Energize Everyday Life with More Vitality

Having vitality means approaching life with excitement and energy, not doing things halfway or half-heartedly. Passion and the maintenance of that joyful state are dictated more by modifiable biochemistry than uncontrollable emotions. In-depth analysis of individual biochemistry, followed by cohesive therapeutic lifestyle treatment, can reignite that inner vitality to be our best self.

The lack of vitality is a chronic issue that occurs when our flow of energy in the body is suboptimal. Although a normally functioning gut and liver are the foundation of smooth energy flow, there are hundreds of hormones in the body and brain. Just as with an orchestra, every musician needs to play at their best, but what makes the music melodious is when they play together. Similarly, health is at its best when all the hormones are working in harmony with each other and not just when one of them tests as normal.

Most people, when feeling tired or anxious, with no or lowered libido, and/or poor sleep quality or no sleep, suffer from hormonal imbalances. Unlike traditional Western medicine, functional medicine addresses root causes such as hormonal imbalance instead of putting Band-Aids on chronic symptoms with pharmaceuticals.

For example, one major hormone, oxytocin, helps us bond with others, but is rarely checked in routine blood tests. If someone says, “I’m lacking intimacy and foreplay,” and that is causing stress, we are not getting to the root cause of the oxytocin deficiency. The typical approach is to treat it with stimulants, anti-depression medications and anti-anxiety meds, which is not the best practice. If instead we address root causes and stabilize blood sugar, adrenal hormones, testosterone, thyroid hormones and balance progesterone, focused energy and passion emerge. Jumping into psychological drugs without checking hormone balance is putting the cart before the horse.

Nutraceuticals like 5HTP, GABA, glutamate, magnesium and theanine are all very calming to the system. Vitamin B5 helps the adrenals deal with stress better by acting as a building block so the body can synthesize hormones. EPA/DHA increases the receptivity of cells to those hormones.

Bioidentical hormones (BHRT) commonly refer to estradiol, testosterone and progesterone. Progesterone is the “Zen” hormone, important for sleep and calm. Testosterone is all about the drive—the mental, physical and sexual energy. Stable insulin levels help with the stability of our mood. Adrenal and thyroid hormones are essential for maintaining energy.

Physical activity helps with positive endorphin release and lowering of stress hormones. It also makes blood circulation better and stabilizes glucose levels. Good circulation and control of metabolic risk factors like cholesterol and sugar is crucial for male sexual health. The connection created through sex brings down cortisol and boosts endorphin production.

A customized therapeutic approach based upon individual biochemistry can transform lives, as it resolves the root cause of symptoms to achieve our optimal health, full of vitality, energy and passion, leading to greater success in personal and professional life.