How to Tackle Inflammation

Want to lower your cardiovascular risk?


Start by tackling inflammation.


Because even though we all hear a lot about managing blood pressure and cholesterol, in functional medicine we dig deeper for the root cause.


One of those potential causes is often a low-grade and chronic inflammation—also known as “inflamm-aging.”


🩺 Research shows that this type of inflammation can trigger the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, which are responsible for heart attacks and strokes.


Aside from increased blood pressure, some other signs of chronic inflammation can be:


💥 Joint stiffness

💥 Muscle aches

💥 Skin rashes

💥 Autoimmunity

💥 Brain fog

💥 Anxiety or depression


I don’t recommend self-diagnosis (what you actually have is probably a lot less scary than what you think!).


The best way to address your health and root-causes that might put you at risk for a heart attack, stroke, or other chronic disease is to work with a qualified practitioner.


When we work with our clients, we create individualized protocols to:


✔️ Optimize your diet with anti-inflammatory foods like colorful fruits, veggies, and healthy fats

✔️ Find enjoyable daily movement

✔️ Customize supplements to save money and maximize impact

✔️ Relieve stress in ways that work best for you

✔️ Address specific risks based on your history, conditions, and labs


If any of this is resonating with you, comment “next steps!” and we’ll send you info on getting started with our practice.


❤️ You’ve got this—and we’re here to support you in optimizing your health every step of the way.

3 Nutrients Your Heart Will L🩷VE!

You’ve heard about fiber and omega-3s, but what about these hidden gems for your heart?


🩷 Vitamin K2

Vitamin K2 acts like a traffic controller for calcium. It helps direct calcium to where it belongs—your bones—reducing the risk of arterial calcification.. Food sources: Fermented foods (especially natto), hard cheeses, and egg yolks.


🩷 Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

Your heart works 24/7, and CoQ10 is essential for keeping it energized. It powers your heart cells and protects them from oxidative damage. It’s especially important for anyone taking statins, as these medications can lower CoQ10 levels. Food sources: Fatty fish and organ meats.


🩷 Magnesium

Known as “the great relaxer,” magnesium supports heart health by relaxing blood vessels and maintaining healthy blood pressure. Food sources: Leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and dark chocolate.


While you can get these nutrients from food, supplements can sometimes fill in the gaps. But supplements aren’t one-size-fits-all—they can interact with medications or other nutrients. That’s why working with a qualified practitioner is so important.


Curious about working with us to optimize your nutrition and supplements?


We look at your unique health history, risk factors, and lab results to create a supplement protocol tailored just for you.


Visit our website to schedule your initial visit with Dr. Cantrell! Let's get started!


#elementsnatmed #hearthealth #heartfactsforwomen #cardiachealth #heartmonth #colga #naturalmedicine

❤️ Heart Facts for Women ❤️

February is HEART health month!


Did you know that heart health research has only recently started focusing on the unique differences between men and women?


Let’s break this down:


❤️ Heart disease is the #1 killer of women worldwide.

Yes, the leading cause of death—even in high-income countries like the US. This statistic spans race and ethnicity, which means it’s something we all need to pay attention to.


❤️ Menopause dramatically impacts heart risk.

Estrogen naturally protects the heart. That’s why, if two women are the same age, the postmenopausal woman’s risk of a cardiovascular event is double that of the premenopausal woman. And those hot flashes and night sweats? They’ve been specifically linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure.


❤️ Women have other unique heart health risk factors.

Conditions like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, PCOS, and endometriosis can increase heart disease risks. These are challenges male bodies never deal with.


❤️ Heart symptoms are often misdiagnosed in women.

Studies show women with heart disease symptoms are twice as likely as men to be told that it’s just ‘stress’ or ‘anxiety.’


❤️ Heart attacks present differently in women.

Sure, chest pain is common, but women often experience less obvious symptoms like pain in the neck, jaw, throat, arm, or back—plus dizziness, nausea, heartburn, or sheer exhaustion.


Save this post! Knowing these facts could literally save a life.


Drop a ❤️ in the comments if you learned something in this post—or send it to a friend to spread the word.

Nutrients for Nervous System Resilience

A regulated nervous system is essential for sleep, mood, hormones, metabolism, gut health, and more.


But your nervous system cannot stay regulated without nutrition—and especially these 3 key nutrients:


1️⃣Magnesium

Magnesium is a cofactor needed to synthesize several neurotransmitters, including serotonin and GABA. It also has a calming effect on the nerves and muscles throughout the body. Good food sources are leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and chocolate!


2️⃣B Vitamins

Vitamin B6 supports production of serotonin, and vitamin B12 is needed to support the protective covering around nerve cells. Other B vitamins participate in energy metabolism, providing essential energy for nerve cells. Good food sources are animal products and fortified foods.


3️⃣Choline

Choline is a building block for acetylcholine—the primary chemical messenger of the parasympathetic nervous system. The most common food source of choline is egg yolks. Liver is another excellent source!


Think about the foods you eat on a daily basis, and check your supplements to see if you are fueling your nervous system.


As always, if you want more support, visit our website to schedule an appointment! 🌱


#elementsnatmed #naturalmedicine #nervoussystem #nervoussystemsupport #nutrients #colga

Your Nervous system is BEGGING for these nutrients!

A regulated nervous system is essential for sleep, mood, hormones, metabolism, gut health, and more.


But your nervous system cannot stay regulated without nutrition—and especially these 3 key nutrients:


1️⃣Magnesium

Magnesium is a cofactor needed to synthesize several neurotransmitters, including serotonin and GABA. It also has a calming effect on the nerves and muscles throughout the body. Good food sources are leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and chocolate!


2️⃣B Vitamins

Vitamin B6 supports production of serotonin, and vitamin B12 is needed to support the protective covering around nerve cells. Other B vitamins participate in energy metabolism, providing essential energy for nerve cells. Good food sources are animal products and fortified foods.


3️⃣Choline

Choline is a building block for acetylcholine—the primary chemical messenger of the parasympathetic nervous system. The most common food source of choline is egg yolks. Liver is another excellent source!


Think about the foods you eat on a daily basis, and check your supplements to see if you are fueling your nervous system.


As always, if you want more support, visit our website to schedule an appointment! 🌱


#elementsnatmed #naturalmedicine #nervoussystem #nervoussystemsupport #nutrients #colga