Exercise Carin Nielsen, MD Exercise Carin Nielsen, MD

Sauna Boosts the Benefits of Exercise

Do you have access to a sauna? If yes, then listen up. Because a new study has found that routine sauna use after exercise is superior to exercise alone when it comes to major cardiovascular risk factors The study (published in the American Journal of Physiology, 2022) involved adults who were relatively sedentary and had at least one cardiovascular risk factor (like high blood pressure or cholesterol).

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Carin Nielsen, MD Carin Nielsen, MD

Nutrient Spotlight: Glutathione

Glutathione is one of the most important molecules you need to stay healthy and prevent disease. Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant in every cell of your body. It is often called the “master” antioxidant due to its important role in a number of processes

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Supplements, Heart Health, Energy Carin Nielsen, MD Supplements, Heart Health, Energy Carin Nielsen, MD

Spotlight on CoQ10

CoQ10 is a nutrient that supports mitochondrial function for cellular energy production and also acts as an antioxidant. It can be synthesized in the body, but its production declines with age.

Other reasons that CoQ10 levels can decline in the body include an increased demand in certain tissues, other nutritional deficiencies, or the use of statin medications (common medications for cholesterol levels).

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Product, Supplements, Heart Health, inflammation, Skincare Carin Nielsen, MD Product, Supplements, Heart Health, inflammation, Skincare Carin Nielsen, MD

How to Read a Fish Oil Label

In my Integrative and Functional Medicine practice, I routinely measure essential fatty acid levels with nutritional testing and recommend omega-3 fatty acid supplementation to my patients for various reasons.

Fish Oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids - but not all Fish Oil supplements are created equal!

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Heart Health Carin Nielsen, MD Heart Health Carin Nielsen, MD

Heart Disease - Men & Women are Not Treated Equally

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. This fact surprises many of my female clients, who are often more concerned about their risk for breast cancer than their risk for heart disease, yet women have a greater risk of dying from heart disease than from all cancers combined. According to Harvard Health, currently in the United States, three million women are living with breast cancer, which causes one in 31 deaths. Almost 50 million women have cardiovascular disease, which causes one in three deaths.

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Hormone Balance, Weight Loss Carin Nielsen, MD Hormone Balance, Weight Loss Carin Nielsen, MD

New Report: Estrogen Therapy & Weight Gain

Perimenopausal weight gain is a real thing.

This is a fact.

It's common for weight gain to start a few years before menopause, during the time known as perimenopause. Weight gain often continues at about the rate of 1.5 pounds each year as a woman goes through her 50s.

When I meet with women to discuss the potential risks and benefits of menopausal hormone therapy - fear of weight gain with estrogen therapy is common.

But is this fear valid?

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Adaptogens, Stress Carin Nielsen, MD Adaptogens, Stress Carin Nielsen, MD

Hack Your Stress Response with Adaptogens

Stress is a fact of life. Short-term stress is normal and helps us deal with immediate challenges. Our stress response is managed by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system, which release hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol when faced with stress. This response is vital for survival and maintaining balance in the body - however, chronic stress, lasting for a long time, can harm our health, affecting mental health, the heart, immune system, digestion, cognitive function, and energy levels.

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stress, Hormone Balance Carin Nielsen, MD stress, Hormone Balance Carin Nielsen, MD

Stress Triggers & Stress Stoppers

As discussed in my previous blog, chronic elevation of the stress hormone cortisol is one of the most significant root causes of health issues in many of my clients. It can have long-term effects on many aspects of health and well-being, including metabolism, sleep, brain, and mood.

Have you ever thought about what’s actually creating stress in your body? It might not be what you think.

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immunity Carin Nielsen, MD immunity Carin Nielsen, MD

Targeted Nutrients for Cold & Flu Season

Strengthening our immune defenses becomes paramount during these chilly months. In addition to good sleep, regular exercise, and improving gut health, one effective strategy for immune support is to incorporate targeted nutrients into our daily routines.

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