Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women, yet many standard cholesterol tests miss critical markers that help assess true risk. Traditional testing often focuses on total cholesterol and LDL levels, but functional medicine takes a deeper, more individualized approach to cardiovascular health.
Many clients struggle to get the recommended levels of protein in daily…me too. At my house, we know that including healthy fats and protein in each meal, especially breakfast, sets a you up for a better day. This translates into more stable blood sugar, steady energy, stable moods, a sharp mind and feelings of satiety which means less snacking though the day. I know many traditional cereal based breakfasts (including oatmeal) are lacking in protein power. Here is a quick list of protein forward breakfast ideas to bring to the table. Pun intended!
Heart Rate Variability (HRV) refers to the variation in time intervals between consecutive heartbeats. It's a measure of the flexibility and adaptability of the cardiovascular system, reflecting the balance between the sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) branches of the autonomic nervous system. Higher HRV typically indicates a greater ability to respond to stressors.