Nebraska Functional Medicine

10/29/2025

Urine Hormone Testing and Key Breast Cancer Clues 🔎

Let us start by saying, awareness for breast cancer isn't pink. It's properly testing your hormones and assessing your risk factors. Proper testing means using urine. Not saliva. Not blood.

When you test hormones using urine, you gain insight into their metabolism. And how you metabolize estrogen can influence how it affects your cells, the symptoms you experience, and overall vitality. One pathway in particular — the 4-hydroxylation (4-OH) pathway — has drawn attention for its potential link to breast cancer risk.

🩵 What Is the 4-OH Pathway?

When estrogens like estradiol are broken down in the liver, enzymes (especially CYP1B1) can convert them into 4-hydroxyestrone and 4-hydroxyestradiol. These compounds can be further oxidized into quinones, reactive molecules that can bind to DNA and cause mutations. Over time, this kind of DNA damage may contribute to cancer development — particularly in estrogen-sensitive tissues like the breast.

🩵 What the Research Shows

👉 Studies have found that higher levels of 4-OH estrogen metabolites — or a higher ratio of 4-OH to other estrogen forms — are associated with increased breast cancer risk, especially in postmenopausal women.
👉 In contrast, metabolites from the 2-hydroxylation pathway seem to be protective.
👉 Lab experiments back this up: 4-OH metabolites can damage DNA and transform normal breast cells into malignant ones.

🩵 Why It Matters

I tell my patients all the time--"Based on your symptoms, I can reasonably estimate the amount of each hormone you have. I don't need a test for that. I need to know HOW it is getting out of the body. That's where the healing happens."
Understanding the 4-OH pathway helps explain why estrogen’s role in breast cancer isn’t just about how much estrogen you have, but also about how your body processes it.

Genetics, liver function, diet, and lifestyle can all influence this balance. And if you're not pooping every single day, forget the rest of this! None of it matters if you're not eliminating those estrogens in your stool.

🩵 Checks and Balances

I also always tell my patients that God designed us perfectly. He created some "checks and balances" in the estrogen metabolism pathways, to protect us. If an estrogen does traverse down the 4-OH pathway, it can be methylated.

This is why it's important to be taking methylated B vitamins and understanding the MTHFR mutation! If that estrogen still becomes a quinone, it can be detoxified with glutathione! But so many things deplete our glutathione levels daily, that most of us are not optimal. Our urine test checks this, and we address it if necessary. That's why I love to say "test, don't guess."

🩵 The Bottom Line

If you are concerned about your hormones, breast cancer risk, and optimal health. Work with a team like ours. It is imperative to understand the complexity of hormones and the impact on your health. But also remember, hormones are one piece of the puzzle. You need to look at the entire picture. Only addressing hormones will lead to a bigger mess!

10/22/2025

Did you know that everyday products like plastic bottles, skincare, makeup, and even receipts can contain xenoestrogens - synthetic compounds that mimic estrogen in the body? Especially in breast tissue.

These hormone disruptors can interfere with your endocrine system, and growing research suggests a potential link between long-term exposure to xenoestrogens and an increased risk of breast cancer.

Over time, accumulation of xenoestrogens can cause:
👉 Increased estrogenic activity in breast tissue
👉 Altered gene expression related to cell cycle regulation
👉 Epigenetic changes that may promote tumor growth
👉 Elevated risk of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer

Examples of xenoestrogens include:
👉 Bisphenol A (BPA): Found in plastics & food linings
👉 Parabens: Common in cosmetics and lotions
👉 Phthalates: Hidden in synthetic fragrances
👉 DDT & other pesticides: Sprayed on fields environmentally

Make small swaps that make a big difference!
🩵 Choose glass or stainless steel containers
🩵 Go fragrance-free -- no more candles!
🩵 Opt for organic produce when possible
🩵 Swap your personal care products for lines like our OSEA and Jane Iredale

When you know better, you do better.

10/08/2025

We are ONE MONTH out from our Health Summit! 🩵

Curious how to win our "favorite things" basket? Here's how!
💙 Attend the Health Summit on 11/8 for an entry
💙 A BONUS entry if you tag 3 friends and share this post

Our "favorite things" basket is valued over $1,200! The basket will be given away at the summit. To register, click here: https://l.bttr.to/RPs4l

Prepare to leave our summit enlightened, empowered, and inspired to reclaim your health!

10/02/2025

It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we’ll be sharing some fun facts and educational info throughout the month—that you likely have never heard! 🩷

Starting with this alarming statistic from renowned Dr. Mercola, MD. He reports that 97% of breast cancer patients also have a root canal on the breast meridian and on the same side! 😳 (We have to add this was pre-💉, which has since complicated things.)

What’s a meridian? This photo was taken in our AMA room of the tooth meridian chart.

The tooth meridian chart is a unique tool that breaks down the connection between specific teeth and various organs and body systems. It was developed by German physician Dr. Voll.

It displays the energetic pathways (also known as meridians) that connect various organs and systems throughout the body. Each tooth is linked to a specific meridian, and disruptions or diseases affecting a particular tooth may be connected to imbalances in the corresponding meridian and the associated organs.

We could share endless success stories from our patients about their overall healing, when we’ve addressed both their systemic and oral health! 🦷

09/29/2025

We are incredibly honored. Immensely humbled. And forever grateful! 🩵 Thank you for voting us "Best of Grand Island" in THREE categories. What a joy it is for all of us to come to work each day and serve you!

Nebraska Functional Medicine is an individualized, patient-centered, science-based clinic.

09/18/2025

Ever had a knot in your back so stubborn it felt like it deserved its own zip code? Or that sharp, nagging pain in your shoulder that refuses to leave, no matter how many stretches, massages, or foam rolling sessions you throw at it? That’s where trigger point injections come in - quick, simple, and surprisingly powerful.

Trigger points are those tight little bundles of muscle fibers that get stuck in spasm. They’re like the drama queens of your musculoskeletal system - overreacting and dragging the rest of your body down with them. Trigger point injections help put an end to this.

Here’s the magic: a tiny needle is inserted right into that knotted muscle, delivering a small solution - without steroids or other harmful substances. This is just enough to calm the muscle down, restore blood flow, and tell the trigger point, “Okay, you can chill now.”

What makes them so awesome?
🩵 Fast Relief: Whether you’ve tweaked your neck sleeping funny or you’re dealing with chronic, long-term pain, trigger point injections can bring noticeable relief in minutes to days.
🩵 Drug-Free Zone: No steroids, no heavy-duty meds. Just a gentle nudge to get your muscles back on track.
🩵 Versatility: They can help with headaches, back pain, shoulder tension, post-injury soreness - you name it.
🩵 Low Downtime: You’re usually in and out in less than 15 minutes. That’s faster than most coffee runs.

Think of it as rebooting a frozen computer. Sometimes your muscles just need a reset button, and trigger point injections are exactly that. Quick, safe, and surprisingly effective for both acute flare-ups and stubborn chronic pain.

The Bonus Finish: Ozone Oil Top-Off
And because we like to go the extra mile, we “top off” the procedure with a gentle application of ozone oil. Why? Ozone oil helps keep the healing momentum going.

It’s known for:
🩵 Fighting Inflammation: Helping calm down irritated tissues.
🩵 Boosting Circulation: Encouraging oxygen flow to speed recovery.
🩵 Supporting Natural Healing: Antimicrobial properties that keep things clean while supporting the body’s repair process.
🩵 Longer-Lasting Relief: It’s like sending your muscles home with a little aftercare hug.

So, next time a knot tries to take over your life, remember: you don’t have to live with it. Sometimes the simplest solutions pack the biggest punch - and a little needle (plus some ozone love) can make all the difference.

09/10/2025

✏️✂️ School is back in full swing—and so are the germs! 🦠

We put together some of our “Essentials” and “Extras” to have on hand to support both your children, and you!

Have a concern you don’t see listed? Call us or stop by! We’re always happy to help.

Aiming for prevention, to get on top of an illness quickly, or recover from one? We have so many treatment options available to support you and your family. Just ask! We love seeing our patients thrive all year long. 📚🖍️

08/18/2025

Okay, let’s set the scene: You’ve got joint pain. Maybe it’s your knee that’s been cranky since you helped a friend move last fall, your shoulder’s still mad from that one weekend of overenthusiastic gardening, or your ankle’s been quietly protesting every time you try to jog. You’ve done the rest-ice-repeat cycle. You’ve popped the ibuprofen. Maybe even tried a cortisone shot (but hopefully not). And yet… here you are.

Let us introduce you to PRP - aka Platelet-Rich Plasma - your body’s own secret weapon for healing. 🩵

So, what exactly is PRP? In the most non-sciencey way possible: We draw a little bit of your blood, spin it around in a high-tech centrifuge (picture a super fast blender), and pull out the good stuff - your platelets. These tiny powerhouses are loaded with growth factors, which are like little messengers that tell your body, “Hey! It’s healing time!”

We then inject those concentrated platelets right back into the area that’s bothering you - your knee, shoulder, hip, ankle, etc. - to kickstart and supercharge your body’s own repair process.

Your Body, Doing What It Was Meant to Do: Heal Itself 🩵
PRP isn’t some fancy new-age thing. It’s just science helping your body do its natural job - but better. Think of it like giving your immune system a map and a megaphone. Instead of “hoping” things heal on their own, PRP focuses healing exactly where it’s needed, fast-tracking recovery in muscles, tendons, and joints.

PRP is especially helpful for:
👉 Joint pain/arthritis (knees, hips, shoulders, ankles - you name it)
👉 Tendon or ligament injuries (like rotator cuff or Achilles strains)
👉 Partial tears
👉 Chronic inflammation that just won’t quit

Cortisone vs. PRP: Let’s Compare 🩵
Cortisone shots have been the go-to for a long time, and sure, they can give you short-term relief. But here’s the catch: Cortisone is more like a temporary numbing agent. It doesn't heal - it just quiets things down for a bit. Really, it’s treating a symptom, not the problem. And repeated use can actually weaken tissues over time.

PRP? It’s the long game. It reduces pain, and promotes real tissue healing. In studies, patients report:
👉 Better pain relief from Day 1 to Day 30 (fewer ups and downs)
👉 Significantly better results at 1 year compared to cortisone (yep, people feel better longer)

That means fewer repeat visits, more long-term relief, and - best part - you're not pumping your body full of synthetic chemicals. You're using your own cells to heal. Kinda cool, right?

How Do I Know If PRP Is Right for Me? 🩵
If you’ve got:
👉 Joint pain that’s been nagging for a while
👉 A sports injury that isn’t healing as fast as you'd like
👉 A ligament or tendon issue (not completely torn, but not great either)
👉 Arthritis that’s making daily movement a chore

Then yeah, PRP might be your new best friend.

We primarily use it in shoulders, knees, hips, and ankles - but it’s versatile. If you’re not sure if your issue can be treated with PRP, just ask.

A Few FAQs We Always Get:
Is PRP painful? ​You’ll feel the injection, sure - but it’s usually mild and short-lived. Some people feel soreness for a day or two after, kind of like a workout. That’s your body getting to work.

How long does it take to work? ​Some people feel relief in the first week. Most see solid improvement over 4-6 weeks as healing kicks in. And the benefits keep coming over several months.

Are there reasons I can’t get PRP? ​Yes. If you’ve had any history of cancer, you must be in remission for a certain length of time (depending on the type).

Final Thoughts: PRP Is the Real Deal 🩵
We love PRP, because it works. We’ve seen it help people get back to the activities they love - without surgery, without toxic meds, and without feeling like they’re stuck in a cycle of pain. It’s a smart, natural, science-backed way to get better.

So if you're tired of being told to "just rest" or "take more anti-inflammatories," maybe it's time to try something different. Your body’s got what it needs to heal - sometimes it just needs a little boost.

If you would like to book a PRP Injection, give our office a call at
308-390-2663 to schedule your consultation starting in September!

08/01/2025

“They told me if I didn’t get to Children’s Hospital in 48 hours my kidneys and liver would shut down.”

Listen to a short segment of Isabelle’s story. It’s a powerful one to say the least. No answers and declining rapidly. Then they found NFM and finally got a diagnosis of Lyme disease.

We are so proud of her and honored to be part of her journey to thriving again!

Listen to Isabelle’s full story here: https://nefunctionalmedicine.com/success-stories/

07/25/2025

I'm a big sports fan. If ESPN called today and said, "We need you on Gameday", I would ask where to sign! Baseball runs deep in my family and will always have my heart, though.

I use sports analogies often in my practice, as it helps to simplify really complex physiology. But I thought I would simplify it even further. What if your health is as simple as playing offense or defense?

The choices we make daily are doing one of two things - either healing or hurting.

The food on the end of your fork. What you're putting on your skin. Going to bed on time. The liquids you're consuming. Your cleaning supplies. Supplements you take. Time in the sunshine, ideally barefoot. Toxic relationships. A moldy home. The list goes on!

And as daunting as it may all seem, it is pivotal to your health. Those consistent, positive choices, are like making the most perfect offensive play calls during a football game. Or throwing an untouchable pitch every time. You're in control. You're on offense. And winning is easy!

But what if that wasn't the case? If you slip up here and there.

A weekend of poor eating, because you're with friends having fun. Toxic makeup and skincare on your teenager because "that's what's in." Going to bed after midnight, because "life is busy." Ignoring the mold in your home. Another round of antibiotics for a viral infection. Candles and fragrance in your home because you like the smell. Hardly any water intake because you're living on caffeine. Concession stand food because you're living in a gym.

All of these choices add up. And you can justify literally anything if you really want to. Think of it this way - every slip up is like a wild pitch. And the other team steals a base. Eventually the score is going to get out of hand. And you have to play big time defense.

High blood pressure. Blood sugar imbalance. Hormone issues. Anxiety. Autoimmune disease. Those may not seem like a big deal. And sadly that's because it's now "normal" in America to have a chronic disease. But in time those things become big things. Your body has been whispering to you that something is wrong. Your pitcher keeps throwing wild pitches. And now things are out of hand. Your body is screaming. You have cancer. Or Parkinson's. Or some other very debilitating disease.

And if you've ever played a game and been down by several points, it is hard to come back. It can definitely happen. But it takes a whole lot more work.

We walk alongside really sick people every day. And I can tell you if they had the choice, they'd all go back and play offense. Because defense is definitely not fun.

So put the work in now. Make consistently healthy choices. Get regular IVs and ozone treatments. Give you lymph some love. Detox in a sauna. Drink Kaqun water and sit in our tub. Take quality supplements personalized for you. Treat your body the way God designed.

In time you'll find it's the top of the 9th inning and you're up by 12 runs. 💙

07/23/2025

You may have seen our article in the Grand Island Independent today about our Kaqun tub and its tremendous benefits. 🩵

But we are also aware that for some of you it isn’t feasible to get here to soak in the tub. This is where Kaqun water comes in!

While it is not as beneficial as doing the baths, it is still incredibly valuable. Drinking it consistently is the key! Great for both adults and kids. Stop by and grab yours or have us ship it to you.

07/23/2025

Honored to be featured in The Grand Island Independent!

Kaqun water therapy has been shown to be effective against cancer and chronic disease, owner Keri Anania said.