When we think about mental health, most people picture the brain alone. But modern research tells a much bigger story: your gut and brain are in constant communication – and the health of one directly influences the other. In fact, approximately 90% of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gut. Serotonin plays a major […]
Read MorePlanting the Right Seeds: A Simple Framework for Lasting Health
What if improving your health didn’t require a complete life overhaul, but instead, a return to a few foundational habits done consistently? In functional medicine, we look beneath symptoms to understand what the body truly needs to heal, regulate, and thrive. And more often than not, the answer isn’t something extreme – it’s the basics, […]
Read MoreConcussions, Brain Inflammation, and the Functional Medicine Approach to Healing
For many people, a concussion or head injury feels like a moment in time – a fall, a sports injury, a car accident – something that happened and passed. But what we now understand is that the effects of a brain injury don’t always end when symptoms fade. At Upstream Functional Medicine, we often meet […]
Read MoreWhat Is Functional Medicine – And How Does It Work?
An explanation grounded in science, individualized care, and real healing When most people think about healthcare, they picture symptom management – taking a pill for pain, an inhaler for shortness of breath, or a medication to lower a lab value. But what if you’re doing all the “right” things and still feel stuck? What if […]
Read MoreWhen Life Happens: Build Resilience Through Functional Medicine and Intentional Healing
Life has a way of showing up – beautifully, unexpectedly, and sometimes overwhelmingly. There are seasons filled with joy, celebration, and meaningful connection. And there are seasons marked by loss, transition, stress, and unpredictability. But the truth is this: Life doesn’t pause just because we’re working on our health. Holidays come around every year. Careers […]
Read MoreTop Supplements and Gut Health Tips to Boost Immunity This Season
As the seasons change, your body’s immune system works overtime to adapt to shifting temperatures, indoor environments, and seasonal stressors. Supporting your immune system proactively can help maintain energy, resilience, and overall wellness – so you feel your best no matter what the season brings. At Upstream, we take an individualized, whole-body approach to wellness. […]
Read MoreFasting for Longevity & Health
In our modern, over-nourished society, eating from the moment we wake until bedtime has become the norm. Yet our bodies were designed to thrive with intentional periods of rest from food – a principle we deeply embrace at Upstream.Fasting is one of the most powerful, science-backed ways to support healthy aging. Research – and experts […]
Read MoreResilience Over Fear: A Mindset Shift Around Toxin Burden
One of the most common conversations we have with clients at Upstream is about toxin burden – and it’s one we’re deeply passionate about.Through decades of research and 7.5 years of walking alongside our clients at Upstream, one thing is clear: Toxin burden is not just important to address – it is absolutely essential. It’s […]
Read MoreThe Morning Sun Hack – A Free, Daily Ritual for Better Sleep, Energy & Mood
If there’s one daily habit that can have a profound effect on your sleep, mood, energy levels, and metabolic health, it’s this: get outside within 30 minutes of waking and expose your eyes to natural sunlight for 5-10 minutes. No sunglasses, no window glass – just natural light. Why it works: Morning sunlight plays a […]
Read MoreThe Truth About Detox: Why Proper Detoxification is Essential for Long-Term Health
Every day, your body is exposed to toxins—from environmental pollutants and heavy metals to mold and chemicals found in everyday products. While your body has natural detoxification pathways, modern lifestyles and exposures often overwhelm these systems, leading to toxin buildup that can contribute to chronic illness, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances. True detoxification is not just […]
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