It's Your Health

04/17/2026

🧬 Mitochondrial Health

Based on Telmisartan Protects Mitochondrial Function Study

🔬 Core Finding
This study demonstrates that telmisartan (a blood pressure medication) has protective effects on mitochondrial function, particularly in a model of Parkinson’s disease.

➡️ The key takeaway:
Improving mitochondrial function may directly improve neurological health and physical function (like movement and gait).

⚡ How It Impacts Mitochondria
1. 🧪 Supports Mitochondrial Biogenesis
Increases PGC-1α, a master regulator of mitochondrial production

Promotes formation of new, healthy mitochondria

👉 Functional meaning:
Supports energy production and cellular resilience

2. 🔋 Preserves ATP (Energy Production)
Protects mitochondrial ability to produce ATP (cellular energy)

Prevents energy failure seen in neurodegenerative disease

👉 Clinical relevance:
Low ATP = fatigue, muscle weakness, brain fog

3. 🔄 Improves Mitochondrial Dynamics
Increases proteins like MFN1 (mitofusin-1)

Supports proper mitochondrial fusion and networking

👉 Functional meaning:
Healthier mitochondria = better communication and efficiency

4. 🧠 Reduces Mitochondrial-Driven Cell Death
Decreases neuronal apoptosis (cell death)

Protects dopamine-producing neurons

👉 Key insight:
Mitochondrial dysfunction is a driver of neurodegeneration, not just a byproduct

5. 🔥 Reduces Inflammation & Oxidative Stress
Lowers inflammatory markers (iNOS, microglial activation)

Reduces oxidative damage to mitochondria

👉 Functional connection:
Inflammation + oxidative stress = mitochondrial damage cycle

🔗 Key Pathway Identified
The protective effects occur through:

➤ Akt / GSK3β / PGC-1α pathway
This pathway is critical for:

Cell survival

Mitochondrial biogenesis

Energy metabolism

Neuroprotection

🧠 Big Picture for Mitochondrial Health
This study reinforces several core mitochondrial principles:

✔ Mitochondria are central to chronic disease
Especially neurological conditions

Energy failure drives symptoms

✔ Protecting mitochondria improves function
Not just structure—real clinical outcomes improved (gait, movement)

✔ Targeting signaling pathways matters
Mitochondrial health is regulated at the cellular signaling level, not just nutrients

🌿 Functional Medicine Perspective
This aligns strongly with functional and cellular medicine approaches:

Focus on mitochondrial support as a root cause strategy

While We Address:

Oxidative stress

Inflammation

Nutrient deficiencies

Genetic susceptibility

👉 While this study used a medication, similar pathways may be influenced by:

Nutrition

Targeted supplementation

Lifestyle interventions

⚠️ Important Clinical Context
This was an animal study (mouse model)

Results are promising but not directly translatable to humans yet

Telmisartan is not currently used specifically for mitochondrial disease and will need to be prescribed by your provider. If you would like to try this medication for a non-FDA approved reason such as Mitochondrial Disease I recommend printing the attached article for your provider to review. Don't expect this medication to be prescribed on the same day as your visit. Give them time to review the information and discuss their thoughts with a follow up visit. If they will not prescribe this medication to you for a Mitochondrial Disease condition then seek help from a Holistic, Functional, Integrative, or Cellular Medicine trained provider capable of writing prescriptions.

💡 Key Takeaway for Patients

Healthy mitochondria are essential for:

Energy

Brain function

Muscle performance

Disease prevention

Protecting and supporting mitochondrial function may play a major role in improving outcomes in complex and chronic diseases.

🩺 Bottom Line
This research highlights that:

➡️ Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key driver of disease
➡️ Targeting mitochondrial pathways can improve real symptoms
➡️ Future treatments may focus heavily on mitochondrial protection and regeneration


Reference Article:

These results indicate that Tel protects mitochondrial function and gait in a mouse model of PD by modulating the Akt/GSK3β/PGC1α pathway.

04/17/2026

Artificial Sweeteners May Impact Future Generations

This new study looked at how common “zero-calorie” sweeteners—like sucralose and stevia—affect health not just in those consuming them, but in their children and even grandchildren.

🔬 What researchers did:

- Mice were given sucralose or stevia for several weeks

- Their offspring (2 generations) were never exposed to sweeteners

- Scientists studied metabolism, gut health, and gene activity

Key Findings

🧬 Changes passed to future generations

- Alterations in gut bacteria, metabolism, and gene expression were seen in offspring

- Some effects lasted up to 2 generations, even without direct exposure

🦠 Gut microbiome disruption

- Sweeteners reduced beneficial compounds called short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)

- These are important for gut health, inflammation control, and metabolism

🩸 Metabolic effects

- Offspring showed impaired glucose regulation (early sign of insulin resistance)

- Changes were more consistent and longer-lasting with sucralose

🔥 Inflammation & gene changes

- Increased activity of genes linked to inflammation

- Decreased activity of genes involved in healthy metabolism

* Important Context *

⚠️ This was an animal study (mice)

Results may not fully translate to humans

Effects observed were subtle early changes, not disease

* Takeaway *

Artificial sweeteners are not metabolically “inactive.”
They may:

- Alter the gut microbiome
- Influence metabolism and inflammation
- Potentially impact future generations

👉 More research is needed, but this supports a moderation approach—especially for those pregnant or planning pregnancy.

Reference:

https://scitechdaily.com/artificial-sweeteners-may-harm-future-generations-study-suggests/

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2026.1694149/full

04/17/2026

Living with chronic disease isn't for the faint of heart. Trust me. I have a rare health condition as does my son.

Too many people let chronic disease control their life.

I choose to control it.

I choose not to let my son's condition control him.

We control it by using what is Best for our body and our genetics and our metabolism.

Life is better when we turn our focus from managing our disease with traditional medicine to living our best life by making small subtle changes to things that can give us our life back.



Take Back Your Life

04/16/2026

04/16/2026

Neurological Symptoms you should never ignore

04/16/2026

“Characteristics of Youth Treated With GLP-1 medications at an Integrated Weight Management Clinic”

🔬 Purpose of the Study

This study looked at how often GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are prescribed to adolescents with obesity, and what factors influence access and continued use.

👩‍⚕️ Who Was Studied

1,647 adolescents (ages 12–17) with obesity

All were enrolled in a weight management program

Study timeframe: 2023–2025

📈 Key Findings

1. Medication Use of GLP-1 drugs in adolescents are Increasing—but remain Limited

Only 20% of eligible youth received a GLP-1 medication

Use is growing but still not widespread

2. Who Was More Likely to Get Treatment

Higher likelihood of prescription in youth who had:

Older age

Higher BMI

Abnormal labs (A1C, cholesterol, liver enzymes)

Comorbid conditions (like type 2 diabetes)

👉 This suggests medications are often used later in disease progression, not early.

3. Health Disparities Exist

Research shows those Less likely to receive treatment exists especially for the following individuals:

Black race

Non-English speaking

Certain socioeconomic barriers

👉 The article highlights inequity in access to care

4. There are Major Barriers to Treatment
Even after prescription:

64% had interruptions in treatment

Main reasons for this interruption include:

Cost

Insurance coverage issues

👉 Medication alone is not a sustainable solution for many families.

⚠️ Clinical Takeaways (Traditional Model)
GLP-1 medications can help with:

Weight loss

Blood sugar control

Metabolic improvement

But:

Access is inconsistent

Long-term adherence is poor

Social determinants significantly impact outcomes

🌿 Functional & Holistic Medicine Perspective for Overweight Teens.

This is where the study becomes even more important.

🚨 Key Gaps Identified

The study shows a system that:

Treats advanced disease

Relies heavily on medication

Struggles with access and sustainability

👉 Functional medicine addresses these gaps by looking upstream.

🔍 There is a Root Cause Approach with Functional Medicine.

Instead of only prescribing GLP-1 medications, functional medicine evaluates:

Insulin resistance drivers

Mitochondrial dysfunction

Inflammation

Gut microbiome imbalance

Nutrient deficiencies

Hormonal dysregulation

Environmental and lifestyle factors

👉 This approach aims to reverse disease processes, not just manage symptoms.

🌱 Benefits of Functional & Holistic Medicine

1. Earlier Intervention

Addresses metabolic dysfunction before severe obesity develops

May reduce the need for medications

2. There are Sustainable Outcomes with Functional Medicine

Functional Medicine Focuses On:

Nutrition

Movement

Sleep

Stress regulation

👉 These changes are long-term and accessible

3. They Reduced Dependence on Medications

Yes, GLP-1s can be helpful tools

But functional medicine helps patients:

Maintain results without lifelong medication reliance

4. Functional Medicine providers Personalized Care

Treatment is tailored to:

Genetics

Environment

Lifestyle

Biochemistry

👉 It is especially important in pediatrics

5. Functional Medicine Addresses Health Disparities

Lower-cost interventions with the provider group that is right for you.

Costs can be lowered with:

Diet changes

Lifestyle support

Education

👉 Functional Medicine Can improve outcomes where access to medications is limited

⚖️ Integrative Approach (Best of Both Worlds)

This is the ideal model. It is not medication vs. holistic care—it’s both:

You can use GLP-1 medications when clinically appropriate

Combined with:

Nutritional therapy

Metabolic support

Behavioral and lifestyle interventions

👉 This leads to:

Better outcomes

Fewer relapses

Improved long-term health

🧠 Bottom Line for Patients

Weight gain and metabolic disease are not just about willpower

Medications like GLP-1s can help—but they are not the whole answer

A root-cause, whole-body approach provides the best long-term results

Article Reference:

https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article-abstract/157/4/e2025074094/206752/Characteristics-of-Youth-Treated-With-GLP-1RAs-at

04/15/2026

The hardest thing to do in life is to get started with something new and different. We get used to comfort. We accept the voices around us. We keep going and keep looking back when we should be focusing on what is in front of us.

You're already winning because this new version of you keeps going.

Stop looking back and keep looking forward.

When you're ready to take a step on a different path and head in a different direction I am here waiting to become your health coach and guide using holistic, functional, and Integrative medical modalities.

Learn more at learningtolivehealthier.com

04/14/2026

In 2010, I started to suffer from symptoms Traditional Medicine couldn't explain. I was a new mother of a beautiful little girl who was born just a few months earlier. I had no health issues before the pregnancy or during the pregnancy but afterwards I was tired and exhausted and running on fumes. Part of this was my busy life... New mother, full time work, part time college courses, and life in general.

Fast forward two years. I was sick for three months. First it was just a virus, then sinusitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia. The illness just wouldn't go away.

When I finally started feeling better I noticed my favorite necklace no longer fit. I had suddenly developed a Goiter. My labs were normal and my doctor didn't want to do anything.

As a new graduate nurse practitioner I insisted on having additional testing. My thyroid ultrasound was abnormal. My thyroid scan was abnormal and off to endocrinology I went.

Endocrinology said we would wait and see. In six months I had developed three nodules. In twelve months I had developed seven nodules with one concerning for cancer. It rapidly grew in size. It was also a concern because it was pushing on my trachea. I was given the choice to biopsy it or not.

With the odds and the risks for this nodule to continue to grow and completely obstruct my airway I choose to have it biopsied.

I prayed "please don't let this be cancer. My daughter still needs me. If it's not cancer please show me another way."

The biopsy was negative and God answered. He slowly drew me into holistic medicine. Today I have training in holistic, functional, and Integrative medicine modalies.

I use to use my knowledge for myself and my children. Now I work to use the knowledge I've gained to educate others

I have a rare, complicated Mitochondrial disease. This disease causes lactic acidosis. Had I only listened to my endocrinologist and primary care doctor back then I wouldn't have had the positive outcomes I've had while using holistic medicine. I am alive and living my best life because holistic medicine saved my life. It has saved my son's life and it helps manage both of our rare and complicated health conditions. Traditional Medicine says, "I'm sorry there is nothing we can do except manage your symptoms. This is progressive and there is no cure."

Holistic Medicine, Functional Medicine, Integrative Medicine, Cellular Medicine, and Regenerative Medicine all provides me a little different perspective to help manage my health condition.

With all of this said, let's talk about....

Lactic Acidosis –

Lactic acidosis is a serious condition where lactic acid builds up in the blood faster than the body can clear it, causing the blood to become too acidic.

Lactic acid is made when your body produces energy—especially when oxygen is low or when cells cannot properly use oxygen.

Why does it happen?

This occurs when the body:

- Doesn’t get enough oxygen, or

- Cannot properly process or clear lactic acid

Common causes include:

- Severe infection (sepsis)

- Low blood pressure or shock

- Heart or lung disease

- Liver or kidney disease

- Certain medications (rarely, such as metformin)

- Intense exercise (usually temporary)

- Mitochondrial disease (when the body’s energy-producing structures don’t work properly)

Why mitochondrial disease matters

Mitochondria are the “energy factories” of your cells. In mitochondrial disease, the body cannot efficiently produce energy using oxygen.

As a result, the body relies more on anaerobic metabolism, which produces more lactic acid, increasing the risk of lactic acidosis—even without low oxygen levels.

Types of lactic acidosis

Type A (most common)
Caused by low oxygen delivery

Examples: shock, severe illness

Type B
Occurs without low oxygen

Which Includes:

Medications

Liver disease

Mitochondrial disorders

Symptoms to watch for:

- Extreme fatigue or weakness

- Rapid or labored breathing

- Nausea or vomiting

- Abdominal pain

- Confusion

- Feeling very ill or “off”

Why it matters
Lactic acidosis can become life-threatening quickly.
It is often a sign that the body is under serious stress or not producing energy properly.

How is it treated?

Treatment focuses on the underlying cause, such as:

Treating infections

Supporting oxygen delivery

Adjusting medications

Managing underlying conditions like mitochondrial disease

Key Takeaways

Lactic acidosis = too much lactic acid in the blood

Can be caused by low oxygen OR problems with energy production

Mitochondrial disease is an important and often overlooked cause

Early recognition and treatment are critical

You can check your lactic acid at home.

A home meter can be purchased on Amazon.

Please inform your Doctor or nurse practitioner immediately If your lactic acid is elevated

The information provided in this post and any other post on my page is for educational purposes only.

Are you suffering from chronic health conditions your doctor hasn't been able to help you figure out?

A health coach may be able to help.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with me or my staff please check us out at:

learningtolivehealthier.com
Reference:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470202/

04/14/2026

Functional genomics is a field of molecular biology that uses data from genome sequencing to understand the dynamic functions, interactions, and expression of genes, RNA, and proteins on a genome-wide scale. Unlike structural genomics (gene mapping), it focuses on how genes influence traits, diseases, and biological processes

Functional genomics investigates the genome on a global scale through several key areas:

Transcriptomics: Analyzes gene expression patterns (mRNA levels) to understand which genes are active in specific conditions.

Proteomics: Studies the abundance, structure, and protein-protein interactions to see how proteins affect cell function.

Epigenomics: Focuses on modifications to DNA that regulate gene expression without altering the underlying sequence.

Metabolomics: Examines metabolic changes, which are the closest link to the observable physical trait (phenotype).

Genome Editing: Uses tools like CRISPR/Cas9 to alter or delete genes, determining their specific roles in disease processes.

These area of knowledge are used by trained providers with Functional, Integrative, and Holistic Medicine.

Let's talk about Detoxification....

Detoxification is one of many a continuous biological process that helps the body process and eliminate internal and environmental waste. This includes byproducts from digestion, cellular metabolism, medication, alcohol, hormones, and toxins from food and the environment.

Genetic variations can influence how efficiently each phase of detoxification functions, and whether additional nutrition or lifestyle support is needed.

One of many resources found online:

https://www.ebi.ac.uk/training/online/courses/functional-genomics-i-introduction-and-design/what-is-functional-genomics/ #:~:text=Transcription%20profiling,Meta%2Danalysis

Functional Genomics changes the way your provider looks at the data obtained by your primary care provider and specialist. Adding Functional, Integrative, Holistic, Cellular, and Regenerative practitioners into your health regimen can change the trajectory of your chronic disease.

Functional genomics I

04/14/2026

I have friends who are in various Facebook groups. They have added me to their group because they had questions about some of the things they were being told by individuals in their group. I know their personal story and they wanted the truth. These groups have allowed me to stay in their group BUT have blocked me from commenting.

Why would they do this?

People have questions and unfortunately not everyone wants to hear the Truth. They would prefer to have partial answers, partial truth, and trust someone who makes a suggestion without having the full story of the individual asking for suggestions.

What is the difference between Folic Acid, Folate, and Methylfolate?

Folic acid is a synthetic form of vitamin B9. It plays a critical role in DNA synthesis, new cell formation, and red blood cell production. It is especially important in early pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects, which is why it has been added to fortified foods.

Vitamin B9 exists in several forms:

Folate – the natural form found in food

Folic acid – a synthetic form used in supplements and food fortification

Methylfolate (5-MTHF) – the active, bioavailable form used by the body

All forms of vitamin B9 help regulate homocysteine levels and support cellular function.

So what’s the difference?

Folic acid must be converted in the body into its active form. This process depends on the MTHFR gene. Some individuals have genetic variations that may reduce how efficiently this conversion occurs.

Methylfolate bypasses this step, making it immediately available for use in the body. Because of this, it may be beneficial for some individuals with certain genetic variants or impaired methylation pathways.

However, not everyone needs methylfolate. Many people do very well with folic acid or dietary folate, and folic acid remains the most studied form for preventing Neural tube defects.

Testing for MTHFR variants and homocysteine levels can provide additional insight, though testing practices vary across conventional and functional medicine.

The best way to get vitamin B9 is through diet:

Dark leafy greens (spinach, asparagus)

Legumes (lentils, chickpeas)

Liver and eggs

Citrus fruits and avocado

Fortified foods like bread, pasta, and cereals also provide folic acid and have played a major role in reducing birth defects worldwide.

As research evolves, we are learning that nutrition is not one-size-fits-all. Personalized approaches—whether through conventional or functional medicine—can help optimize outcomes, especially in complex or chronic conditions.

Emerging research suggests that some individuals may respond differently to synthetic vs natural forms of folate, highlighting the importance of individualized care.

Does everyone need methylfolate?

No, some individuals can not methylate methylfolate while others can not methylfolate folic acid. Everyone can methylfolate folate (food) assuming your not allergic to the food product or have an intolerance or food sensitivity.

How do I know what is best for me?

Trust your body