Stinging Nettle and Functional Medicine

By Dr. Linell King

Imagine you are hiking through the dense green undergrowth beside a gently babbling creek when you abruptly notice a sharp stinging sensation on your shin. Your skin starts turning bright pink and you quickly run back to the house for some hydrocortisone cream and a cold compress.

Once the pain begins to subside, you do the next practical thing: return to the creekside location where you were stung and attempt to identify the culprit. Once discovered, you will undoubtedly avoid any future run-ins with the perpetrator of this searing sting. With a quick survey of the foliage lining the creek, and after a quick Google search, you suspect stinging nettle. Can you guess what is found growing all along the creek?

Functional medicine uses similar concepts; understanding that creating the environment for optimal health requires looking deeper to find the root cause of discomfort and disease. Symptoms will provide clues about what needs to be addressed, and oftentimes there are simple solutions. Identifying that which prevents you from embodying your healthiest self can feel daunting, but taking a few small steps to learn more about what your body needs can dramatically improve your health and quality of life for the long term. Empowered with this information, you can take greater control of your health and create a sustainable plan personalized for you.

Where To Begin?
First, identify your goal: is it more energy, mental clarity, weight loss, pain management, hormonal balance, greater overall health, all of the above? Once you decide you’re ready to make a change, let us help you create a realistic and achievable plan to reach your goals safely and effectively.

Food Is Medicine, But Not all Food…
Some commonly known food allergens are gluten and dairy, but there are countless other foods and herbs (even some traditionally recognized as “healthy”) that can cause inflammatory responses in the digestive systems of otherwise healthy individuals. Each person has their own unique allergy and sensitivity profile. Continually ingesting unknown “allergens” can cause a low-level and persistent immune response that can drain the body’s resources needed to stave off other truly dangerous pathogens. Symptoms of poor gut health can range from skin problems and impaired immune function, to poor sleep, chronic pain, and fatigue. Our team at Naples Vitality can help you discern if what you’re eating is working to enhance your health, or actually creating additional challenges for your body.

Water, Water Everywhere
Three-fourths of Americans are not drinking enough water…but there are 3 different kinds of dehydration! Dehydration not only exacerbates a variety of problems and affects your overall health and wellness, it can be difficult to troubleshoot. Dr. King and his associates can help you manage the right hydration plan for your specific needs.

Zzzz
Memory issues, mood changes, trouble with concentration, weakened immune system, weight gain, and increased risk for heart disease are all health problems associated with sleep deprivation. But getting enough quality sleep can be challenging. Understanding why you are having trouble sleeping (or identifying that you are not sleeping well) can be a great starting point on your path to greater health.

Improved health and vitality is possible if you take the time and make the commitment. Naples Vitality will work with you to identify the root causes of your health challenges. Together, we can make a plan to put the pieces together and create positive change. If you are tired of just treating stings, take a walk down to the creek and find those nettles!

the digestive systems of otherwise healthy individuals. Each person has their own unique allergy and sensitivity profile. Continually ingesting unknown “allergens” can cause a low-level and persistent immune response that can drain the body’s resources needed to stave off other truly dangerous pathogens. Symptoms of poor gut health can range from skin problems and impaired immune function, to poor sleep, chronic pain, and fatigue. Our team at Naples Vitality can help you discern if what you’re eating is working to enhance your health, or actually creating additional challenges for your body.

Water, Water Everywhere
Three-fourths of Americans are not drinking enough water…but there are 3 different kinds of dehydration! Dehydration not only exacerbates a variety of problems and affects your overall health and wellness, it can be difficult to troubleshoot. Dr. King and his associates can help you manage the right hydration plan for your specific needs.

At Naples Vitality, we address weight loss, allergies, diabetes, autoimmune disease, chronic fatigue, inflammation, and more through thorough assessment, appropriate testing, and highly individualized functional medicine.

Linell King MD, renowned internist and author of “Mastering Vitality” received his medical degree from the University Of Wisconsin School Of Medicine, and completed his residency at The Johns Hopkins University Sinai Hospital Program of Internal Medicine. He has been practicing for twenty years; currently at his “Naples Vitality” office in Naples, FL

Our practice size is limited to ensure the best possible care for our clientele; we qualify and accept patients committed to working collaboratively to create improved health and continued success.

Call 239-467-0098 to reserve a free 15 minute consultation call with Dr. King to discuss your personalized success strategy.
www.naplesvitality.com/consult

Naples Vitality

239-467-0098
www.Naplesvitality.com

3411  Tamiami Trail N. Suite 200
Naples, FL 34103