LeticiaHardy MD

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LeticiaHardy MD Equipping families to sustain a healthy lifestyle through unique step-by-step instructions that can This ignited my Step Up initiative. in 1997. in 2004.

"My mission is to equip families with the tools to sustain a healthy lifestyle by giving them unique step-by-step instructions that can be tailored to different family dynamics." I am a General Pediatrician who has encountered the obesity epidemic first hand through direct encounters with my patients. I noticed that I was seeing an increasing rate of elevated BMIs in my practice which prompted excessive patient counseling on diet and exercise. I later generated a clinic report on the weight trends in my practice. To my surprise, greater than 75% of my patients were in the overweight and obese range combined! Obesity Medicine wasn't something that was a discipline to study at the time of my residency and early years of practice. So, I decided to take the time to learn what was (and wasn't) working for my patient population. Initially, the common trend was me telling the family to eat healthier only for them to return to the clinic with more weight gain! It took years to figure out that I couldn't just tell someone to lose weight or eat healthily and exercise; I had to give them a different set of tools to use and show them how to use it in "small bites" (no pun intended) each step of the way. I finally figured out the type of hand-holding that they needed to allow for consistent behavior change for the entire family (not just the child). Now that I have mastered what works (and what doesn't), I plan to share these tools with as many families as possible. Dr. Hardy received her undergraduate degree in Natural Science at Fordham University, New York, N.Y. After her undergraduate education, she worked in a molecular genetics research lab on the Human Genome Project at Columbia University. She later decided to pursue a career in medicine and received her medical degree at the Health Science Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. After medical school, she moved to Winston Salem, NC to complete her residency at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in 2007. When she is not working as a Pediatric Hospitalist in Virginia, she is teaching families, through webinars and educational videos, about how to implement a healthier lifestyle. She also serves as a consultant for start-up practices that are new to the field of Obesity Medicine. Licensure and Board Certification:
Diplomat of American Board of Pediatrics

Memberships, Offices and Committee Appointments:
Member of the Obesity Medicine Association
Fellow of American Academy of Pediatrics-Section On Obesity

Consumption of walnuts may significantly alter gene expression in human breast cancers, potentially suppressing tumor gr...
04/02/2026

Consumption of walnuts may significantly alter gene expression in human breast cancers, potentially suppressing tumor growth.

📂 Key findings from a pilot clinical trial (PMID: 30979659) include:

📋 Daily Dosage: Participants consumed 2 oz (approximately 57 grams) of walnuts per day for a period of approximately two weeks between biopsy and surgery.

📋 Gene Modulation: Analysis revealed significant changes in the expression of 456 identified genes within the tumor tissue after the dietary intervention.

📋 Anti-Tumor Pathways: Walnut consumption activated pathways that promote apoptosis (programmed cell death) and suppressed pathways responsible for cell proliferation (the rapid reproduction of cells) and inflammation.

📋 Metastasis Inhibition: Researchers observed a downregulation (the process of reducing or suppressing a response) of genes specifically linked to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, a key driver in cancer metastasis.

This study reinforces the Food as Medicine framework, demonstrating that simple dietary additions can produce measurable changes in biological markers at the genetic level.

Modern clinical research confirms that the ancient resin Commiphora myrrha, known as Myrrh, provides significant structu...
03/02/2026

Modern clinical research confirms that the ancient resin Commiphora myrrha, known as Myrrh, provides significant structural protection to the intestinal barrier.

📁 Key findings include:

📋 Intestinal Permeability: Myrrh extract has been shown to stabilize the "Tight Junction" proteins that seal the gaps between intestinal cells. This effectively mitigates "Leaky Gut" (intestinal permeability), preventing undigested food particles and pathogens from entering the bloodstream (PMID: 27361405).

📋 Anti-Inflammatory Action: Research indicates that myrrh suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha and IL-6 within the gut lining. By reducing localized inflammation, the mucosal barrier can repair itself more efficiently.

📋 Barrier Integrity: In clinical models, the active compounds in myrrh resin increase the production of intestinal mucus, providing an essential physical layer of protection against chemical and mechanical irritation.

Consult with a healthcare professional before beginning new supplement protocols.

A simple nightly scent habit can improve memory by over 200%.📂 To elaborate:Research published in Frontiers in Neuroscie...
02/02/2026

A simple nightly scent habit can improve memory by over 200%.

📂 To elaborate:
Research published in Frontiers in Neuroscience highlights an astonishing link between the olfactory system (sense of smell) and cognitive preservation. In a study involving older adults, consistent exposure to scents while sleeping led to significant neural enhancement.

📋 Key findings include:
• COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE: Participants who diffused essential oils for two hours every night demonstrated a 226% improvement in memory tests compared to a control group.
• NEURAL CONNECTIVITY: Olfactory stimulation directly impacts the uncinate fasciculus, a brain pathway that often weakens with age and is critical for memory.
• ACCESSIBLE THERAPY: The protocol used rotating scents like lemon, peppermint, and rosemary, providing a low-cost, non-invasive alternative to traditional cognitive interventions.

This evidence supports the Food as Medicine philosophy by utilizing natural plant compounds to stimulate brain plasticity. Simple environmental adjustments can serve as powerful tools for long-term brain health. (PMID: 37545844)

Consult with a healthcare professional before starting new health protocols.

Optimizing thyroid function through specific dietary interventions can significantly influence metabolic regulation and ...
30/01/2026

Optimizing thyroid function through specific dietary interventions can significantly influence metabolic regulation and endocrine homeostasis. Research indicates that trace minerals function as essential cofactors in the biosynthesis and conversion of thyroid hormones.

📂 Key nutritional catalysts include:

📋 Selenium: Brazil nuts are the most concentrated food source of selenium, a mineral required for the activity of deiodinase enzymes that convert thyroxine (T4) into the active triiodothyronine (T3) (PMID: 30452361). Consuming just two Brazil nuts daily can maintain adequate serum levels.

📋 Iodine: As the structural component of thyroid hormones, iodine is non-negotiable for thyroid health. Sea vegetables like kelp and nori provide high bioavailable concentrations to prevent deficiency-induced goiter and hypothyroidism (PMID: 24692353).

📋 Zinc: This mineral is required for both the synthesis of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and the maintenance of thyroid receptor sensitivity. Deficiencies are often linked to suppressed T3 levels (PMID: 31057786).

These nutritional strategies provide a foundational Food as Medicine approach to supporting hormonal balance.

Chronic scalp inflammation is often a systemic signal from the gut-skin axis rather than a localized issue. 📁 To elabora...
29/01/2026

Chronic scalp inflammation is often a systemic signal from the gut-skin axis rather than a localized issue. 📁 To elaborate:

📋 Key findings include:

📍 GUT-SKIN AXIS: Dysbiosis in the microbiome can trigger a systemic inflammatory response that manifests on the scalp, potentially leading to follicular destruction.

📍 SCALP PATHOLOGIES: Conditions such as Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA), Lichen Planopilaris (LPP), and Seborrheic Dermatitis (Seb Derm) are driven by elevated proinflammatory cytokines like TNF-alpha and IL-6.

📍 FOOD AS MEDICINE: Utilizing high-potency polyphenols and omega-3 fatty acids can help downregulate the NF-kB pathway, reducing the inflammatory load on hair follicles.

Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods like wild-caught salmon, turmeric (curcumin), and leafy greens serves as a nutritional intervention to support scalp health from the inside out.

Educational purposes only. Not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider.

29/01/2026

"🌟 Ever since I added pumpkin seeds and kiwi to my bedtime routine, my sleep has transformed! 😴✨ Pumpkin seeds are rich in magnesium, which helps relax muscles and promote deeper sleep, while kiwi is packed with antioxidants and serotonin that regulate sleep cycles. Who knew these simple snacks could make such a big difference? Feeling refreshed and ready to conquer the day!

Your family doesn’t need a “detox.” Your pantry needs a promotion.If inflammation is the spark… your everyday ingredient...
28/01/2026

Your family doesn’t need a “detox.” Your pantry needs a promotion.

If inflammation is the spark… your everyday ingredients are the fire extinguisher. Stock these Anti-Inflammatory Pantry Staples (Family Edition) and weeknight meals get easier AND more supportive for growing kids + busy adults:

1) Extra-virgin olive oil (swap for seed oils most days)
2) Canned salmon or sardines (fast omega-3 protein)
3) Beans + lentils (fiber = gut support = calmer inflammation)
4) Oats (simple breakfast that actually helps)
5) Turmeric + cinnamon (tiny add, big upgrade)
6) Nuts + seeds (snacks that don’t spike the rollercoaster)

Try this tonight: olive oil + beans + canned salmon over greens or rice… add turmeric + a squeeze of lemon. Done.

Want my family-friendly grocery plan + step-by-step meals? Visit leticiahardymd.com/

Gentle note: This is general education, not medical advice. If you’re pregnant, managing a condition, or on meds (especially blood thinners), check with your clinician about supplements/spices and dietary changes.

Hot flashes aren’t “random”… your plate might be flipping the switch.Try a 7-day trigger swap and see what changes:TRIGG...
27/01/2026

Hot flashes aren’t “random”… your plate might be flipping the switch.

Try a 7-day trigger swap and see what changes:

TRIGGER → BETTER SWAP
1) Spicy foods → Herbs + citrus (flavor without the heat)
2) Caffeine (coffee/energy drinks) → Half-caf or herbal tea
3) Alcohol (especially wine) → Mocktail + sparkling water
4) Sugary drinks → Infused water (berries, cucumber, mint)
5) High-sugar chocolate/desserts → Nuts + berries (sweet + steady)

Food As Medicine takeaway: Don’t just “power through” symptoms: experiment like a scientist and build meals that calm your nervous system.

Want help building a family-friendly plan that supports hormones without complicated rules? Visit leticiahardymd.com

Gentle note: This is general education, not medical advice. If hot flashes are severe, new, or disrupting sleep, talk with your clinician.

27/01/2026

LUNCH PLATES
THAT NOURISH ENERGY, HORMONES & FOCUS

Lunch doesn’t need to be complicated to be supportive.When you pair protein, gentle carbs, and healthy fats, your body g...
27/01/2026

Lunch doesn’t need to be complicated to be supportive.
When you pair protein, gentle carbs, and healthy fats, your body gets steady energy instead of a crash. These plates are designed to nourish hormones, focus, and blood sugar—because food isn’t just fuel, it’s information. Save this for your next midday meal 🤍

PMS cravings aren’t a “willpower problem”… they’re often a luteal-phase nutrition problem.If progesterone is dipping (or...
26/01/2026

PMS cravings aren’t a “willpower problem”… they’re often a luteal-phase nutrition problem.

If progesterone is dipping (or your body is struggling to make/use it), cravings can get LOUD.
So don’t fight your body: feed it.

Foods that support progesterone + calmer cravings:
• Pumpkin seeds + spinach (magnesium = mood + cramp support)
• Eggs + salmon (B6 + omega-3s for hormone building blocks)
• Greek yogurt or kefir (protein to steady blood sugar)
• Sweet potato + oats (smart carbs to reduce the “snack spiral”)
• Broccoli + cauliflower (crucifers support healthy hormone metabolism)

Simple plate for this week: protein + fiber + “smart carbs” at every meal.
Your hormones notice.

Want a family-friendly grocery list + meal plan that actually works during PMS week? Visit leticiahardymd.com/

Medical note: This is general education, not personal medical advice. If symptoms are severe, persistent, or cycles are irregular, talk with your clinician.

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