Conventional treatments for arthritis rely on medications to decrease inflammation and improve symptoms. Functional Medicine, in comparison, looks at the underlying cause of inflammation and aims to reverse the process at the source. Functional medicine doctors will look at gut health, toxicity, hormonal imbalances, and other possible conditions that may be contributing factors.
Dr. Lisa Lilienfield explains how The Kaplan Center treats arthritis with a Functional Medicine approach.
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
Migraines are powerful headaches that are often associated with nausea, vomiting, and a sensitivity to light. They differ from other types of headaches by their intensity and the ability to last anywhere from 4 hours to 3 days.
For many individuals, migraines can be more than a source of discomfort. The presence of a migraine can be debilitating and put a stop to all other activities. In essence, migraines can dramatically impact one’s quality of life.
Causes and triggers of a migraine
Doctors are still not sure exactly what causes a migraine. However, we do know that migraines tend to run in families. Therefore, those with family members that suffer from migraines may have them as well.
The onset of a migraine may also be triggered by factors such as:
Nutritional deficiencies (e.g., Magnesium and B-vitamins)
Mold toxicity – Headaches are a common complaint of people suffering from mold toxicity
Migraine symptoms
Migraine symptoms will vary from person to person. In addition to having different triggers, sufferers may experience symptoms that range from mild to severe. Symptoms can include:
Moderate to severe pain (often described as a pounding, throbbing pain) that can affect the whole head, or can shift from one side of the head to the other
At the Kaplan Center, our doctors have years of experience treating patients suffering from the pain of migraine headaches. Your doctor will take time to ask about your symptoms, medical history and possible treatment options that you have tried in the past. This information will give them a broader context on what management options are best for your own situation. Options may include one or more of the following:
Steps you can take today to start managing your migraines
Find out what your triggers are by keeping a headache diary
Most doctors will recommend that sufferers try to avoid their migraine triggers as much as possible. If you are unsure of what triggers your migraine, consider using a diary. Write down what you ate, where you were or if you were exposed to other external stimuli (e.g., bright lights, sounds) right before the migraine started. Doing so may help you isolate what your personal triggers are.
Foods to avoid
Some foods are known to increase the chance of having a migraine. This includes:
Alcohol
Baked goods (particularly if you are sensitive to gluten or if you have an autoimmune disorder such as celiac disease)
Processed meats
MSG
Aged cheeses (e.g., blue, brie, cheddar)
Be sure to make an appointment to speak to one of our doctors who can provide further advice and guidance on the best way to help manage your migraines. Treatment options that are recommended will always be tailored to your symptoms, medical history and personal preference.
Autoimmune hypothyroidism is characterized by too little thyroid hormone in the bloodstream. It occurs when the body attacks and inflames its own thyroid gland. Hashimoto’s Disease (or Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis) is the most common cause of autoimmune hypothyroidism.
Thyroid disorders are commonly associated with a person’s energy level but the symptoms vary from person to person and can also affect appearance and mood, often making it even more difficult to cope. The most common symptoms include:
Dr. Lisa Lilienfield explains the Functional Medicine approach to treating autoimmune thyroid disease vs conventional practices. She discusses its ATMs (antecedents, triggers, and mediators), testing, and treatment options that may include dietary changes, supplementation, adrenal function, and hormone replacement.
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
Treating Arthritis with Functional Medicine
/in Bone Health, Inflammation/by Lisa Lilienfield, MDConventional treatments for arthritis rely on medications to decrease inflammation and improve symptoms. Functional Medicine, in comparison, looks at the underlying cause of inflammation and aims to reverse the process at the source. Functional medicine doctors will look at gut health, toxicity, hormonal imbalances, and other possible conditions that may be contributing factors.
Dr. Lisa Lilienfield explains how The Kaplan Center treats arthritis with a Functional Medicine approach.
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
Dealing with Migraines
/in Migraine/by Kaplan CenterMigraines are powerful headaches that are often associated with nausea, vomiting, and a sensitivity to light. They differ from other types of headaches by their intensity and the ability to last anywhere from 4 hours to 3 days.
For many individuals, migraines can be more than a source of discomfort. The presence of a migraine can be debilitating and put a stop to all other activities. In essence, migraines can dramatically impact one’s quality of life.
Causes and triggers of a migraine
Doctors are still not sure exactly what causes a migraine. However, we do know that migraines tend to run in families. Therefore, those with family members that suffer from migraines may have them as well.
The onset of a migraine may also be triggered by factors such as:
This is not an exhaustive list of all possible migraine triggers. Many other factors can trigger a migraine.
Migraines may also be associated with certain medical conditions or environments such as:
Migraine symptoms
Migraine symptoms will vary from person to person. In addition to having different triggers, sufferers may experience symptoms that range from mild to severe. Symptoms can include:
Managing migraines
At the Kaplan Center, our doctors have years of experience treating patients suffering from the pain of migraine headaches. Your doctor will take time to ask about your symptoms, medical history and possible treatment options that you have tried in the past. This information will give them a broader context on what management options are best for your own situation. Options may include one or more of the following:
Steps you can take today to start managing your migraines
Find out what your triggers are by keeping a headache diary
Most doctors will recommend that sufferers try to avoid their migraine triggers as much as possible. If you are unsure of what triggers your migraine, consider using a diary. Write down what you ate, where you were or if you were exposed to other external stimuli (e.g., bright lights, sounds) right before the migraine started. Doing so may help you isolate what your personal triggers are.
Foods to avoid
Some foods are known to increase the chance of having a migraine. This includes:
Be sure to make an appointment to speak to one of our doctors who can provide further advice and guidance on the best way to help manage your migraines. Treatment options that are recommended will always be tailored to your symptoms, medical history and personal preference.
References
A Functional Medicine Approach to Autoimmune Hypothyroidism (Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis)
/in Hormone Health/by Lisa Lilienfield, MDAutoimmune hypothyroidism is characterized by too little thyroid hormone in the bloodstream. It occurs when the body attacks and inflames its own thyroid gland. Hashimoto’s Disease (or Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis) is the most common cause of autoimmune hypothyroidism.
Thyroid disorders are commonly associated with a person’s energy level but the symptoms vary from person to person and can also affect appearance and mood, often making it even more difficult to cope. The most common symptoms include:
Dr. Lisa Lilienfield explains the Functional Medicine approach to treating autoimmune thyroid disease vs conventional practices. She discusses its ATMs (antecedents, triggers, and mediators), testing, and treatment options that may include dietary changes, supplementation, adrenal function, and hormone replacement.
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