Have you or your family members had symptoms that just don’t seem to add up? Every doctor has referred you to another specialist, which has just ended in them telling you that all your diagnostic tests are normal. Do you feel like you’re on a merry-go-round and can’t seem to get off? Mold is poison to your body and may be impacting you and your family’s health. It’s scary knowing something can be growing in your family’s home that most of the time you can’t see or smell. Sometimes you can be the only one out of your family experiencing these symptoms. Therefore, you don’t think the common denominator, your home, could be the culprit of your tiresome symptoms. It is estimated that about 25% of Americans have a genetic predisposition to be affected by mold due to their immune response genes (HLA-DR). This makes them more sensitive to biotoxins because their bodies don’t eliminate mold or environmental toxins as well. Did you know: When buying a home, most home inspections don’t include a thorough mold inspection?  Grab a flashlight and our home mold checklist to see if you have mold lurking. This post was originally published on www.jjmd.com by Dr. Jessica Jellison.

Low-fat diets are outdated fad diets, which could be harming you more than helping you. The myth “fat makes you fat” is one to be challenged – and it has been by numerous studies proving its falsehood. The “low-fat” motto has been plastered on products such as dairy, salad dressings, and more. But these products end up taking out essential fats and replacing it with processed sugar and salt. This exchange for nutrients can be harming your body since it needs healthy fats for proper growth and development. The right balance of healthy fats such as omega-3, 6, and 9 promote proper absorption of minerals and nutrients, as well as supporting good heart health and weight management. Studies show that a high-fat dairy intake among women actually lowered their risk of diabetes and obesity . However, not all fat is created equal, which is why we will discuss the importance and balance of the essential and non-essential omega fatty acids. Why You Should Get Your Daily Omega-3s Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) needed for vital human functions. These fatty acids play an integral part in every human cell membrane in your body and have major anti-inflammatory effects. Benefits of omega-3 fatty acids include: Improving cognitive development and learning Enhancing visual development Boosting Immune strength Fighting Inflammation Supporting fetal development Improving cardiovascular function Lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s disease Supporting mental health Promoting bone health Maintaining blood sugar Despite what people might think of “fat”, the essential healthy fats of omega-3s can benefit you by helping you lose weight. With regular exercise and consuming a diet filled with omega-3’s, studies show you can reduce your weight and waist size. Omega-3 fatty acids can help fight inflammation, which is the precursor to multiple diseases including cancer. Omega-3s can also help reduce inflammation in patients with mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) . This is because omega-3s suppress inflammatory cytokines in MCAS patients. Linoleic acid (LA), is an omega-6 fatty acid and ⍺-linolenic acid (ALA) is an omega-3 fatty acid. These are considered to be essential fatty acids (EFAs) because they can’t be synthesized by our bodies. Through a series of desaturations and elongations, our bodies are able to synthesize longer omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids from the EFAs, LA, and ALA. A couple of longer chain omega-3s, which you may be more familiar with, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), both of which are synthesized from ALA. However, due to low conversion efficiency (which occurs primarily in the liver and reported rates of <15%), it’s still recommended to also obtain EPA and DHA from additional sources. Unfortunately, if you’re an American following the westernized diet, chances are high you aren’t getting enough of these healthy omega-3s in your food. So making sure you load up on the following omega-3 foods can benefit your overall health. ALA is present in plant oils, which include flaxseed, soybean, and canola oils. DHA and EPA are present in fish, fish oils, and krill oils, but these fatty acids are originally synthesized by microalgae, not by the fish. When fish consume phytoplankton that consumed microalgae, the fish accumulate the omega-3s in their tissues. Foods high in omega-3’s include: Atlantic mackerel Wild caught Alaskan salmon Canola oil Walnuts Chia and flax seeds Herring Albacore tuna Green leafy vegetables According to the National Institutes of Health , the average recommended daily dose of omega-3s is approximately 1500 mg. The recommended daily dose for omega-3s varies depending on certain health conditions. You’ll need to consume more omega-3s or consider a supplement if you struggle with conditions such as chronic inflammation, heart conditions, cognitive impairment and/or depression. An Overabundance of Omega-6 Fatty Acids As mentioned earlier, LA is an essential omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid. Your body doesn’t produce this essential fatty acid and you need to get it from your diet. Food sources of LA include vegetable oils and safflower oils. Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) and arachidonic acid (AA), are omega-6 fatty acids, which are produced from LA through a process of desaturation and elongation. Sources of GLA include hemp seeds, spirulina, evening primrose oil, borage oil and sources of AA include meat, poultry, and eggs. Omega-6 fatty acids are needed for growth and development. However, an excess amount of omega-6 fatty acids can trigger the body to produce pro-inflammatory chemicals. That’s why it’s important to keep a healthy ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids. Western diets have an average 15:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 in their diet. Processed seed and vegetable oil, along with endless amounts of processed food, have had a major impact of this fatty acid imbalance. A 2:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 is recommended to have optimal benefit for your health. This imbalance of omega-6 to omega-3 promotes chronic inflammation and promotes the pathogenesis of many diseases such as: Cancer Autoimmune disease Arthritis Cardiovascular disease Asthma Obesity Alzheimer’s disease How to Balance Your Omega-6 to Omega-3 Ratio You’re bombarded with omega-6s in the American world today. Try to increase your daily intake of foods high in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (listed above) to help even out the playing field. Also, consume less unhealthy omega-6s such as: Corn oil Safflower oil Soy oil Peanut oil Vegetable oil Reducing the amount of processed and packaged foods such as snack foods, cookies, fast foods, and sweets is important. These modern days foods are normally high in unhealthy omega-6s. Make smarter choices for omega-6s such as: Flaxseed oil Borage oil Evening primrose oil Grapeseed oil Acai Pistachios Pumpkin seeds Studies show a lower omega-6 to omega-3 ratio promotes better health and reduces many chronic diseases, which are high in prevalence in Western societies. Don’t Forget Your Omega-9 Benefits Omega-9 fatty acids are different from your omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids because these are non-essential monounsaturated fats. Monounsaturated fatty acids contain a single double bond (in contrast to PUFAs which contain two or more double bonds and saturated fatty acids (SFA) are without double bonds). They are produced naturally by the body. Oleic acid is the most common omega-9 fatty acid. Omega-9s benefit the body by reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and can actually influence positive mood behaviors. Foods high in omega-9s include: Avocados Pecans Cashews Almonds Hazelnuts Chia seed oil Olive oil Olives Functional Medicine Doctors in the Kansas City Area Making sure you are getting the correct balance of your omegas can naturally help prevent diseases such as Alzheimer’s , autoimmune diseases, and even cancer. If you’re in the Kansas City area and struggling with inflammatory issues request an appointment with Dr. Jessica Jellison or Dr. Paul Reicherter today or call (913) 568-0608. Reference https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27006479 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15458813 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22332096 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18640689 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3884553/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17490962 https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-HealthProfessional/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16841861 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12442909 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12442909 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12442909 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3546618/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3607650/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22902330 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3335257/ This post was originally published on www.jjmd.com by Dr. Jessica Jellison.

Ticks are a type of arachnid that have evolved to feast on blood. A tick bite in itself is harmless, but the bacterial and viral infections that can result range from mildly inconvenient to deadly. The majority of human infections happen in spring and summer when the ticks go through the nymphal stage, and are the size of a poppy seed. Ticks can be hard to identify in the larval or nymphal stages. If you find a tick attached to your skin, the best way to remove it is with a pair of tweezers, and ensure that you clean and protect the wound after. Do not squash the tick, as this can also transmit disease. Read on to learn about Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases. What Is Lyme Disease? Lyme disease, also known as borreliosis, is an autoimmune disease triggered by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. You receive the bacterial infection through the bite of the blacklegged tick (deer tick, Ixodes scapularis) or the western blacklegged tick. The longer a tick stays attached to your body, the more likely you will contract Lyme disease – but not all ticks carry the bacteria. On average, the tick needs to stay attached to your body for anything upwards of 36 hours – and they are easily missed when they are so small. When the bacteria pass from the tick’s mouth to your skin, it immediately makes itself at home, often creating a rash as it creates a localized infection. From there, the bacteria move to infect your organs, muscles, joints and hiding from your immune system. As the bacteria is so widespread across your body, it incites many symptoms that can be confused with other illnesses. The bacteria also creates neurotoxins, which can damage and destroy otherwise healthy nerve tissue, affecting function. The damage causes mental impairment and the misfiring of your neurons, causing tingling, numbness, and pain. Lyme disease also triggers molecular mimicry – where the immune system mistakes healthy tissue for the bacteria and attacks it. This post was originally published on www.jjmd.com by Dr. Jessica Jellison.

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.