Your gastrointestinal tract takes in food and drinks every day – pulling and creating important nutrients while keeping pathogens out so you stay healthy and well. When your gastrointestinal tract is doing a good job it’s easy to take it for granted. Only when there’s inflammation interrupting the gut’s daily tasks do we suddenly realize how important the gut is to our overall health.  Your gastrointestinal tract is also home to trillions of bacteria called the gut microbiome. Research has found that the gut microbiome is largely responsible for your wellbeing. We evolved alongside these microbes and they help us extract nutrients, make important byproducts, and maintain balance to keep harmful pathogens in check. In fact, when your gut microbiome is out of balance it’s called dysbiosis, which is associated with numerous gastrointestinal issues but also chronic diseases – many you might not expect to be caused by the gut. When gastrointestinal issues go unchecked for a long period of time, it can progress into more serious and life-threatening conditions such as autoimmune disease. This is why we always encourage our patients to take their gut health extremely seriously. You should never ignore signs of recurring gas, bloating, heartburn, and indigestion. These are often symptoms of a much bigger problem. Gut conditions are one of the most common problems we see in our practice today, some of these include: Leaky Gut Dysbiosis Inflammatory Gut Conditions Yeast overgrowth Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) This post was originally published on www.jjmd.com by Dr. Jessica Jellison.

When it comes to autoimmune disease, there are usually multiple causes that trigger an overreaction, which results in an attack on healthy tissues. Because there are usually multiple contributing factors, it can be a complicated process to pinpoint exactly what the sources are. This is why it’s important to work with a doctor who’s willing to take the necessary time to sift through all the potential contributors so you can create a personalized treatment plan. With that in mind, there are a few factors known to contribute to autoimmune disease, these include: Dysbiosis (gut microbiome imbalance) Leaky gut Environmental toxin exposure Infections Excessive use of antibiotics Very poor diet Chemotherapy Certain prescription drugs Mold exposure To successfully treat autoimmune disease, you must identify factors that are contributing to your immune system dysregulation. If you take medications for autoimmune symptoms, they simply mask the issue and can make it harder to know exactly what’s going on. This can perpetuate the condition and make treating the underlying condition more difficult. This is why we recommend looking for the root cause of autoimmune disease. When we systematically go through potential causes and work to correct and reverse each, only then can patients experience a boost in health and return to life. If you think you have an autoimmune disease, ask yourself which of these above factors could be contributing to your issues. Take the necessary steps to reduce the impact of each on your life and make an appointment with a functional medicine doctor who specializes in autoimmune diseases immediately. Contact Atma Clinic Today If you suspect you have CIRS or are looking for a physician knowledgeable in Mold Illness in the Kansas City area, call us at (913) 568-0608 or (785) 760-0695 to schedule your free consultation today. This post was originally published on www.jjmd.com by Dr. Jessica Jellison.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). CFS is a condition characterized by feeling extremely tired and unable to sleep or rest adequately. Often dismissed in the past as ‘yuppie flu’, CFS is a seriously debilitating disorder that adversely affects the lives of patients we see. What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? Chronic fatigue syndrome is distinguished by extreme tiredness and fatigue that isn’t improved by rest. You don’t need a vacation or eight hours of sleep regularly – if you have CFS you suffer such crushing fatigue that you often can’t get out of bed, get dressed, prepare food, or manage any other daily tasks. On ‘good’ days you may find you can do these things, but you may find it difficult to concentrate, or to walk to the end of the block. Pushing yourself to complete household chores and unfinished tasks can often exacerbate your symptoms (post-exertional malaise), meaning you have to spend more time in bed. CFS is shown in part to be an autoimmune disease. Often, patients report that their energy levels dropped after coming down with the flu or mono, and they never recovered. Your body continues to fight an enemy that is no longer present, resulting in the following: Your immuno-inflammatory pathways are being constantly activated, which results in inflammation of your different tissues (particularly those of the muscles and joints). Molecular mimicry, where your immune system mistakes healthy cells for infectious agents and attacks them. Depleted reserves of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) – your body’s main energy currency. When you consider all that is going on inside your body, it’s no surprise that you feel achy and struggle to find energy. This post was originally published on www.jjmd.com by Dr. Jessica Jellison.

Autoimmune diseases affect millions of people every year and that number keeps growing. While there isn’t a consensus as to why autoimmune diseases are on the rise, chances are it’s due to several different factors, which may vary from person to person to cause the immune system to overreact. Autoimmunity happens when the immune system mistakes the body for a pathogen and begins attacking healthy tissue. There are hundreds of different types of autoimmune diseases, and symptoms depend on which tissues are being attacked. For example, rheumatoid arthritis is when the immune system attacks healthy joints, which causes joint swelling and pain. Another factor particular to autoimmune disease is that they affect women more often than men. It isn’t clear exactly why women are affected more than men when it comes to autoimmune disease. When your body is attacking itself the immune system creates autoantibodies, which can sometimes be tested for. If you suspect you have an autoimmune disease, it’s a good idea to see a functional medicine doctor sooner rather than later because it can worsen over time. Contact Atma Clinic Today If you suspect you have Autoimmune Disease or are looking for a physician knowledgeable in Mold Illness in the Kansas City area, call us at (913) 568-0608 or (785) 760-0695. This post was originally published on www.jjmd.com by Dr. Jessica Jellison.

Symptoms of an Unhealthy Gut. Often times people don’t realize some of their symptoms are gut related and so they aren’t connecting the dots between symptoms like bloating and allergies, for example. But because your gut microbiome regulates your immune system to a large degree, when your gut is out of balance, you can experience all sorts of symptoms. Here are a few symptoms of an unhealthy gut that aren’t overly obvious: Allergies Food sensitivities Asthma Anxiety Depression Ulcers White film on your tongue Brain fog Autoimmune disease Skin problems Sugar cravings Halitosis (bad breath) If you are experiencing any of these symptoms alongside gastrointestinal discomfort there is a good chance you have a condition that needs to be looked at by your functional medicine doctor. If you are in the Kansas City area and looking for a functional medicine doctor we regularly see patients for all sorts of gut-related issues. This post was originally published on www.jjmd.com by Dr. Jessica Jellison.

The Problem with Time Constraints in Healthcare One of the most significant challenges patients face in mainstream medicine is the lack of time doctors can dedicate to them. In today's healthcare system, doctors are often overwhelmed by tight schedules, leaving them with only a few minutes to spend with each patient. These rushed appointments make it nearly impossible to truly understand the patient’s full story or dig deeper into the root causes of their health concerns. Imagine arriving at a doctor’s office with a list of symptoms and health concerns, only to be met with a quick examination and a hurried prescription. You walk out feeling as if your issues were swept under the rug rather than thoroughly explored. This experience isn't uncommon, and it highlights a fundamental flaw in the traditional medical system: a focus on efficiency over empathy. When time is scarce, the opportunity to connect the dots, understand underlying conditions, and truly engage with the patient's health journey is often lost. Dr. Sandal and his team believe that healing begins with listening. Taking the time to hear a patient’s concerns, history, and aspirations for their health is essential to formulating a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses the individual rather than just the symptoms. Over-Reliance on Prescription Solutions Another significant issue in mainstream medicine is the tendency to rely on prescriptions as a first-line solution. While medication has its place and can be life-saving, it often serves as a quick fix rather than a cure. Many patients find themselves on a revolving door of prescriptions that address their symptoms temporarily without tackling the underlying cause of their problems. This approach can feel like placing a band-aid on a wound that needs stitches—it covers up the issue temporarily but doesn’t solve it. Patients who come to their doctors seeking a deeper understanding of their health issues are often disappointed to leave with nothing more than a prescription slip and little guidance on how to achieve long-term wellness. Dr. Sandal emphasizes that true healing requires a broader approach. It involves looking beyond the symptoms to understand what is happening within the body and why. By combining the patient's insights, research, and the doctor's expertise, they aim to create a treatment plan that addresses the root cause and supports the body’s natural healing processes. The Lack of Collaborative Care in Mainstream Medicine One of the most transformative shifts in healthcare today is the move towards collaborative care—a practice that is sorely lacking in many traditional settings. In mainstream medicine, the doctor is often seen as the sole expert, the gatekeeper of knowledge. While doctors are undoubtedly knowledgeable, this approach dismisses the valuable insights patients can provide about their own bodies and experiences. Dr. Sandal and his team at Atma Clinic believe that patients are not just passive recipients of care; they are active participants in their health journey. They view their role as guides, not dictators, working alongside patients to create personalized treatment plans. This collaborative approach recognizes that each person is the best expert on their own body and that their experiences, research, and instincts are crucial components of effective healthcare. When doctors and patients work together as a team, the result is a deeper understanding of health conditions and more comprehensive, individualized care. This partnership fosters trust and empowers patients to take control of their health, leading to more meaningful outcomes. A Call for Transformation in Patient Care The challenges facing mainstream medicine aren’t simply the fault of individual doctors or nurses but are deeply embedded in a system that prioritizes quick solutions over quality care. Dr. Sandal, Conner Keyeski, and Dr. Lauren Poull are advocating for a shift in how we approach patient care—one that goes beyond managing symptoms to uncover the true causes of illness. This transformation requires seeing patients not just as cases to be solved but as partners in the healing process. It means dedicating the time and energy to truly understand their stories, looking beyond prescriptions, and embracing a collaborative approach that empowers patients. At Atma Clinic, the goal is to rebuild the patient-doctor relationship as a partnership, where the focus is on genuine healing rather than temporary fixes. They believe that by treating patients as individuals and integrating their insights into their care plans, we can move toward a healthcare model that values root-cause resolution over mere symptom management. Conclusion The current state of mainstream medicine leaves much to be desired, but there is hope for a better approach. By listening to patients, involving them in their treatment decisions, and focusing on the root causes of health issues, we can create a healthcare system that prioritizes true healing. As Dr. Sandal and his team continue to advocate for a patient-first model of care, they invite everyone to rethink their approach to wellness, moving beyond traditional medicine's limitations to embrace a more holistic and collaborative path to health.

Dr. Sandal and Chad Richards Discuss Mindful Fitness

As the summer sun blazes on, it's essential to ensure you and your family stay safe and healthy while enjoying all the season has to offer. Dr. Neela Sandal and Nurse Practitioner Conner Keyeski share invaluable tips on how to survive and thrive during the summer months. From swim safety to sun exposure, insect bites, and hydration, we’ve got you covered with expert advice. Swim Safety Water activities are a summer favorite, but they come with their own set of risks. Conner Keyeski emphasizes the importance of formal swimming lessons for both children and adults. Knowing how to swim can be a lifesaver. Additionally, using flotation devices can prevent accidents, providing extra security for swimmers of all ages. For parents, water safety can be a source of anxiety. Conner offers practical tips to ease these concerns, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the water safely and confidently. Sun Exposure Protecting your skin from the sun is crucial, but not all sunscreens are created equal. Dr. Sandal recommends using sunscreens with titanium and zinc oxide over chemical sprays. These options are not only more effective but also safer for your skin and the environment. The Environmental Working Group (EWG.org) is a fantastic resource for finding healthy and environmentally friendly products. Dr. Sandal introduces the concept of a "solar callus," which involves gradual sun exposure to build skin tolerance. Using the analogy of plants, she explains how proper sun exposure and protection can keep your skin healthy without overexposing it to harmful UV rays. Insect Bites Summer also brings an influx of insects. Rather than relying on chemical bug sprays, Dr. Sandal and Conner advocate for natural alternatives. They recommend oil blends known for their bug-repelling properties and suggest planting Citronella and Eucalyptus in your garden as natural deterrents. Regular and thorough tick checks are essential, as is early treatment for tick bites to prevent chronic issues. For post-bite relief, products like Calendula oil and Pure3 Ozone Oil can soothe irritated skin. Hydration Staying hydrated is a must, especially during the hot summer months. Dr. Sandal advises drinking filtered water instead of tap water to avoid contaminants. However, filtered water can lack essential minerals, so it's important to replenish them. Supplements like LMNT and Quinton water are excellent choices. Innovative hydration tips, such as freezing LMNT popsicles or ice cubes, can make staying hydrated more enjoyable. Proper hydration is crucial for preventing heat stroke and maintaining overall health. Holistic Care and Tick Bites Dr. Sandal and Conner stress the importance of holistic care and early intervention for tick bites to prevent chronic symptoms. If you feel unwell after a tick bite, it's crucial to seek help from a Functional & Integrative Doctor or consult us at www.atmaclinic.com While mainstream medicine typically treats tick bites with antibiotics and expects recovery, tick-borne illnesses can become chronic. Functional and Integrative Medicine ensures thorough follow-up and comprehensive care, even after initial antibiotic treatment. Helpful Resources For healthy product choices, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) is an invaluable resource. Visit www.ewg.org to explore their recommendations and ensure you’re making safe, informed decisions. We hope you find these tips useful and have a safe and wonderful summer!

In our most recent episode of "Talking Shift” on our YouTube Channel, Dr. Neela Sandal and Nurse Practitioner Melissa Blake delve into the challenges of parenting in today's rapidly evolving world. With technology advancing at lightning speed and societal norms constantly shifting, raising successful children requires a dynamic approach. But what does success truly mean in an ever-changing environment? Success can vary greatly depending on your perspective, but one thing remains constant: social skills are a crucial component. Unlike biological traits, social skills must be taught and learned, and this is where modern parenting faces its biggest hurdle. The rapid advancement of technology far outpaces our biological adaptation, especially in developing children. The Role of Schools and Physical Activity While schools focus heavily on academics, they often fall short in teaching essential social skills. Additionally, children are not getting enough physical activity, with physical education classes and outdoor recesses being limited. It's biologically challenging for children to sit still for long periods, making it essential for parents to find healthy alternatives to screen time. This can be a tough sell, especially when it might make you temporarily unpopular with your kids, but the long-term benefits are worth it. The Impact of Technology on Youth Today's youth are engaged in activities that come with mixed benefits and drawbacks. While screen time has its advantages, it pales in comparison to the benefits of playing outside. Emerging sociological studies on EMF and blue light suggest significant yet not fully understood impacts on our well-being. At Atma Clinic, we strive to stay ahead in medicine and biochemistry, challenging perceptions that our approach is unconventional. Practical Parenting Tips for 2024 Parenting in 2024 can feel overwhelming, but by shifting our mindset, we can develop reasonable interventions to support our children’s growth and long-term health. Dr. Sandal and Melissa recommend incorporating exercise and movement into daily routines. Encourage your children to earn their screen time by balancing it with physical activities. Play with your kids, rain or shine, and create lasting memories. Let’s get our children back into their bodies, moving away from the abstract reality of screen time. Establishing Boundaries and Leading by Example As parents, we must establish boundaries and lead by example. Take time for family meetings to set expectations that work for your family. This collaborative approach not only sets clear guidelines but also empowers your children to be part of the decision-making process, fostering responsibility and cooperation. By shifting our parenting philosophies and implementing these strategies, we can support our children in developing the social skills and physical health necessary for a successful future. Remember, it's about finding a balance that works for your family and being adaptable as the world continues to change. Let's continue to shift our parenting philosophies for a brighter future. Together, we can navigate the complexities of modern parenting and raise well-rounded, resilient children.