I am honored to introduce myself as the newest Nurse Practitioner at the Kaplan Center. It is truly a privilege to join a team so deeply committed to thoughtful, personalized, and patient-centered care.
Over the past several months, I have had the opportunity to work closely with Dr. Gary Kaplan, receiving hands-on training in the Kaplan Method®. This experience has been incredibly meaningful, and I am excited to continue providing care rooted in this comprehensive and integrative approach.
My goal as a provider is to partner with you to better understand the underlying causes of your health concerns and to develop individualized treatment plans that support long-term wellness. I believe in taking the time to listen carefully, evaluate thoroughly, and create care plans that reflect your unique needs and goals.
My background includes experience in functional medicine, gastroenterology, urgent care, and hands-on work in interventional and regenerative therapies, including trigger point injections and joint injections using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell treatments. These experiences have shaped my approach to care—one that emphasizes prevention, whole-person health, and evidence-based treatment.
I am also excited to be part of the Kaplan Center’s membership model, which allows for more consistent, supportive, and personalized care over time. This approach enables us to build stronger relationships and provide the level of attention and continuity that truly makes a difference.
I look forward to meeting you and being part of your care journey.
Thank you for trusting the Kaplan Center with your health.
Dr. Gary Kaplan appeared on FOX5 DC with Steve Chenevy to discuss food cravings, what they mean, and how to treat them.
Food cravings happen to everyone. Whether it’s sugar, salt, or something sour, those sudden urges can feel hard to ignore. But cravings are actually the body’s way of communicating something deeper.
Understanding what your cravings mean—and how to respond to them—can help you make healthier choices and support your overall well-being.
Why Do We Crave Certain Foods?
Cravings aren’t random. They’re often signals from your body that something is out of balance. Some of the most common causes include:
Blood sugar fluctuations – This is the leading cause of cravings, especially sugar cravings
Sleep deprivation – Hormonal changes can increase hunger and cravings
Chronic stress – Elevated cortisol levels can disrupt blood sugar and appetite
Emotional triggers – Eating to cope with stress, boredom, or unmet needs
Nutrient deficiencies – Low levels of iron, B12, or other nutrients
So instead of ignoring cravings, it’s worth asking yourself: What is my body trying to tell me?
Craving Sugar? Here’s What It Means
If you constantly crave sweets, your blood sugar may be dropping.
What’s happening: When blood sugar dips, your body looks for a quick source of energy—usually sugar or refined carbs.
• Protein (like Greek yogurt or eggs)
• Healthy fats (nuts, seeds, avocado)
• Regular meals (avoid skipping meals)
• Light movement (a short walk can help regulate blood sugar)
These options provide sustained energy without the crash.
Craving Salty Foods? You May Need Electrolytes
A strong desire for salty snacks can point to an electrolyte imbalance.
What’s happening: Your body may be low on key minerals like sodium, especially if you’re dehydrated or under stress.
Healthier alternatives:
• Drink water with a pinch of sea salt
• Snack on olives or nuts
• Stay properly hydrated throughout the day
Balancing electrolytes can reduce cravings and improve energy levels.
Craving Sour Foods? Your Digestion Might Need Support
Sour cravings are less common—but they can be surprisingly informative.
What’s happening: Your body may need more stomach acid to properly digest food, especially if you rely on antacids frequently.
What to try:
• Fermented foods like sauerkraut
• Yogurt with live cultures
These can help support digestion naturally.
Craving Non-Food Items? Don’t Ignore This
Craving things like ice, dirt, or other non-food items may seem unusual—but it can be a real medical signal.
What it could mean: This behavior, known as pica, is often linked to:
If you notice these cravings, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider.
How to Manage Cravings the Healthy Way
Cravings aren’t the enemy—they’re information. The key isn’t to fight cravings—it’s to understand and respond to them wisely.
Simple strategies:
• Pause and assess what your body needs
• Choose whole, nutrient-dense foods
• Prioritize sleep and stress management
• Stay hydrated
• Eat balanced meals with protein, fat, and fiber
By learning how to interpret your cravings, you can shift from reacting impulsively to responding intentionally. Whether it’s balancing blood sugar, improving sleep, or addressing nutrient gaps, small changes can make a big difference.
Looking for More Support?
If cravings are persistent or disruptive, please give us a call. Our functional and integrative approach to health can help uncover the root cause of your symptoms.
We are here for you, and we want to help.
Our goal is to return you to optimal health as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment please call: 703-532-4892 x2
Tick season is here. Dr. Gary shares expert tips with Northern Virginia Magazine on how to prevent tick bites this spring and summer—and reduce your risk of serious chronic illness.
A Letter to Patients from Jared Sharp, NP
/in Conditions, News/by Kaplan CenterDear Patients,
I am honored to introduce myself as the newest Nurse Practitioner at the Kaplan Center. It is truly a privilege to join a team so deeply committed to thoughtful, personalized, and patient-centered care.
Over the past several months, I have had the opportunity to work closely with Dr. Gary Kaplan, receiving hands-on training in the Kaplan Method®. This experience has been incredibly meaningful, and I am excited to continue providing care rooted in this comprehensive and integrative approach.
My goal as a provider is to partner with you to better understand the underlying causes of your health concerns and to develop individualized treatment plans that support long-term wellness. I believe in taking the time to listen carefully, evaluate thoroughly, and create care plans that reflect your unique needs and goals.
My background includes experience in functional medicine, gastroenterology, urgent care, and hands-on work in interventional and regenerative therapies, including trigger point injections and joint injections using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell treatments. These experiences have shaped my approach to care—one that emphasizes prevention, whole-person health, and evidence-based treatment.
I am also excited to be part of the Kaplan Center’s membership model, which allows for more consistent, supportive, and personalized care over time. This approach enables us to build stronger relationships and provide the level of attention and continuity that truly makes a difference.
I look forward to meeting you and being part of your care journey.
Thank you for trusting the Kaplan Center with your health.
Sincerely,
Jared Sharp, NP
To read Jared’s full bio, click here.
To schedule an appointment, please call 703-532-4892, ext 2.
We are here for you, and we want to help.
Our goal is to return you to optimal health as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment please call: 703-532-4892 x2
What Your Food Cravings Really Mean + How to Manage Them Naturally
/in Featured Press, Nutrition, Wellness/by Kaplan CenterDr. Gary Kaplan appeared on FOX5 DC with Steve Chenevy to discuss food cravings, what they mean, and how to treat them.
Food cravings happen to everyone. Whether it’s sugar, salt, or something sour, those sudden urges can feel hard to ignore. But cravings are actually the body’s way of communicating something deeper.
Understanding what your cravings mean—and how to respond to them—can help you make healthier choices and support your overall well-being.
Why Do We Crave Certain Foods?
Cravings aren’t random. They’re often signals from your body that something is out of balance. Some of the most common causes include:
So instead of ignoring cravings, it’s worth asking yourself: What is my body trying to tell me?
Craving Sugar? Here’s What It Means
If you constantly crave sweets, your blood sugar may be dropping.
What’s happening: When blood sugar dips, your body looks for a quick source of energy—usually sugar or refined carbs.
What to do instead:
Skip the candy and stabilize your blood sugar with:
• Protein (like Greek yogurt or eggs)
• Healthy fats (nuts, seeds, avocado)
• Regular meals (avoid skipping meals)
• Light movement (a short walk can help regulate blood sugar)
These options provide sustained energy without the crash.
Craving Salty Foods? You May Need Electrolytes
A strong desire for salty snacks can point to an electrolyte imbalance.
What’s happening: Your body may be low on key minerals like sodium, especially if you’re dehydrated or under stress.
Healthier alternatives:
• Drink water with a pinch of sea salt
• Snack on olives or nuts
• Stay properly hydrated throughout the day
Balancing electrolytes can reduce cravings and improve energy levels.
Craving Sour Foods? Your Digestion Might Need Support
Sour cravings are less common—but they can be surprisingly informative.
What’s happening: Your body may need more stomach acid to properly digest food, especially if you rely on antacids frequently.
What to try:
• Fermented foods like sauerkraut
• Yogurt with live cultures
These can help support digestion naturally.
Craving Non-Food Items? Don’t Ignore This
Craving things like ice, dirt, or other non-food items may seem unusual—but it can be a real medical signal.
What it could mean: This behavior, known as pica, is often linked to:
• Iron deficiency
• B vitamin deficiencies
If you notice these cravings, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider.
How to Manage Cravings the Healthy Way
Cravings aren’t the enemy—they’re information. The key isn’t to fight cravings—it’s to understand and respond to them wisely.
Simple strategies:
• Pause and assess what your body needs
• Choose whole, nutrient-dense foods
• Prioritize sleep and stress management
• Stay hydrated
• Eat balanced meals with protein, fat, and fiber
By learning how to interpret your cravings, you can shift from reacting impulsively to responding intentionally. Whether it’s balancing blood sugar, improving sleep, or addressing nutrient gaps, small changes can make a big difference.
Looking for More Support?
If cravings are persistent or disruptive, please give us a call. Our functional and integrative approach to health can help uncover the root cause of your symptoms.
We are here for you, and we want to help.
Our goal is to return you to optimal health as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment please call: 703-532-4892 x2
Protect Yourself From Ticks & Lyme – Dr. Gary Speaks to NoVA Magazine
/in Conditions, Featured Press/by Kaplan CenterTick season is here. Dr. Gary shares expert tips with Northern Virginia Magazine on how to prevent tick bites this spring and summer—and reduce your risk of serious chronic illness.
Read the article on NorthernVirginiaMag.com.