Health & Wellness Articles from Amy Myers, MD

Health practitioner explaining spinal health - What Is Bone Density and Why It Matters for Women - AMMD™
Slicing Whole Wheat Bread - Is Gluten to Blame for Your Thyroid Condition? - AMMD™
Autoimmunity
gluten
Is Gluten to Blame for Your Thyroid Condition?

There’s a connection between gluten and thyroid health, particularly for individuals with autoimmune thyroid conditions such as Hashimoto’s and Graves’ disease. Research suggests that gluten can contribute to leaky gut, a condition that allows harmful substances to enter the bloodstream, triggering an immune response that may mistakenly attack the thyroid. This process, known as molecular mimicry, occurs because gluten proteins resemble thyroid tissue, leading the immune system to target both. Eliminating gluten from the diet can reduce inflammation, support gut repair, and improve thyroid function, making it a crucial step for those managing thyroid disease.

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Two Surprising Causes of Leaky Gut - Woman suffering from abdominal pain - AMMD™
Health Focus
Healthy Living
The 2 Surprising Causes of Leaky Gut

 

The causes of leaky gut stem from various factors, with diet playing a significant role. Inflammatory foods such as gluten, dairy, refined sugars, and nightshades can weaken the gut lining, while toxic substances like alcohol, artificial sweeteners, and processed foods exacerbate the issue. Chronic stress, environmental toxins, and gut infections like Candida overgrowth or SIBO further contribute to increased intestinal permeability. When the gut barrier is compromised, undigested food particles and toxins leak into the bloodstream, triggering immune responses that may lead to inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Identifying and eliminating these triggers is crucial for gut health restoration.

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10 Signs You’re Gluten Intolerant
Autoimmunity
gluten intolerance
10 Signs You’re Gluten Intolerant

Gluten intolerance has become increasingly common, potentially due to modern farming practices that prioritize yield over nutritional quality. Unlike celiac disease, which is an autoimmune disorder, gluten intolerance does not cause intestinal damage but can still trigger symptoms like bloating, brain fog, joint pain, and fatigue. Some research suggests that gluten may contribute to inflammation and exacerbate autoimmune conditions. The best way to determine sensitivity is through an elimination diet, where gluten is completely removed and then reintroduced to observe any reactions. Managing gluten intolerance requires strict avoidance, label checking, and sometimes supplements to aid digestion and detoxification.

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Woman drinking greens juice - Benefits of Drinking Green Juice If You Have a Leaky Gut  - AMMD™
Health Focus
Healthy Living
Benefits of Drinking Green Juice If You Have a Leaky Gut

Drinking green juice made from organic greens is a powerful way to support gut health and overall well-being. Packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, green juice helps reduce inflammation, boost the immune system, and improve digestion by making nutrients more bioavailable. One of the key benefits of drinking green juice is its ability to promote a healthy gut lining, which is essential for those struggling with leaky gut symptoms such as bloating, brain fog, and fatigue. Choosing Organic Greens ensures that you’re getting all the benefits without exposure to harmful pesticides or additives. Whether you make fresh juice at home or opt for a high-quality greens powder, incorporating green juice into your diet can be a simple and delicious way to nourish your body.

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Herbs - Restore Gut Health with 6 Herbs and Nutrients - Amy Myers MD®
Gut Health
Health Focus
6 Herbs That Restore Gut Health
Symptoms of leaky gut syndrome, such as bloating, brain fog, and skin issues, indicate an imbalance in your gut microbiome. To restore gut health, incorporating key nutrients like L-Glutamine, slippery elm, and aloe vera can repair your gut lining, soothe inflammation, and promote a balanced microbiome.
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The Steps I Took To Reverse Autoimmune Disease
Autoimmunity
Health Focus
The Steps I Took To Reverse Autoimmune Disease

Reversing autoimmune disease is possible by addressing its root causes and adopting a functional approach to healing. Conventional medicine often focuses on symptom management through medications, but the key to how to reverse autoimmune disease lies in identifying and eliminating inflammatory triggers. By following a targeted approach rooted in functional medicine, you can learn how to reverse autoimmune disease and take back your health.

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Pickled foods in jars - Fermented Foods to Avoid if You Have Candida - AMMD™
Candida
Healthy Living
Fermented Foods To Avoid With Candida Overgrowth
In my many years of treating patients for Candida overgrowth, I saw a surprising number of people who were surprised to learn that eating fermented foods could actually be making their condition worse. That’s probably because a number of Candida treatment plans suggest adding fermented foods to your diet to feed the good bacteria in your gut.
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Woman putting a piece of gum in her mouth - Are Sugar Alcohols Bad For You? - AMMD™
Healthy Living
Nutrition
Are Sugar Alcohols Bad For You?
Sugar alcohols, such as erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol, and maltitol, are low-calorie sweeteners often found in packaged foods. While they can support low-carb diets and dental health, they are heavily processed and may cause digestive issues like bloating, gas, and diarrhea. If you suffer from conditions like Candida overgrowth, leaky gut, or SIBO, sugar alcohols can worsen symptoms by feeding harmful bacteria. Though they are a lower-calorie alternative to sugar, they can still impact blood sugar levels and gut health. To repair gut damage caused by sugar alcohols, consider following a gut-healing protocol like the 4R approach with tools such as Gut ImmunIG™.
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Collagen powder and water - What Are the Top Benefits of Collagen? - Amy Myers MD®
Detox
Gut Health
What Are the Top Benefits of Collagen?
Collagen is a vital protein that supports skin elasticity, hair strength, and nail health while offering numerous internal benefits like improving gut, joint, heart, and bone health. Collagen protein powder is an easy way to boost collagen levels, especially as natural production declines with age. It supports a healthy inflammatory response and even aids in weight management. Conveniently add collagen protein powder to your daily routine in smoothies, desserts, or even salad dressings to ensures you reap its beauty and wellness benefits.
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Holding a supplement - The Amazing Benefits of N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) - Amy Myers MD®
Detox
Health Focus
N-Acetyl Cysteine Benefits: Should You Be Taking an NAC Supplement?

N-Acetyl Cysteine benefits range from protecting cells from oxidative stress, to supporting liver detoxification, and even promoting immune system function. Additionally, NAC acts as a biofilm disruptor to improve gut health. An NAC supplement is a valuable addition to a wellness routine, enhancing overall health and vitality.

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Bottles of milk - Milk Alternatives To Try & Which Ones Should You Avoid - Amy Myers MD®
Autoimmunity
Health Focus
Milk Alternatives To Try & Which Ones Should You Avoid
Are you looking for the best milk alternative to replace dairy? While dairy milk can contribute to gut issues, inflammation, and other health concerns, there are plenty of milk alternatives to explore. Coconut milk and hemp milk stand out for supporting a healthy inflammatory response and being nutrient-rich, while almond and hazelnut milk provide delicious, low-carb options. However, some options like cashew and pistachio milk may require caution due to sensitivities. While others such as soy, oat, pea, rice, and banana milk should be avoided due to digestive issues, added sugars, or low nutritional value. Discover the best milk alternative to support your health!
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Top 4 Supplements For Autoimmune Disease - Amy Myers MD®
Autoimmunity
Health Focus
Top 4 Supplements For Autoimmune Disease
For those managing autoimmune disease, specific supplements can be essential in supporting immune balance, a healthy inflammatory response, and promoting overall health. Autoimmune supplements like glutathione, curcumin, resveratrol, and L-glutamine help address nutrient deficiencies common in autoimmune conditions due to chronic inflammation and impaired nutrient absorption. Together, these supplements for autoimmune disease work synergistically to support optimal immune function and overall well-being.
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