Center For Balanced Health

Center For Balanced Health Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Center For Balanced Health, Doctor, 424 Madison Avenue, #1002, New York, NY.

The staff at CBH practice carries on the work of Dr. Atkins’ medical legacy by combining traditional and complementary therapies to help achieve balanced health and improve quality of life.

If you’ve been feeling sluggish, bloated, or even just "off" mentally, the answer might not be in your head—it might be ...
02/17/2026

If you’ve been feeling sluggish, bloated, or even just "off" mentally, the answer might not be in your head—it might be in your gut.

As a doctor, I’m constantly reminding my patients that the gut is so much more than just a digestive tube. It is a complex ecosystem (the microbiome) that houses about 70% of your immune system and produces the vast majority of your serotonin (your "happy" hormone).

When your gut is happy, your whole body feels it. When it’s out of balance, it can affect everything from your skin to your sleep.

🚩 Signs Your Gut Microbiome Needs Help:
**Digestive Upset: Frequent gas, bloating, or irregular movements.
**Sugar Cravings: "Bad" bacteria thrive on sugar and can actually signal your brain to crave more of it.
**Brain Fog: A direct result of the gut-brain axis being disrupted.
**Skin Irritation: Breakouts and redness are often internal inflammation showing up externally.

🛠️ How to Support Your "Second Brain":
1) Diversify Your Plants: Aim for 30 different plant foods per week. Diversity in fiber leads to diversity in healthy bacteria!
2) Embrace the Ferment: Incorporate "living" foods like Kimchi, Sauerkraut, Kefir, or Kombucha to introduce natural probiotics.
3) Slow Down & Chew: Digestion starts in the mouth. Eating on the run or while stressed shuts down your digestive enzymes.
4) Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Water is essential for the mucosal lining of the gut and for keeping things moving.

As a doctor, I see it every day: we spend so much time maintaining our cars, our homes, and our careers, but we often fo...
02/14/2026

As a doctor, I see it every day: we spend so much time maintaining our cars, our homes, and our careers, but we often forget the most important "engine" of all—our heart.

Heart disease remains a leading cause of health issues globally, and it’s often called the "silent killer" because it can develop without any obvious symptoms for years. But here’s the good news: 80% of premature heart disease is preventable through lifestyle and early detection.

🚩 Don’t Ignore These Signs:
While some issues are silent, your body often tries to send you a message. See a professional if you experience:

-Unusual Shortness of Breath: Especially during activities that used to be easy.
-Chest Discomfort: Not just "crushing" pain, but also pressure, squeezing, or a "fullness" feeling.
-Persistent Fatigue: Feeling exhausted even after a full night’s sleep.
-Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Your heart might be struggling to pump oxygen-rich blood to your brain.

🛡️ 3 Pillars of a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle:
1) Move More: Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity (like brisk walking) per week. Your heart is a muscle—it needs the workout!

2) Fiber is Your Friend: Load up on oats, leafy greens, and berries. These help manage cholesterol naturally.

3) Manage Your "Silent" Numbers: Stress and lack of sleep are just as hard on your heart as a poor diet. Prioritize your rest.

🩺 When Was Your Last "Service"?
A heart check-up is simple, non-invasive, and life-saving. During a visit, we look at: ✅ Blood Pressure: The #1 indicator of heart strain. ✅ Cholesterol Levels: To ensure your "pipes" are clear. ✅ Blood Glucose: Because heart health and metabolic health go hand-in-hand. ✅ ECG (if needed): A quick snapshot of your heart’s electrical rhythm.

Are you making heart health a priority this year? Drop a "❤️" if you've already had your check-up or are scheduling one today!

Ever feel like your internal engine is sputtering, your brain is foggy, or you just can't shake that sluggish feeling?As...
02/13/2026

Ever feel like your internal engine is sputtering, your brain is foggy, or you just can't shake that sluggish feeling?

As a doctor, when patients describe these symptoms, one of the first things I investigate is their micronutrient intake. Often, they are missing the essential "spark plugs" of the body: The Vitamin B Complex.

Many people think "Vitamin B" is just one thing. It’s actually a "complex" of 8 distinct, hardworking vitamins that team up to keep your body running smoothly.

Why the "B Team" is Essential:
If your body is a car, B vitamins are the ignition system, the fuel injectors, and the onboard computer all in one.

🧠 Brainpower & Mood: They are crucial for creating neurotransmitters (like serotonin and dopamine) that regulate mood and mental clarity. 🔥 Energy Production: They literally convert the food you eat (carbs, fats, proteins) into usable energy (ATP). Without them, your fuel just sits in the tank. 🩸 Healthy Blood: Vitamins B12 and Folate (B9) are non-negotiable for building healthy red blood cells and preventing anemia. 💅 Skin, Hair & Nails: Biotin (B7) is famous for beauty, but many B vitamins contribute to rapid cell turnover for healthy skin.

🥑 How to Fuel Up Naturally:
Before reaching for a neon-colored energy drink loaded with synthetic vitamins, look at your plate. The best way to get your B's is through real food.

Here are some top-tier natural sources to rotate into your diet:
For the Omnivores: Wild-caught salmon, poultry, red meat, eggs, and dairy (yogurt/milk) - A2 versions are better. These are your best sources for B12.
The Leafy Greens: Spinach, and swiss chard (Powerhouses for Folate/B9 - should be cooked).
Whole Grains: Oats, quinoa, and brown rice.
Nuts & Seeds: Sunflower seeds, almonds, and walnuts.

Are you feeling constantly fatigued, dealing with restless legs at night, or noticing weird muscle twitches? It might no...
02/10/2026

Are you feeling constantly fatigued, dealing with restless legs at night, or noticing weird muscle twitches? It might not just be "stress"—it could be a magnesium deficiency.

Magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in your body, from energy production to nerve function. Yet, nearly half of the population isn't getting enough.

🚩 Red Flags to Watch For:
-Muscle Cramps & Spasms: That stubborn "eye twitch" or calf cramp during sleep.
-Persistent Fatigue: Feeling "wired but tired" or physically exhausted despite resting.
-Mood Fluctuations: Increased anxiety or irritability (Magnesium helps regulate the nervous system!).
-Sleep Issues: Difficulty falling or staying asleep.

🥗 How to Fuel Up:
You don’t always need a pill to fix a gap. Focus on these "Magnesium Powerhouses":
-Pumpkin Seeds: Just a handful packs a massive punch.
-Spinach & Chard: Leafy greens are essential (should be cooked).
-Dark Chocolate: Yes, really! (Aim for 70% cacao or higher).
-Almonds: Great for on-the-go snacking.

Does this sound like you? Drop a "🙋‍♂️" in the comments if you've been feeling these symptoms lately!

We all need some fat in our diet, but it's important to pay attention to the amount and type of fat we're eating. There ...
02/07/2026

We all need some fat in our diet, but it's important to pay attention to the amount and type of fat we're eating. There are two main types of fat: saturated and unsaturated. Too much saturated fat can increase the amount of cholesterol in the blood, which increases your risk of developing heart disease.

When going low-carb it’s important to not only reduce your intake of carbohydrates, but also be sure you’re replacing the carbs with healthy fat! Healthy fat is essential for keeping you full and providing your body with energy so that you can stick with your low carb diet. One of the most common reasons people don’t stick with it is because they attempt low carb and low fat simultaneously, which is a recipe for disaster!

Protein and fat - Be sure to include a bit of protein and healthy fat with every meal and snack. Protein and fat are slo...
01/27/2026

Protein and fat - Be sure to include a bit of protein and healthy fat with every meal and snack. Protein and fat are slower to pass through the digestive tract causing sugar to be released into the bloodstream more slowly. More steady blood sugar decreases the insulin response, which means blood sugar will fall more slowly. Blood sugar dips more slowly there is less need for the adrenal glands to release adrenaline and cortisol to prevent blood sugar crashes. Good choices include nuts, meat, beans, and dairy foods for protein, and nuts, olive oil, coconut, yogurt, and avocado for fat.

Fiber - Fiber as a part of the plant that cannot be digested. Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water and soluble fiber does; both types of fiber slow digestion and absorption of glucose, preventing blood sugar spikes and crashes that cause hypoglycemia symptoms.

Fighting chronic inflammation is the wellness world’s latest obsession—and unlike with some of the wackier trends (notic...
01/24/2026

Fighting chronic inflammation is the wellness world’s latest obsession—and unlike with some of the wackier trends (notice the side-eye, “internal shower” folks), there is a lot to this one. Inflammation is the body’s natural defense system that’s deployed here and there to help us heal from injury or illness, but it becomes an issue when it sticks around too long and causes damage to cells, tissues, and organs that affects how well they function. This is a big deal because over time it may contribute to the development of diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. The good news is that eating a varied, nutrient-rich diet can help support the body’s natural ability to regulate inflammation. Remember, it’s better to cook foods if digestion is an issue.

COLORFUL FRUITS AND VEGGIES: Bright foods like berries, apples, cabbage, carrots, and broccoli are rich in antioxidants and other anti-inflammatory compounds.

FIBER-FILLED FOODS: A healthy gut helps regulate inflammation, so foods high in fiber such as brown rice and beans, feed good gut bacteria to promote microbiome balance. (You also need a stream of good bacteria, so don’t forget probiotic foods.)

HEALTHY FATS: Fish such as salmon and trout, nuts and seeds, olives, avocados, and olive oil are all sources of these green-light fats.

MAGNESIUM-RICH FOODS: Research suggests that magnesium can act like an antioxidant to fight inflammation. Spinach (cooked), pumpkin seeds, tuna, almonds, avocados, and dark chocolate are all great sources of this mineral.

HERBS AND SPICES: These seasonings make food taste good and contribute anti-inflammatory power.

Not only is ginger tea a warm, zesty drink to sip, it offers a number of health benefits, too. There’s evidence that the...
01/22/2026

Not only is ginger tea a warm, zesty drink to sip, it offers a number of health benefits, too. There’s evidence that the brew, which is derived from a plant that’s been used medicinally for thousands of years, can help ease ailments ranging from nausea to menstrual cramps, and it boasts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It’s also easy to make—you can do so with just a piece of fresh ginger and boiling water.

Here’s a look at the health benefits you may derive from sipping this spicy tea.

*Source of Vitamins and Minerals*
Regularly sipping ginger tea can be a great way to incorporate vital minerals and vitamins into your diet. According to Richard, ginger contains vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, vitamin B6, magnesium, potassium, copper, manganese, fiber and water.

Vitamins and minerals are essential to the body’s development and normal function. Vitamin C, for instance, helps the body absorb iron, maintain tissue health and heal wounds. Meanwhile, vitamin B6 aids in the formation of red blood cells and the maintenance of brain function. Magnesium is involved in over 300 of the body’s biochemical reactions, such as nerve and muscle function.

*Anti-inflammatory Properties*
Studies show that several of the active components in ginger can reduce inflammation, including by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines and down-regulating the induction of inflammatory genes.

For example, studies show promising evidence that ginger can help relieve pain in people who have osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis that’s due to the breakdown of or damage to joint cartilage.

*Treatment for Nausea and Vomiting*
Historically, ginger has been used to help alleviate nausea and vomiting, and current scientific evidence backs up ginger’s efficacy in this regard. Particularly, studies suggest that ginger could be helpful for alleviating these symptoms during pregnancy.

Did you know your cholesterol numbers? It’s more than just a "good" and "bad" story.Lets talk about lipid disorders—a co...
01/21/2026

Did you know your cholesterol numbers? It’s more than just a "good" and "bad" story.

Lets talk about lipid disorders—a common but often silent condition affecting how your body manages fats in the blood.

It’s not just about high LDL ("bad" cholesterol). Lipid disorders can also mean:
🔸 Low HDL ("good" cholesterol)
🔸 High triglycerides
🔸 Or a combo of all three

Why does it matter? Unmanaged, it can significantly increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues—often without any obvious symptoms.

You’re not powerless. Small, consistent steps make a BIG difference:
✅ Choose heart-healthy fats (avocado, nuts, olive oil)
✅ Move your body regularly—even a daily walk helps
✅ Limit processed foods & added sugars
✅ Know your family history
✅ Talk to your doctor about a simple blood test (a lipid panel)

This isn’t about fear—it’s about awareness and action. Understanding your lipids is one of the most powerful things you can do for your long-term heart health.

1. Do you need caffeine and/or sugar to make it through the day?2. Are you exhausted by mid-afternoon?3. Do you have dif...
01/17/2026

1. Do you need caffeine and/or sugar to make it through the day?

2. Are you exhausted by mid-afternoon?

3. Do you have difficulty getting out of bed in the morning?

4. Do you get short of breath while doing light exercise or walking?

5. Do household chores and daily functions feel more difficult to you?

These symptoms can be consistent with: unstable blood sugars, under active thyroid, hormonal imbalance, sleep disturbance (excessive sleep or insomnia), weight gain, chronic fatigue syndrome, yeast infection and adrenal fatigue. Often energy levels are decreased because of chronic stress causing improper function of the adrenal glands, typically causing extreme exhaustion or a constant feeling of malaise.

The symptoms you describe will help us individualize comprehensive diagnostic tests that will assist in identifying the condition affecting your energy levels. The treatment is then tailored based on these results. Controlling carbohydrates and consistent eating patterns will help enhance the immune system and improve energy levels.

If you answered "yes" to any of the questions below, you will benefit from making an appointment with us. Visit us today at CenterForBalancedHealth.com or call us (212) 459-1700.

Many physicians cause an endless amount of frustration by continually suggesting that their overweight patients start ex...
01/15/2026

Many physicians cause an endless amount of frustration by continually suggesting that their overweight patients start exercising. They tell you, “Move more and you’ll burn more calories and build muscle mass. This will speed your resting metabolic rate and you’ll lose weight.” As with portion control, it sounds good in theory, but it doesn’t always work. You probably don’t need us to tell you this. Do you feel like going for a run right now? We didn’t think so. Does exercise hurt? We thought so. Are you too tired to even think about moving your body? Yep, sounds familiar.

When your metabolism is not working efficiently, exercise fatigues an already overburdened system. Rather than improving metabolic function, it can often make it worse. In particular, it places a heavy burden on your adrenal glands—glands that are probably already exhausted. You can’t fix your metabolism by willing yourself to exercise and praying and hoping that someday you’ll be in shape. Rather, you must do the opposite. You must rest and repair. You must sleep, relax, and fix your metabolism with the right diet and supplements. Only once you make your metabolism more efficient can you start and maintain an exercise program.

**Let's Talk About Glucose (It's Not As Scary As It Sounds!)** 😊You've probably heard the word "glucose" thrown around a...
01/13/2026

**Let's Talk About Glucose (It's Not As Scary As It Sounds!)** 😊

You've probably heard the word "glucose" thrown around a lot, especially if you're into health stuff. But what is it, really? Let's break it down in simple terms.

Think of glucose as your body's **main source of fuel**—like premium gasoline for your car. It comes from the food you eat (especially carbs) and gives energy to every single cell, especially your brain! ⛽️🧠

The key is keeping that fuel level in a **smooth, steady range**. Not too high, not too low.

* When it's balanced, you feel energized, focused, and satiated.
* When it spikes too high (hyperglycemia), you might feel sluggish, thirsty, or get blurry vision.
* **When it dips too low (hypoglycemia), you can feel shaky, sweaty, dizzy, or hangry.

So, how do we keep it steady? It's all about teamwork between:
1. What you eat: Pairing carbs with protein, fat, and fiber (think apple with almond butter!) helps slow the release of glucose.
2. How you move: A simple walk after a meal can work wonders.
3. Your body's MVP: Insulin. This helpful hormone acts like a key, unlocking your cells to let the glucose in for energy. Keeping your body responsive to insulin is a major goal!

You don't need to be perfect. It's about awareness and small, consistent choices. Listening to your body is the first and best step.

👉 What's your go-to snack for lasting energy? Share below! 👇

Address

424 Madison Avenue, #1002
New York, NY
10017

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 7pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 7pm
Friday 8am - 12pm

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