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I get scary rashes when I’m out in the sun and I’m so fatigued.
I also have dry eyes and mouth, so bad that I have to chew gum all the time and put drops in my eyes. The cause is two autoimmune disorders, one that could lead to a stroke, heart attack or pulmonary embolism…
I knew I didn’t want the treatment choices suggested by traditional medicine.
The first time I had an autoimmune disorder was in 1993. I was enjoying a great career at IBM when I got sick. Doctors couldn’t give me a diagnosis for months. I dove into endless health research on my own, and figured out how to heal myself. I was inspired to quit my corporate career, uproot my family, and dive headfirst into medical school.
I deeply wanted to help people so that they did not have to face the same scary situation I did when I got sick.
I stayed the course through medical school and residency, even while having two babies!
After residency, unsure of next steps to get the additional training I needed to support my initial mission, I joined an Internal Medicine practice with two other doctors.
Even though in my heart I wanted to be a different kind of doctor, I immediately fell right into the typical routine, seeing 20 patients a day. I wanted to spend time with people, to explore, to dig for clues to what was affecting their health, yet within 5-10 minutes,
like my colleagues, I was telling my patients what prescription I was going to write.
It was as if the Universe was urging me to get back on track with my highest intentions for becoming a doctor in the first place.
The medication options in front of me had serious side effects and didn’t cure the problem … just managed the symptoms. I felt strongly that I needed to discover my own health solutions, again…
He ran tests I’d never heard of on me. He took his time with me, asking questions that might help get to the root of the cause. Among other things, he gave me recommendations to help my body detoxify better, or “empty my bucket” as I now say. It was an eye-opening experience.
And my body healed itself, again.
But equally if not more significant, I finally found the additional training to help me practice medicine the way I knew was possible. I studied at the Institute of Functional Medicine and there was no going back.
I braved opening my own Functional Medicine practice in 2005. I didn’t know if anyone would come, but word traveled fast and soon I had a long waiting list!
Today, the great blessing of my life is that I use my gifts to really help people with their health (and sickness) at the deepest level. My personal experience with undiagnosed celiac disease, autoimmune disorders, severe adult onset asthma, and even mold toxicity (another story for another time) have all been worthwhile steps in helping me practice medicine in the way I always dreamed was possible.
There are answers to a lot of these health issues we think of as natural to “aging,”
and there are solutions to things we think of as not having solutions!
Sharing these answers and life-giving solutions with others is what drives me.
I use cutting-edge science, innovative testing, research and genetic information to determine and address the root causes of health issues – not simply treat the symptoms of illness.
I approach each patient as a whole person, and we form a therapeutic partnership to achieve the highest standard of health.
My approach to medicine is a unique blend of measured, precise data with a heartfelt and sympathetic attitude towards all of my patients.
The science and research that directly relates our environment and nutrition to health prompted me to found two health-based foundations. My hope is to contribute to and inspire a positive movement towards solving some of the more complex health challenges we face today – and to help create a world where everyone has the opportunity for wellness. #EVERYLIFEWELL.
Polyphenols are plant compounds packed with antioxidants and many potential health benefits!
Polyphenols are what give fruits and vegetables their vibrant colors. 🍇
We know that oxidative stress contributes to inflammation and disease.
Various polyphenols may limit the effects of oxidative stress and could have preventive and/or therapeutic effects for…
✅ Protecting cells
✅ Lowering blood sugar levels /type 2 diabetes
✅ Supporting the microbiome
✅ Lowering inflammation
✅ Supporting cardiovascular health
✅ Protecting against obesity
✅ Preventing neurodegenerative diseases
✅ Stimulating lymphatic flow
✅ Boosting Immunity
Polyphenols are found in…
Artichokes, pomegranate, blueberries, raspberries, grapes, hazelnuts, chestnuts, walnuts and dark chocolate, olive oil, black olives, herbs and spices (cloves, turmeric, Mexican oregano, dried sage, dried spearmint, rosemary) coffee, green tea, and red wine (consume in moderation) and many more!
Are you getting enough polyphenols in your diet?
A few ways to sneak in more…
✅ Start the day with green tea
✅ Have a smoothie for breakfast or lunch and add greens, berries and a handful of nuts rich in polyphenols, like walnuts or hazelnuts.
✅ Sprinkle toasted hazelnuts and olive oil on your leafy greens.
✅ Add spices like turmeric, Mexican oregano, dried sage or cloves to your dishes.
✅ Have a piece of good quality, dairy-free dark chocolate as a treat.
Get polyphenols in supplement form…
Some of my favorite supplements with polyphenols…
✅Curcumin, a flavonoid polyphenol is the active ingredient in the spice turmeric.
✅ECGC, a type of polyphenol found in green tea.
✅Quercetin, found in leafy vegetables, broccoli, red onions, peppers, apples, grapes, black tea, green tea, and red wine.
✅ Resveratrol, in grapes and red wine.
✅Superfood powders-look for high quality, organic, gluten-free green superfood powders. I like Exceed Greens + Reds Organic Grain-Free Superfood – includes an abundance of polyphenols in just one scoop.
Click my linktree to shop for supplements or to find recipes rich in polyphenols.
Dr. Ann
#polyphenols #eathealthyfood #foodismedicine #integrativemedicine #nutrition #antioxidants
My amazing staff whipped up two beautiful and healthy cakes to celebrate me. 🎉❤️
They were so good I had to share the recipes! The chocolate cake was made with sweet potatoes and avocado.
The pineapple upside down cake was made with coconut flour and monk fruit sweetened. Yum! 😋
Paleo, gluten-free, dairy-free, grain-free and free of white sugar! Both so moist and delicious! 🍰
Save this post or visit my website for these and more healthy paleo recipes (link tree).
Dr. Ann ❤️
#paleo #paleocake #eatclean #functionalfood #foodismedicine #smartsplurge #glutenfree #dairyfree #madewithlove #healthyrecipes #healthy #nutritious
You know the old saying… “you are what you eat?” What if the same theory applied to your thoughts?
Negative, toxic thoughts may be sabotaging your health journey.
Try adjusting your inner voice with kinder, more positive self-talk. 😊
Start with a few affirmations… (a type of positive self-talk that can alter your subconscious thoughts)...repeating positive phrases gives them power.
• My body is healthy, my mind is tranquil
• I am the picture of wellbeing
• Wellness is the natural state of my body
And try to remove negative influences…
Negative thoughts often come from outside sources - try limiting negative news and screen time.
Time in nature often leaves us with positive emotions and thoughts…
Consider…
• Spending more time outside
• Practicing gratitude
• Start your day with meditation
• Visualize yourself happy and vibrant
Sometimes just being mindful of negative thoughts creeping in can help you switch your inner dialog to positive. 😊
Dr. Ann
#staypositive #affirmations #selflove #integrativemedicine #feedyourthoughts
#toxinfree #livewell #bepositive #healingjourney #wellnesstips #healing #healingjourney
Is your lymphatic system clogged?
Do your ankles swell?
Do you suffer from frequent colds, allergies, chronic fatigue or inflammation?
These are a few signs that your lymphatic system may not be functioning well.
A primary role of the lymphatic system is to remove toxins and waste from cells.
It is also ESSENTIAL for cardiovascular health and immunity.
Most medical conversations don’t address how the dysfunction in the lymphatic system may contribute to a host of symptoms and chronic disease.
Check out my recent blog post (see articles in my linktree) where I explain the lymphatic system in depth and share 13 strategies to promote lymph flow and help restore your lymphatic health.❤️
Dr. Ann
#lymphaticdrainage #lymphaticmassage #lymphaticsystem #integrativemedicine #immune #detox #heal #swollenfeet #wellnesstips #rootcause #inflammation #doctor #healthylifestyle #allergies #homeremedies #bewell #toxins #detox #sauna
Remembering to look for the magical moments. ❤️
Taking some time off to inhale the beauty of a new and enchanting place...and having an adventure! :)
As the sun sets on this amazing day, I am reminded of how important it is to truly soak in and appreciate the natural wonder of each magical moment.
And I realize...you don't have to travel halfway around the world to find magical moments - they are everywhere, we just need to take the time to appreciate them. ❤️
Dr. Ann
#dubai #wellness #camelride #adventure #travel #toxinfreeliving #onebodyonelife #integrativemedicine #happyishealty #wellnesstips #healthylifestyle #worklifebalance #healthyisawayoflife
Clean, pure water is absolutely fundamental to better health and detoxification❗️
No one would consciously drink water with heavy metals, arsenic, disinfection byproducts (DBPs) or other contaminants, but chances are that you have unwittingly had your fair share.
Many people have asked me what water filter to use, and it can be overwhelming to find the right water filter– especially if you’re not feeling your best.
So, I’ve put together some guidelines for you in the carousel above 👆🏻
My goal here is to provide you with a reliable approach to choosing a water filter for your home that meets all of your criteria, so I’ve put together an entire guide to help you make the best choice for you and your household needs (link in bio)
What water filtration system do you use? Share with me below ⬇️
Dr. Ann
#waterfiltration #waterfiltrationsystem #waterfilter #waterfilters #waterfiltersystem #waterfiltration #cleanwater #filteredwater #toxins #toxicity #toxinsout #toxinsbegone #toxinfreelifestle #toxinfreeliving #toxinfreeproducts #toxinsout #toxinremoval #toxinsupport
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