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Dysautonomia Group Recap: Emotions and the Autonomic Nervous System

During the session, Dr. Ruan discussed the importance of mindset in managing the patient's autonomic dysfunction. They explored the concept of expectations versus perceived reality and how this gap can create feelings of disappointment and loneliness. They also delved into the significance of support systems and relationships in managing the condition, as well as the concept of loneliness and its potential impact on health.

Dr. Ruan explained how loneliness can lead to a physiological response of rejection, which can exacerbate the patient's symptoms. They touched on the importance of reframing one's mindset from "fixing" to "curiosity," which can help view the condition as an area for improvement rather than a problem to be fixed.

Additionally, they emphasized the importance of communication in managing the condition, as sharing experiences and struggles with others can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, and foster understanding and support.

The discussion also...

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Sleep Disorders and Treatment Options featuring Dr. Gerard Meskill: Ask the Expert Group Recap

lifestyle medicine Apr 24, 2024

This past week, Texas Center for Lifestyle Medicine hosted a valuable group visit session led by Dr. Gerard Meskill, a renowned Sleep Neurologist at Tricoastal Narcolepsy and sleep Disorders Center. During the informative session, Dr. Meskill shared his expertise on various sleep disorders and their multifaceted treatment approaches.

Dr. Meskill began by emphasizing the significant impact sleep disorders can have on overall health and well-being. He explained that treating these conditions often requires a comprehensive approach involving lifestyle changes, medication, and in some cases, surgical interventions.

For those experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, Dr. Meskill discussed the use of CPAP machines and oral appliances. While these treatments can be effective, he cautioned that they may not work for everyone, and adjustments might be necessary. For instance, if a patient finds themselves removing the CPAP mask during the night, it could be due to discomfort or improper fit....

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Ask the Expert series with Susi Quintana: Airway-Sleep-ANS Connection

airway health Apr 22, 2024

In our latest Ask the Expert session, we had the pleasure of welcoming Susi Quintana, whose wealth of knowledge provided us with invaluable insights into the complex interplay between airway and dental/jaw structural issues, the role of our body's connective tissue, and immune function.

Connective Tissue: The Unsung Hero We delved into the intricate relationship between our body's connective tissue, particularly the fascia, and its impact on our overall health. Contrary to popular belief, our fascia plays a critical role, serving as a communication network that influences our immune response.

Dr. Ruan and Susi shed light on the Importance of Air and Hydration Delving deeper, we explored the intricate connections between air quality, breathing techniques, sleep apnea, and iron levels with our connective tissue and immune response. Proper hydration was also highlighted as a crucial factor, not just in terms of water intake but also in maintaining the fluidity of our connective tissue....

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The Invisible Weight Many of us Carry: Uncovering the Roots of Anxiety and Depression

lifestyle medicine Apr 12, 2024

Do you find yourself in a constant battle with overwhelming anxiety, debilitating fatigue, and a pervasive sense of dread - even when there's no obvious external cause? You're not alone.

Too often, mental health challenges like these are chalked up to simple "stress" or "chemical imbalances" that can be resolved with medication and generic advice. But what if we're missing the bigger picture?

The truth is, the roots of many mental health struggles can be found not just in the mind, but in underlying physiological imbalances that conventional medicine often overlooks. Imbalances in your sleep patterns, your breathing, and the delicate functioning of your autonomic nervous system may be the true culprits fueling your anxiety, depression, and other troubling symptoms.

It's a concept that may seem counterintuitive at first. After all, how can a physical issue be the driving force behind such deeply psychological challenges? But when you consider the profound mind-body connection, it...

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When Life Feels like Survival Rather than Living: The Highs and Lows of Dysautonomia

lifestyle medicine Apr 11, 2024

As someone living with dysautonomia, I know all too well the challenges of navigating the constant ups and downs. When I reflect on the season when my health was at its absolute worst, I remember that some days, even the most basic tasks like showering would leave me feeling utterly drained. The anticipation of social events or outings, which should bring excitement, would instead fill me with dread and anxiety. Especially before knowing what was going on with my body, I felt as if I was trapped in a body that just didn't seem to get the memo. My mind was so ready to tackle the day's responsibilities - the dishes, the family obligations, the plans with friends, an 8 hour work day that felt more like bootcamp than normality. My autonomic nervous system had other plan that my mind was not ready nor willing to accept. Stuck inside the survival mode that is sympathetic dominance, triggering a cascade of symptoms that left me feeling powerless.. and less than thriving in...

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Unlocking the Secrets of Emotional Eating: Insights from Our Metabolic Group Visit

At our recent metabolic group visit, Dr. Cheng Ruan shared a fascinating framework for understanding the psychological and emotional drivers behind weight struggles, eating habits, and behavioral changes. Through his expertise in integrative medicine, Dr. Ruan introduced us to the concept of the four key "archetypes" - Warrior, Sovereign, Magician, and Lover.

Understanding how each archetype is linked to unique patterns of emotional eating was eye-opening. And most importantly, Dr. Ruan explained how by tackling these deep-rooted thought processes, we can truly get to the heart of unhealthy behaviors and forge a path towards sustainable weight management and metabolic health.

Let's dive into each of the four archetypes in more detail:

The Warrior Individuals with a Warrior archetype are often driven, ambitious, and hyper-focused on achievement. However, this single-minded pursuit of goals can lead to burnout, stress, and emotional eating as a coping mechanism. Warriors may use food...

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Manage Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome/Hypermobility with Tai Chi

lifestyle medicine Apr 10, 2024

For those living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), finding ways to stay active and care for the body can be a real challenge. Many individuals with EDS are drawn to high-impact martial arts in their youth, such as Tae Kwon Do, heavy weight training, HIIT, etc. However, as hypermobility issues and joint problems become more apparent, they often have to step away from these demanding sports in order to protect their bodies.

Despite this difficult choice, those with EDS are determined not to give up the physical, mental, and cultural benefits they gained from martial arts training. This is where the ancient Chinese practice of Tai Chi has proven to be a game-changer.

Tai Chi is often described as "moving meditation" - a gentle, flowing form of exercise that combines slow, deliberate movements with deep breathing and mindfulness. Unlike the high-impact routines of before, Tai Chi is extremely low-impact and focused on control, stability, and alignment. As research has shown, it offers...

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Banish Snoring and Sleep Apnea with These Mouth and Throat Exercises

lifestyle medicine Apr 09, 2024

Are you one of the millions of people who struggles with snoring or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)? These common sleep issues don't just disrupt your partner's rest - they can have serious impacts on your own health and wellbeing.

But there's good news - research has shown that easy, at-home mouth and throat exercises can help tone the muscles in your airway, reducing snoring and improving sleep apnea. As a board-certified sleep medicine specialist, I've seen firsthand how these simple exercises can make a big difference.

In this blog post, I'll share the top exercises you can do to strengthen your tongue, face, and throat muscles - and get better sleep as a result.

Why Do We Snore and Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea? Snoring happens when the tissue in the back of the throat becomes relaxed and floppy during sleep. As air is forced through, it causes this tissue to vibrate, creating that familiar snoring sound.

Obstructive sleep apnea takes this one step further. In OSA, the airway...

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What we Know about Trauma, Immune Function, and Psychedelics

Unlocking the Power of Mind-Body Medicine for Autoimmune Conditions

During our recent Autoimmune Group Visit series, we had the privilege of hosting Dr. Greg Di'Camillo, an expert in the field of trauma and transformational tools. He and Dr. Ruan shed light on various impacts of trauma, how it impacts the body in a variety of ways, its impact on immune function, and how we can use this knowledge as power to heal in alternative ways.

One of the key insights that emerged from our discussion was the strong correlation between trauma and the development of autoimmune diseases. A 2020 study involving 120,572 active military personnel in the U.S. found that a history of PTSD was associated with a 58% increased risk of developing an autoimmune condition. This underscores the critical importance of recognizing and honoring trauma as a crucial step in managing autoimmune conditions.

To address this, we are committed to continuing to explore and implement a range of mind-body medicine...

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Reasons why you Can't stop Overeating (that have nothing to do with willpower)

When we struggle with overeating, it's easy to beat ourselves up over a perceived lack of willpower or self-control. However, there are often deeper root causes behind the drive to consume excess calories. By understanding some of these underlying factors, we can implement tailored solutions to tackle over eating. 

Lack of Quality Sleep: If you're not getting enough sleep or struggling with a sleep disorder like sleep apnea or untreated narcolepsy, your body produces excess levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin. Sleep deprivation also throws off blood sugar regulation, leading to increased hunger the next day. If you suspect any sleep issues, discuss your symptoms with your provider to see if a sleep study may be beneficial. If you struggle with getting enough hours of sleep, try creating a structured sleep routine to implement every night. We recommend avoiding screen time at least 2-3 hours before your bedtime. Try reading, going for an evening walk, listening to binaural...

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