term called “leaky gut” about ten years ago. I remember saying at the time “Leaky Gut What?” As a caveat, it’s important to know that I’d just graduated from medical residency after twelve years of college, medical school, and post-graduate...
Has this happened to you? You find yourself sitting in your doctor’s office waiting room. It’s full of patients transmitting whatever virus or bug they have into a collective soup of infectious air. As you wait for what seems like hours (or maybe it actually is!) for your five minute...
For the fortunate few, losing weight is as easy as cutting back on those guilty trips through the Taco Bell Drive-thru or skipping desert a few nights a week. For most, though, losing weight can be a struggle. For many, losing weight can seem darn-near impossible! If you are one...
Food allergies are a growing health problem in our country. While many experience immediate symptoms, you may not experience the symptoms until up to a week later. That can complicate connecting your symptoms to foods you’ve eaten. For many, their food allergies elicit immediate symptoms of cramps, bloating, nausea and...
I recently had the exhausting and frustrating experience of wasting nearly an entire weekend trying to get a pool set up for the kids. Anyone I have ever known that has owned a pool always emphatically told me “don’t ever get a swimming pool!”. Well, I always assumed they meant...
The incidence of heart attacks is still very high in the US despite a standard cholesterol check being a part of most annual wellness visits. This leaves one to wonder if the standard cholesterol check is telling the whole picture. The short answer, in my opinion, is no. To explain...
It seems like every other week I hear news reports purporting the benefits of caffeine whether it be brain health or prevention of cancer. Unfortunately, there are several drawbacks to caffeine consumption particularly for those with Diabetes or anyone trying to lose weight. Yes, caffeine is stimulant and all stimulants...
The battle of the bulge is exactly that… a battle. Anyone who has put on weight and made attempts to lose it understands that it isn’t easy to lose even ten pounds and even more a fight when 30 or more pounds of weight loss are needed to get down...
A former exercise physiologist colleague of our clinic just emailed a pretty interesting YouTube video link demonstrating new technology that allows medications to be delivered through tiny micro needle patches placed on the skin rather than taking pills or injections. While, the technology is always fascinating (I’m a science geek...
For a blissful couple months over the summer, the sun shined into the office when we would have our morning coffee just after 6am. This is no longer the case on two accounts. As I mentioned in a previous blog, my relationship with caffeine has come to a sudden and...
Fear and the physical response to fear (aka the ‘flight or fight’ response) is a primordial response to danger that has been embedded within our DNA over generations. I don’t know the ultimate reason for having this within us, but I think we can all assume the fear response is...
What does it really mean to be “healthy”? The truth is, no definitive set of parameters exists that comprehensively defines what exactly “healthy” means. In some cases, it’s obvious when someone isn’t healthy. If God forbid someone is hospitalized on a ventilator to support breathing after a sudden heart attack,...
Has there been a time in your life when you were totally focused on losing weight and after a period of time that focus waned? Most of us can relate. Many of us go through periods where we are ready, motivated, and feel we are armed with the right information...
You may have opened this article out of mere curiosity or maybe you felt personally challenged by the article’s title. (Perhaps offended by the notion if you are a female.) Let me say at the outset that I’m not that bully in the neighborhood who challenged you to jump across the obviously too wide creek filled with cold...
Recently, my wife and I joined our church for a ‘fast’ that restricts all fluids to water and all foods to fruits, nuts, beans, and vegetables for 21 days. No meat, dairy, caffeine or processed foods! No coffee, tea, juice or soda. Should’ve been a breeze, right? As a family...
Two weeks ago, in the E newsletter entitled: Tale of Two Hormones: Part I, I reviewed the hormone Insulin and how it’s inappropriate and excessive production creates havoc on our bodies. This turmoil could include systemic inflammation, increased body fat, and the eventual evolution into disease in some form or...
There exists two hormones in our bodies that wreak more havoc and contribute more to the development of disease than imaginable. Common warning signs of an imbalance in these two essential hormones include: *Weight gain *Lack of restorative sleep *Poor mood *Declining sex drive and/or function *Loss of energy *Sugar...
Do you know what you’re missing? Feeling sluggish? Not sleeping well? Gaining weight without much change in lifestyle or diet? How about depressed mood or lack of focus? You could be missing one or more nutrients essential for optimal function of your body. A new blood test called a MicroNutrient...
Guidelines For Choosing Vitamin & Mineral Supplementsby Raymond Francis To choose among supplements by comparing labels can be of little value. Two identical labels can be two completely different products. The difference in quality can depend on the following: 1. Type, quality, and age of raw materials used2. Method used...
Ever wonder why we as humans do the things we do? Children at least have an excuse for sticking a bobby pin in an electric socket or playing with dog poo. After all they’re children! We, or I in this case, have no such excuse! You see I am the...
My wife was recently giving our daughter (3) and son (2) a bath while I tended to our other son (9 weeks). She recounted what has now morphed into the ‘Lexi saying of the day’. Our daughter, Lexi, is at that age where everything is magical and interesting and no...
In my last email blog, I planted a few seeds that hopefully made you question some of the products you put into your mouths and on your bodies. See the Doctor’s blog section of our website if you missed it. The average person doesn’t usually question the products they use...
I wanted to share some thoughts with you about something important that may or may not have been on your radar… The subject I am eluding to is toxicity. Specifically, your environmental toxicity. Ok. I can hear the yawn and subsequent click as you hit the delete button from your...
Telomeres (pronounced Tell-oh-meers) are in the news as of late…and in the research! Telomeres are the short stranded caps at the ends of our DNA. Just as gloves and shoes are to our hands and feet, telomeres are the same to our chromosomes. Each individual cell in our body contains...
Mom was right! The word is in…our mothers were right! Vegetables are actually good for us. What a news flash! Historically, the barrier preventing most of us from leaving the dinner table as a child was always that small portion of vegetables that had the hue of something that usually...
No, I’m not asking you to get to know a new Star Wars character. VO2 is actually an important value that can be measured accurately to assess risk for developing heart disease. The pharmaceutical industry would have us believe that LDL or the “bad cholesterol” is the only important marker....
Ok. Let’s get to the heart of the matter! What can you do to optimize your energy levels and essentially improve your mood, sex drive, capacity for exercise, and decrease your overall risk for age related disease? (Yes, they’re all tied in together!) 1) Frequent Exercise. This one’s a gimme!...
In the previous article, Understanding your Energy: Part I, I wrote about some important information on exactly what energy is and discussed the high energy molecule, ATP. At this point I wanted to answer the all important questions: 1) What happens to our energy as we age? And 2) How...
First of all let me apologize to those of you who read my articles on a weekly basis. Over the last several weeks, I have been tied up with a pretty big project at my home in Edmond. It seems turning a separate two car garage into a guest house...
Recently, I had been conversing with my parents about my medical practice and the philosophy and science behind age management medicine. My mother is actually pretty nutrition savvy and has read extensively over the years about nutritional supplementation, exercise, and healthy eating habits. They also have had the experience of...
Many individuals start out with great emotion and dedication to lose 10, 15, 30, or even 50 lbs. The dieting, weightlifting, stretching, and cardio training begins. The tendency is for most to jump on the scale with increased frequency grasping at any sort of positive momentum they can obtain. Minimal...
Our humble clinic was recently featured in a Journal Record article addressing our plans for tackling wellness in the corporate world. In that article, several questions were addressed to me, my wife Deb, our nutrition director; Richard Mellinger, a personal training associate; and Shelly Matos, our fitness director and owner...
The politics of the health care reform debate can often dilute what’s really important. Every time I read or hear a news story about the negotiations and discussions being made between the pharmaceutical industry, insurers, and politicians I wonder if the end result will really be in the best interest...
Ok, let’s face it, as we hit our thirties and forties, we all begin to see those subtle signs and symptoms of aging. Weight gain Brain fog Loss of muscle tone Aches and pains Gastrointestinal issues You may even notice it is a little more difficult to recover if you...
Have you ever gone through a period in your life in which you were highly motivated to lose weight and felt like you were doing everything right, only to go back to the regular routine? At some point in all our lives we get motivated to improve our health and...
Is bone health something YOU need to be concerned about? I am going to throw a few facts at you and let you decide. Obviously, I wouldn’t be bringing this up if I did not believe it was an important concern as we age. The reality is that most people...
Both men and women experience natural declines in the hormone testosterone as we age… period! There is no debate about this in medicine. The question is whether and when aging adults should supplement with hormone therapy. By the way, I’m not fond of the term ‘aging adult’, but for lack...
