My passion for and practice of restorative medicine is based upon the belief and experience that the body can and will heal itself if function is optimized in the following five areas:
All symptoms and disease come from imbalances in the above-mentioned five areas. The following are examples of symptoms and disease caused by underlying imbalances:
- The metabolic hormones such as thyroid, cortisol and insulin are not optimal when we experience weight gain that does not respond to optimal diet and exercise.
- When our skin loses its vitality or we lose bone density and cognitive function, hormones such as estrogen, progesterone and testosterone and nutrients are deficient.
- When our cholesterol increases it is usually because the liver, bowel and gallbladder are not processing cholesterol optimally. Cholesterol can also increase if thyroid and testosterone levels are not ideal.
- When we experience headaches, magnesium is usually low.
- When we lose our sex drive, vitality and confidence, testosterone is to blame.
- Anxiety may be indicative of deficiencies in Omega-3, magnesium, testosterone or progesterone.
- Low energy and fatigue may occur because of the body’s increased need for cortisol secondary to stress thus causing decreased levels of thyroid, testosterone and growth hormone.
An imbalance is defined as levels falling outside of the “optimal” range which means we do not utilize “normal” ranges for interpretation.
Are you in the “optimal” range?
Many patients are on medications that control symptoms without addressing underlying causes. Many of them have had lab tests reporting them to be in the “normal” range. The real question is whether they are in the “optimal” range.
For example:
- The “normal” range for Vitamin D is 30-100 ng/dL. Studies show that the incidence of cancer decreases by 50% with levels over 70.
- The “normal” range for testosterone in males is 250-1100 ng/dl. An “optimal” testosterone level in males is 800-1100 ng/dl. Men over 55 with higher levels of testosterone showed significant reduction in coronary artery disease risk and heart attacks.
- Although most people over the age of 35 start to experience thyroid dysfunction (i.e. fatigue, weight gain, depression and loss of mental clarity), they often fall in the “normal” range.
It is important to note that optimal levels vary from person to person. In other words, what is right for me may not be right for you. The good news is that when the underlying imbalances are corrected and optimal levels are achieved, the body is protected against degeneration and you will experience happiness and the feeling of being revitalized.
What can you do to achieve optimal health?
I can guide you to restore your body to its prime functioning ability by addressing the five essential areas: hormones, nutrients, toxin clearance, mind and body. Together, we will achieve this by doing the following:
- Measuring current hormone levels, creating and following an individualized plan to attain optimal hormone levels;
- Undergoing specialized testing to measure current nutrition status. If you need supplements, they will be selected carefully for purity and with knowledge of your individual nutrient status.
- Identifying and reducing exposure to toxins as well as ensuring that your elimination pathways are supported.
- Balancing the mind and body with simple but proven techniques.
When you optimize the hormones and nutrients that protect your brain, bones, heart, breast/prostate, eliminate toxins and balance the mind/body connection, you can most certainly achieve optimal health and wellness from the inside out.
Rowena Chua, MD
Dr. Chua is board-certified in Integrative Medicine and Neurology. She completed her neurological training at Northwestern University and a fellowship in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona, under the supervision of Dr. Andrew Weil. Her focus is on taking care of the whole person, rather than treating a specific symptom, through nutrition, mind-body approaches, and balancing the neurohormonal, immune and digestive systems. She guides patients in discovering the body’s innate capacity to seek wellness, look for balance, and heal itself, and works as a partner in identifying treatment options that reflect a patient’s unique needs and life circumstances.
Credentials: MD