Hot Topics - San Antonio Family Integrative Health

Hot Topics from the SA Family Integrative Health Blog

We watch the medical landscape just as closely as everyone else does. There is a host of interesting and potentially vital information out there that both our current and perspective patients ask us about. We will do our very best to bring you the most current and accurate information.

Feb182026

Why You’re Still Tired on Thyroid Medication

Fatigue despite hypothyroidism treatment? Learn how Functional Medicine explores deeper thyroid, adrenal, and nutrient issues when medication isn’t enough.

Feb112026

Feeling Sluggish, Foggy, or Bloated? It Might Be “Dampness”

“Dampness” is a TCM concept that can relate to sluggishness, “stuck” feelings, weight gain, low energy, digestive problems, fatigue, and more. Using gentle therapies like dietary shifts, herbal formulas, and simple lifestyle changes, dampness can be cleared!

Dec162017

Chronic Infection symptoms can surface in winter or under stress

Chronic Infection, Autoimmune Disease… Or Both?

“I’ve had this cold/flu thing forever and it just won’t away.” Does this sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common concerns I hear, especially at this time of year. The question is, what is it? What’s going on? A Lingering Chronic Infection? On one hand, it could be…

Dec92017

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3 Useful Tips For Surviving The Holidays With Dietary Restrictions

Dietary restrictions like gluten-free, dairy-free, and so on can be challenging to follow during the holidays and family gatherings. Here are some useful tips!

Nov252017

Dementia risk can be screened with lab testing

5 Simple Screenings For Early Dementia

Imagine that some of the simple, everyday laboratory tests your doctor orders might actually be useful as early Alzheimer’s Disease / dementia screening tools. And it’s true! They can be. Most conventional doctors aren’t aware of this. However, you can use them to your advantage! They can alert you to trouble ahead. Several lab tests may…

Nov112017

7 Ways To Boost Brain Health

Brain health is one of the most common concerns we’ve heard from our patients. Of course, they probably don’t realize it. They mention symptoms such as depression, anxiety, irritability, mood swings, and problems with focus and memory. These are all symptoms of poor brain health. They may even be signs of Alzheimer’s Disease or other…

Nov12017

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November Is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month!

The month of November became known as Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month in 1983. Its campaign, Go Purple For A Purpose, also includes those who fill caretaking roles for people with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). At the time, the number of people known to have AD totaled less than 2 million, affecting less than 1% of the…

Oct282017

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High Cholesterol? It Might Be Your Thyroid!

“My primary doctor says my cholesterol is too high, and he wants to put me on a statin drug.” That primary doctor, however, did not look further. He did not see that our patient is also gaining weight, losing her hair, and dreading the upcoming winter chill because her hands and feet turn to icicles.…

Oct252017

inversion tables vs professional spinal decompression

Do Inversion Tables Help Back Pain?

Inversion tables can carry risks; spinal decompression is a much better alternative!

Oct212017

7 key foundations to help you achieve a better life using Functional Medicine

7 Keys to Mastering Your Health With Functional Medicine

Learn about 7 key strategies for Mastering Your Health to beat chronic disease with Functional Medicine, practiced by Dr. Lara Sweeney!

Jul302017

Image depicting Functional Medicine Adrenal Stress Adrenal Fatigue

Adrenal Fatigue, Adrenal Stress, and Healing Them Naturally

Most people have heard the terms “adrenal fatigue” and “adrenal stress”. Sometimes, these two terms get combined under one umbrella term known as “adrenal dysfunction”. However, fewer people have a clear understanding of the difference between adrenal fatigue and adrenal stress. Many use them interchangeably; this is not exactly correct. Functional Medicine offers a fantastic…

Jul182017

How To Explain Functional Medicine To Anyone

To appreciate what Functional Medicine can do, we like to use an analogy which everyone in Texas can relate to: a building, its foundation, the soil underneath, what happens when the foundation shifts, and the various repair options available.

May262017

colorful balloons for IFMCP certification

Dr. L. Sweeney is now an IFMCP (IFM Certified Practitioner)!

LOCAL CLINICIAN RECOGNIZED AS an IFM Certified practitioner of The Institute for Functional Medicine’s Certification Program (IFMCP) Dr. J. Lara Sweeney, DC Joins Elite Group of IFM Certified Practitioners 26-May-2017, Federal Way, WA – The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), the global leader in Functional Medicine, is pleased to announce Dr. J. Lara Sweeney…

Jan302017

The Legend Behind the Logo

At first glance, it might seem cliché: a Phoenix, rising from the ashes, a common choice of insignia for a healthcare clinic. However, with a second glance and on second thought, one can clearly see that it’s a little different from the rest. It’s not your typical Phoenix. And that’s because we’re not your typical…

Dec62016

Natural Weight Loss, Part Two

Weight gain has been a bane of our existence in our current society. It’s frustrating, especially when you’re trying to follow all the rules and do everything right. Well, sometimes it’s not as simple as counting your calories or spending hours in the gym. In the last post,I mentioned three major reasons why someone would…

Dec22016

Natural Weight Loss, Part One

Natural Weight Loss. One of the most common questions people ask is, “how do I lose weight?” Indeed, most of us are carrying around a few extra pounds. If you are, you’re not alone; two-thirds of the US population is now officially overweight. Before moving further, I need to make an important point. There is…

Nov292016

How to sSupplement Serotonin? Natural approach to Depression

How to Supplement Serotonin? Natural approach to Depression!

A reader writes: Is there any way to supplement serotonin? I used to be such a happy person; now I am very angry…irritable…depressed. I MISS the happy-go-lucky girl that I was. I am so sorry to hear that you’re going through such a hard time. Unfortunately, there is no quick fix, but you do have…

Nov202016

Foods or Herbs to heal stomach lining with Gastritis?

“My doctor informed me that I had gastritis and prescribed me medication. Are there foods I can eat or herbs I can take that will help heal my stomach lining?” There are indeed. Some people are going to chime in: “Marshmallow!” “Glutamine!” “Slippery elm!” But before we get to that, a more important question to…

Oct272016

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What is Lyme Disease?

From the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)…“Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black legged ticks. Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous…

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