Total Health Center

02/24/2026

Intermittent Fasting: Beginner’s Guide to Doing It Right

Intermittent fasting has become one of the most talked-about health strategies in the world.
But here’s the problem…
Most people jump into fasting without understanding how it works — or whether it’s even right for them.
When done properly, intermittent fasting can:
• Improve insulin sensitivity
• Support fat loss (especially visceral belly fat)
• Reduce inflammation
• Increase growth hormone
• Support long-term metabolic health
But when done incorrectly, it can backfire — especially if you already struggle with blood sugar instability, thyroid issues, or adrenal stress.
In this new article, I break down:
✔ What intermittent fasting really is
✔ The 16/8 method explained simply
✔ When to use 24-hour fasts
✔ How fasting affects insulin and fat burning
✔ Who should NOT fast
✔ How I recommend patients start safely
If you’ve ever wondered whether fasting could help your weight, energy, or long-term health — this is a must-read.
👉 Click here to read the full article and learn how to start the right way.

Learn how intermittent fasting works, how to start safely, and the science behind fat loss, insulin sensitivity, and healthy aging.Alternative (slightly more benefit-driven):Discover the science-backed benefits of intermittent fasting and how to start safely for weight loss, metabolic health, and lo...

02/23/2026

She Tried Everything… Until This
Chronic joint pain.
Low energy.
Weight that wouldn’t budge.
This patient thought it was just “getting older.”
After addressing inflammation and metabolic imbalances at the root, everything changed.
✔ Joint pain gone
✔ Energy back
✔ Less soreness after workouts
✔ Stubborn weight finally moving
If you feel stuck, this story may be exactly what you need to hear.
🎥 Watch the full testimonial here:

If you struggle with chronic joint pain, low energy, or stubborn weight that refuses to budge — this patient story will inspire you.In this testimonial, one ...

02/22/2026

Most People Get This Wrong About Vitamin D
In my practice here at Total Health Center, I routinely see patients with low or suboptimal levels. And the surprising part? Many of them had no idea.
Vitamin D isn’t just about bone health. It functions more like a hormone, influencing immune balance, inflammation control, cardiovascular health, metabolism, and even cancer risk.
What concerns me most is this:
“Normal” lab ranges are often based on populations that are already deficient.
In this article, I explain:
• What optimal vitamin D levels really look like
• Why sunlight timing matters more than most people think
• When supplementation is necessary
• Why vitamin K2 is critical if you’re taking vitamin D
• The connection between vitamin D, fatigue, aches, and chronic pain
Sometimes the simplest interventions create the most powerful shifts in health.
If you haven’t checked your vitamin D level recently, this is an important read.
👉 Click here to read the full article.
To better health,
Dr. Scott
https://totalhealthcentervb.com/vitamin-d-one-of-the-most-overlooked-foundations-of-health/

02/20/2026

Healthy Diet… No Weight Loss? Your Gut Could Be the Problem.
Description:
A “leaky gut” can interfere with digestion, disrupt metabolism, and create the perfect storm for insulin resistance and weight gain. Research even shows gut bacteria play a powerful role in body weight. If you feel stuck despite doing “everything right,” this may be the missing piece.
👉 Learn how restoring gut health can unlock your metabolism.

To get to the root cause of weight loss problems, we have to look at all the possible metabolic imbalances and correct those. Learn more…

02/15/2026

Why Stress Is Aging Your Skin (And What To Do About It)

We’ve all had stressful weeks — poor sleep, deadlines, tension — and suddenly your skin looks tired, dull, and older.

That’s not your imagination.

Stress raises cortisol, and cortisol directly interferes with collagen — the protein that keeps your skin firm, elastic, and youthful.

Over time, elevated stress can:
• Reduce collagen production
• Increase collagen breakdown
• Accelerate inflammation
• Slow wound healing
• Contribute to “sugar sag” from glycation

The good news? There are practical, natural strategies that can help protect your collagen and support healthy aging from the inside out.

In this short video, I explain:
✔ The collagen–cortisol connection
✔ Why sleep is critical for skin repair
✔ Foods and nutrients that support collagen
✔ Stress strategies that actually work

Skin health is whole-body health.

https://youtu.be/OCLbhsmOfDc

— Dr. Scott
Total Health Center | Virginia Beach

Hi, Dr. Scott here from Total Health Center in Virginia Beach.Did you know stress can literally break down your collagen?In this video, I explain the powerfu...

02/13/2026

😟 Struggling with Anxiety? The Root Cause May Surprise You.

Most people think anxiety starts in the brain.
But what if it actually starts in your gut?

New research shows that imbalances in the gut microbiome can disrupt neurotransmitters like GABA — the chemical that helps calm your nervous system. When beneficial bacteria are depleted and inflammation rises, anxiety can follow.

In my office, I see this every week. Every patient is different metabolically — but one thing is consistent: digestive imbalance plays a major role in mental health challenges.

If you’re dealing with anxiety, stress, or mood issues and haven’t explored the gut–brain connection, this video could change the way you think about your health.

🎥 Watch now and learn how your gut may be influencing your mind.

Anxiety disorders affect millions of people, and many individuals do not respond fully to medication. New research shows that your gut microbiome may play a ...

02/13/2026

Diabetes Success Secret # 1

Your Blood Sugar Might Be “Normal”… But Not Optimal
Most lab ranges are extremely broad. What if your blood sugar is technically “normal” — but already headed toward insulin resistance? Learn the TRUE optimal range and what it means for your energy, thyroid, and long-term health.

Lab testing ranges are EXTREMELY BROAD! Know the "true" blood sugar/blood glucose ranges! Learn more...

11/19/2025

The Stress Collagen Connection

11/19/2025

Functional Medicine and mental health

11/10/2025

Do you love Bacon? Is bacon healthy?

11/02/2025

Discover how a functional medicine approach can uncover the root causes of thyroid issues such as fatigue, weight gain, and brain fog. Dr. Mark Scott at Total Health Center Virginia Beach offers personalized, natural solutions to restore thyroid balance and energy.

Discover how a functional medicine approach can uncover the root causes of thyroid issues such as fatigue, weight gain, and brain fog. Dr. Mark Scott at Total Health Center Virginia Beach offers personalized, natural solutions to restore thyroid balance and energy.

11/02/2025

Learn natural, evidence-based strategies to balance hormones, boost energy, and reduce symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and mood swings in women over 40. Dr. Mark Scott at Total Health Center Virginia Beach offers a functional medicine approach to restore vitality and well-being.

Learn natural, evidence-based strategies to balance hormones, boost energy, and reduce symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and mood swings in women over 40. Dr. Mark Scott at Total Health Center Virginia Beach offers a functional medicine approach to restore vitality and well-being.