High cholesterol has long been viewed as a key contributor to heart disease, but from a functional medicine and holistic nutrition perspective, the story is more nuanced. Cholesterol itself isn’t the villain—it’s an essential compound involved in hormone production, cellular repair, and brain health. The real issue lies in how cholesterol is being used in the body and what’s causing it to become imbalanced in the first place.

The number one way that we are able to limit and prevent a future diagnosis of cancer, autoimmune disorders, hormonal imbalances or inflammatory conditions is intentionally making sure we are having healthy and happy bowel movements daily. Constipation can range from 1 bowel movement a day, to 3 bowel movements a week. If you’re struggling with constipation currently, read on to find holistic and natural ways to support your digestive health.

If you’re dealing with bloating, heartburn, indigestion, or acid reflux, you might be tempted to blame excess stomach acid. But in reality, low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria) is often the underlying issue. When stomach acid is low, food doesn’t break down properly, causing a backup of partially digested food that can lead to uncomfortable symptoms.

As we age, our body’s collagen production naturally slows down. By our late 20s, collagen production starts to decline, and by our 40s, we may have lost up to 30% of our collagen. This is where supplementation comes in. But before you reach for that collagen powder, let’s look at what foods can help our body naturally produce more collagen!