Resources

Articles

Measuring Bone Resorption for Osteoporosis

There has been more talk of the importance of Vitamin D not only for blood sugar balance and immune health but also for bone health. More and more of my female mid life patients are being advised to get a DEXA bone density scan. While this test has been hailed as the gold standard, bone mineral density does not tell us everything about bone health. The quality of the bone, how the bone matrix is structured, how flexible it is, or how porous it may be, also plays a crucial role in determining bone strength. Bone quality is influenced by factors like collagen cross-linking, mineralization, and microarchitecture. DEXA doesn't capture these aspects.

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Mackenzie Lee
Unlocking the Power of Olive Oil: Supporting Brain Health and Reducing Dementia Risk

As a dietitian specializing in integrative and functional medicine, I often emphasize the profound impact nutrition can have on long-term health. One standout food that has captured attention for its role in brain health is olive oil, particularly extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) rich in polyphenols. A recent study published on May 6, 2024, in Nutrition, Obesity, and Exercise sheds light on the connection between olive oil consumption, diet quality, and a reduced risk of dementia-related deaths.

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Mackenzie Lee
Behavior Change: The Holiday Gift That Keeps on Giving

It’s here. The holidays have arrived. Filled with traditions, smells, and tastes of past holidays.  Hopefully, you’re not one of the many people who started eroding your healthy habits in October when the candy corn showed up! It can be a downward spiral for some. When you start to get off track with your eating, it feels like permission to just keep making poor choices. Before you know it, you are staring at January with an extra 10 pounds and 30 days you missed at the gym.

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Mackenzie Lee
Incorporate more COLOR into your Holidays.

During cold and flu season it is more important than ever that we pay attention to nutrients in our diet. It’s a time when we want to indulge in this treat or that one, considering we have been so good all year long. Yes, do indulge in the special tastes that the traditions bring this time of year. But also, be sure to incorporate the foods that prompt health and longevity.

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Mackenzie Lee
Thanksgiving Prep

Thanksgiving is just two days away, and the anticipation is in the air! As the season transitions from the vibrant colors of fall to the cooler embrace of late November, it’s the perfect time to finalize your preparations for this cherished holiday. Amid the hustle of holiday decor, travel plans, and family dynamics, let’s take a moment to focus on gratitude and thoughtful planning to create a memorable gathering.

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Mackenzie Lee
Managing GERD: Understanding, Preventing, and Thriving

As a Registered Dietitian specializing in functional medicine, my goal is to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools to improve their health. Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a common digestive disorder that can significantly impact one's quality of life. Here, we will explore what GERD is, its potential triggers, effective prevention strategies involving nutrition and lifestyle, and the importance of recognizing its symptoms.

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Mackenzie Lee
PCOS - Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder that affects nearly 10% of women and is the most common endocrine disorder of women of reproductive age. It causes a range of symptoms and potential long-term health risks. With a prevalence of up to 20% in some populations, it is a significant public health concern. Thankfully, there are effective solutions to help manage symptoms and enhance fertility potential.

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Mackenzie Lee
Eating For Energy

We all want a life full of energy happiness and vitality. To be great parent, spouse, sister, daughter, community member, business owner, manager is meaningful work in this world, aiming for contribution in the world outside of our own needs. But if we ignore our own energetic needs, over time it can become a chronic state and create disability. It keeps sending messages to us louder and louder until we listen. 

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Shana Tatum
Dietary Protein Intake

If you spend any time on social media these days following health, you will have heard the protein story and how you need to increase your intake. Is it true? Do I really need that much protein? Well, it depends.

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Shana Tatum
Environmental Effects on Hormonal Balance

I have many patients that come see me to find ways to help nutrition bring their life into more balance. Some are looking to lose weight others to gain weight. Some are working on reducing cholesterol or reversing type 2 diabetes. One thing that is always reviewed in the initial assessment is what we call biotransformation and elimination - or detoxification through the liver.

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Shana Tatum
Cardiovascular Health and Nutrition

Much of the impact of cardiovascular disease can be helped or hindered by the diet. Plenty of food plans exist to help improve vascular health, reduce lipids in the blood and the harmful effects that too much glucose has on the vessel wall and the liver. A few of these food plans include the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension or the DASH diet, the Mediterranean Diet, the Cardiac Diet, and a Vegetarian Diet.

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ClinicShana Tatum
Hunger, Appetite and Cravings

Many of us have felt what it’s like to be hungry, sense your appetite, or have an intense food craving. Hunger is the sensation we get when our stomachs are empty. Appetite is the desire to eat food. Cravings, well, they are something different. 

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Shana Tatum
Incorporate more COLOR into your Holidays

With the cold and flu season approaching, it is more important than ever that we pay attention to nutrients in the diet. It’s a time where we want to indulge in this treat or that one, considering we have been so good all year long. Yes, do indulge in the special tastes that the traditions bring this time of year. But also, be sure to incorporate the foods that promote health and longevity.

Read More
ClinicShana Tatum
Thanksgiving Prep

In America, we anticipate the Thanksgiving Day celebration as soon as the season starts to turn from hot summer days to cooler fall nights. We have already started to see the Holiday decorations in stores and on screen to entice us into purchase. With the pandemic, we have changed our gathering habits over the last few years. No doubt our gratitude for all we have and those we love remains. It is likely however, that our celebrations will feel more like before but still with caution for our gatherings. Now is a perfect time to begin to think about what traditions we will continue and with what we will stay flexible.

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KitchenShana Tatum
Nutrition and Bone Health

One week in October highlights Bone and Joint Action Week. October 12- October 20, 2023. According to a report by the U.S. Bone and Joint Initiative the Burden of Musculoskeletal Disease in the United States, 54% of Americans suffer from a musculoskeletal bone or joint condition.

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Shana Tatum
Heartfelt Nutrition: Health Through Smart Food Choices

Heart-healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated or boring. By taking simple steps like incorporating plenty of fruits and vegetables, reducing sodium intake, choosing whole grains over processed foods, being mindful of added sugars, eating the right fats, and treating yourself once in a while - you can achieve a healthier lifestyle that is both nutritious and delicious! With these tips in mind, you can take action today to keep your heart healthy now and for years to come. So don't wait any longer - start living a heart-healthy lifestyle today!

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KitchenShana Tatum