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Natural Awakenings Sarasota / Manatee / Charlotte

In 2023, Your Mind Is Your Best Medicine

by Fred Harvey 
 
Do you want to revolutionize your health and wellness in 2023? The functional medicine tree of life is here to guide you each step of the way! Imagine the human body as a tree—the roots represent the foundation of your health and wellness. You can cultivate a strong and vibrant tree that supports your wellness by nourishing these roots with essential elements like quality sleep, relaxation, exercise, nutrition, hydration and positive relationships. 
 But it's not just about physical nourishment. Your mental, emotional and spiritual health also play a crucial role in the tree's health. Recent research shows that your consciousness can directly impact how your genes interact with the environment, influencing the expression of certain traits and characteristics. 
 This study examined the effects of mindfulness meditation on gene expression in experienced meditators and a control group of individuals without meditation. The study found that mindfulness meditation helped to reduce the expression of Histone Deacetylase (HDAC) genes and pro-inflammatory genes, as well as altered histone modification, in the meditators compared to the control group.  

    These changes were accompanied by improved performance on a stress test and self-report measures of well-being. The research indicates that mindfulness meditation could benefit gene expression and stress-related outcomes. So as you set health and wellness goals for the New Year, remember to prioritize self-care and nourishment from the inside out.  

  Write down your goals and visualize yourself already achieving them. Feel the excitement and gratitude of accomplishment. When you hit a rough patch, turn to your list and remember that feeling of accomplishment to keep you motivated and moving forward. You have the power to transform your health and wellness journey, so make this year the one where you thrive and reach your full potential! 
 
 
Experience the life-changing difference that functional medicine can create in your life by discovering the root cause of your health issues. Call Dr. Harvey’s office, Functional Medicine Florida (formerly known as The Harvey Center), at (941) 929-9355. Dr. Fred Harvey is the Medical Director of Functional Medicine Florida. He is quadruple board-certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatric Medicine, Functional Medicine and Holistic-Integrative Medicine, specializing in chronic illness recovery and prevention, as well as defiant aging. For more information, visit FunctionalMedicineFlorida.com. 

  

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