When hormone production or regulation is disrupted, it can lead to hormone imbalance. This imbalance can occur due to various factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices, environmental factors such as toxicities from heavy metals and mold, autoimmune conditions and other medical conditions.

Hormone imbalance refers to an abnormality in the levels or functioning of one or more hormones and neurotransmitters in the body. It can occur when there is either too much or too little hormone production, or when the body is unable to properly respond to hormone signals. This can disrupt the normal functioning of various bodily processes and lead to a wide range of symptoms.

Hormones play a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being. They are produced by various glands in the endocrine system, such as the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, adrenal glands, and reproductive glands. Each hormone has a specific target organ or tissue in which it acts, regulating processes such as metabolism, growth, sexual development, and mood.

Let’s delve deeper into the fascinating world of hormones and explore their intricate functions within the human body.

One of the main roles of hormones is to act as chemical messengers, transmitting signals and messages between cells and organs. This intricate communication system ensures that different parts of the body work together harmoniously. For example, thyroid hormones regulate metabolism and energy levels, ensuring that our bodies efficiently convert food into energy. Insulin, on the other hand, helps regulate blood sugar levels, allowing our cells to absorb glucose and maintain stable energy levels.

But hormones don’t stop there. They also play a vital role in our emotional well-being. Serotonin, often referred to as the “feel-good hormone,” helps regulate mood, sleep, and appetite. Its levels can influence our overall sense of happiness and contentment. Similarly, dopamine, another important hormone, is associated with pleasure and reward. It motivates us to seek activities that bring joy and satisfaction.

In addition to their individual functions, hormones also work together in a delicate balance, influencing and regulating each other’s production and effects. This intricate dance ensures that our bodies maintain optimal health and well-being. For instance, the hypothalamus, a small but mighty gland in the brain, acts as the conductor of this hormonal symphony. It releases hormones that stimulate or inhibit the production of other hormones, maintaining equilibrium within the endocrine system.

There are many different types of hormones in the body, each with its own unique functions and effects. Let’s explore some of the most well-known hormones and their roles:

Insulin

Regulates blood sugar levels, ensuring that our cells receive the energy they need to function properly. Without insulin, glucose would accumulate in the bloodstream, leading to a condition known as diabetes.

Thyroid hormones

Control metabolism and energy levels. They regulate how quickly our bodies convert food into energy, affecting our weight, body temperature, and overall vitality.

Estrogen and progesterone

Regulate female reproductive function. These hormones are responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast growth and the menstrual cycle. They also play a crucial role in fertility and pregnancy.

Testosterone

Regulates male reproductive function and sexual development. It is responsible for the development of male secondary sexual characteristics, such as facial hair growth and deepening of the voice. Testosterone also plays a role in maintaining muscle mass and bone density.

Cortisol

Helps the body respond to stress. Commonly known as the “stress hormone,” cortisol plays a vital role in the body’s fight-or-flight response. It increases blood sugar levels, suppresses the immune system, and enhances the brain’s alertness to help us cope with stressful situations. It is also vital in waking us up in the morning and helping us to feel energized throughout the day.

These are just a few examples of the diverse range of hormones that our bodies produce. Each hormone has its own unique function, but they all work together to maintain the delicate balance necessary for our overall health and well-being.

There are many different types of hormones in the body, each with its own unique functions and effects. Let’s explore some of the most well-known hormones and their roles:

Chronic Stress

Chronic stress can lead us to a constant state of “fight-or-flight” where our bodies overproduce hormones like cortisol to cope with a constant perceived threat.

Age

Hormone levels naturally decline with age, leading to imbalances, especially in women during menopause.

Diet and lifestyle

Unhealthy eating habits, lack of exercise, and exposure to toxins can disrupt hormone production and regulation.

Medical conditions

Certain medical conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hypothyroidism, can cause hormone imbalances.

Environmental Exposure

Certain chemicals found in plastics such as BPA and PVC #3 are considered endocrine disrupting chemicals and therefore can alter how the bodies produce and react to hormones. Exposure to mold and mycotoxins can disrupt hormone production and regulation.

Sedentary and indoor lifestyles

It is of utmost importance that we expose ourselves to sunlight everyday to regulate hormones such as cortisol, melatonin and vitamin D (which is a prohormone that drives many metabolic functions.)

Poor sleep habits

Inconsistencies with sleep patterns can disrupt the circadian rhythm and disrupt the flow of hormones.

These are just a few examples of the diverse range of hormones that our bodies produce. Each hormone has its own unique function, but they all work together to maintain the delicate balance necessary for our overall health and well-being.

There are many different types of hormones in the body, each with its own unique functions and effects. Let’s explore some of the most well-known hormones and their roles:

Physical Symptoms

Hormone imbalance can manifest in various physical symptoms, including:

• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Hot flashes or night sweats
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Painful and heavy menstrual cycles
• Difficulty conceiving and maintaining a pregnancy
• Fatigue and low energy levels
• Difficulty sleeping, staying asleep and feeling rested after sleep
• Decreased sex drive
• Erectile dysfunction
• Loss of muscle mass
• Increased body fat

The above are only some of the most common physical symptoms that can manifest when hormones are out of whack. Because Hormones are so fundamental to the chemical messaging going on in our bodies, disruption of them can cause myriad symptoms. It’s important to recognize these signs and seek medical evaluation to determine if hormone imbalance is the underlying cause.

Emotional and Mental Symptoms

In addition to physical symptoms, hormone imbalance can also affect a person’s emotional and mental well-being. Some common emotional and mental symptoms of hormone imbalance include:

• Mood swings
• Depression or anxiety
• Irritability
• Difficulty concentrating/ brain fog

These symptoms can significantly impact a person’s daily life and relationships. It’s essential to address these emotional and mental symptoms along with the physical symptoms when evaluating for hormone imbalance.

It’s important for women to be aware of these symptoms and consult with a healthcare provider to determine if hormone imbalance is the underlying cause.

There are many different types of hormones in the body, each with its own unique functions and effects. Let’s explore some of the most well-known hormones and their roles:

Medical Tests for Hormone Imbalance

Diagnosing hormone imbalance involves a combination of medical history evaluation, physical examination, and laboratory tests. At Meeting Point Health, we utilize a few different testing options, including:

• Blood tests: Measure hormone levels in the blood to identify imbalances.
• Saliva tests: Analyze hormone levels in saliva samples, providing a more accurate representation of hormone activity throughout the course of a day
• Urinary tests: Measure hormone levels in urine to assess hormone metabolism and excretion.

These tests can help our providers identify specific hormone imbalances and develop an appropriate treatment plan. We are able to use traditional laboratories such as Labcorp and Quest for basic testing, and if deemed necessary, we love to use the Dutch test as well as testing from Vibrant America to give us very in depth data on sex hormones and neurotransmitters alike.

Interpreting Test Results

Interpreting test results for hormone imbalance requires expertise and knowledge of normal hormone levels and patterns. Our providers evaluate test results in the context of a person’s symptoms, medical history, and overall health. This approach ensures accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

After evaluation of hormones has been completed and a diagnosis of imbalance has been made, there are many treatment tools at our disposal. The first thing to do is to determine if there is an underlying cause that needs treatment. As discussed above, there are many many factors that contribute to hormone disruption – if the underlying cause is not addressed, the imbalance will likely persist. The following are some of the ways that we approach balancing hormones at Meeting Point Health:

1. Chelation Therapy – helps to rid the body of hormone disrupting heavy metals
2. Ozone Therapy – broad-spectrum treatment for chronic infections and toxicities such as mycotoxins and microplastics
3. Acupuncture – aids in treatment of chronic stress, anxiety, depression, adrenal disorders and has the ability to regulate hormones
4. Peptide Therapy – peptides can work on underlying causes of inflammation such as immune dysregulation, as well as stimulate the production of specific hormones.
5. Supplementation – there are specific supplements that can be used to bring balance, such as DHEA and ashwagandha
6. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) – used to strategically replace hormones that are being underproduced

The most important thing to keep in mind when it comes to hormonal imbalances, is the cause. Sometimes it is a simple as age-related changes, and sometimes it is just a piece of the overall story of one’s health. Our mission at Meeting Point Health is to discern the difference and to use the tools we have to work with the body to return to homeostasis.

In conclusion, hormone imbalance is a common condition that can cause a wide range of symptoms in both men and women. Understanding the functions of hormones, the concept of hormone imbalance, and its common causes is crucial for identifying and addressing this condition. Recognizing the physical, emotional, and mental symptoms of hormone imbalance and seeking appropriate medical evaluation and treatment is essential for achieving optimal health and well-being. At 

To benefit from a comprehensive, regenerative approach to treating hormone imbalance, call Meeting Point Health today at 215.298.9928 (Option 1). You can also schedule a consultation by completing our online contact form at https://www.meetingpointhealth.com/contact-us/.

The science behind weight loss resistance involves a complex interplay of physiological and psychological factors. Hormonal imbalances, such as insulin resistance and thyroid dysfunction, can disrupt the body’s metabolism and make weight loss more challenging. Insulin resistance, for example, occurs when the body’s cells become less responsive to the hormone insulin, which is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. This can lead to increased fat storage and difficulty in losing weight.

Thyroid dysfunction, on the other hand, can slow down the body’s metabolic rate, making it harder to burn calories and lose weight. The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, and when it is not functioning optimally, weight loss can become a struggle.

In addition to hormonal imbalances, genetic factors can also contribute to weight loss resistance. Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to storing fat more easily or having a slower metabolic rate. While genetics cannot be changed, understanding one’s genetic makeup can help tailor a weight loss plan that takes these factors into account.

Furthermore, stress and lack of sleep can have a significant impact on weight loss resistance. When the body is under chronic stress, it releases cortisol, a hormone that can promote fat storage, particularly in the abdominal area. Lack of sleep, on the other hand, can disrupt hormonal balance and increase cravings for unhealthy foods, making it harder to stick to a healthy eating plan.

Lastly, certain medications can also contribute to weight loss resistance. Some medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and corticosteroids, can cause weight gain or make it harder to lose weight. It is important for individuals taking these medications to work closely with their healthcare provider to find alternative options or strategies to manage their weight.

There are several misconceptions surrounding weight loss resistance that can hinder individuals from effectively addressing this issue. One common misconception is the belief that weight loss resistance is solely attributed to a slow metabolism. While metabolism does play a role, it is not the sole determinant of weight loss resistance. Other factors, such as hormonal imbalances, genetic predispositions, stress, and medications, can all contribute to this challenge.

Another misconception is that weight loss resistance is a sign of personal failure or lack of willpower. This belief can lead to feelings of shame and self-blame, which can further hinder progress. It is important to approach weight loss resistance with compassion and understanding, recognizing that it is a complex issue that requires a holistic approach.

By understanding the science behind weight loss resistance and dispelling common misconceptions, individuals can empower themselves to find effective strategies for overcoming this challenge. Working with healthcare professionals, such as registered dietitians, endocrinologists, and therapists, can provide valuable guidance and support in navigating the complexities of weight loss resistance.

Recognizing the symptoms of weight loss resistance is an essential step in addressing this issue and determining the necessary interventions. These symptoms can manifest in both physical and emotional aspects, providing important clues about the underlying factors contributing to weight loss resistance.

Physical Signs & Symptoms

Physical signs of weight loss resistance can include a persistent inability to lose weight despite calorie restriction and exercise, increased cravings for sugary and high-fat foods, and difficulties in building muscle tone. Other physical symptoms may include fatigue, digestive issues, and hormonal imbalances.

Emotional & Psychological Indicators

Weight loss resistance can also have emotional and psychological effects that further complicate the journey. Feelings of frustration, disappointment, and a sense of failure can arise as individuals struggle with their perceived lack of progress. Emotional eating and a negative body image can further perpetuate the cycle of weight loss resistance.

Understanding the underlying causes of weight loss resistance is crucial in developing effective strategies to overcome it. By targeting the root causes, individuals can address the specific factors contributing to their weight loss challenges.

Hormonal Imbalances and Weight Loss Resistance

Hormonal imbalances, such as insulin resistance or fluctuations in thyroid function, can significantly impact an individual’s ability to lose weight. Sex hormones such as estrogen, progesterone and testosterone can also become imbalanced. High cortisol levels can also be problematic. These imbalances can affect metabolism, fat storage, and energy levels, making weight loss more difficult.

Chronic Infection and Chronic Toxicity

Chronic illness such as Lyme, mold toxicity and heavy metals can contribute to weight loss resistance. Chronic inflammation can trigger “fight or flight”  — a sympathetic nervous system response that retains the body’s energy resources and alters appetite regulation through the release of inflammatory cytokines that affect the brain’s appetite centers. Chronic infection can also lead to malabsorption of essential nutrients, while chronic exposure to toxins can interfere with nutrient utilization. Malnutrition can result in muscle wasting, weakness, and reduced energy levels, making it harder for individuals to engage in physical activity and burn calories effectively.

The Role of Diet and Nutrition

Diet and nutrition play a vital role in weight loss resistance. Consuming a diet high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can contribute to inflammation and hormonal imbalances. Nutrient deficiencies and poor gut health can also hinder weight loss efforts.

Impact of Stress and Sleep on Weight Loss

Stress and lack of sleep can have a profound effect on weight loss resistance. Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, which can disrupt metabolism and promote fat storage. Inadequate sleep can also disrupt hormonal balance and increase appetite, making it more challenging to lose weight.

Overcoming weight loss resistance requires a personalized and multifaceted approach. By implementing targeted strategies, individuals can address the specific factors contributing to their weight loss challenges and optimize their chances of success.

Importance of Personalized Weight Loss Plans

A one-size-fits-all approach to weight loss is unlikely to be effective for individuals struggling with weight loss resistance. Personalized weight loss plans that take into account an individual’s unique needs, preferences, and underlying factors can greatly enhance their chances of overcoming weight loss resistance.

Role of Exercise in Overcoming Resistance

Regular physical activity is an integral component of any successful weight loss journey. When facing weight loss resistance, incorporating a combination of cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and flexibility exercises can help boost metabolism, promote muscle growth, and enhance overall well-being.

Nutritional Changes to Combat Weight Loss Resistance

Adopting a nutrient-dense diet can be instrumental in overcoming weight loss resistance. Emphasizing whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, while minimizing processed foods, can provide the body with essential nutrients and support optimal metabolic function.

Overcoming weight loss resistance can be a formidable challenge, but there are several medical treatments and interventions available that can provide valuable assistance in this journey. These treatments should ideally be incorporated alongside lifestyle modifications, including maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity, to yield the most effective results. Here are some medical treatments and strategies for addressing weight loss resistance:

Peptide Therapy

Peptides, which are short chains of amino acids, offer a diverse array of effects on the body. Promising options for managing weight loss resistance include GLP-1 agonists like Semaglutide, Tirzapetide, Retatrutide, as well as Cargrilintide. These peptides target insulin resistance and inhibition of hunger hormones like ghrelin, thereby helping individuals exert better control over their weight.

Prescription Medications and Injectables

Various prescription medications and injectable therapies can be considered, including Semaglutide, Tirzapetide, Retratrutide, as well as Cargrilintide., which have demonstrated efficacy in supporting weight loss efforts.

Health Coaching

A pivotal element in surmounting weight loss resistance involves education and support. Health coaching provides individuals with the guidance and motivation essential for making sustainable lifestyle changes. Coaches assist in setting realistic goals, devising personalized nutrition and exercise plans, and monitoring progress over time.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)

In certain cases, hormonal imbalances can contribute to weight loss resistance. BHRT entails the replacement of deficient hormones with biologically identical ones to restore hormonal balance. This therapy can be especially effective for individuals grappling with thyroid imbalances or weight gain associated with menopause.

Infrared Sauna

Infrared saunas have garnered popularity for their potential benefits in weight management. They can promote relaxation, enhance circulation, and aid the body in detoxification processes. While not a standalone solution for weight loss, regular sessions in an infrared sauna can complement other strategies by promoting overall cellular metabolism.

IV Therapy

Intravenous therapy can be a valuable tool in the fight against weight loss resistance. Ozone therapy, for instance, involves the administration of ozone gas to stimulate oxygenation and reduce inflammation in the body. Antioxidants like glutathione and vitamin C, when administered via IV, can help mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation, factors that may contribute to weight loss resistance.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is another effective treatment when hormones like cortisol, neurotransmitters, thyroid hormones, progesterone and estrogen are not in balance. Regulating the nervous system and lymphatic system can help with turning on the gears of cellular metabolism and detoxification. During these sessions, we also discuss lifestyle modifications in depth. 

We offer a continuum of treatments to encourage hair regrowth and address specific conditions at their core. Our doctors and nurses can help you decide which hair loss treatment or treatments may be the most effective for you. However, before undergoing treatment, it’s always best to have a consultation to identify the cause, review what kind of alopecia you have, and discuss possible treatment options.

Functional Medicine

Functional Medicine gets to the root cause of hair shedding and hair thinning issues whether it be toxicity, hormones, inflammation or otherwise. Appropriate initial testing is recommended before beginning all treatments at Meeting Point Health.

PRP Injections

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a substance extracted from blood rich in proteins that support cell growth and may help wounds and other skin concerns heal faster. Cosmetically, PRP is often used to even skin tone and reduce fine lines but can also be injected into the scalp to stimulate hair follicles and restore growth.

At Meeting Point, PRP is administered via plasma taken from your own blood and concentrated into a rich serum. That serum is then injected into areas of hair loss. Results may take up to six months.

Microneedling (Morpheus8)

Traditional microneedling uses a dermaroller or penlike tool covered in tiny needles to create micro-wounds in the skin. This process stimulates collagen and elastin production, encouraging the skin to heal smoother, firmer, and have more consistent pigmentation. Microneedling can also stimulate hair regrowth by stimulating activity in hair follicles.

Morpheus8 is a revolutionary new device that uses radiofrequency (RF) heating and is paired with microneedling to amplify the effects of microneedling alone. This handheld device delivers RF energy through the tips of tiny needles, creating micro-wounds and stimulating the lower dermal layers simultaneously. This process is meant to revive hair follicles and encourage regrowth.

Peptide Injections

While many of our other hair loss treatments stimulate collagen and elastin production, peptides are the actual building blocks of these two compounds. Different peptides trigger different bodily functions, keeping our muscles, skin, and tissues healthy. The copper peptide GHK-Cu is most commonly used to stimulate hair growth. This peptide reduces scalp inflammation and blocks free radicals, increasing blood circulation around hair follicles, which can lead to hair growth.

Placental Tissue Matrix (PTM)

Placental tissue matrix (PTM) therapy harnesses your body’s natural healing proteins to stimulate hair follicles and growth by releasing a cascade of stem cells over the affected area. Stem cells are powerful regenerative cells that activate collagen, epidermal growth, and other healing factors in the skin that repairs tissue and can help restore lost hair.

Like PRP, PTM stem cells and growth factors are biocompatible and very safe. The extracts are then injected into the affected area, activating the process described above.

Exosomes

Functional Medicine gets to the root cause of hair shedding and hair thinning issues whether it be toxicity, hormones, inflammation or otherwise. Appropriate initial testing is recommended before beginning all treatments at Meeting Point  Health

Though baldness is more accepted socially for men, all genders should enjoy the confidence that comes with a full, healthy head of hair. At Meeting Point, we provide men, women, and people of every gender with soul-centered care tailored to your needs and desires. When you trust us with your treatment, we focus on aligning your body with mind and soul to achieve a balanced, holistic outcome.

At Meeting Point, our integrative medicine specialists in Philadelphia believe that medication and medical procedures are just one component of a holistic, integrative approach to health and well-being. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to achieve total physical, mental, and spiritual potential without feeling restricted by insecurities about their appearance. That’s why we offer an array of holistic treatments to help you steward your inner health and outward appearance.

In our knowledgeable, compassionate hands, you’ll receive care from experienced medical professionals tuned into your physical health and your emotional and mental well-being. Our hair growth treatment specialists in Philadelphia will administer your treatment plan with care and expertise, supporting you emotionally through each stage of your care.

In the realm of Long COVID treatment, the functional medicine approach stands out as a holistic and patient-centered strategy. Functional medicine acknowledges the interconnectedness of bodily systems and aims to identify and address the root causes of illness rather than merely alleviating symptoms. In the context of Long COVID, functional medicine practitioners delve into the intricate web of factors contributing to a patient’s prolonged symptoms. This includes exploring genetic, environmental, lifestyle, and psychosocial elements that may play a role in the persistence of symptoms. By tailoring individualized treatment plans that integrate nutrition, lifestyle modifications, targeted supplements, and stress management techniques, functional medicine seeks to restore balance and support the body’s innate healing mechanisms. This approach not only addresses the diverse symptoms of Long COVID but also empowers patients to actively participate in their recovery, fostering a comprehensive and sustainable path to wellness.

At Meeting Point Health, we believe in treating the body holistically with many different therapy options, below are a few that we believe have the potential to treat long COVID.

1. Peptide Therapy: Peptide therapy involves the administration of specific peptides to modulate various physiological processes. Tailored peptide protocols may be employed to address immune dysregulation and promote overall wellness.
2. Ozone Therapy: Ozone therapy harnesses the healing properties of ozone to enhance oxygen delivery to tissues and modulate the immune system. This approach can be particularly beneficial in addressing respiratory symptoms and promoting overall oxygenation.
3. Alpha Lipoic Acid: Alpha Lipoic Acid, a potent antioxidant, is utilized to mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation. Its neuroprotective properties may also contribute to addressing cognitive symptoms and nerve pain.
4. Antioxidants: A comprehensive antioxidant approach, which may include vitamins C selenium, and other antioxidants, is employed to combat oxidative stress and support the body’s natural defense mechanisms.
5. Diet and Lifestyle Changes: Meeting Point Health recognizes the pivotal role of nutrition and lifestyle in Long COVID recovery. Personalized dietary plans, exercise regimens, and stress management strategies are integrated into treatment protocols to optimize overall health.
6. EBOO (Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation and Ozonation): EBOO involves the removal and oxygenation of a patient’s blood, followed by the reintroduction of ozonated blood. This process aims to enhance oxygen delivery, improve blood flow, modulate the immune system, improve pain and fatigue and alleviate other symptoms associated with Long COVID.
7. Ultraviolet Light Therapy: Ultraviolet light therapy, including UVB and UVC treatments, is employed to target viral particles and modulate the immune response. This approach may contribute to viral clearance and symptom relief.
8. Amino Acids: Amino acids play a crucial role in various physiological processes. Meeting Point Health may incorporate amino acid supplementation or intravenous therapy to support immune function, enhance energy levels, and promote overall recovery.

Long COVID remains a complex puzzle, with symptoms spanning across multiple systems. Research is ongoing as the medical community tries to gain a better understanding of this new illness. By utilizing a deep understanding of the body and its systems as well as the trust we have in the body to recover, We do believe that recovery from long COVID is possible.

While many metals exist in our environment, only a handful account for the vast majority of toxicity cases. These metal include: 

• Lead
• Mercury
• Cadmium
• Arsenic
• Chromium

Most people assume heavy metal exposure only happens in industrial settings or through catastrophic contamination events. In reality, these metals are present in surprisingly ordinary places and items. The key though, is understanding where and what these places and items are so you can reduce being exposed to them.

The challenging thing about heavy metal exposure is that it doesn’t look or feel dangerous in the moment. Instead, it accumulates gradually through routine contact with contaminated environments, often in ways that seem completely harmless at the time. The three main causes or sources of heavy metal toxicity  include: 

• Inhalation: The air you breathe indoors and outdoors can carry metal particles directly into your lungs. If you live in an older home where the paint is starting to chip or crack, you’re likely breathing in lead dust without realizing it. The same goes for neighborhoods near factories or busy highways where metals from industrial emissions and car exhaust hang in the air.

• Ingestion: The water you drink and the food you eat can quietly deliver metals directly into your system. Common sources include aging lead pipes that corrode over time, contaminated wells, outdated municipal water treatment systems, and large predatory fish like tuna and swordfish that accumulate mercury throughout their lives.

• Skin Contamination: People assume their skin keeps everything out, but metals can slip through, especially with repeated contact. Potential sources may include handling contaminated soil, using metal heavy cosmetic products or cleaning with industrial grade cleaners without using gloves.

The symptoms of heavy metal toxicity vary depending on the type of metal and the length at which you’ve been exposed to it.

Early or acute symptoms may include:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Muscle weakness and fatigue
• Brain fog
• Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
• Weight loss

Chronic or long-term symptoms may include:

• Memory loss
• Mood changes
• Anemia 
• Organ damage

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to speak with a physician.

At Meeting Point Health, we offer advanced functional therapies that work with your body’s natural healing abilities to help combat these symptoms. Unlike conventional treatments that offer temporary relief, our function therapies work to restore your energy, detox your body and heal your body from the inside out. 

Effective heavy metal detoxing requires skilled medical guidance and a comprehensive understanding of how metals affect the body. At Meeting Point Health, Dr. Stephen Matta and Mary Anne Matta begin every patient relationship with a comprehensive assessment designed to understand your exposure history, a physical assessment, and discussion of your treatment goals.

The initial physical examination will likely include ordering a blood and/or urine test to measure metals currently circulating in your system.

This thorough approach allows Dr. Matta and the team to learn more about your toxicity levels so an accurate diagnosis, and specialized personalized treatment plan can be designed for you.

Three of the most effective treatments we use a Meeting Point Health to support heavy metal detoxification include:

• Chelation IV Therapy: Chelation therapy uses specialized chemical compounds called chelating agents to bind heavy metals circulating in the bloodstream and stored in tissues. Once bound, these agents are filtered by the kidneys and eliminated from the body. 

• Glutathione IV Therapy: Glutathione IV therapy delivers a potent antioxidant directly into the bloodstream to support the body’s natural detoxification processes and protect cells from oxidative stress. 

• IV Ozone Therapy: Ozone therapy uses medical-grade ozone to enhance oxygen metabolism and activate cellular detoxification pathways. This improves circulation and supports the body’s ability to mobilize and eliminate stored heavy metals.

Though eczema and psoriasis are similar, there are two distinct conditions. While both manifest as itchy, flaky, red patches on the skin, eczema is often located on the inside of the elbows, back of the knees, and face. Psoriasis can appear anywhere on the arms, legs, or scalp. They are often treated with topical salves and ointments and may go into remission before returning later.

In addition, psoriasis is caused by an autoimmune disease, while eczema is linked to genetics and a person’s environment. Psoriasis also only affects adults, while eczema affects both adults and children.

Meeting Point Health approaches skin conditions with a wide lense, looking deep at the cellular level and blood level, while also using topical treatments. We offer a number of treatments to soothe and eliminate eczema rashes. All treatments are administered in our modern, comfortable medical suite in Philadelphia, PA.

Aerolase Neo Laser Therapy

The Aerolase Neo is a medical-grade laser that pulses light through the skin to stimulate collagen production, suppress inflammation, kill bacteria, and encourage healthy cell regeneration. 

Functional Medicine

Functional Medicine is the practice of comprehensively testing different systems of the body to understand the root cause of your condition. The tests we perform for eczema include:

• GI mapping stool test
• Fungal antibodies
• Micronutrients

Following testing, we will construct an individualized treatment plan involving one or more of the following:

• Nutrition – a medicinal nutrition program involves removing foods triggers and increasing phytonutrients
• Supplementation and Herbal Medicine – aimed at restoring micronutrient deficiencies, rebuilding proper gut health, and regulating your immune system that
• Peptides – a regenerative natural therapy with a wide range of benefits including fighting infection, speed healing, reducing inflammation, treating leaky gut, reducing stress and anxiety, and more
• Infusions – ozone and other nutritional IVs can help with chronic infection, chronic toxicity, immunity, pain, hydration and nutritional deficiencies
• Infrared Sauna

Infrared light safely and effectively raises your core body temperature by penetrating one-third of an inch into the skin. This process encourages better circulation, detoxification and reduces inflammation to help your eczema heal as smooth, clear skin.

• Detox Bath – we will formulate a proprietary detox bath formula that you can do at home to help rebalance your skin flora, restore your skin’s pH level, and soothe painful sores
• Ozonated Water or Oil Therapy

Ozone Therapy

Ozone therapy uses ozonated (oxygen-rich) water or olive oil to eradicate inflammatory bacterial infections, moisten the skin, and make it pliable and elastic.

No malady exists in a vacuum. Eczema is more than just an annoying rash—it’s a manifestation of an internal imbalance or low-grade infection. Regular health screenings and treatments can help manage your eczema and identify and address what’s causing such an inflammatory response.

Internal conditions related to eczema include:

• Candidal Overgrowth
• Gut Dysbiosis
• Mold or Biotoxin overload
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Food intolerance

At Meeting Point, we test for these conditions and treat them along with your eczema to improve your overall health and well-being.

Eczema can take a toll on your personal comfort, which negatively impacts your mental health. Small irritations can become larger burdens, and we want to help prevent that. Our continuum of holistic treatments will help ease eczema’s signature itching and burning sensation, make your skin more pliable, and reduce the internal imbalances and infections that caused them in the first place.

At Meeting Point Health, we treat more than just your symptoms. We work with you to heal your condition from the inside out.

So much goes into the risk assumption for autoimmune disease, much of it avoidable, some of it unavoidable. Just like other health conditions, genetics and family history certainly play a role, but they are not the main character – the environment in which we exist is. This environment consists of food, water, air, buildings, people, vocation, extracurricular activities…everything!

Some of the most common autoimmune condition triggers are:

• Toxic mold
• Excess of poor quality sugar
• Poor quality food in general
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Pesticides and herbicides
• Air pollution
• Water pollution
• Microplastics
• Physical and/or emotional trauma
• Infection

This may seem overwhelming, but with the right resources and by taking consistent positive change, it is more than possible to avoid autoimmune conditions and possible to heal from them.

It is also important to note that there are many autoimmune conditions that occur so early in life that they likely are not a result of the environment. For example type 1 Diabetes is a condition in which the pancreatic cells stop making enough insulin to support the body. In these types of cases, the aim of functional medicine is to provide significant support with diet and lifestyle change, to manage symptoms and improve quality of life and to prevent any more autoimmune conditions from arising.

The term ‘autoimmune condition’ only refers to how the body has responded and that it is an inflammatory response. Symptoms will depend on where that inflammation is, but often it looks like unexplained and chronic fatigue, muscle aches, joint pain, digestive discomfort, skin rashes, insomnia, food intolerances, and even anxiety and depression. Many autoimmune conditions also have their own unique symptoms. For example, Sjögren’s syndrome causes a dry mouth and dry eyes.

Conventional medicine has developed few treatments for autoimmune conditions that involve more than simply suppressing the immune system with biologics, steroids and immunosuppressant drugs. These treatments often create more of a problem for the patient and do not solve the underlying issues or provide support to the body.

Autoimmune diseases are classically divided into two large categories: organ-specific and systemic. The organ-specific autoimmune diseases are those in which the effect of an autoimmune response is limited to one or more target organs.

A few of the most common known autoimmune disorders include:

• Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
• Graves’ Disease
• Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
• Pernicious Anemia
• Celiac Disease
• Myasthenia Gravis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Psoriasis
• Ulcerative Colitis

At Meeting Point Health, we begin by doing a thorough review of patient health story, including medical history, stress, family history, diet, lifestyle, and physical impression. We then use highly accurate and functional labs to help accurately identify the root cause of the issue.

Once we have identified a path forward, we create a personalized treatment plan that combines different therapies, depending on the goal and the patient presentation.

Below are some of our most used therapies and treatments:

• IV Therapy
• Integrative Nutrition
• Functional Health Coaching
• Prescription Herbs
• Medical Acupuncture
• Compounded Prescriptions
• Ozone Therapy
• Osteopathic Manipulation Therapy
• Regenerative Medicine