Upstream Functional Medicine

Upstream Functional Medicine We help individuals and families become the pioneers of their own health and facilitate their body's natural ability to heal.

Craving an easy veggie side that’s packed with nutrients and zero fuss? Cabbage is naturally low in calories but full of...
01/21/2026

Craving an easy veggie side that’s packed with nutrients and zero fuss? Cabbage is naturally low in calories but full of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants — and when you slow cook it, it turns melt-in-your-mouth tender. 🥗✨

Here’s a simple slow cooker recipe for busy nights:

Ingredients

2 cups vegetable or bone broth

1 head green cabbage, chopped and cored

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp sea salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

2 tbsp grass-fed or vegan butter

Directions
Add everything to the slow cooker, cover, and cook on high for 2 hours. Give it a stir and enjoy warm. Comfort food doesn’t get easier than this. 👩‍🍳💚

🧠 Trauma can show up in ways we might not even notice, and it can be stored in the body. It is extremely common. Studies...
01/20/2026

🧠 Trauma can show up in ways we might not even notice, and it can be stored in the body.

It is extremely common. Studies estimate that around 70 percent of adults in the U.S. have experienced some type of traumatic event in their lives. Not all trauma comes from dramatic or catastrophic events.

One type of trauma that deserves attention is generational trauma. 💔 This occurs when traumatic experiences from previous generations are passed down through family patterns and parenting behaviors.

Addressing your own trauma not only helps break the cycle for future generations but can also improve physical health. Experts believe unresolved trauma can be stored in the body and show up as illness or chronic stress.

Start your healing journey with a licensed mental health provider to uncover the root causes of your concerns. ✨ When you are ready, our office can support your path to restoring both mind and body.

Today, we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by remembering that wellness isn’t just personal, it’s also abo...
01/19/2026

Today, we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by remembering that wellness isn’t just personal, it’s also about caring for our communities. Small acts of health, compassion, and support ripple outward. 💛

Research published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism shows that Type 2 diabetes can be put into remi...
01/18/2026

Research published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism shows that Type 2 diabetes can be put into remission with specific lifestyle changes. 🌱

This is exciting but not surprising to those familiar with natural health! Diet, movement, and stress management have long been known to reduce symptoms of chronic illnesses and sometimes even reverse them.

Type 2 diabetes affects over 33 million people in the U.S. It happens when the body becomes resistant to insulin, a hormone that allows glucose to enter cells and provide energy. Common risk factors include:
⚖️ Being overweight
🏃 Exercising fewer than three days per week
👪 Having a parent or sibling with Type 2 diabetes

While genetics and other factors are outside of our control, focusing on what we can change can have a huge impact on overall health. 🌟

📞 Our office can guide you in creating a plan to manage Type 2 diabetes and support long-term wellness. Reach out today!

Feeling like your spark has faded while managing hypothyroidism? 💫You’re not alone. The thyroid, adrenals, and ovaries a...
01/17/2026

Feeling like your spark has faded while managing hypothyroidism? 💫

You’re not alone. The thyroid, adrenals, and ovaries are deeply connected. When one system struggles, the others often follow. This network is called the O***y Adrenal Thyroid (OAT) axis, and it plays a big role in your energy, mood, and libido.

Here are 9 simple ways to reignite your libido and support thyroid balance:
✨ Nourish your adrenals with Vitamin C, B vitamins, and magnesium.
🌿 Try supportive herbs like Ashwagandha, Holy Basil, Rhodiola, or Eleuthero. A functional practitioner can guide you toward what fits your body best.
😴 Prioritize deep, restful sleep. Your hormones reset and repair overnight.
🚶‍♀️ Choose moderate movement that feels good. Gentle workouts help convert thyroid hormones and stabilize blood sugar.
💓 Practice self-love. Confidence and connection start with how you see yourself.
🍫 Add libido-friendly foods like dark chocolate, pineapple, garlic, spinach, and red meat.
🧘 Manage stress through mindfulness, breathwork, or quiet time outdoors.
🥑 Eat whole, nutrient-rich foods to fuel hormone production naturally.
🌸 Check in with a practitioner to uncover root causes and create a plan that’s unique to you.

When you care for your hormones, your vitality returns, and your confidence follows. 💕

Sometimes the path to wellness isn’t about fixing what’s obvious. 🌱 True healing comes when we uncover the root cause of...
01/16/2026

Sometimes the path to wellness isn’t about fixing what’s obvious. 🌱 True healing comes when we uncover the root cause of our challenges and address the real issues. 💡✨

Most people don’t realize how much natural light influences their sleep. 🌙When you spend most of your day indoors or und...
01/15/2026

Most people don’t realize how much natural light influences their sleep. 🌙

When you spend most of your day indoors or under artificial light, your brain can lose track of time. During the winter months, this becomes even harder since the days are shorter and darker. ❄️ Less sunlight affects mood, energy, and your ability to sleep well.

Your body relies on natural light cues to set its internal clock, also called the circadian rhythm.
☀️ Morning and daytime light exposure tells your body it’s time to be alert and awake.
💡 Too much bright light at night, especially from screens, can confuse your system and make it harder to fall asleep.

Many people also experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD) when sunlight is scarce.

😥 Common symptoms include:
- Low mood or depression
- Trouble sleeping
- Fatigue
- Weight changes
- Wanting to stay inside or avoid socializing

Try to get at least 30 minutes of natural sunlight each day to help your body stay balanced and your sleep stay consistent. 🌞

Try this delicious paleo Roasted Acorn Squash with Balsamic Glaze for your next cozy fall meal. 🤤🍁Ingredients:2 acorn sq...
01/14/2026

Try this delicious paleo Roasted Acorn Squash with Balsamic Glaze for your next cozy fall meal. 🤤🍁

Ingredients:

2 acorn squashes, halved with seeds removed

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 tbsp pure maple syrup, honey, or your favorite sweetener

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sweetener, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

3. Brush the cut sides of the acorn squash with the glaze, coating them evenly.

4. Place the squash halves cut side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

5. Roast for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the squash is tender and caramelized. You should be able to pierce the flesh easily with a fork.

6. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Drizzle any leftover glaze over the top.

7. Garnish with fresh rosemary for extra flavor and a beautiful touch.

Serve warm as a hearty side dish or enjoy it as a comforting main course. Perfect for a fall gathering or a cozy night in.

True wellness doesn’t happen by chance, what we practice daily shapes how we show up for life. Focus on building healthy...
01/13/2026

True wellness doesn’t happen by chance, what we practice daily shapes how we show up for life. Focus on building healthy routines and habits, and your body and mind will be ready for anything. 💪✨

💻👀 Feeling the strain from too much screen time?If you spend long hours working on a computer, your eyes might be paying...
01/12/2026

💻👀 Feeling the strain from too much screen time?

If you spend long hours working on a computer, your eyes might be paying the price. Dryness, irritation, and blurred vision are all signs that your eyes are under stress.

Here are a few simple ways to protect your vision and keep your eyes happy:

⏰ 1. Practice the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
🕶️ 2. Try blue light glasses: They can help reduce eye fatigue and improve sleep quality.
📏 3. Keep your screen about two feet from your eyes: This helps prevent strain and tension.
💡 4. Adjust your brightness: Reducing screen brightness by about 25 percent can make a big difference.
🔤 5. Make text larger: Bigger text encourages natural eye movement and reduces squinting.
💧 6. Don’t forget to blink: It sounds simple, but blinking keeps your eyes lubricated and relaxed.

😳 On average, Americans spend over 7 hours a day looking at screens. That constant exposure adds up over time, making healthy habits more important than ever.

📲 Give your eyes a break and your body some balance. Reach out to our team to learn how we can help you create healthier screen-time routines!

💡 Small changes can make a big impact!New habits create new outcomes. Replace an old pattern with a nourishing practice ...
01/11/2026

💡 Small changes can make a big impact!

New habits create new outcomes. Replace an old pattern with a nourishing practice today and feel the positive ripple throughout your life. 🌱✨

🧠 Feeling Foggy? Your Hormones Might Be to Blame! 🧠Do you ever find yourself struggling to focus or forgetting what you ...
01/10/2026

🧠 Feeling Foggy? Your Hormones Might Be to Blame! 🧠

Do you ever find yourself struggling to focus or forgetting what you were about to say? That hazy, slow-to-think feeling we call brain fog can often be traced back to hormone imbalances.

Hormones act like messengers between your brain and body. When they fall out of balance, your brain’s ability to stay sharp and focused can take a hit. Two key players are your thyroid hormones and estrogen. Thyroid hormones help regulate metabolism and energy in every cell, including brain cells. When thyroid levels are too low, neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin can decrease, leading to sluggish thinking, fatigue, and mood changes.

💗 Estrogen isn’t just about reproduction, it also protects the brain and supports memory and learning. When estrogen levels drop, it can affect clarity, focus, and even emotional stability.

If your hormones are off, you might notice:
✨ Fatigue and low motivation
✨ Mood swings or depression
✨ Forgetfulness
✨ Trouble concentrating
✨ Slower recall or confusion

Brain fog doesn’t have to be your “new normal.” With the right testing and support, your body can return to balance and your mind can feel sharp again. 💫

📩 Reach out to our team to learn how we can help restore hormone harmony and clear the fog for good.

Address

1915 Democracy Point, Suite 200
Colorado Springs, CO
80908

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+17194285141

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What makes us different

Upstream Functional Medicine is a unique player in the wellness industry, taking an innovative approach to providing health and wellness services that will leave you feeling stronger and healthier. We provide our clients with a variety of options when it comes to managing their overall well-being. Make the positive lifestyle change you’ve been wanting; see what Upstream Functional Medicine has to offer you. Upstream Functional Medicine offers all-inclusive packages with an intensive “whole person” approach to treating various medical conditions. We partner with you to help you live a healthier, longer life. This is the only way we want to practice medicine.