Dr Emily Burgoon

11/18/2025

Grounding, or earthing, involves direct physical contact with the Earth's surface. (e.g., barefoot on grass, soil, or sand) to connect with the earth's natural electric charge. The health benefits of grounding are attributed to the transfer of free electrons from the Earth to the body, which neutralizes reactive oxygen species (ROS), reduces inflammation, stabilizes physiology and improves healing.

11/17/2025

⚡ Mighty Mitochondria: The Powerhouses Your Health Depends On! 🔋
Beyond high school biology, few of us appreciate these tiny cellular powerhouses that determine everything from your daily energy to how quickly you age!

Mitochondria are the energy generators in nearly every cell, converting food and oxygen into ATP and electron flow —your body's energy currency. But they're far more than just battery packs!

These remarkable organelles:
● Determine your metabolic flexibility (how well you switch between burning carbs and fats)
● Regulate cellular death (preventing cancer and controlling inflammation)
● Communicate cellular stress signals throughout your body
● Protect proper gene expression and disease prevention

Aging and disease accelerate when the mitochondria get mutations in their genes and don't work as efficiently.

When your mitochondria struggle, symptoms of energy loss appear far before lab tests show problems:

● Fatigue that doesn't improve with rest
● Brain fog and concentration difficulties
● Exercise intolerance or prolonged recovery
● Temperature instability
● Muscle weakness or pain
● Weight gain

Mitochondrial health is crucial for high-energy organs like your brain, heart, muscles, and liver.
Neurodegenerative conditions, heart failure, chronic
fatigue, and even mental health conditions are being linked to
mitochondrial dysfunction.

The good news? These incredible powerhouses respond quickly to lifestyle support!
Such as:
⏱️ Intermittent fasting triggers mitochondrial regeneration
🧈 Healthy fats provide clean fuel for efficient energy production
🥦 Seasonal colorful produce supplies antioxidants that protect mitochondrial
membranes
⚡ High-intensity interval training stimulates mitochondrial growth
❄️ Cold exposure activates brown fat mitochondria to improve metabolism and hormones
☀️ Sunlight exposure sets proper circadian rhythms for mitochondrial function
😴 Deep sleep allows mitochondrial repair

Your mitochondria are constantly adapting to the signals you send them. What
message will you send yours today?

10/29/2025

🧫 MOLD: The Hidden Health Saboteur Lurking in Your Home 🏠
Mold isn't just an unsightly nuisance—it can be a serious health threat affecting millions unknowingly! According to research, up to 50% of buildings in the US have water damage and mold growth, yet many doctors miss the connection between these exposures and mysterious symptoms.
Why is mold so problematic? Mold and actinomyces (bacteria with mold-like properties) release microscopic spores and biotoxins that can enter your body through breathing, skin contact, and even your digestive tract. These toxins can trigger a cascade of inflammatory responses throughout your body. 😷

The tricky part? Mold-related illness often masquerades as other conditions:
● Unexplained fatigue and weakness that fluctuates day to day
● Brain fog, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating
● Headaches that don't respond to typical treatments
● Unexplained joint and muscle pain
● Sinus congestion, coughing, or shortness of breath
● Digestive issues without clear cause
● Mood changes including anxiety and depression

Certain people are genetically more vulnerable—about 24% of the population has gene variations in their immune systems that prevent proper detoxification and memory-immune response. This causes chronic inflammation and toxin buildup in the whole body, causing symptoms as above.

The functional medicine approach looks at mold illness as a total load issue. Your symptoms represent what happens when your personal bucket overflows from the combined burden of biotoxin exposure, inflammation, other toxins, stress, nutrient deficiencies, and infections.

If you suspect mold might be affecting your health, start by investigating your home—look for water stains, smell for musty odors, and consider professional testing via dust sampling for both mold and actinomyces. Eliminating exposure is essential before any treatment can be effective.

Many chronic infections can cause the same symptoms in genetically susceptible individuals.

If you suffer from multiple of the symptoms above and no cause has been found, it's important to work with a doctor trained in proper diagnostic and treatment protocols to get you on the path to health again!

10/29/2025

Do you notice any foods that trigger inflammation in your body? How did you
identify them? What symptoms do they cause?

10/28/2025

🍔 The Standard American Diet: A Recipe for Chronic Disease 🏥
The Standard American Diet (SAD) isn't just unhealthy—it's actively harmful to our bodies! This modern way of eating has transformed our food from nourishment into a major driver of inflammation and illness.

What makes the SAD so problematic?
🧪 Ultra-Processed Foods make up 60% of calories for the average American!
These factory-created "food-like substances" contain ingredients no grandmother would recognize—artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and texturizers that confuse our bodies and disrupt our metabolism.
🌱 Nutrient Depletion: Modern farming practices have stripped our soil of
minerals, and many pesticides bind minerals additionally, while long shipping distances and extensive processing further deplete
nutrients.
🛢️ Industrial Seed Oils (canola, soybean, corn) have replaced traditional fats, dramatically increasing our omega-6 to omega-3 ratio from 1:1 to about 20:1, promoting inflammation throughout the body plus spikes in stress hormone.
🧁 Sugar Overload: The average American consumes 17 teaspoons of added sugar daily hidden in seemingly innocent foods like salad dressing, bread, and pasta sauce.
🌾 Other stressors in our modern environments disrupt circadian rhythm/sleep quality, which is the foundation for all our metabolic, hormone and mental health resilience. This also drives chronic stress hormone and elevated blood sugars.
The good news: Your body is remarkably resilient! Even small shifts toward
whole, minimally processed foods and sleep hygiene habits can create significant improvements in energy, mood, and overall health. Start by crowding out processed foods with colorful vegetables, quality proteins, and healthy fats.
What's one processed food you could replace with a whole food alternative this week? Share below! 👇

10/27/2025

10/24/2025

🦠 The Autoimmune Epidemic: Why Are Our Bodies Attacking Themselves? 🔍
Autoimmune diseases have tripled over the last 50 years, now affecting 1 in 5 Americans.
Why this dramatic rise? 📈

Our immune systems evolved to protect us from naturally occurring threats, not from the modern environment we've created. Consider these key factors:

🥫 Processed Foods: Industrial oils, refined flours, and added sugars drive chronic inflammation, confusing our immune response.

🧼 Hygiene Overload: most people aren't exposed to healthy soil microbiome during development due to industrial agriculture and chemical-treated homes/yards. The "old friends" theory suggests we need exposure to certain microbes for balanced immunity.

🦠 Gut Dysbiosis: 70% of your immune system resides in your gut! Antibiotics, stress from wrong environmental input for our biology, and pesticides/chemicals in the diet can all disrupt your microbiome, potentially triggering autoimmunity through leaky gut.

☣️ Environmental Toxins: Pesticides, plastics, and industrial chemicals can mimic hormones and trigger immune dysfunction through molecular mimicry.

😫 Chronic Stress: Prolonged stress alters immune function and can reactivate dormant viruses that may trigger autoimmunity. Our modern living environments and indoor lifestyles triggers huge stress hormone release regardless of other life stress.

🧬 Genetic Vulnerability: While genes load the gun, environment pulls the trigger. Wrong environmental signals damage mitochondrial function, making us prone to expressing any genetically predisposed disease.

Most people with genetic predispositions never develop autoimmunity.
The functional medicine approach looks at these interconnected factors rather than just suppressing symptoms.

By identifying YOUR personal triggers through testing and personal case evaluation, we can heal foundations like gut health, toxin overload, lifestyle/environment and stress response.

What's your experience with autoimmunity? Have you noticed environmental
triggers that affect your symptoms? Share below! 💚

10/22/2025

What is your favorite HEALTHY snack? Drop some ideas below!

10/22/2025

Do you make spending time in NATURE a PRIORITY?

Did you know there are multiple health benefits?
Including:
- Improved Mood and Reduced Anxiety/Depression
- Improved cardiovascular health and blood pressure
- Boosts immune system function

10/21/2025

Food Sensitivities: Your Body's Hidden Messages 🔍

Unlike food allergies that trigger immediate reactions, food sensitivities can be sneaky! They often cause delayed symptoms 24-72 hours after eating, making them frustratingly difficult to identify.

These reactions occur when your immune system responds to certain foods, creating inflammation that can manifest as headaches, joint pain, skin issues, brain fog, digestive troubles, or mood changes. 😴🤕

The most common culprits? Gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, corn, and nightshades top the list - but your personal triggers could be completely different! Even "healthy" foods can cause reactions in some people.

In functional medicine, we view food sensitivities as important messengers. They often signal underlying gut permeability issues (leaky gut) that allow food
particles to interact with your immune system in ways they shouldn't. 🦠
The good news? Many sensitivities are temporary! By identifying triggers, healing your gut, and addressing root causes with a doctor, you can often reintroduce foods successfully later.

Have you been tested for food sensitivities? Share below! 👇

10/21/2025

🧠 Anxiety & Your Gut: The Hidden Connection 🦠
Did you know your gut and brain are constantly talking to each other?
That butterflies-in-stomach feeling isn't just an expression!
Your gut contains millions of neurons (your "second brain") and produces 95% of your body's serotonin. When gut is inflamed and the bacteria are
imbalanced, anxiety levels can skyrocket! 📈
Signs your gut might be driving anxiety:
● Digestive issues worsen during stress
● Food sensitivities trigger mood changes
● Antibiotic use preceded anxiety symptoms
● Cravings for sugary foods
Simple steps to support your gut-brain axis:
● Fermented foods daily (kimchi, yogurt) 🥬
● Prebiotic-rich foods (garlic, onions, greens)
● Reduce processed foods, PUFAs, refined sugar
● Prioritize stress reduction and sleep hygiene
● Food sensitivity testing

Next time anxiety strikes, remember to care for your gut health too! Your
microbiome might be sending you important signals.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗴𝘂𝘁-𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗺𝗼𝗼𝗱? 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄! ⬇️