Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDCES, CDN’s Post

CLIENT SUCCESS STORY: A 55 year old woman came to see me because she had a recent increase in her statin medication and she was anxious given her family history of heart disease and her medical conditions. She had a coronary calcium score test of 194, which was 98th percentile for age, ethnicity and gender, indicating a significant amount of plaque in her coronary arteries.    She had joined my 6 week heart optimization group program in March and then joined my VIP one on one Program in May. She had her blood tested before the start of the group program and then in July, two months into the VIP program.

 We worked together to a) optimize her risk profile by focusing on what we are ADDINg to her diet and in the right balance and volume for effective results, b) understand plaque formation to prevent further promotion of plaque and to assist with its stabilization c) how to implement these heart health optimization strategies into her busy and fast paced lifestyle.    In 4 months, she lowered her LDL by 55 points (from 87mg/dL to 32mg/dL) and the doctor reduced the dosage of her statin medication. She reduced her triglycerides (TG) levels by 50 points (144mg/dL to 94mg/dL) increased her HDL (from 40mg/dL to 58mg/dL), lowered hsCRP from 3.2mg/dL to 0.7mg/dL, and reduced her waist circumference by 2 inches. The best part is she has more energy, and she feels better in all aspects of her health!  ⭐️ From triglycerides to blood sugar to LDL to apoB to HDL to inflammatory markers like hsCRP - ALL of these cardiometabolic labs matter -  and we can optimize them through science based nutrition to help reduce your risk of cardiovascular events!   ⭐️ Join my upcoming 6-week heart optimization group program starting July 12th. I will teach you how to implement science-based nutrition to address inflammation, insulin resistance, abnormal lipids, oxidative stress, and optimize your cardiovascular health to reduce your risk of a heart attack. ⭐️ The group has limited spots available! 👉🏼 To secure your spot, join today: https://lnkd.in/ecCQWHrQ ❤️I look forward to supporting you on your heart health journey! #coronaryarterydisease #coronaryheartdisease #coronaryangiography #coronarycalciumscore #heartattack #heartattacksurvivor #heartattackprevention #heartattackrecovery #hearthealth #hearthealthy #hearthealthydiet #hearthealthawareness #hearthealthyliving #highcalciumscore #hearthealthyrecipes #heartdisease #heartdiseaseawareness #heartdiseaseprevention #heartdiseasesurvivor #heartdiseasewarrior #heartdiseasesupport #highcholesterol #cardiacbypasssurgery #cardiacrehab #cardiacsurgery #cardiacdiet #heartfailureawareness #heartfailure #heartfailuresurvivor #heartfailurediet

#MANAGING_DIABETIC_DISORDERS_WITH_HERBAL_INTEGRATIVE_MEDICINE! #BALANCING_BLOOD_SUGAR_NATURALLY! Diabetes is a Chronic Metabolic Disorder characterized by High Levels of Blood Glucose (sugar) due to defects in insulin production, insulin action, or both. Unani Integrative Medicine offers a holistic approach to managing diabetes by focusing on lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, and natural remedies. #TYPES! #Type_1_Diabetes: Autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Usually in childhood or adolescence but can occur at any age. #Type_2_Diabetes: Insulin resistance (cells do not respond properly to insulin) and relative insulin deficiency. Typically in adults over the age of 45, but increasingly seen in younger people, including children, due to rising obesity rates. #Gestational_Diabetes: Hormonal changes during pregnancy leading to insulin resistance. During pregnancy, usually in the second or third trimester. #Symptoms_of_Diabetes! #Frequent_Urination (polyuria) #Excessive_Thirst (polydipsia) #Extreme_Hunger (polyphagia) #Unexplained_Weight_Loss #Fatigue #Blurred_Vision #Slow_Healing_Sores #Frequent_Infections #Complications! #Acute_Complications: Diabetic ketoacidosis, more common in type 1, hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, more common in type 2. #Chronic_Complications: Cardiovascular disease, Neuropathy, Nephropathy, Retinopathy, Sexual Problem and Foot complications. #Diagnosis! #Fasting_Blood_Glucose_Test: Blood sugar level after an overnight fast. #Oral_Glucose_Tolerance_Test (OGTT): Blood sugar level before and after consuming a sugary drink. #Hemoglobin_A1C_Test: Average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months. #Herbal_Medicine! #Jamun (Syzygium cumini) #Karela (Bitter Gourd) (Momordica charantia) #Neem (Azadirachta indica) #Gudmar (Gymnema sylvestre) #Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) #Amla (Indian Gooseberry) (Phyllanthus emblica) #Turmeric (Curcuma longa) #Ginseng (Panax ginseng) #Bael (Aegle marmelos) #Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) #Aloe_Vera (Aloe barbadensis) #Tulsi (Holy Basil) (Ocimum sanctum) #Ginger (Zingiber officinale) #Berberis (Berberis vulgaris) #Black_Cumin (Nigella sativa) #Prevention_and_Management! #Balanced_Diet: Emphasizes a diet rich in whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. It advises reducing the intake of refined sugars and carbohydrates. #Physical_Activity:Regular exercise, including walking, yoga, and other moderate physical activities, is encouraged to improve insulin sensitivity. #Stress_Management:Techniques such as meditation and relaxation practices are recommended to reduce stress, which can negatively impact blood sugar control. #Regular_Sleep_Patterns: Ensuring adequate and regular sleep to maintain hormonal balance. #Monitoring: Regular blood glucose monitoring to track and manage levels effectively. #Consultation_with_A_Practitioner: Consult with an Integrative (Herbal) Healthcare Professional.

Did you know that menopause can affect cardiovascular health in many ways? - Changes in hormone levels: Menopause is characterized by a decrease in estrogen levels. Estrogen has cardio-protective effects, including maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, promoting vasodilation, and reducing inflammation in blood vessels. The decline in estrogen levels during menopause can contribute to adverse changes in cholesterol levels and an increased risk of atherosclerosis, which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. - Changes in lipid profile: During menopause, there is often a shift in the lipid profile, including increases in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol), and triglycerides, and decreases in HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol). These changes in lipid levels can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. - Changes in blood pressure: Menopause is associated with changes in blood pressure regulation. Elevated blood pressure is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes. - Changes in body composition: During menopause, many women experience changes in body composition, including increases in abdominal fat and decreases in lean muscle mass. These changes in body composition can contribute to metabolic changes, insulin resistance, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. - Increased risk of metabolic syndrome: Menopause is associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions including abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal lipid levels. Metabolic syndrome is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. BHRT can help you - reach out to @optimalbio!

You’re prediabetic, obese, with high Cholesterol and at a greater risk for adult onset diabetes”,my Dr explained during my annual physical in late 2019. Those words hit me really hard. Adult on-set diabetes, arthritis and Hypertension  runs in my family.My knees and lower back were in constant pain,always fatigued,had no energy and with low self esteem,I was also severely anemic due to rapidly growing Fibroids. At this point I weighed 260 lbs (Size 20/22). My surgery was finally done, but my incision wound didn't heal.My OBGYN sent me to the Primary Dr who diagnosed me with Diabetes Type II, At this point the Dr said, since I am newly diagnosed I'll have to be on medication and lose weight to avoid future complications. It dawned on me how much trouble I was in.I hate taking medication. As a nurse, I have worked in Diabetes, Hypertension and pain management clinics, I have seen first hand how devastating these lifestyle diseases can be, yet very avoidable. But I never thought I could be in that group. I considered myself healthy and active.After a few visits with my Dr, I asked him not to prescribe me any medication,instead to let me work on my weight/diet. It was my dream to be a healthy woman before my 50th birthday.I turned to so many diets, keto,30 days detox,fasting,diet pills, but nothing worked. It wasn't until i joined a weight loss program with a personal coach,where I learned the right ways to eat with consistency,a lifestyle that's easy and sustainable, and how to keep hydrated,that's when I started to shed my first 30lbs.At my 6 month check up, my incision wound was completely healed, my new diagnosis was no more,I was no longer anemic,and my cholesterol was back to normal levels,my Dr was amazed and told me to continue doing what am doing, since its working better than medication. During my weight loss journey I learned: 1️⃣A diet and lifestyle that’s sustainable. 2️⃣Types of foods to eat,and how they affect my weight 3️⃣Importance of a routine, and consistency to acquire the desired outcome 4️⃣A positive mindset and meal planning, ❤If i did it, you too can, Diabetes,Hypertension,and Arthritis runs in my family,i was determined to break the chain and write a different narrative,I did it and i continue to do it today. ❤ ️So far I have lost 64 lbs(Size 14/16) and kept it off. ❤️I am enjoying life as a brand new person,feeling confident and with high self esteem  ❤️No Knee/back pain.My skin glows I want to help someone like me,who feels stuck, lost, low in confidence,one who feels like giving up, newly diagnosed or living with these lifestyle diseases. From my 15 yrs experience as a Nurse, I will teach you how to manage diabetes,and use nutrition to lose weight and keep it off so you can avoid future complications and live a full, happy, confidence filled healthy lifestyle.

When I have talked about getting the Lipoprotein(a) test before, many of you mentioned how you got pushback from your physician.⁠ ⁠ On April 1st, the national lipid association (NLA) put out a press release with updated guideline which should help you advocate for this test at your next appointment. ⁠ ⁠ Happy to share the link, just send me a message with LIPOPROTEIN(A).⁠ ⁠ What does the update say?⁠ ⁠ 1️⃣ The NLA’s focused update on Lp(a) is backed from research emphasizing the link between cardiovascular risk and elevated values. This stresses the importance of universal Lp(a) level assessment among adults, acknowledging that Lp(a) testing is currently not standard practice and must be incorporated to enhance preventive strategies.⁠ 2️⃣ Risk categories determined by Lp(a) levels are low (<75 nmol/L), intermediate (75-125 nmol/L), and high (≥125 nmol/L), with additional screening recommended for relatives of those at high risk.⁠ 3️⃣ Those who have elevated Lp(a) need early and intensive treatment to lower their heightened risk. This includes lifestyle changes to optimize cardio-metabolic risk factors, lipid-lowering drugs, and, in some cases, treatments like lipoprotein apheresis. ⁠ ⁠ ⭐️ Know your numbers and understand what you need to do to lower your risk of cardiovascular disease and its complications.⁠ ⁠ 👉🏼 Join my next 6 week heart optimization group program on May 10th to understand how to optimize your heart health through science based nutrition and implement effective strategies. ⁠ ⁠ ❤️ Spots are limited and filling up fast! Secure your spot by enrolling on my website at https://lnkd.in/e5eigZgA #lipoproteina #highbloodpressure #highcalciumscore #highcholesterol #lowerbloodpressure #heartdiseaseprevention #cholesteroldiet #hearthealthydiet #cardiacdiet #cholesteroltips #lowerbloodpressurenaturally #heartattackrecovery #cardiacbypasssurgery #cardiacrehab #heartdiseaseawareness #heartattacksurvivor #atherosclerosis #lowcholesterol #foodovermedicine #cardiacbypasss #hearthealth #hearthealthy #antiinflammatory #antiinflammatorydiet #coronaryarterydisesae #heartdiseasesupport #cardiacsurgery #heartsurgerysurvivor #heartattackprevention #heartdisease

⭐️ Exciting news for postmenopausal women struggling with weight loss! A new study shows that hormone therapy (HT) may significantly boost weight loss results when combined with semaglutide (a GLP-1 receptor agonist) in postmenopausal women w/ overweight or obesity! 🤓 Key findings: 👏Women on HT lost more weight at 3, 6, 9, & 12 months compared to those not on HT 👏At 12 months- 16% weight loss w/ HT vs. 12% without HT 👏100% of HT users achieved greater than or equal to 5% weight loss vs. 77.4% of non-HT users! Why it matters: 😕Up to 70% of women experience weight gain during menopause 😕This weight gain increases risks of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases 🧐Finding effective weight loss strategies for postmenopausal women is crucial Both groups showed improvements in cardiometabolic risk markers, incl. 🩸HbA1c 🩸Triglycerides 🩸Total cholesterol 🩸Fasting glucose 🫀Systolic blood pressure 🧐 Of course, more research is needed, but this study suggests that combining hormone therapy w/ semaglutide could be a game-changer for postmenopausal women struggling w/ weight loss! It's best to ask your own provider if this approach might be right for you! 🤔What are your thoughts on this new study, would you consider adding a GLP-1 agonist to your hormone therapy for menopausal weight loss struggles? Read report: https://lnkd.in/gZCYqy4A #menopause #weightgain #glp1 #hormonetherapy

Women have a fourfold increase in risk of autoimmune disorders than men and 80% of the people who have autoimmune issues are women. Some autoimmune disorders are triggered during the perimenopausal through postmenopausal transition (30-60 years of age). While more research is needed, it is proposed that sex hormones, the microbiome, and environmental factors may be very much connected to autoimmune disorders in women. It is broadly known and accepted by many functional medical doctors, but not so much in the conventional healthcare model, that consuming gluten causes a leaky gut that leads to gut dysbiosis that can then lead to chronic inflammation and autoimmune disorders. Should midlife women stop eating gluten during the menopause transition and beyond? Let’s find out. @thedrtomobryan joins the Health Trip Podcast to take us on a visual journey of our immune system. He comes with many accolades. He’s a doctor of chiropractic and clinical nutritionist, member of and on the teaching faculty board of The Institute for Functional Medicine, the International & American Associations of Clinical Nutritionists, the American Chiropractic Association, and the International Academy of Preventive Medicine. He is a recognized world expert on gluten and its impact on health. Check out episode #71 linked below, or find the Health Trip Podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube, and all other streaming platforms. https://lnkd.in/gV3gHR7v #healthcoach #womenshealth #autoimmunedisease #menopause

🔍 Exploring GERD Risk Factors 🔍 Understanding the risk factors for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is essential for early detection and management. In our latest blog post, we delve into some of the most common risk factors associated with this condition: 1️⃣ Obesity: Excess belly fat can increase pressure on the stomach, leading to acid reflux. 2️⃣ Hiatal Hernia: When the upper part of the stomach pushes into the chest, it can result in constant GERD symptoms. 3️⃣ Pregnancy: Elevated hormone levels during pregnancy can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), causing increased acid reflux, particularly in later stages. 4️⃣ Smoking: Nicotine weakens the LES and stimulates acid production, while reduced saliva production in smokers hinders the body's natural acid-neutralizing ability. 5️⃣ Medications: Certain drugs, including some anti-inflammatory medications, blood pressure drugs, and aspirin, can worsen GERD symptoms. Additionally, lifestyle factors like diet, late-night eating, and stress can trigger GERD episodes. Recognizing these risk factors is the first step in better managing GERD. Read our full blog post to learn more about this condition and how to minimize its impact on your health. Read more on our blog- https://lnkd.in/e_w-a8dr #GERD #HealthAwareness #DigestiveHealth #RiskFactors #LifestyleChoices

Inflammation…we all experience it, on some level, throughout our lifetime. And unfortunately it seems to increase as we age. Some people call aging, inflammaging. And it’s true!!! Inflammation does age us. And the older we get, the more inflammation we seem to have. Wouldn’t it be nice to find a magic pill to take it all away? Well, maybe there is one. Inflammation can sometimes appear seemingly out of nowhere but it’s usually the a result of an injury or procedure, high insulin and poor glucose control, lousy diet, compromised digestion, an infection that doesn’t get resolved, menopause, andropause, stress, medications, genetics. The list goes on but you get the point. It shows up in our: joints, eyes, spine, gut, heads, sinuses, feet, skin, weight. It affects our energy, can manifest as cancer, is a driver of heart disease, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and autoimmune disease. It’s also a driver of infertility, endometriosis and mood disorders. I’m pretty sure everyone reading this list can relate to at least one manifestation of inflammation. So, yes inflammation is ubiquitous and often very difficult to effectively squelch or more importantly resolve. And what we use to alleviate inflammation and pain like pain medications (OTC and prescription) and steroids have their downside and can actually inhibit our own body’s ability to produce anti-inflammatory chemicals called Pro-resolvers which are the very things we need to effectively reduce the fire that’s burning. WOW! Did you just catch that? Our bodies have an amazing ability to make incredible chemicals to resolve acute and chronic inflammation and pain. These chemicals are called SPM’s or Specialized Pro-Resolve Mediators. These mediators are actually produced by our body from Omega 3’s (EPA and DHA) and a little Omega 6’s. So you might ask, why don’t we just make sure that everyone is taking at least a few grams of Omega 3’s daily. Well, there are a few reasons this doesn’t always translate. If you want to learn more head over to this blog post > https://lnkd.in/gvsm5PQx

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) involves taking medications containing female hormones to replace the ones the body no longer produces after menopause. Here's what menopausal women should know about HRT 1. Types of Hormone Therapy: There are two main types of HRT: estrogen-only therapy (ET) for women who have had a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) and combined estrogen-progestin therapy (EPT) for women with an intact uterus. 2. Benefits: HRT can effectively alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood swings. It also helps prevent bone loss and fractures, reducing the risk of osteoporosis. 3. Risks: There are potential risks associated with HRT. These include an increased risk of blood clots, stroke, heart disease, breast cancer (especially with long-term use of combined estrogen-progestin therapy), and possibly dementia in women aged 65 and older. While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is one option to manage menopausal symptoms, it's not suitable for everyone. Other treatments and lifestyle changes, such as dietary modifications, exercise, herbal remedies, and relaxation techniques, can also help manage symptoms. for more information and questions, you may DM me.. I am here to help #menopause #menopausesupport #menopausehealth #menopauseawareness