As women move through perimenopause and menopause, hormonal changes—especially the drop in estrogen—can impact everything from metabolism and muscle mass to mood and motivation. One of the most powerful tools we have to counter these effects is Sprint Interval Training (SIT): short, intense bursts of effort followed by recovery.
Metabolic health is the foundation of overall well-being, influencing energy levels, weight, mood, and even longevity. From a functional medicine perspective, achieving optimal metabolism goes beyond just counting calories or exercising more—it requires addressing underlying imbalances that can sabotage the body's ability to maintain a healthy weight and energy balance. Two critical yet often overlooked factors in metabolic health are toxins and weight loss resistance and gut health and the microbiome.
Insulin resistance is a condition in which the cells in your body don't respond properly to insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels. When cells become insulin resistant, they don't effectively absorb glucose from the bloodstream. Over time, this can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes and other health issues like cardiovascular disease, fatty liver, decreased muscle mass, hormonal concerns, obesity and even osteoporosis (low bone density).
A CGM or continuous glucose monitor, is a small wearable device that you can place on the back of your arm. It allows you to view your glucose levels continuously and in real time.
CGMs were originally developed for use by patients with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. However, it has become clear that anyone can benefit from using a CGM, whether diabetic or not. In fact, a CGM can contribute greatly to overall well-being. Here’s how it works:
With the turn of season to fall, it may be time to take a fresh look at your metabolic efficiency. With school restarted, holidays on the horizon and changes in routines and in the weather, there is no better time to check in with a functional medicine doctor in Denver or via telehealth to fine tune the inputs to your metabolism.
Berberine is a bioactive compound found in several plants, including the roots, rhizomes, and bark of various herbs from the Berberis genus, such as Berberis vulgaris (barberry), Berberis aristata (tree turmeric), and Coptis chinensis (Chinese goldthread). It has been used in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, for centuries due to its health benefits. In this blog, we discuss some of the benefits and a brief history of berberine's use in medicine.