If you’ve been navigating mold-related illness or mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), you know how overwhelming the symptoms can be. From brain fog and gut troubles to rashes and sudden allergic-type reactions, it often feels like your body is “on high alert” all the time. One medication that can bring real relief in these cases is ketotifen.
Hydrogen-rich water (HRW) has been making waves in the wellness world over the past few years. But what exactly is it—and does it live up to the hype?
Have you been struggling with vague, persistent symptoms — brain fog, fatigue, sinus congestion, anxiety, dizziness, gut issues — and have been told, “Your labs are fine” or “It’s just stress”? If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone — and it’s possible that mold exposure is part of the picture.
As summer unfolds and outdoor adventures call, it’s important to stay informed about the risks of tick bites—especially in regions like Colorado and New York, where tick-borne illnesses are increasingly common. While Lyme disease is the most well-known, many people don’t realize that ticks can carry other infections, too. Accurate testing, early awareness, and prompt action can make a big difference.
Your annual check-up shouldn’t just be a quick “how are you feeling?” followed by a cursory glance at your labs. At Tendwell, we see your yearly visit as a powerful opportunity to dig deeper, ask smarter questions, and get ahead of any health issues before they become problems. Here’s how to make the most of your annual visit—functional medicine style—plus a list of smart labs and tests to consider asking for.
At Tendwell, we’re always on the lookout for promising, evidence-based supplements that support cellular and metabolic health. One that’s been gaining attention lately is Fatty15, a supplement made from C15:0 (pentadecanoic acid)—an odd-chain saturated fatty acid that some are calling a game-changer for healthy aging and mitochondrial function.
1 in 7 people have a thyroid disorder. Thyroid issues are especially common in women. In functional medicine, we take a holistic approach to working with thyroid concerns.
It is essential to understand the physiological and neurological foundations of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) to better support patients during seasonal transitions. This article provides an overview of SAD and explores the critical role neurotransmitters, melatonin, and cortisol play in its manifestation. With this understanding, clinicians can implement targeted, evidence-based interventions.
As a functional medicine clinician, I often have mold toxicity on my mind when consulting with clients. Mold exposure is more common than many people realize, and its effects on the body can be far-reaching. If you’ve been feeling unwell with unexplained symptoms, mold could be a hidden culprit.
A hot topic in current pop culture media is exposure to microplastics. Humans are primarily exposed to microplastics through inhalation and ingestion. How concerned should we be about these exposures?
Recently, I read the book Good Energy by Dr. Casey Means. (Actually, I listened to it while driving around Denver.) As a functional medicine clinician, I found Dr. Means’ entry into the field of functional medicine quite interesting.
Functional medicine is a personalized, science-based approach to health care that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of illness. Unlike traditional medicine, which often focuses on managing symptoms, functional medicine takes a whole-person approach to help you achieve optimal wellness. Let’s break it down and see if it might be the right fit for you.
The thyroid gland plays a critical role in regulating your metabolism, energy levels, and overall well-being. However, thyroid dysfunction, particularly hypothyroidism, is becoming increasingly common. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) estimates that nearly 10% of the U.S. population was affected by hypothyroidism between 2009 and 2012—and these numbers appear to be on the rise.
It’s January 11th, so maybe I’m a little late to the game in chatting about Dry January—the idea of taking a month or longer off from drinking alcohol.
As the new year begins, it’s natural to reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re headed. At Tendwell, we believe in the transformative power of small, intentional actions to create monumental shifts in health and happiness. It’s all about synergy! Functional medicine plays a crucial role in achieving personal health goals, helping you understand the root causes of your challenges and guiding you to sustainable solutions.
Many people ask me, “Will I get reimbursed when seeing a functional medicine provider?” It’s a great question—and not surprising, given how complicated insurance can be (often by design). The short answer: Yes, reimbursement is possible, but it depends on your insurance plan. At Tendwell, we provide a document called a “superbill” for each visit to make the process as straightforward as possible.
The holidays are here! To help you enjoy the season while staying grounded in health and wellness, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite items to gift or keep. These are perfect for anyone who loves thoughtful, functional, and beautiful additions to their daily lives.
Person scraping bubbles off ceiling Mold is everywhere outdoors—and sometimes indoors. While our bodies are designed to detoxify mold mycotoxins, some people have genetics that make this process less efficient. I call them “mold canaries”—people who are especially sensitive to mold. Officially, they’re diagnosed with CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome). This explains why two people in the same moldy environment can have very different health responses.
Like most functional medicine doctors, the practitioners at Tendwell find that care is best delivered through a long-term relationship. It takes time to dig deep and to discover root causes. In the functional model, appointments are very different from what you have been exposed to in traditional medicine. This is because we take the time to dig much deeper than conventional doctors and we take a hard look into areas that are generally neglected. In this blog, we give you an idea of what the first few appointments will look like as a Tendwell patient.
One of the most common symptoms we hear from new patients at our functional medicine practice in Denver, Colorado, is fatigue. Fatigue can manifest in various ways: some people struggle to get up in the morning, others experience afternoon energy dips—reaching for that 2 PM cup of coffee or tea—and still others feel a constant sense of lethargy or malaise.