Blog
3/4/25
FOOD SENSIVITY TESTING
Is Your Food Making You Sick, Tired, or Bloated?
Have you been struggling with achy muscles or joints, fatigue, headaches, skin rashes, or digestive issues, stubborn weight gain without clear answers?
What if the foods you eat every day are actually triggering inflammation in your body?
First, it’s important to recognize that food allergies and food sensitivities are not the same.
A food allergy is an IgE-mediated response that is usually a permanent allergy and can cause an immediate reaction within minutes to hours of eating certain foods. These allergies can be serious and require medical attention. On the other hand, food sensitivities measure a different antibody, and can cause vague symptoms and delayed reactions (up to 72 hours) after eating a certain food. They are more common and can be difficult to pinpoint.
At Optimal Health Medicine, we are now offering a Food Sensitivity Test + Personalized Consultation to uncover hidden food triggers that may be causing your symptoms.
Food sensitivities can lead to:
- Indigestion & GI issues (gas, bloating, reflux, IBS-like symptoms)
- Weight gain & bloating
- Chronic fatigue & brain fog
- Joint pain & muscle aches
- Headaches & migraines
- Skin rashes & eczema
- Indigestion & GI issues (gas, bloating, reflux, IBS-like symptoms)
This simple test identifies the foods that could be silently sabotaging your health so you can make informed choices, reduce inflammation, and start feeling your best.
With a personalized consultation, our expert guidance will guide you through your results and create a targeted plan to help you heal faster so you can get back to feeling more energized, less pain, more like yourself.
March Special Offer: Get Your Food Sensitivity Test + Consultation Today and receive 20% off the current price of $1,597!
Your health starts with knowledge. Take the first step toward optimal wellness!
Schedule a free call here to get started: https://calendly.com/optimalhealth-aril/30min
Warm Regards;
Nelsa Ciapponi, MD, IFMCP
References
2.Prevalence of IgG-mediated food intolerance among patients with allergic symptoms – PubMed
3.Association between food allergy and ankylosing spondylitis: An observational study – PubMed
4.Immune reactivities to peanut proteins, agglutinins, and oleosins – PubMed
2/21/25
B12 deficiency
Understanding the Increased Risk of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a crucial nutrient for maintaining optimal health. It plays an essential role in red blood cell formation, nerve function, and DNA synthesis. Despite its importance, B12 deficiency is surprisingly common, affecting millions of people worldwide. Certain factors, such as long-term use of medications like metformin (for Type 2 diabetes), advanced age, and dietary choices like vegetarianism, can significantly increase the risk of developing a deficiency.
In this blog, we’ll explore how these factors impact B12 levels and why early detection and management are essential.
- Long-Term Use of Metformin
Metformin, a first-line medication for managing type 2 diabetes, is known to interfere with the body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12. Studies suggest that up to 30% of people taking metformin long-term may experience reduced B12 levels.
Why Does Metformin Cause Deficiency?
Metformin is thought to affect B12 absorption by altering gut motility and changing the gut microbiome. Additionally, it may impair the uptake of B12 in the small intestine.
Who’s at Risk?
- People over age 65
- Those taking metformin or proton pump inhibitors (PPI’s) for reflux or heartburn
- People with celiac or inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn’s
- People with low dietary intake of B12 (vegetarian/vegan diets)
Recommendation: If you’re on long-term metformin therapy, consider regular monitoring of B12 levels. Supplementation with B12—either through diet or oral supplements—can prevent or correct deficiencies. Occasionally injectable B12 may be needed.
- Advanced Age
As we age, the body’s ability to absorb nutrients declines, and B12 is no exception. This is due to several age-related changes in the digestive system.
Factors Contributing to B12 Deficiency in Older Adults
- Reduced Stomach Acid Production: Hydrochloric acid is necessary to release B12 from food. Many older adults produce less stomach acid, making it harder to extract B12.
- Atrophic Gastritis: This condition, common in older individuals, leads to thinning of the stomach lining and decreased intrinsic factor production, a protein essential for B12 absorption.
- Medications: Common drugs like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 blockers, used to treat acid reflux, also reduce stomach acid and impair B12 absorption.
Recommendation: Adults over 60 should consider including regular B12 screenings as part of routine health checks. Fortified foods or B12 supplements are excellent options to maintain adequate levels.
- Vegetarian and Vegan Diets
Vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal-based foods like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. For this reason, individuals following vegetarian or vegan diets are at a heightened risk of deficiency.
Early Symptoms and Long-Term Risks of B12 Deficiency
B12 deficiency can manifest as subtle symptoms that are often mistaken for other health issues. These include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Difficulty concentrating or “brain fog”
- Numbness or tingling in extremities
- Depression or irritability
If left untreated, severe B12 deficiency can lead to:
- Anemia
- Nerve damage
- Memory loss and cognitive decline
- Heart disease
Recommendation: Individuals on plant-based diets should include B12-fortified foods like cereals, plant-based milks, and nutritional yeast. Additionally, daily or weekly B12 supplements in the form of cyanocobalamin or methylcobalamin can effectively prevent deficiencies.
Takeaway: Proactive Steps to Maintain Healthy B12 Levels
To reduce your risk of B12 deficiency:
- Monitor Regularly: Have your B12 levels checked periodically, especially if you fall into a high-risk category.
- Adjust Your Diet: Include B12-rich or fortified foods in your meals.
- Supplement Wisely: Consider oral B12 supplements if dietary sources are insufficient or absorption is impaired.
- Stay Informed: Discuss your medications, including metformin and acid-reducing drugs, with your healthcare provider to evaluate their impact on B12 levels.
At Optimal Health Medicine, we specialize in integrated functional approaches to monitor and address nutrient deficiencies and their root causes.
Contact us to discuss getting checked on:
- Nutrient levels including vitamin B 12 and folate
- Advanced nutrient testing.
Your health starts with knowledge. Take the first step toward optimal wellness!
Schedule a free call here to learn more: https://calendly.com/optimalhealth-aril/30min
Warm Regards;
Nelsa Ciapponi, MD, IFMCP
References
1.Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Recognition and Management – PubMed
2.Neuropsychiatric manifestations in vitamin B12 deficiency – PubMed
3.Vitamin B12 deficiency – PubMed
4.Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
5.Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
1/6/25
Weight loss and Osteoarthritis (OA) – Reduced pain
The Benefits of Modest Weight Loss for Knee Pain and Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common causes of knee pain, affecting millions worldwide. While there is no cure, effective management strategies can significantly reduce pain, improve quality of life and slow progression. One powerful and often overlooked solution is modest weight loss.
How Weight Impacts Your Knees
The knee’s bear much of the body’s weight, with every pound of body weight translating to roughly four pounds of pressure on the knee joint during activities like walking or climbing stairs. Excess weight can accelerate joint degeneration and worsen OA symptoms, such as pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
The Power of Losing Just 5-10% of Body Weight
Research shows that losing as little as 5-10% of body weight can lead to substantial improvements in knee pain and function for individuals with OA. That translates into just 8 pounds for a 150 lb. person. This modest weight loss reduces inflammation, alleviates joint stress, and may slow the progression of cartilage damage.
Additional Benefits of Weight Loss for OA
- Reduced Inflammation: Fat tissue produces inflammatory chemicals that can exacerbate OA. Fat tissue, particularly visceral fat, produces inflammatory proteins called cytokines. These proteins can increase inflammation throughout your body, including in your joints. Reduce your body fat through modest weight loss and you naturally lower the production of these inflammatory compounds.
- Improved Mobility: Less weight on the joints makes movement easier, encouraging physical activity—a critical component of joint health.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: With less pain and better mobility, daily activities and overall well-being often improve.
Simple Steps Toward Sustainable Weight Loss
- Prioritize Nutrition: Focus on anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
- . Stay Active: Choose low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, or yoga to protect your joints while staying fit.
- . Seek Professional Guidance: A functional medicine practitioner can help create a personalized weight loss plan to help reduce weight and joint pain.
If you’re inspired to take action but unsure where to start, I invite you to join our proven Metabolic Reset Program. This holistic and comprehensive program is specifically designed to help people lower inflammation and reduce weight (in a sustainable way) through metabolic optimization.
We offer the following:
– Customized approach that considers your joint health needs
– Expert guidance on anti-inflammatory nutrition
– Gentle exercise protocols safe for osteoarthritis
– Supportive community of people on similar journeys
– Proven results in reducing joint pain through weight management
Take the first step toward reduced inflammation and joint pain today. Next steps:
Call 704-540-3737 or email to secure your spot. Don’t let joint pain hold you back any longer – let’s work together to improve your wellness and get you moving more comfortably again!
Dr. Nelsa
Optimal Health Medicine
optimalhealth@twc.com
Schedule a free call here to learn more: https://calendly.com/optimalhealth-aril/30min
References
1.The Link Between Weight Loss and Knee Pain
2.Intensive weight loss helps knee arthritis | National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Disclaimer:
The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition.
11/20/24
Hello Friends;
November is American Diabetes Month.
In 2021, 38 million adults ages 18 and over or 14.7% of all US adults had diabetes and this may increase by 54% to more than 54.9 million Americans by 2030. You can see how important it is to identify who’s at risk for diabetes earlier as early detection can prevent or even reverse many cases of Type 2 diabetes.
Consider this scenario:
After your recent health checkup, you may have been informed that your glucose or blood sugar is elevated or that you have pre-diabetes. While this is concerning, remember the good news that in the majority of cases, pre-diabetes is reversible, as well as, T2D.
The first step: Dietary and lifestyle changes, per the NIH (and if your doctor agrees), 12 weeks of TLC’s (therapeutic and Lifestyle Changes) are recommended. Here are some tips below. You can also want to work with a nutritionist if you need meal planning or more specific help.
Key steps you can take now to regain control of your blood sugar:
A) Adopt a Balanced, Nutrient-Rich Diet
Focus on whole foods (i.e. you understand the ingredients on the food label), especially vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and fiber-rich foods (berries, apples, lentils).
Think: “Fiber First”- fill up on veggies which will lessen caloric intake and slow the absorption of sugar in the bloodstream.
Start by reducing added sugars – You’d be surprised at how much added sugar is in even a healthy food like yogurt, granola bars, and pasta sauce.
I became keenly aware of this challenge of added sugars when my blood sugar was elevated, and I needed to make lifestyle changes.
Excess added sugars in our diet has also been found to increase the risk of developing autoimmune disorders, such as Crohn’s disease and multiple sclerosis, high blood pressure and more than a dozen different cancers Gradually reduce added sugar and refined carbs (white and processed flours).
Added sugar also feeds bad bacteria in the gut which can lead to an imbalance or biosis and chronic inflammation in the gut. This is not only linked to G.I. symptoms, but mental health issues.
Thankfully, dropping or limiting added sugar in the diet can “improve multiple areas in your quality of life and rapidly lower your risk of type 2 diabetes within days or weeks – not months or years according to Walter Willett, Professor of epidemiology and nutrition at Harvard school of Public health.
Snack Examples: apple slices and nut butter, veggies and hummus, small amount of nuts and berrie
B) Get Regular Physical Activity
I like to start with the concept of “just move”. Try to add a walking or exercise session after the largest meal of the day. Even 5-10 minutes can help so a simple “eat and move” mentality can be powerful. This can be any activity you enjoy, dancing, playing with your kids or grands, walking, cycling etc.
C) Monitor Your Blood Sugar
Regular checkups and self-monitoring, if advised, can help you track your progress and stay on top of any changes. Ask your doctor if an A1C can be added to you bloodwork as this is a 3 month average of blood sugar which when coupled with a fasting glucose gives a more complete picture than fasting glucose alone.
D) Consider a Personalized Health Plan
We can work together to develop a tailored plan that considers your unique needs, including dietary guidance, supplements, and lifestyle adjustments that suit you best.
Consider a Five day longevity fast like Prolon.
If you’d like more info. or support in making these changes, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you create a sustainable plan and support you every step of the way. By making small, consistent changes to lower your sugar intake, you will feel better have more energy, improve your health and reduce your risk for diabetes in both short and long-
Our amazing bodies were designed to heal.
Good quote I recently read: “ The truth does not change according to our ability to stomach it”. Flannery O’Connor
Warmly,
Dr. Nelsa
Optimal Health Medicine
P.S. Want to learn more about a unique fasting mimicking diet which targets visceral fat ( belly“ fat”) and helps with healing at a cellular level? Email optimalhealth@twc.com and I will send you more information.
P.S.S: Let me know if you’re interested in a group fast where we do this together coming up in January
Schedule a free call here to learn more: https://calendly.com/optimalhealth-aril/30min
References
1.https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-022-02712-7
2.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31756065/
3.https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40618-024-02438-8
4 .https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/healthy-eating/fiber-helps-diabetes.html
Disclaimer:
The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition.
11/6/24
Hello Friends;
I hope this message finds you well. Many patients often come to me with GI concerns: specifically persistent abdominal gas and bloating. These symptoms can be uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing, and they often signal underlying issues in the digestive system. Today I’d like to discuss 3 common causes of gas and bloating. Understanding these causes can help you take steps toward better digestive health.
- Dietary Factors:
- One common cause of gas and bloating is food sensitivities or intolerances like gluten sensitivity or lactose intolerance. Certain foods tend to produce more gas like beans, broccoli, and carbonated beverages. Carbohydrates are also found in foods such as beans, lentils, onions, garlic, and certain fruits and when consumed, these poorly absorbed carbohydrates reach the colon, where gut bacteria ferment them, producing gas as a byproduct.
- Digestive issues:
- IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome) – This is often caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the gut or food sensitivities (and may be a combo).
- Constipation – an often overlooked cause of bloating: if the stool sits in the colon rather than move on out, gas/bloating can build up along with discomfort.
- SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) occurs when there is an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine where there are normally fewer bacteria compared to the large intestine. These excess bacteria ferment undigested food, producing gasses like hydrogen and methane. This leads to bloating, gas, and often discomfort after meals. A breath test or stool test can be done to help sort out if this is an issue.
- Stress and Its Impact on Digestion
- Stress is an often-overlooked cause of digestive symptoms, including gas and bloating. The gut and brain are intricately connected through the gut-brain axis, and vagus nerve. Chronic stress can alter gut motility and the speed at which food moves the digestive system, potentially leading to constipation or diarrhea. Stress can also alter the composition of gut bacteria (microbiome) creating an imbalance. Helping the body get in a “rest and digest” rather than a “fight or flight” mode can help relieve gas, bloating, and constipation.
Conclusion
Understanding these causes of gas and bloating (and appreciating the role that chronic stress can contribute) can help in developing effective strategies to manage and prevent abdominal gas. bloating, and discomfort.
If you are experiencing severe or persistent symptoms, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
I hope this information proves helpful. Please let me know if you have any questions or need further clarification on this topic.
Best in Health;
Dr. C.
References
1.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32549835/
2.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37598673/
3.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30879252/
4.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37452811/
P.S. Pro-tip: Take 2-3 deep slow breaths before you eat your meal and eating slowly and mindfully can help with digestion
10/31/24
Hello Friends;
I hope your Fall is off to a good start! While this is a beautiful time of year, Fall can also bring challenges. The arrival of cooler temperatures and shorter days can significantly impact our immune health, mood, and resilience to stress – not to mention back to school and the office for many!
Below, you’ll find some evidence-based ingredients to help support these common health concerns. While many ingredients may be considered part of a wellness protocol, these ingredients were selected based on general safety, effectiveness, and broad applicability.
- A good quality Multivitamin – Provides a broad spectrum of essential nutrients and can help support overall immune function. Helps fill potential nutritional gaps (vitamins and minerals often work synergistically). Also, situations like infections and increased stress can further deplete nutrient stores in the body.
- Vitamin C – Acts as a powerful antioxidant protecting immune cells and supports the production and function of white blood cells. Helps strengthen the skin barrier, your body’s first line of defense. Vitamin C has also been shown to strengthen the wall of capillaries and stimulate the production and repair of collagen.
- Vitamin D3 (“the sunshine vitamin”) – Activates immune cells and helps them function properly. Particularly important during seasons with limited sun exposure. May help reduce the risk of respiratory infections and can help improve symptoms of depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
- Zinc – Essential for the development and function of immune cells. Studies have found that supplementation with this essential micronutrient may help reduce the duration of the common cold. Supports the body’s production of antibodies and helps maintain the integrity of skin and mucous membranes.
- Probiotic (or fermented foods) – Helps support immune and the gastrointestinal system. About 70% of our immune system is in the gut and a diversity of bacteria is best.
Remember that supplements work best as part of a comprehensive approach to health that includes:
– A balanced, nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory diet
– Regular exercise
– Adequate sleep (7-9 hours)
– Stress management (chronic stress can depress the immune system)
– Self care and mindfulness
As always, please consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, as individual needs may vary.
P.S looking for food sensitivity testing as a clue to chronic GI issues? We now offer this along with personalized results follow-up
Schedule a free call here to learn more: https://calendly.com/optimalhealth-aril/30min
Best in Health;
Dr. C.
Quote
“Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding”.
Albert Einstein
References
1.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33803407/
2.Vitamin C – Health Professional Fact Sheet
3.Zinc – Health Professional Fact Sheet
4.Vitamin D – Health Professional Fact Sheet
5.Probiotics Mechanism of Action on Immune Cells and Beneficial Effects on Human Health – PubMed
Disclaimer:
The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition.