Ann Shippy MD

Ann Shippy MD Functional Medicine information and tips to improve your health She is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Certified in Functional Medicine.

Dr. Shippy practices functional medicine, a method that addresses the underlying causes of disease, not simply treating the symptoms. Her unique approach combines the art and science of healing to address the care of the whole person. She integrates conventional and complementary therapies to promote optimal health and to prevent and treat disease by addressing contributing factors. Dr. Shippy is dedicated to providing proactive and personalized medicine for her patients.

Have you ever noticed your autoimmune symptoms flare after certain foods… or even after a 🍷 ?Foods like aged cheese, fer...
02/10/2026

Have you ever noticed your autoimmune symptoms flare after certain foods… or even after a 🍷 ?

Foods like aged cheese, fermented foods, processed meats (and even leftovers) are naturally high in histamine.

And for some people, especially those with autoimmune conditions, they can trigger symptoms like:

👉 Rosacea flares
👉 Rashes or hives
👉 Flushing
👉 Headaches
👉 Joint pain
👉 Fatigue
👉 Even worsening PMS symptoms

Histamine is a natural immune chemical involved in inflammation, gut health, and immune defense.

But when you have an autoimmune condition, your immune system is already overactive and primed to react.

High-histamine foods don’t cause autoimmune disease, but they can add fuel to an already inflamed fire, amplifying symptoms and worsening flares.
There’s also a gut connection.

Histamine is normally broken down in the gut by an enzyme called DAO (diamine oxidase).

But when you have issues like leaky gut, dysbiosis, or SIBO, your body may not produce enough DAO to break down histamine properly, allowing levels to build up.

Some people may also have Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), in which immune cells release excess histamine, further intensifying symptoms.

See the slides for testing options and supportive strategies to help reduce your histamine load.❤️

Comment GUIDE, and I’ll send you the link to my Low Histamine Diet Guide.

Dr. Ann

Did you know that MYHFR gene variants can make you more susceptible to a variety of health conditions?That said, just be...
02/06/2026

Did you know that MYHFR gene variants can make you more susceptible to a variety of health conditions?

That said, just because you have an MTHFR genetic variant doesn’t mean you’re destined for those conditions❣️

MTHFR variants can make it harder for your body to run a process called methylation. This is a foundational pathway that supports detoxification, hormone balance, mood, DNA repair, and even fertility.🥰

So when your methylation isn’t running as efficiently, the body can become more vulnerable, especially if you have nutrient deficiencies, toxin exposures, chronic stress, or inflammation.

But when you give your body the right support, you’re giving it the tools it needs to function well and helping safeguard against many of the health challenges associated with poor methylation.

👉Lifestyle really matters here.

Nutrition, toxin exposure, gut health, stress, and targeted nutrient support all influence how well methylation runs, regardless of your genetics.

See the slides 👆 for practical lifestyle tips, including nutrients and supplements that can offer additional support if needed.

If you’d like the link to the methylation support supplement I use in practice, comment MTHFR, and I’ll send it your way.

And if you’re curious about your own genetics, you can always ask your provider about MTHFR testing.

Dr. Ann

Did you know that your body is actually designed to make certain nutrients on its own? Called endogenous nutrients, they...
02/01/2026

Did you know that your body is actually designed to make certain nutrients on its own?

Called endogenous nutrients, they include compounds like CoQ10, collagen, NAD⁺, glutathione, creatine, hyaluronic acid, digestive enzymes, and more, all essential for energy, repair, detoxification, immune balance, and resilience.

But as we age, that internal nutrient production naturally slows down, even if you’re eating well, exercising, and doing “all the right things.”

As this production of these nutrients declines, the body has to work harder to maintain energy, manage inflammation, support digestion, regulate immunity, and repair tissues.

Over time, this can show up as fatigue, slower recovery, joint stiffness, gut issues, brain fog, lower immune resilience, and greater sensitivity to environmental stressors.

Swipe through the slides 👆to see the list of nutrients, why it matters, and how you can help slow decline, maintain resilience and reduce vulnerability to illness as you age.🥰

To support one key nutrients - NAD+, consider supplementing with nicotinamide riboside (NR), a well-studied precursor that supports the body’s natural NAD⁺ production.

Ann Shippy, MD

https://shop.annshippymd.com/products/nad-shield?_pos=1&_sid=68f34f4d3&_ss=r

The new food pyramid finally caught up to what we’ve known for a long time: Protein should be the primary focus of the f...
01/30/2026

The new food pyramid finally caught up to what we’ve known for a long time: Protein should be the primary focus of the food pyramid.👏

From a heath perspective your body needs protein to build and regulate everything: your hormones, brain chemicals, immune system, and how well you recover from stress.

Over time, chronically low protein intake can contribute to:

👉 Blood sugar swings and insulin resistance
👉 Loss of muscle and slower metabolism
👉 Hormone imbalances
👉 Poor stress tolerance and burnout
👉 Weakened immune function
👉 Slower healing and recovery

See slides 👆 for ways protein benefits your health (and longevity)

Most people feel best when protein is spread across the day, not saved all for dinner.

In fact eating ~30 grams of protein within the first half hour of waking helps stabilize blood sugar, sustain energy, and reduce cravings throughout the day.

Aim for 25–40 grams of protein per meal, depending on your body size, activity level, and health goals.

👉👉Women especially need to prioritize protein. Beginning in the 40s and accelerating after menopause, women naturally lose muscle mass (sarcopenia). Adequate protein is essential to preserve lean muscle, maintain strength, balance, and mobility, and reduce fall risk.

There’s strong evidence that muscle health is one of the most reliable predictors of healthy aging and lifespan!

One simple way to hit your protein goals? Add a high-quality protein powder to your routine. I add a scoop to my morning matcha latte every day, but it also makes a great addition to a mid-day snack or smoothie.

Comment “PROTEIN” and I’ll send you the link to my favorite protein powder.

Dr. Ann

Most people think of estrogen exposure as coming from plastics or personal care products, but grains are another source ...
01/22/2026

Most people think of estrogen exposure as coming from plastics or personal care products, but grains are another source to consider.

Many grains (like wheat, corn, rice, and barley) are commonly contaminated with mycoestrogens, estrogen-like compounds produced by mold that grows on crops.

New research found:
👉Mycoestrogens were detected in 84% of placentas studied.

Higher levels were linked to:
• Lower placental efficiency
• Heavier placentas but smaller babies
• Lower birth weights, especially in certain babies

In simple terms:
The placenta was working harder, but transferring nutrients less efficiently❗️

Some babies may be more vulnerable…
The effects were strongest in infants with a common genetic variant that reduces the placenta’s ability to pump toxins away from the fetus.

Where are these mycoestrogens coming from?

Primarily from grain-based foods, including:
• Bread, pasta, cereal, baked goods
• Corn-based products
• Foods contains gluten, rice, oats
• Processed foods made from grains

These mold-derived estrogens are heat-stable—they aren’t reliably removed by cooking or processing.

Why this matters…

Preconception and pregnancy are periods of rapid cellular programming.

👉 Reducing exposures that interfere with hormones, mitochondria, and placental function is one of the most powerful ways to support:

• Healthy fetal growth
• Long-term child health
• Future fertility and metabolic resilience

If you’re planning a pregnancy or are already pregnant, focusing on clean, low-mold, whole-food nutrition can make a meaningful difference.

If you want to learn more about how toxins impact pregnancy comment ‘Toxins’ and I’ll send you the link to my free report.

Dr. Ann

Bone health isn’t just about calcium. It’s also about mitochondria.Research is revealing that your bone health is direct...
01/19/2026

Bone health isn’t just about calcium. It’s also about mitochondria.

Research is revealing that your bone health is directly linked to your MITOCHONDRIAL health.

Here’s why this matters:

👉 Your bone-building cells (osteoblasts) and bone-regulating cells are some of the most energy-demanding cells in the body.

👉 When mitochondrial function declines, your bone formation slows, bone breakdown increases, and fracture risk rises.😬

Mitochondria help regulate:

✅ Cellular energy (ATP) needed to build bone
✅ Oxidative stress that damages bone cells
✅ Calcium handling and mineralization
✅ Cell survival vs. cell death in bone tissue

When mitochondria are under stress (from aging, inflammation, hormone changes, metabolic dysfunction, or toxin exposure), bone health suffers❗️

This matters because strong bones aren’t just about avoiding fractures.

👉Bone health is foundational for healthy aging, mobility, independence, balance, and long-term vitality.

Loss of bone density is closely linked to frailty, falls, and accelerated aging.

👉 See the slides above for a breakdown of supplements that support bone health, including key nutrients and mitochondrial-supportive supplements that help protect bone cells, support energy production, and reduce oxidative stress.

Bone loss is NOT inevitable. Supporting your mitochondria is one of the most overlooked strategies for protecting your bones, and your future. But supplements are not the only solution. Lifting weights,

Comment Bone, and I’ll send you the link to my most recommended supplement for bone health.

And an important reminder: supplements are supportive but they’re not the whole solution.

Strong bones also need:
✅ Resistance training / weight lifting
✅ Adequate protein and a nutrient dense diet
✅ Hormone balance
✅ Quality sleep & stress regulation
✅ Lowering toxin exposure

Dr. Ann

01/15/2026

I joined Tudor Dixon for an in-depth conversation on the powerful connection between gut health and fertility.

And how a healthy microbiome is important for both partners.

Comment, Tudor, and I will send you the link to watch the full episode.

Dr. Ann

01/15/2026

I joined Tudor Dixon for an in-depth conversation on the powerful connection between gut health and fertility.

In this episode, we talk about how the gut microbiome health of BOTH partners can impact fertility.

We also discuss how environmental toxin exposure, and nutrition influence hormonal balance, immune signaling, and reproductive outcomes.

Comment, Tudor, and I’ll send you the link to watch the full episode.

And if you’d like to learn more about what you can do to support your fertility naturally, click the link in my bio to get your copy of my new book, The Preconception Revolution.

Dr. Ann

preconception

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) deficiency is more common than people may realize, and it’s connected to many health issues.For sta...
01/12/2026

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) deficiency is more common than people may realize, and it’s connected to many health issues.

For starters, CoQ10 is essential for mitochondrial energy production (it’s a key player in how your cells actually make ATP, the energy currency your body runs on).

Your heart, in particular, depends heavily on CoQ10 because it’s one of the most energy-demanding organs in your body.

When your CoQ10 runs low, you can experience symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, muscle weakness, poor exercise tolerance, migraines, fertility struggles, and cardiovascular strain (see slides👆 for more).

And unfortunately, as we age, our CoQ10 levels naturally drop.

Plus, our need for it goes up when we’re stressed, inflamed, dealing with chronic illness, or struggling with metabolic issues.

Low CoQ10 is usually a sign that your mitochondria are under stress.

In the slides above, I break down:

👉 Health conditions linked to low CoQ10
👉 Early warning signs to watch for
👉 Root causes and risk factors
👉 The differences between CoQ10 forms

You can check your CoQ10 levels with a simple blood test. Some advanced cardiovascular panels (like those from Boston and Cleveland Heart) include CoQ10 testing.

Comment “MITO” and I’ll send you the link to my most recommended form: CoQ10 Ubiquinol.

I also carry MitoQ and a Liposomal CoQ10, especially helpful if dealing with malabsorption or leaky gut.

Dr. Ann

Many foods considered “healthy”, like spinach, almonds, kale, beets, and others, can actually cause health problems.Espe...
01/10/2026

Many foods considered “healthy”, like spinach, almonds, kale, beets, and others, can actually cause health problems.

Especially when you’re eating them in high doses!

These foods are high in oxalates, naturally occurring compounds that can bind with calcium (and other minerals like magnesium).

When oxalates aren’t tolerated well, they can form sharp calcium oxalate crystals. This is what drives kidney stones, painful, yes, but oxalates can also contribute to joint pain, headaches, bladder irritation, fatigue, and histamine-like flares.

In more severe or long-standing cases, excess oxalate burden has been associated with chronic inflammation and other health conditions (see slides). Emerging research even suggests the heart and blood vessels may be affected in susceptible individuals.😳

What’s important to understand is this: it’s not always just about the food.

When someone reacts to high-oxalate foods, we have to look deeper at why.

👉 Mold and fungal exposure is one big piece. Certain fungi (including Aspergillus) can produce oxalic acid, increasing the body’s oxalate load and compounding symptoms.

👉 Gut health matters too. Antibiotic use, dysbiosis, leaky gut, inflammation, or fungal overgrowth can increase oxalate absorption and reduce the gut’s ability to break them down.

This is why cutting foods alone often doesn’t always solve the problem.

A functional approach looks at:
• Gut and microbiome balance
• Mold or fungal burden
• Mineral status and hydration
• Using targeted supplements and probiotics that research shows can support oxalate metabolism in some people

See slides👆 to learn more oxalates, and comment “LIST” and I’ll send you my High Oxalate Food Guide.

Dr. Ann

01/08/2026

I recently joined Debra Atkinson on the Flipping 50 Podcast to talk about my new book, The Preconception Revolution—and why it’s about so much more than getting pregnant.

It’s really about setting up the healthiest foundation for the next generation, starting well before conception.

We explored how fertility struggles often point to underlying health imbalances rather than just being about age or chance.

I discussed the ways environmental toxins, gut health, nutrition, and lifestyle factors in both partners influence fertility, pregnancy, and even a child’s long-term health trajectory.

This episode will particularly resonate if you have adult children who might start families someday.

If you’ve caught yourself thinking “I wish I’d known this earlier,” or you’re curious what your adult children should understand about preconception health, this conversation breaks down the science behind it.

Comment “flip” and I’ll send you the link to the full episode. Pass it along to someone who might benefit from hearing this!

Dr. Ann

01/07/2026

I recently joined Debra Atkinson on the Flipping 50 Podcast to talk about my new book, The Preconception Revolution, and why it’s about so much more than getting pregnant.

It’s really about setting up the healthiest foundation for the next generation, starting well before conception.

We explored how fertility struggles often point to underlying health imbalances rather than just being about age or chance.

I discussed the ways environmental toxins, gut health, nutrition, and lifestyle factors in both partners influence fertility, pregnancy, and even a child’s long-term health trajectory.

This episode will particularly resonate if you have adult children who might start families someday.

If you’ve caught yourself thinking “I wish I’d known this earlier,” or you’re curious what your adult children should understand about preconception health, this conversation breaks down the science behind it.

Comment “flip” and I’ll send you the link to the full episode. Pass it along to someone who might benefit from hearing this!

Dr. Ann

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78746

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