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Integrative medicine is a healthcare model that blends the best of science, evidence-based therapies and spirituality. It aims to combine conventional medical approaches with complementary and alternative therapies, including spiritual and mind-body practices. It acknowledges that health and healing involve not only physical aspects but also emotional, mental, social, and even spiritual dimensions. It’s not surprising then that ketamine therapy is a welcomed addition to integrative medicine clinics, as it has the ability to guide individuals beyond the limitations of conventional treatments for anxiety, depression, PTSD, and chronic pain. In fact, ketamine therapy might just be the gateway through which people emerge as more resilient versions of themselves.

There was a time when spices were more precious than gold. Wars were fought over them and new landscapes were bravely explored in the search of them…and the wealth that they brought. While spices did spend a fair amount of time being used as money, they have spent far more time being used and revered as medicines for physical health, mental health, and general wellness. Their medicinal use dates back to some of the first civilizations. Southeast Asia and India were key players in sharing medicinal and culinary spices with other parts of the world. Over the centuries, traditional cultures and original peoples have kept the lore of spices and their health benefits alive. But now, with the continued explorations of scientific studies and nutritional research, we are starting to learn more about how and why spices have been a mainstay in our lives. Their role in physical health, mental health, and general wellness is ancient, yet still powerfully relevant.

“In time and with water, everything changes.” ~ Leonardo da Vinci. Coffee! Beer!! Soda!! Energy Drinks!! These are among the most popular beverages consumed by Americans. Fortunately, according to this list , water was the most consumed beverage, but not by much! Whereas doctors recommend that we drink 8 - 10 cups of water a day, sadly, many of us fall short of that seemingly very do-able amount. It’s believed that nearly 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. Since there is such a large number of us ‘chronically dehydrated humans’, it stands to reason that we’re familiar with what it feels like, that we’ve acclimated to dehydration, and so it may be hard for us to believe that we aren’t drinking enough water…it may be hard for us to be motivated to add more clear liquid into our daily routines. Let’s look at what having a proper water-balance does for us, then maybe we’ll be inspired to drink a few extra cups. Our wet inner-world provides the perfect environment for maintaining the health and the integrity of every cell in the body, it keeps the bloodstream liquid enough to flow through blood vessels…eliminating the by-products of the body’s metabolism, excess electrolytes (for example, sodium and potassium), and urea, which is a waste product formed through the processing of dietary protein, as well as : Regulating body temperature through sweating. Moisten mucous membranes (such as those of the lungs and mouth). Lubricate and cushion joints. Reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), such as cystitis by keeping the bladder clear of bacteria. Aid digestion and prevent constipation. Moisturize the skin to maintain its texture and appearance. Carry nutrients and oxygen to cells. Serve as a shock absorber inside the eyes, spinal cord and in the amniotic sac surrounding the fetus in pregnancy. It makes sense then that mild, chronic dehydration can lead to experiencing digestive upsets, fatigue, poor sleep, stiff joints, inflammation, skin conditions, headaches, muscle cramps, and other common complaints. ********** Water for humans is like oil for a car. It’s ESSENTIAL for us to function. 60% - 70% percent of our bodies are composed of water. Our muscles are 75% water. Our brains are made up of 75% - 80% water. And then there’s our blood, bones, liver…..all of which depend largely on adequate water levels. That’s a lot of water! ********** The body is constantly losing moisture. There are four primary ways that the body loses water and under ‘normal’ circumstances most mature adults lose about 2.5 - 3 liters of water each day : Through the respiratory tract (breathing) Through the kidneys (urine excretion) Through the gastro-intestinal tract (feces) Through the skin (perspiration and sweating) On top of these biological water-loss pathways, there are common lifestyle habits, illnesses, and environmental stresses that add to water loss such as: Excessive sweating Diarrhea, vomiting Fever Very hot or very cold weather Drinking coffee Eating salty foods Eating sugary foods Fried foods Alcohol consumption Use of diuretics ********** Our water intake should balance water loss. If in doubt of how much water to drink, err on the side of more because the body knows how to maintain the balance that it needs and will excrete any extra. The general rule is about 8-9 cups for adult women and about 10 cups for adult men. If you’re exercising and sweating or you’re sick, drink more! Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is also a way to add to your daily water intake. Strawberries and cucumbers have nearly 96% water content, so if you’re consuming these you’re consuming water - and the body can absorb about 20% of its water needs from natural food sources. Other high-water fruits and veggies are: Apples Tomato Celery Lettuce Watermelon Peaches Watercress Bone broth Zucchini ********** More is more. It would be difficult to overhydrate…but some physical or mental conditions could lead to overhydration….which is often more of an issue of electrolyte imbalance….where there is too much water and not enough sodium in the bloodstream. Again, for most people this wouldn’t become an issue, especially not from drinking too much water. But if you’re taking medications or you have compromised organ function, check with your doctor about adequate water intake. If you’re someone who doesn’t like the taste of water or finds it too dull to drink, you can try one of the following things to help you meet your daily requirement: Add sliced cucumbers, strawberries, or oranges to your water bottle. Try filtered water (many people dislike the taste of tap water because of the chlorine and fluoride in it). Add a splash of juice to your cup of water. Try fresh coconut water (is widely available in many grocery stores now) Use frozen blueberries or frozen grapes in place of ice. Your dentist won’t get mad about you chewing these! ********** Get a boost sometimes. Whether you had a few too many at a party, you ran a mini marathon, you’re recovering from an illness, you have other conditions that minimize optimal absorption, or you just need a hydration and nutrient boost (because….75% of us do) you can find a trusted IV Therapy clinic to help you restore balance more quickly and easily. If you don’t like being pricked, this probably wouldn’t be your favorite option, but for those that don’t mind, IV Therapy is a well-known, safe, and highly effective option for prevention and recovery. Water is life….drink it in and enjoy every drop. * If you’d like to learn more about our IV Therapy services, please call our clinic or contact us here.

Around midlife, most of us are at the point when we begin to discuss hormone replacement therapy to help us age more gracefully, and to maintain a happy, healthy, and energetic mature season of life. If you’re experiencing hormonal fluctuation symptoms, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can help rebalance your hormone levels, and provide lasting benefits to your health. When speaking with your doctor about the safety of natural bioidentical hormone replacement or conventional hormone replacement therapy, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of how our natural hormone balance works, what happens when we age, and how adding a hormone therapy to your health program could help alleviate unwanted symptoms. ********** At some point, in the lives of both women and men, the endocrine glands stop producing adequate hormone levels to maintain the energy, muscle recovery, and vibrant health that we’re accustomed to. Hormones are used in the body to communicate between different systems and organs to trigger certain responses…they are an important part of our body’s physiology, and we can not function properly without them. When hormone levels drop we begin to notice the “signs of aging” and certain symptoms we experience can make our day-to-day life uncomfortable or even debilitating. Fortunately, thanks to science and nature, we’re able to take supplemental hormones known as hormone replacement therapy. For a time, there was only one option that was widely available, but now a compounded bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is available to help women and men navigate transitional years more easily. People who take bioidentical hormone therapy report experiencing: Stronger sex drive Better mental clarity Decreased symptoms of anxiety and depression Increased sense of wellbeing Improved ability to lose fat and build muscle Thicker hair growth Healthier skin Reduced bloating While it is true that aging is an inevitable part of being alive, hormonal fluctuations (and the symptoms that arise because of it) can last up to ten years, and women are hit particularly hard through the perimenopause and menopause years. Increasing or rebalancing hormone levels, including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, can often reduce or eliminate debilitating symptoms. 

Ketamine not only alleviated physical pain for patients, but it also has an effect on psychological pains. While doctors explored the use of low-dose ketamine in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, it was discovered that it had significant positive effects on patients who were experiencing depression and anxiety.

When it comes to anti-aging treatments, Botox is one of the most common and widely trusted. But Botox is also showing promising signs in the preventive medicine world for mental health wellness/improvement. While it may seem strange to consider Botox a “natural remedy” for things like hormone-balance, anti-aging, depression, and anxiety, it certainly isn’t “un-natural” and it fits perfectly with other integrative and preventive medicine protocols like Ketamine Therapy, hormone replacement therapy, and IV vitamin-mineral hydration therapy. So, what is this versatile product you ask? Botox is a neurotoxin (the bacteria that causes botulism, actually) and works by attaching itself to nerve endings. Once the neurotransmitter responsible for triggering muscle contractions is connected with this bacteria, it can’t be released, which means the wrinkle-causing muscle is now in a relaxed state. While this is wonderful cosmetically for reducing fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and face, it also inadvertently helps to stop the hormone production that’s caused by grumpy, frowning facial movements. “For years, clinicians have observed that Botox injected for cosmetic reasons seems to ease depression for their patients,” said Ruben Abagyan, PhD, professor of pharmacy . “It’s been thought that easing severe frown lines in forehead region disrupts a feedback loop that reinforces negative emotions. But we’ve found here that the mechanism may be more complex, because it doesn’t really matter where the Botox is injected.” While there is no single treatment that works for everyone, Botox can be a valuable addition to an integrative and holistic treatment plan. Though it is primarily used as a cosmetic therapy, it is important to consider the potential benefits that Botox and other neuromodulators may have for those suffering from treatment-resistant anxiety and/or depression, as well as other conditions for which Botox could bring about positive results. It’s essential to speak with your primary care physician and/or mental health providers first to explore whether this may be an option in your specific circumstance. OK, so it’s helpful for skin and could aid in positive mental health, but what else is Botox used for? There are many other reasons that some doctors prescribe Botox for therapeutic purposes. It’s been a popular and effective remedy for chronic migraine headaches, TMJ (​​pain and compromised movement of the jaw) and other types of muscle pain. Because Botox blocks nerve activity in your muscles, it can prevent unnecessary muscle use as well, so for people who suffer from severe underarm sweating, urinary incontinence, or even an overactive bladder can benefit from getting Botox injections. The doctor who prescribes Botox for medical reasons will vary depending on your condition. Neurologists, ophthalmologists, dermatologists, ENTs (ear, nose and throat doctors), urologists, and urogynecologists are common medical Botox providers. Always look for a doctor who is board certified in his or her specialty. Is Botox covered by insurance? We wondered when you might ask if Botox is covered by your insurance plan! You’ll need to check with your insurance provider and speak with your doctor to be sure, but it’s not uncommon that Botox for medical reasons (ie: not cosmetic) will be covered by insurance. The FDA has approved it for various conditions and it’s incredibly effective. Is Botox expensive? When you receive Botox, it is measured in units, and you will typically pay about $12 to $25 per unit. Most people spend about $150 - $300 every 3-6 months for Botox facial units. This is an incredibly affordable preventive procedure, especially when compared to surgical procedures or luxury skin care products. If you’re reaping the mental health benefits of Botox as well, then this may help to bring down the cost of things like Ketamine Therapy and hormone replacement. Botox is so versatile that most people find they can create a customizable treatment option with their doctor that fits their budget. How long does getting Botox take? Botox injections are an excellent option for both therapeutic and cosmetic procedures because they are non-invasive and fast. The entire procedure only takes a few minutes to complete, and you’re able to return to your normal day-to-day activities with zero down-time. The treatment generally lasts about 3 months, though it can last up to 6 months depending on what’s being treated and the schedule you’ve set up with your doctor or provider. Maintaining regular treatments is important when used for either preventive or therapeutic reasons as the effects of Botox do wear off over time. Are there complications with Botox? When the procedure is performed by an experienced doctor, complications from Botox are extremely rare . There are a few things to look out for ahead of time, however, says Dr. William Lipham MD, FACS, of Bloomington Minn : “Patients should not receive Botox if they have a neuromuscular disorder, if they are taking aminoglycoside antibiotics, which cause an increased sensitivity to the drug, or if they are pregnant, trying to conceive or breast-feeding. In addition, patients with egg allergies may have an increased likelihood of an allergic reaction since the Botox molecule is stabilized by human albumin, a protein that is similar to egg albumin.” Botox and its indications for use have come a long way since 1989 when it was first FDA approved for the treatment of blepharospasm and cervical dystonia, conditions concerning the muscles around the eye. It’s long history of safety and efficacy make Botox worth exploring, even within a natural or holistic treatment plan. If you’re wondering if it’s right for you or how it may improve your physical and/or mental health, please speak with your doctor or reach out to us directly to learn more.

In the current “COVID Era” there is a lot of fear and misinformation about the virus and its post-infection symptoms that can make it hard to breathe, literally and figuratively, for many reasons. While we know that the infection itself can be harmful, what has many doctors concerned at this stage in the journey is what’s known as “ Long Haul Syndrome .” With Long Haul Syndrome , a constellation of secondary symptoms develops post-infection and they can be even worse than the initial physical response to the virus. These lingering and prolonged symptoms can be worrisome, but they probably don’t indicate a life-sentence of post-COVID suffering. COVID Long Haul Syndrome affects about 10% of the people who’ve had COVID-19 and, while rare, this persistent illness can affect the young, the old, and everyone in between. Managing post-infection symptoms properly is really important for regaining long-term strength and optimal health. When we see Long-Haul symptoms, what we’re dealing with is an immune system that is in a sustained cyclical state of hyperreactivity. While we don’t entirely understand how and why this happens, changes in inflammatory cellular protein expression (not mRNA or DNA, fortunately) seem to be a key component in the body’s hyperreactive state. This causes patients to experience unpleasant symptoms like: Brain fog, Joint pain, Moodiness, Body aches, Difficulty focusing, Fatigue, Metabolic dysfunctions, and/or inflammation of the heart, lungs and other organs. Current conventional treatment plans are generally determined patient-to-patient, as most people present with a unique blend of symptoms and conditions, and doctors are still learning about how to treat long-haulers. Here at Preventive Medicine, we’ve been seeing positive results from our focus on holistic and integrative wellness, and an approach to health and recovery that starts with preventative measures. For those who are experiencing long-haul symptoms or have tested positive for COVID-19 recently, there are many ways to support symptom reversal and rebalance a hyperactive immune system. For those for whom it is appropriate, vaccines have been shown to reduce likelihood of developing Long Haul Syndrome and to help with recovery from the state of dis-ease that develops. However, vaccines are not for everyone and, depending on underlying health conditions and previous reactions to vaccines, other avenues of prevention and care may be necessary. Fortunately, there are many other ways to keep yourself in a state of balanced wellness during a global pandemic with a novel coronavirus! Let’s have a look at some valuable support measures: Vitamin Intake Ensuring the body has adequately high levels of vitamins, including vitamin-D, vitamin-K, vitamin-A, and vitamin-C, as well as the suite of B-vitamins, will help to provide robust protection from viral illnesses and their after effects. Vitamins D, K, and A are fat soluble vitamins that help mediate the immune system’s response, making in more robust initially and preventing unnecessary lingering reactivity. C and B vitamins function primarily as antioxidants, helping clear out any damage and inflammation caused by the infection or the process of clearing it. These vitamins can be taken orally or you may consider vitamin/mineral IV Therapy sessions to assure optimal uptake of essential nutrients. Mineral Balance Trace minerals, most notably zinc, are also key to the healthy development and maintenance of immune cells. Our bone marrow and lymphatic system require a balanced level of essential minerals to properly function and maintain healing pathways. Zinc can be taken orally with food. Fatty Acids Increasing your levels of anti-inflammatory fatty acids, commonly called “fish oil” or Omega-3s, has been shown to reduce rates of COVID and its effects on the heart and brain. Our brain tissue, and our entire neural network pathways, are derived primarily from Omega-3 fatty acids that help our nervous system operate properly, in balance, and without neuro-inflammation. Omega-3s have also been shown to protect the heart and reduce the risk of blood clots and stroke. It must be noted, unfortunately, that some of us are just genetically and epigenetically predisposed to developing more severe reactions to viral illness, even when optimal nutrient levels are achieved consistently. Is there any hope for these populations? Yes! We’ve designed a treatment protocol that draws from the latest international research as well as traditionally successful healing conventions. Typically, we see an 80% or more reduction in symptoms with our six-week treatment plan that includes: IV vitamin C and glutathione Physician selected supplements to lower cytokine levels and liver inflammation Customized osteopathic care and support based on your unique biology And more! To schedule a consult to see how we can help you or your loved one, click here to get on our calendar or call the office at (802) 879-6544.

If you look across the span of history, you will see that “medicine”, and the way people approach healthcare, has changed quite a lot. Still, we owe debts of gratitude to early civilizations for laying foundations that continue to support the ever-advancing worlds of medicine and healthcare. Our integrative family practice here in the Colchester, VT area provides osteopathic care, which was built upon gaps in allopathic care, and has since provided a foundation for functional medicine. If you are looking for Integrative family practice Burlington VT, we can help you. Both osteopathic and functional medicine practices are leading-edge and, together, help to provide support and answers for people who are suffering with acute and chronic conditions, often with minimal or no pharmaceutical medications. In fact, Seka Palikuca from the American Osteopathic Association says, “Part of the success of functional medicine is grounded in what might be considered an osteopathic approach to care: partnering with your patient and believing in the body’s innate ability to heal.” What is osteopathic medicine, exactly? Osteopathic medicine stems from A.T. Still’s philosophy of wellness, dating back as far as 1874. He recognized that treating illness successfully required consideration of the whole body , not just it’s symptomatic parts. Osteopathic manual medicine (OMM) is a distinct branch of medicine in the U.S. (and growing to varying degrees across the world) that emphasizes the inter-relationship of all systems within the body. OMM focuses on the relationship between the neuromusculoskeletal system and the rest of the body to restore optimal functionality by removing barriers to physiological, anatomical, and pathological motion. Osteopaths refer to the latest science and technology-based treatment options, but also practice more holistic therapies to complement or enhance the success of conventional practices.Their approach is whole-person centered….meaning, they look beneath the symptoms to understand how things like bioindividuality, lifestyle practices, environmental factors, and fixed mindsets can impact their patients’ overall wellness. Is an Osteopath a “real” doctor? Most definitely! Doctors of osteopathy are physicians who complete 4 years of medical school and can practice in any medical specialty. Osteopathic physicians also receive an additional 300 to 500 hours in the study of hands-on manual medicine and the body's musculoskeletal system. Osteopathic doctors are licensed physicians at the national and state level, and can become Board Certified after completing residencies within their specialty area, just like an MD. What is functional medicine? Functional medicine is an approach to medicine that focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of disease. This approach requires a detailed understanding of each patient’s genetic, biochemical, and lifestyle factors and leverages data to direct personalized treatment plans. Unlike osteopathic medicine, there isn’t a medical school for functional medicine. Rather, functional medicine doctors are fully licensed doctors (MDs, DOs, etc.) who have gone through traditional medical school training. They may then choose to get additional training and certifications in functional medicine. A traditional MD or DO, for example, can receive additional training in functional medicine and apply that knowledge to their original field of practice. What are the similarities between functional medicine and osteopathic medicine? Both of these types of medicine consider the whole person, addressing underlying causes of illness, rather than just masking symptoms. They both encourage healthy lifestyle habits while addressing the full range of physical, mental, and environmental influences that affect a person’s well-being. They also both respect that the body has an innate healing ability. What are the differences between functional medicine and osteopathic medicine? While the core of these approaches is very similar, osteopathic physicians are unique in that they have advanced training in osteopathic manual medicine (OMM), which is a hands-on technique used to help facilitate healing in the bones, joints, tissues, and muscles of the body. The musculoskeletal system influences and reflects the condition of all other systems in the body. Are there specific benefits of Osteopathic Medicine? Osteopathic medicine is both distinct from and equivalent to conventional care. Since a DO investigates beyond the physical symptoms that present themselves, and specializes in the subtle manipulation of the body’s primary mass (aka: the musculoskeletal system), there are numerous benefits to choosing osteopathic care. One of the primary benefits is the ability to provide symptom relief, and often condition-reversal, without the use of drugs (or with minimal, short-duration use only). The overall approach of OMM is root-cause identification instead of symptom-treatment. This means that patients suffer less and return to wellness faster. OMM also has a strong emphasis on preventative healthcare….addressing many imbalances before they become more serious conditions. The following list shows some common conditions that are greatly (if not completely) relieved with osteopathic care: Arthritis Asthma Autism Bell's palsy Degenerative disc and joint disease Ear infections Epilepsy Healthy weight maintenance Fibromyalgia Gut and microbiome health Improving overall health and lifestyle Stomach problems Which approach should you choose? Osteopathic and functional medicine physicians will both approach your care with an investigative eye and recommend therapies that support the innate ability to rebalance and heal that we all have. With an osteopathic physician you gain the added benefit of important musculoskeletal realignments that open numerous pathways within the body, often speeding up the healing process. We are all bioindividual. We each have a unique composition and can express common conditions in different ways. More serious and progressing imbalances may also require the care of conventional specialists and medications. Who you choose to support you in restoring optimal health is a very personal choice and, ultimately, one that you should feel confident in trusting so that you’re not adding doubt to your list of concerns. So, talk to different doctors and consider what you’re most in need of. Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions and to be an active participant in your healing journey. At Preventive Medicine, an integrative family practice in Colchester, VT, Dr. Fuerstman D.O. takes a whole-person centered approach to healthcare and helps empower his patients to prevent or reverse chronic conditions . If you are located in Vermont and seeking an osteopathic doctor near you, call Preventative Medicine at 802-879-6544 or schedule online . Your journey to optimal wellness awaits!