Harmony Hub Health
Functional Medicine, Hormone Health and Weight Loss with Michele Postol, CRNP
Harmony Hub Health
It's my Birthday! I'm going to share my Anti-Aging secrets with you!
Unlock the secrets to maintaining a youthful spirit as I celebrate turning 48 and embark on a journey of longevity with Harmony Hub Health. Ever wondered how to truly differentiate between your chronological and biological age? Discover the pivotal role that mitochondria play in energy production, oxidative stress management, and cellular repair—key factors that influence the aging process. Using cutting-edge insights from the TrueAge DNA test, we explore how understanding and enhancing cellular health can lead to vibrant living. Promise yourself a deeper understanding of how a well-supported mitochondrial function can slow aging and boost vitality.
Join me as I unveil my top vitality secret, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), and explore how it can energize your life. From the transformative potential of bioidentical hormones in hormone replacement therapy to the essential minerals like magnesium, zinc, and calcium, we delve into powerful strategies that restore balance and promote wellness. We'll also highlight the importance of gut health, emphasizing a diet rich in fiber, prebiotics, and probiotics to support a thriving microbiome. Celebrate the journey of embracing youthful health through functional medicine and remember to consult with healthcare providers before making any lifestyle changes. Let’s toast to vibrant living and unlock the secrets to ageless health together!
Welcome to Harmony Hub Health, where my mission is to provide comprehensive, affordable, integrative care that addresses the root cause of health issues. At the Hub, the focus is on individual patient journeys. I strive to optimize health, vitality and longevity, fostering a community where each person can thrive in body, mind and spirit. So this week I am officially turning the big four eight and let me tell you, the compliments are pouring in. You look so young. I hear. What's your secret? They ask eyes wide with curiosity. Well, they seem to think I'm secretly moonlighting as a plastic surgeon or, at the very least, a professional filler enthusiast. But spoiler alert, I am not. I have never touched a syringe of filler to my body in my life.
Speaker 1:My real fountain of youth, it's all about those little powerhouses and our cells, the mitochondria. Now, before you roll your eyes and think, oh great, here comes another science lesson, let me assure you this is as entertaining as it gets. Mitochondria are like the energy factories of our cells, and when they're happy, we're happy. Think of them as the party planners of our bodies. They create the energy we need to thrive, and when they're running smoothly, they can help us look and feel younger. Mitochondria are often referred to as the powerhouses of our cells, but let's be real, they're more like the over-caffeinated baristas at your favorite coffee shop, always buzzing and ready to serve up that energy. So as we navigate the complex landscape of aging, it is essential to understand the fundamental roles that cells and mitochondria play in your overall health and longevity. And then, don't worry, then I will get to telling you all the secrets of my anti-aging. So here's a detailed look at how cellular health and mitochondrial function are intertwined with the aging process, including the lifespan of cells and ways to promote healthier aging.
Speaker 1:You might be wondering what are these cells that you keep talking about? I see it in the eyes of all of my consultations. When I start talking about cells, it's kind of like what is she talking about? But cells are the basic building blocks of all living organisms. They perform essential functions, including energy production, waste removal, replication. The human body contains trillions of cells, each with a specific role in maintaining health. So the lifespan of a cell varies significantly depending on the type and the function. So, for example, your skin cells they only live about two to three weeks. Your red blood cells they live for about 120 days. And your neurons they can last a lifetime, assuming that they remain healthy. So the ability of cells to replicate and repair is crucial for maintaining tissue health. However, as cells age, their ability to divide and function optimally declines, and this is what leads to the aging process.
Speaker 1:Your cells make up your tissues. Your tissues make up your organs, and how your organs work is what makes your health and these powerhouses. They generate adenosine triphosphate, also known as ATP. This is the energy currency of your cell. They also play important roles in regulating metabolism of your cell. They also play important roles in regulating metabolism apoptosis, which is programmed cell death, and the production of reactive oxygen species or ROS. So mitochondrial function tends to decline with age. It results in decreased ATP production and increased oxidative stress. This decline contributes to several age-related conditions, including metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases and cardiovascular issues.
Speaker 1:So how does healthy mitochondria impact aging? First of all, it is that energy production. Healthy mitochondria efficiently produce that ATB, providing the energy required for cellular functions. Adequate energy supports physical activity, cognitive function and metabolic processes, all of which are crucial for healthy aging. Mitochondria are both a source and a target of oxidative stress. So healthy mitochondria help maintain a balance between that ROS production and antioxidant defenses. When mitochondrial function deteriorates, it can lead to increased oxidative damage to your cells, which accelerates the aging process. Lead to increased oxidative damage to your cells, which accelerates the aging process. Mitochondria play a role in cellular signaling pathways that regulate repair processes, so healthy mitochondria enhance the cell's ability to repair damaged DNA and other cellular components, promoting longevity. Mitochondria are involved in the regulation of that apoptosis, which is essential for removing damaged or dysfunctional cells. Properly functioning mitochondria ensure that this process occurs efficiently, preventing the accumulation of damaged cells that can contribute to aging and disease. Cells and mitochondria play pivotal roles in the aging process. The lifespan of cells varies, but their ability to function optimally diminishes with age. Healthy mitochondria are essential for energy production, oxidative stress management, cellular repair and the regulation of apoptosis. These are all critical factors in promoting healthy aging. By adopting a lifestyle that supports mitochondrial and cellular health, you can slow the aging process and enhance your overall vitality.
Speaker 1:And finding out how young or how old you really are. This is different than your chronological age. That's easily done by doing math. So my chronological age is about to be 48. But how do we find out our biological age? Well, buckle up, because it is a bit of a ride. There are several tests out there that can reveal just how youthful or not your cells really are. But there's a lot of fun ways to uncover the mystery. One way is you know my aura ring. My aura ring tells me my cardiovascular age is 3.5 years younger than my chronological age. A lot of that is based on HRV and how well it feels your heart health is. But what about my full biological age?
Speaker 1:There are different tests that you can do to find your biological age. The number one way that most people use are DNA methylation tests. This is where we get all scientific. These tests analyze your DNA to show how aged it looks. Think of it like checking your social media profile to see if you've posted an embarrassing throwback from high school.
Speaker 1:My favorite test is True Diagnostics TrueAge DNA test. You can do it from home. So this was developed by True Diagnostic. It's a company focused on functional medicine and personalized health, and the test estimates your biological age based on the analysis of specific biomarkers related to aging, inflammation and overall health. And the test evaluates these biomarkers from your blood sample to estimate your biological age, which can be very different than your chronological age. A younger biological age suggests better cellular health and vitality. This test can show alcohol consumption risk, your average telomere length, your pace of aging, your immune cell deconvolution. It does show a lot of inflammation markers in your cells. It gives you a mitotic clock. It can show your physical fitness age. It can show the age of your organ systems. It can show your smoking risk, your risk of type 2 diabetes and even weight loss response. For those of you that have a hard time losing weight, this does a DNA approach to figuring out the best way that your body would lose weight and after the test you receive a detailed report outlining your biological age, along with explanations of each biomarker and its implications for your health. The report also includes personalized recommendations for lifestyle changes to improve overall well-being. You can do this all from home and it takes about three weeks to get the results. And I can order this for you from Rupa.
Speaker 1:That test does include the telomere length testing, but you can also do the telomere length testing by itself with other companies. Think of telomeres like the plastic tips on your shoelaces. Can you picture that Once you wear that down, everything just kind of unravels right and a simple blood test can measure the length of those little caps on your chromosomes. So if you have short telomeres, it's not very good. If you have long telomeres, then you are winning at the biological age game. You can also check blood biomarkers. There's various blood tests that can measure inflammation, cholesterol, other markers of health. It's almost like getting a report card for your insides. A high grade means you're acing the anti-aging class. I always add these to my lab assessments at my consultations. If you're doing metabolic health programs, then there are also fitness tests. So who needs a gym membership when you can measure your biological age with some fun physical tests? Whether it's how many push-ups you can do or your flexibility during a yoga session, your fitness level can really indicate how young you really are. So there are a lot of great fitness tests you can find just online.
Speaker 1:Now for the part you've been waiting for, and as we explore the fascinating world of biological age, it is important to understand how various therapies and interventions can help maintain or even reduce your biological age. So now I'm about to spill my secrets. I'm going to tell you my top five for what I have done for myself, and if you've known me for a while, you've seen the transformation. And if you're just meeting me, you may have no idea about my journey. So one thing I want to say up front is nothing that you're going to do is going to happen overnight. This took me years to perfect and it took me years to get to where I am, and I'm still on my journey. I'm not to a goal and I don't know if there ever is a goal, it's just ongoing, making sure that you feel as healthy as you can be. But here are some secrets, some new, some old and, like I said, it is developing and changing over time. But these are my secrets that I'm going to tell you.
Speaker 1:I guess the secret sauce like how to keep your biological age in check. Okay, number one, my number one secret right now and this is new for me I'm trying to think of how long it's been. Maybe the last just months, months and weeks. It's been maybe the last just months, months and weeks, but I'm going to put it as number one because it probably has been the most effective in the shortest amount of time for everything I'm going to tell you. But it may also be because I have perfected my foundation. So when I do things like this, you really see the difference.
Speaker 1:And my number one secret is nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, nad. Nad is a coenzyme found in every cell of the body and plays a crucial role in energy production and cellular metabolism. It is essential for converting food into energy and it is involved in several biological processes, including DNA repair and the regulation of cell signaling. As we age, nad levels naturally decline, leading to reduced energy production in our cells. Supplementing with NAD precursors like NMN or NR can boost your NAD levels and enhance cellular energy and potentially improve overall vitality. But I'm talking boost your NAD levels and enhance cellular energy and potentially improve overall vitality. But I'm talking about straight NAD. It's vital for activating sirtuins, that's a group of proteins that play a key role in cellular repair and longevity. Higher levels of NAD can support DNA repair mechanisms, which may combat age-related degeneration.
Speaker 1:I recently started injecting NAD several times a week. I was doing it once a week just to try it out. I did try it intravenously IV and it was amazing. So I started using the subcutaneous route. You can also put it in your muscle, but I've been using it to the selfish point that I had none left when someone asked for it at my wellness happy hour this past week, because I had taken all of it myself and my new shipment has not come in. Yet I am ready to take a chair and sit at my mailbox because this next shipment is due any day and I cannot wait for my next dose. So that is NAD plus Amazing. I had always heard about it. I know that the infusions can be very expensive and nobody wants an IV all the time, so I decided okay, I'm going to try the injectable NAD and it has been a game changer for how I feel and my energy level.
Speaker 1:Number two, my number two secret this is something that is not new. This has been for the last several years, and what I started Harmony Hub Health for so I can help other people is with bioidentical hormones. So bioidentical hormones are hormones that are chemically identical to those produced by the human body. They are often used in HRT or hormone replacement therapy to restore hormonal balance, and, as we age, hormone levels such as estrogen, testosterone and progesterone fluctuate, which can lead to various age-related symptoms. Restoring balance with bioidentical hormones can improve your mood it sure did for mine your energy, your libido and overall well-being. Proper hormonal balance supports metabolic health, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight and preventing age-related diseases, and hormones like estrogen and testosterone are vital for maintaining bone density and muscle mass, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and frailty as we age. Okay, that is my secret number two. So if you've never had a hormone assessment, then you're curious. You have to come and see me, because it has been a game changer for not just me but for all of my patients.
Speaker 1:Number three which I call it a secret, but it's not a secret because I try to get everybody on this but balanced minerals, the importance of balanced minerals, and a strong immune system. These are minerals like magnesium, zinc, selenium and calcium. They all play a crucial role in various bodily functions, including your immune response, your bone health and metabolic processes. Proper mineral balance supports immune health. For example, zinc is essential for the development and function of your immune cells. Deficiencies can lead to weakened immunity, making you more susceptible to infections and chronic disease. Minerals such as magnesium have anti-inflammatory properties and they can help reduce chronic inflammation, a contributing factor in many age-related diseases, including autoimmune disorders.
Speaker 1:If you know me, you know that I went down this I don't even know what to call it path of autoimmune destruction, where I was told at different parts that I had Hashimoto's. I was told I had PCOS, I picked up celiac disease. I was picking up all of these labels and given some band-aids down the road and continued to feel worse. Then I realized that there is something that has to be done and when I figured out these broken pieces and how so much of it can be solved just by balancing minerals, I could have saved years and procedures and a lot of things could have been fixed had I known that I was going to have to do it again, that this even existed. Okay, minerals are also involved in hormone production and regulation and it supports your overall hormonal balance and metabolic health. So my favorite test is HTMA, the hair tissue mineral analysis. That is the best way to really look at how your mineral ratios are, and Vicon Customs is my supplement of choice for that. I am obsessed and I try to give it to anybody that will be willing to take it.
Speaker 1:Number four secret that I have, which kind of ties it all together that I talk about so frequently, is gut health. My secret number four was that I fixed my gut. There is such a connection between gut health and biological age. Good gut health is increasingly recognized as a vital aspect of overall wellness directly influencing biological age the gut microbiome, or the collection of trillions of microorganisms residing in your digestive tract plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including digestion, immune response and even your mental health. A healthy gut microbiome helps to maintain a balanced immune response and prevents chronic inflammation, which is a key contributor to the aging process and to autoimmune diseases. An imbalanced gut microbiome, known as dysbiosis, can lead to increased intestinal permeability, which is referred to as leaky gut. This condition allows toxins and undigested food particles to enter your bloodstream, triggering systemic inflammation. Chronic inflammation accelerates aging by promoting the development of age-related diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders. By supporting gut health through balanced diet rich in fiber, prebiotics, probiotics, you can reduce inflammation and lower your biological age.
Speaker 1:A well-functioning gut is essential for the effective absorption of nutrients. So beneficial gut bacteria help break down and ferment dietary fiber, producing short chain fatty acids like butyrate. These short chain fatty acids not only provide energy for colon cells, but also supports metabolic health. So optimized nutrient absorption ensures that your body receives the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants necessary for cellular repair and energy production. I can go on and on about people that tell me all of these different supplements they're taking, all of these high price things that they've been talked into buying. But if you don't have good nutrient absorption, it really doesn't matter what you're taking, and then again, that's why I find some people don't take anything at all, because they've heard that they would not have good absorption. So you have to have someone trained, you have to have someone that knows what they're talking about to help you fix your gut health. You know, this supports mitochondrial function, which is important for maintaining youthful energy levels and reducing biological age. About 70% of your immune system resides in your gut, so a healthy microbiome helps regulate immune function and protects against pathogens, reducing the risk of infections and autoimmune diseases. A strong immune system can help prevent chronic diseases that are associated with aging, and by fostering a healthy gut, you can improve your immune response, thereby lowering your biological age by reducing the incidence of age-related illnesses.
Speaker 1:And your gut microbiome is involved in the metabolism of hormones, including estrogen, insulin and cortisol. Metabolism of hormones, including estrogen, insulin and cortisol, and an imbalance in gut bacteria can disrupt hormonal regulation, leading to issues such as insulin resistance and hormonal fluctuations. Balanced hormones are crucial for maintaining energy levels, mood and overall health, so by supporting your gut health, you can promote hormonal balance. By supporting your gut health, you can promote hormonal balance, which plays a significant role in how we experience aging and help lower your biological age. Another big factor is how your mental health is affected. The gut-brain axis refers to the bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain. Gut health affects the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which influences mood and cognitive function. Mental health is closely tied to physical health. A healthy gut can improve mood, it can reduce anxiety, it can enhance cognitive function, all of which contribute to a more youthful state of being. Chronic stress and cognitive decline are associated with aging, so maintaining a healthy gut can help mitigate these effects. Good gut health is a cornerstone of overall wellness and plays a significant role in influencing biological age. By reducing inflammation, enhancing nutrient absorption, supporting immune function, balancing hormones and promoting mental health, a healthy gut can help you feel and look younger. Prioritizing gut health through lifestyle and dietary choices is a powerful strategy in your journey to lower your biological age and promote longevity.
Speaker 1:Next we'll move on to secret number five, which I don't use enough, but it's because I've been sharing it with my clients at Monarch Beauty and Spa and I keep it there when I really want to keep it at home all the time. That is PEMF therapy. Pemf, also known as Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy. It uses low frequency electromagnetic fields to stimulate cellular repair and enhance overall health. The mat I have in the office is a higher dose PEMF mat and it sends electromagnetic waves through your body to help promote your body's own recovery process. It's not like electromagnetic waves found in an x-ray machine and microwaves, but PEMF waves are delivered in small bursts at low frequency and it mimics the same kind of electromagnetic waves you'd find in nature. So the longer you use it, both over time and during your session, the more you can feel the long-term benefits. The PEMF technology used in the mat is based on optimized frequency, intensity and wave type of synergy with the other therapies which are part of the mat design. So it's far infrared therapy, negative ion therapy and crystal therapy which is why I chose this mat. The infrared therapy really penetrates deep and goes into the body to promote healing. It increases circulation and quiets inflammation. Their infrared devices are low EMF and encourage whole body relaxation. Pemp therapy promotes better blood circulation and oxygenation, which can enhance cellular repair processes. Improved energy at the cellular level can help combat the effects of aging and by promoting relaxation and reducing stress, pemf therapy can support hormonal balance and immune function, contributing to a healthier biological age. Regular use of a PEMF mat can alleviate pain and improve mobility, which is really important for maintaining an active lifestyle as we age.
Speaker 1:All right, so those are my top five secrets of how I feel like I have maintained healthy mitochondria. I would say there's a secret number six, but I haven't used it myself, but I do use it on my patients, and that would be peptide therapy. Peptide therapy involves the use of specific peptides. These are short chains of amino acids to stimulate various biological processes in the body. I know that I did a podcast before about the lock and key and that's what makes peptides so amazing. But certain peptides like BPC-157 and TB-500, they promote tissue repair and regeneration, which enhances recovery from injuries and slows the aging process. Peptides can also stimulate the pituitary gland to produce more growth hormone, which is really crucial for muscle growth, fat metabolism and overall vitality. And a lot of the peptides enhance immune function and reduce inflammation, so that helps protect against chronic disease and support overall health. So now that you're armed with the knowledge of how to find your biological age and how to lower your biological age, how do you make sure that it stays younger than your chronological age.
Speaker 1:Well, here are some other things that I call the real deal. Number one eat like you mean it. Nutrient-dense foods are your best friends. Think colorful fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats. They're like the cheerleaders for your mitochondria, boosting their performance and keeping them spry. You've got to stay off that standard American diet. You've got to stay off the processed foods. Eat like you mean it. And number two move your body. Exercise isn't just for looking good in a swimsuit. It is essential for keeping those mitochondria happy. Aim for a mix of cardio, strength training and flexibility work. Who doesn't love a good dance party? Right, but you have to move those cells. They love the movement.
Speaker 1:Next, I would say self-care rituals. Yes, I do enjoy a good facial and sprinkle some neurotoxin here and there, not for vanity, but because I love my skin. You should come see Caitlin at Monarch Beauty and Spa. She does my DMK facials and it is absolutely amazing. She's amazing, but the real magic happens with consistent self-care routines that keep stress at bay and your energy levels high.
Speaker 1:Next, I would say sleep like a baby. Prioritize your sleep, because that's when your body repairs and rejuvenates itself. Think of it as a nightly reboot for your cellular software. I think it was at one of my recent events a few weeks ago. Think of it as a nightly reboot for your cellular software. I think it was at one of my recent events a few weeks ago. Somebody in my family told people on an event that I don't sleep. She really doesn't know me at all. I have an aura ring that tells me actually when to go to bed, or I usually fall asleep on the couch before my bedtime. I do wake up early, but I value my sleep and I get plenty of it. Sometimes I think people assume I don't sleep because I'm so productive, but that might just have to do with my stellar mitochondrial health. But my sheets don't lie. I get seven to eight hours every single night.
Speaker 1:And probably the biggest thing that changed my life was less stress. Stress can age you faster than a bad relationship, so incorporate mindfulness practices like meditation or yoga. I do daily affirmations you want to keep your mind and body young. I also love the Calm app. That helps me very well. But anything you can do for stress reduction whether it is changing your job or getting rid of some of those toxic people in your life Anything that you can do to reduce stress is worth it. Okay, so there you have it.
Speaker 1:As I step into my 48th year, I'm armed with the knowledge of how to lower biological age and the tools to keep it as youthful as my spirit. Who needs fillers when you have the power of functional medicine and healthy cells on your side? Let's raise a glass. Maybe it's green juice, maybe it's my hydroxy tyrosol cocktails from Alavada, but let's raise that glass to a vibrant, youthful life. Thank you for being a part of my journey and I hope to also be a part of yours.
Speaker 1:This podcast is all about exploring the exciting world of functional medicine and how we can lower our biological age. Yep, you heard that right, but I want to remind you that, while I shared some fascinating insights and tips, I'm not handing out a medical degree here. So whether you're tuning in during your morning commute or sipping on your kale juice, or even pretending to work at your desk, remember that the information I provide is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It's like your favorite guilty pleasure TV show fun to watch, but don't take it too seriously. If you're thinking about making any change to your health routine or diving into the world of supplements, diets or the latest wellness trends, please consult with a qualified health care provider first.
Speaker 1:I don't want you blaming me if your new anti-aging smoothie recipe doesn't live up to the hype, but remember everyone's body is unique, just like our taste in music. What works for one person may not work for another, so let's keep the conversation fun and informative and always prioritize your health with the guidance of a professional. I would love to be your professional. If any of this sounded exciting to you and you would like to learn more about finding your biological age or how to reverse the clock, you can come see me at wwwharmonyhubhealthcom. You can come to my Facebook page called Harmony Hub Health. You can also email me at michelle with one L M-I-C-H-E-L-E at Harmony Hub Health, or come see me in person. I'm at Monarch Beauty and Spa here in Manchester, maryland, and I would love to get you on your journey.