Barb Herspring, PA-C

12/06/2025

Functional Medicine Mom fail 🤦‍♀️. Yes I know the importance of Omega 3. Yes I cook salmon (only one kid will eat it). Yes I’ve given them Omega 3 supplements off and on over the years (but not consistently- you know how it goes).

I have NEVER seen an Omega Index that wasn’t low without consistent supplementation with a high quality fish oil for months. Even in my patients who eat a lot of salmon. So I no longer check a baseline to save patients money. I have patients supplement for 3 months and then check.

These are my kids results AFTER several months of consistent supplementation (the lowest one hasn’t been getting it as much as I thought). The best one takes a very high quality adult dose AND eats salmon (probably avg once a week). They have seen significant improvements in acne and other skin issues since starting supplementation consistently. I can’t imagine how low it was before.

After seeing these my kids are more willing to take their omega 3 (but 2 of them still won’t eat fish). I think maybe I should start doing baseline levels on all patients because seeing alll that red motivates change. One kid even gave me the key to their candy drawer after seeing the high trans fats.

Our entire nation is deficient in Omega 3. Typically insurance won’t cover these tests, especially for screening. We have to take control of our own health. See links in comments for at home Omega Index and Vitamin D testing. Reach out if you need recommendations for a high quality supplement (studies show many products are rancid and full of mercury).

At least I’ve had their vitamin D levels (which were also in the basement) optimal for awhile now.

05/18/2025

Happy Sunday! Have a beautiful day!

05/11/2025

Happy Mother’s Day to every amazing mom and mother figure out there! 🌷 Whether you’re a birth mom, adoptive mom, stepmom, foster mom, spiritual mom, or anyone who nurtures with love—today we celebrate you. Your strength, kindness, and endless love make the world brighter every day. Thank you for all the ways you care, guide, and inspire us. You are deeply appreciated and loved today and always! 💖

05/11/2025

May is Celiac Awareness Month — but maybe it’s time we call it Gluten Sensitivity Awareness Month instead!

Gluten isn’t just tied to celiac disease. It’s also been linked to:
⚡ Muscle aches
🦴 Arthritis
🧠 Multiple sclerosis
🧴 Eczema
💥 Migraines
…and so much more.

If you’re dealing with any of these, it might be worth taking a closer look at gluten. Sometimes, a simple diet change can make a huge difference — even save your life!

Have you gone gluten-free and seen a big change?
Drop your story in the comments — I’d love to hear it!

This post is for informational purposes only and not or be considered medical advice.

05/10/2025

Thinking of ordering your supplements from Amazon? Think twice.

I saw the post below in a group today. It is a great example of why you should be cautious when ordering supplements from Amazon.

While it may seem convenient, buying supplements on Amazon comes with serious risks:

Counterfeit products are surprisingly common. Some listings sell knockoffs that look identical but may contain unknown or harmful ingredients. ❌

Improper storage during shipping or at third-party warehouses can ruin potency—or worse, lead to contamination. ⚠️

Seller switching means even a product with good reviews can be quietly replaced by a low-quality version. 💊

When it comes to your health, stick with trusted retailers (check comments for a link to my pharmeceutical grade dispensary).

05/07/2025

Functional Medicine is the future!

We are at a pivotal moment in healthcare. 🩺

Congratulations to my friend and colleague on her nomination as Surgeon General—a powerful signal that the tides are turning toward root-cause, prevention-first, and systems-based care.

Functional medicine isn’t fringe—it’s the future. And this nomination is a step forward for metabolic health, patient empowerment, and meaningful change in public health.

05/07/2025

🐟 Fish Oil: Friend or Foe? 🧐

Omega-3s have long been praised for their powerful anti-inflammatory and heart-supportive benefits… but lately, they’ve been getting some side-eye. 😬

Recent research stirred up concern after linking high doses of omega-3s to a slight increase in atrial fibrillation (AFib) — an irregular heart rhythm. Understandably, many people hit pause on their supplements. But here’s the truth that didn’t make as many headlines:

👉 Yet, there is an abundance of research showing a decreased risk of stroke with Omega 3 supplementation.
Which is significant, because if AFib does cause complications, stroke is the main concern. So this finding really matters. 🙌

So, is fish oil still your friend?
Yes — when it’s high quality, properly dosed, and used with guidance. Omega-3s remain one of the most researched and recommended tools for heart, brain, and joint health. 🧠💪💖

Low omega-3 levels—affecting 80 to 90% of Americans—have been shown to carry the same mortality risk as smoking.

✨ Looking for a pure, pharmaceutical-grade omega-3 you can trust — with a discount?
📚 Curious about the actual research?

👇 Check the comments for links to both!