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Understanding Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity is the brain's remarkable ability to reorganize and adapt by forming new neural connections throughout life. This process is guided by two key principles:
The brain cannot distinguish between external stimuli and internal memories, as both activate the same neural networks. By intentionally disrupting negative patterns and fostering positive ones, we can reshape our brain's wiring to support healthier habits and identities. Benefits of Neuroplasticity Neuroplasticity offers numerous advantages for brain health and cognitive function, including:
Strategies to Boost NeuroplasticityTo enhance neuroplasticity, introduce mild stress to the brain through novel and challenging activities that encourage new neural connections. Learning is the cornerstone of this process. Below are six effective strategies to increase neuroplasticity: 1. Whole-Brain Holistic Thinking Engage both brain hemispheres—left (logical, analytical) and right (intuitive, creative)—through tasks requiring diverse motor skills and cognitive processes. Examples include:
2. Practice Flow State Flow is a state of complete immersion in a task, often described as being "in the zone." It enhances creativity and neuroplasticity. To enter flow:
3. Embrace Novelty Expose your brain to new experiences to stimulate neural growth. Try:
4. Meditation/Prayer Meditation enhances attention span, learning, and prefrontal cortex activity while increasing cortical thickness and gray matter density. It fosters coherence between brain hemispheres and reduces cortisol, a stress hormone that damages neurons. Regular meditation supports neuroplasticity and overall brain health. 5. Aerobic Exercise Physical activity, particularly aerobic exercises like sprinting or high-intensity interval training (HIIT), boosts brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that promotes neurogenesis (the creation of new brain cells). Aerobic exercise outperforms resistance training in enhancing BDNF levels, making it a powerful tool for brain health. 6. Nutrition and Intermittent Fasting A brain-healthy diet and intermittent fasting support neuroplasticity by providing time for the body to detoxify between periods of food consumption, reducing inflammation, thereby promoting neurogenesis. Key nutrients include:
Conclusion By embracing novelty, challenging your brain, and adopting healthy habits, you can enhance neuroplasticity and unlock your brain's full potential. Break old neural patterns, create new connections, and evolve into a more vibrant, resilient version of yourself. Incorporate these strategies daily to cultivate a flexible, adaptive, and thriving brain.
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How a Functional Medicine Chiropractor Can Transform Your Health Care with Dr. Lizie in Addison, TX
When it comes to achieving vibrant health, finding the right support makes all the difference. Under the expert guidance of Dr. Lizie, you’ll find a full spectrum of health services — all under one roof. Whether you need posture corrective spinal care, injury rehabilitation, injury prevention, post-surgical recovery, functional health solutions for chronic conditions, or hormone balancing, Dr. Lizie is here to help you correct underlying issues and get your body functioning optimally. Let’s take a closer look at how working with a Functional Medicine Chiropractor like Dr. Lizie can be a game-changer for your health! What is a Functional Medicine Chiropractor? Unlike traditional medical care that often focuses on treating symptoms, functional medicine looks at the root cause of your health concerns. A functional medicine chiropractor blends the science of chiropractic adjustments with the art of whole-person healing — addressing nutrition, movement, metabolic function, toxicity levels, hormonal balance, and overall lifestyle. Dr. Lizie doesn’t just treat the surface; she investigates deeply to uncover and correct the real problems, guiding you toward lasting, sustainable health. Your Personalized Journey with Dr. Lizie 1. Comprehensive Assessment Your path to better health starts with a thorough evaluation. Dr. Lizie takes the time to:
2. Nutrition Guidance What you put on your plate fuels (or fights) your healing. Dr. Lizie will:
3. Movement and Exercise Support Proper movement is essential to restore and maintain health. Along with chiropractic care, Dr. Lizie provides personalized exercise programs that:
4. Integrative Therapies Healing is a team effort. Depending on your needs, Dr. Lizie may incorporate:
Why Choose Dr. Lizie? When you work with Dr. Lizie, you're not just getting a chiropractor — you're gaining a trusted partner in your long-term health journey. With deep expertise in functional health, spinal care, rehabilitation, hormone balance, and metabolic wellness, Dr. Lizie is passionate about helping you live fully, move freely, and be at the top of your game. You deserve a body that works for you, not against you. And you don’t have to settle for temporary fixes. Together, we can correct underlying conditions and help you achieve optimal health for the long term. Ready to Feel Better — for Good? If pain, discomfort, fatigue, or chronic health issues are standing in your way, it’s time to experience the complete care you deserve. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Lizie today and start your journey toward a healthier, more vibrant life!  Do you wake up feeling more exhausted than when you went to bed? Or maybe you power through the day relying on caffeine, only to crash by mid-afternoon? If you’ve been asking yourself, “Why am I always so tired?”, you’re not alone — and it’s not “just part of getting older.”
Let’s uncover what might be draining your energy and how functional health solutions in Addison, Texas, can help. Common Causes of Fatigue (It’s Not Just Lack of Sleep!)Sure, staying up too late binge-watching your favorite show doesn’t help, but chronic fatigue often goes much deeper. Some hidden culprits include:
How Functional Health Addresses Fatigue at the Root CauseUnlike the traditional “take a pill and move on” approach, functional medicine digs deeper to uncover the root causes of your fatigue. Here’s how we tackle it at our Addison wellness center:
When Should You Seek Help for Fatigue?If you’ve been dealing with exhaustion for more than a few weeks — even after improving sleep, diet, or exercise — it’s time to dig deeper. Chronic fatigue isn’t normal, and you shouldn’t have to accept it as your everyday reality. Ready to Feel Like Yourself Again?Imagine waking up refreshed, having the energy to tackle your day, and finally feeling like YOU again. At Addison Functional Health & Chiropractic Care, we’re passionate about helping you reclaim your energy — naturally. 👉 Book a consultation today and start your journey toward vibrant, lasting energy. Your body will thank you! The Essential Guide to Magnesium: Your Body’s Super MineralMagnesium is one of the most vital minerals in the human body, playing a crucial role in over 600 biochemical reactions. Despite its importance, magnesium deficiency is widespread and often overlooked. Could a lack of magnesium be impacting your health? This article outlines the key signs of magnesium deficiency and the best ways to restore optimal levels. Why Magnesium Deficiency Matters According to Dr. Norman Shealy, MD, PhD, nearly every known disease is linked to a magnesium deficiency. This might seem like a bold claim, but when you consider magnesium's role in nerve function, muscle contraction, and energy production, it becomes clear why insufficient levels can trigger a wide range of health issues.  Below are 10 major signs that may indicate a magnesium deficiency: 1. Brain Fog and Poor Cognitive Function If you struggle with memory lapses, difficulty concentrating, or mental fatigue, low magnesium could be a factor. Magnesium is essential for mitochondrial function, which provides energy to brain cells. Research shows that increasing magnesium intake can improve learning and memory. 2. Headaches and Chronic Migraines Many migraine sufferers have lower magnesium levels, as magnesium regulates neurotransmitters and nerve function. Supplementing with magnesium has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines, as well as tension headaches. 3. Constipation and Digestive Issues Magnesium helps draw water into the intestines, softening stool and promoting regular bowel movements. It also supports muscle contractions in the digestive tract, making it beneficial for constipation and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. 4. Fatigue and Low Energy Feeling constantly drained? Magnesium is essential for ATP production—the energy currency of your cells. Without sufficient magnesium, energy levels drop, leading to chronic fatigue and adrenal stress. 5. Insomnia and Poor Sleep Magnesium supports the production of GABA, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and deep sleep. A deficiency can contribute to restless nights and difficulty staying asleep. Supplementing with magnesium may help improve sleep quality. 6. Muscle Spasms and Cramps Magnesium is crucial for muscle relaxation. Low levels can cause muscle twitches, cramps, and spasms, especially in the legs, feet, and eyelids. Women with magnesium deficiency may also experience increased menstrual cramping. 7. Chronic Pain and Fibromyalgia Magnesium deficiency can lead to excessive muscle tension and nerve sensitivity, contributing to chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia. Magnesium helps relax muscles and reduce inflammation, alleviating pain and discomfort. 8. Irregular Heartbeat (Arrhythmia) The heart relies on magnesium to maintain a steady rhythm. Low magnesium levels can cause palpitations, rapid heartbeats, or irregular rhythms due to imbalanced calcium and potassium levels in heart muscle cells. 9. Numbness and Tingling Tingling or numbness in the hands, feet, or other areas of the body can indicate nerve dysfunction related to magnesium deficiency. Studies suggest that magnesium may help protect against nerve damage, including peripheral neuropathy. 10. Anxiety and Mood Disorders Magnesium plays a key role in mental health by regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA. Low levels are linked to anxiety, irritability, and even depression. Increasing magnesium intake can support a more balanced mood and stress resilience. How to Restore Healthy Magnesium Levels1. Eat Magnesium-Rich Foods Incorporating magnesium-rich foods into your diet is the best way to maintain optimal levels. Some of the best sources include:
2. Take Epsom Salt or Magnesium Baths Soaking in an Epsom salt bath is a relaxing way to absorb magnesium through the skin. Epsom salts contain magnesium sulfate, while magnesium flakes contain magnesium chloride, which is more easily absorbed and provides longer-lasting benefits. 3. Consider Magnesium Supplements Due to soil depletion and modern farming practices, food alone may not provide enough magnesium. Taking a high-quality magnesium supplement can help fill the gap. Different forms of magnesium offer unique benefits:
Magnesium is essential for overall health, yet many people unknowingly suffer from deficiency. If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, increasing your magnesium intake through diet, baths, or supplementation can make a world of difference. Prioritize magnesium-rich foods, relax with Epsom salt soaks, and consider supplementation to support your body’s needs. By addressing magnesium deficiency, you can improve your energy, brain function, digestion, and overall well-being. Toxic overload is a growing epidemic in the United States, and one of the biggest culprits is our food. As one of the world’s top four agricultural producers, the U.S. lags behind when it comes to banning harmful chemicals. Unlike the European Union, Brazil, and China—countries that have taken stronger action against toxic pesticides—the U.S. continues to allow widespread use of these harmful substances. Over the last 25 years, pesticide use in America has barely declined, and in some cases, it's increased—despite overwhelming evidence linking these chemicals to serious health risks. From asthma and chronic headaches to anxiety, ADHD, Parkinson’s, and even cancer, long-term pesticide exposure can wreak havoc on the body. These toxins also accumulate in fat cells, contributing to obesity and metabolic dysfunction. And the damage doesn’t stop with us. Pesticides pollute our soil and water, disrupt ecosystems, and threaten essential pollinators like bees. So why do we keep using them? Why Are Herbicides and Pesticides Still in Use? If you’ve ever tried growing a home garden, you know firsthand how quickly weeds and pests can take over. For commercial farmers managing massive crop yields, these challenges are even greater—and far more expensive. Pesticides were designed to protect crops from destruction while maximizing food production. As the global population grows, so does the pressure on food suppliers to meet demand. The problem? Pesticide use is not only harmful to human health but also a cost-driven industry backed by powerful lobbying efforts. Take glyphosate (a.k.a. Roundup), for example. In 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified glyphosate, along with the insecticides diazinon and malathion, as “probably carcinogenic to humans.” Yet today—nearly a decade later—glyphosate remains one of the most widely used pesticides in the U.S. Meanwhile, countries like Mexico, Germany, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam have banned or are phasing out its use. Compounding the issue is the rise of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). About 70% of processed foods contain GMOs like corn, soy, cottonseed, canola, and sugar beets. Some studies suggest GMOs may contribute to organ damage, immune disorders, accelerated aging, and infertility. And it doesn’t end there. Farmers are increasingly using genetically engineered, glyphosate-tolerant (GT) seeds. These crops are designed to survive heavy pesticide spraying, ensuring that while the crops thrive, toxic residues make their way into our food supply—and ultimately, into our bodies. How Herbicides and Pesticides Harm Your Gut and Brain Pesticides are designed to kill living organisms—including the beneficial bacteria in your gut. These chemicals disrupt the delicate balance of your microbiome, leading to a decline in essential microbes like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli while increasing harmful bacteria like Clostridia. This imbalance is linked to digestive issues, allergies, mood disorders, and even neurological conditions. Even if you avoid meat and go entirely plant-based, you’re not in the clear. Many crops are doused in pesticides, which remain on produce even after harvesting. Once consumed, these chemicals alter your gut health, impacting energy levels, mental clarity, and emotional well-being. The Energy Drain: How Pesticides Weaken Your Cells Your body’s energy is produced by mitochondria—the tiny powerhouses in your cells responsible for making ATP, your primary fuel source. Pesticides interfere with mitochondrial function, reducing energy production and increasing oxidative stress, which can damage cells and accelerate aging. These toxins also disrupt neurotransmitters—chemical messengers that regulate mood, focus, and motivation. When your gut microbiome is compromised by pesticide exposure, neurotransmitter production takes a hit, leading to fatigue, brain fog, and even depression or anxiety. How to Detox from Herbicides and Pesticides Completely avoiding pesticides is nearly impossible in today’s world, but you can take steps to minimize your exposure and support your body’s natural detoxification processes. 5 Simple Ways to Reduce Pesticide Residues from Your Food
Should You Always Choose Organic? Organic produce is grown without synthetic pesticides, making it a safer choice. Each year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases a list of the “Dirty Dozen” (foods you should always buy organic) and the “Clean Fifteen” (foods with the least pesticide contamination). Use this as a guide when grocery shopping to prioritize your health.  How to Start Your Detox the Right Way Many people jump into detoxing without realizing they’re missing a crucial first step--opening up their body’s drainage pathways. If you don’t clear these pathways first, toxins get recirculated instead of being eliminated, making detoxification ineffective (and sometimes even harmful). This is where working with a functional health practitioner can make all the difference. Instead of guessing your way through detox and getting frustrated with slow progress, a guided approach helps you clear toxins efficiently, safely, and for good. Final Thoughts The reality is that herbicides and pesticides are deeply embedded in our food system, but that doesn’t mean you’re powerless. By making informed choices, reducing exposure, and supporting your body’s detoxification pathways, you can protect your health and restore balance to your gut, brain, and energy levels. Taking small, consistent steps toward a cleaner diet and lifestyle will help you reclaim your vitality—one meal at a time. Proverbial "Dr. Google" might have answers, but it doesn’t have your answers. It doesn’t know your history, your body, or what’s truly best for you. And blindly following generic advice? That can do more harm than good... You deserve a personalized, science-backed approach to real, lasting health! If you’re ready to clear toxins from your body, regain energy, and feel your absolute best, let’s talk. Click here to take the first step. Your best health starts with the right support—let’s find out if we’re the perfect fit. Best in health, Dr. Lizie Pilicy When diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune thyroid disease, you might think it's all about your thyroid. But this condition serves as a critical alarm, a thyroid health warning that systemic issues have been at play. Like a canary in a coal mine, Hashimoto's signals deep-seated health problems.
What is Hashimoto's Thyroiditis? Imagine your thyroid as the thermostat in your home, managing your body's metabolic "temperature." This small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck is crucial for thyroid hormone production, which controls energy, body temperature, and metabolism. In Hashimoto's, your immune system mistakenly sees the thyroid as a threat, leading to inflammation and damage, causing hypothyroidism. Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, cold sensitivity, and depression, as your body's functions slow down. The Conventional Approach The standard thyroid treatment for hypothyroidism involves hormone replacement, mainly levothyroxine (T4), which can stabilize hormone levels. However, this is like resetting your thermostat without addressing the underlying issues. It may be necessary short-term, but doesn't tackle the root causes behind the immune attack on your thyroid. Exploring the Root Causes of Hashimoto's
Vitamins and Minerals That Can Support Your Body
Our Approach at Functional Health & Chiropractic Care At Functional Health & Chiropractic Care, we see Hashimoto's as a call to explore your body's deeper health issues. Here's how we work one-on-one for thyroid optimization:
Ongoing Support and Adaptation: We continuously refine your thyroid management plan as your health evolves, aiming for not just recovery but vitality and longevity. We're not merely treating Hashimoto's thyroiditis; we're redefining your health journey, one personalized step at a time. If you're ready to transform your health with holistic health practices, reach out to us at Functional Health & Chiropractic Care. Let's create your tailored path to optimal health. Hashimoto's thyroiditis, autoimmune thyroid disease, hypothyroidism, thyroid health, gut health, leaky gut, gluten sensitivity, microbiome, stress and thyroid, heavy metals and thyroid, functional medicine, chiropractic care, thyroid treatment, thyroid supplements, iodine, selenium, Vitamin D, B12, L-Lysine, holistic health, personalized health plan, thyroid hormone conversion, T4 to T3 conversion, thyroid symptoms, thyroid diagnosis, thyroid management, thyroid optimization. YES, light as therapy!Light is one of the oldest physical healing agents known to man. Its origin is traced to the Greeks whose physicians frequently prescribed a form of light treatment called heliotherapy. Functional Health & Chiropractic Care in Addison, Texas offers state-of-the-art laser therapy (also known as cold laser therapy), and it has many applications as well as benefits, such as:
 The process is similar to photosyntheses but you are the plant and the laser is the sun. Your body absorbs the light and uses it to activate your cells to repair and heal on a cellular level. Therapeutically Low Level Laser Therapy, among other benefits, has been shown to decrease pain, increase circulation of blood and lymph, decrease oxidative stress, and speed up growth and repair mechanisms in the body. Non-invasive Laser Therapy improves tissue repair, reduces pain and inflammation wherever the beam is applied. Treatments take about 10 minutes and should be applied two or more times a week. Laser Therapy has been used for many years on sports injuries, arthritic joints, neuropathic pain syndromes, back and neck pain. Over 200 randomized clinical trials have been published on Laser Therapy, half of which are on pain. People are using Laser Therapy around the world: British and US military, Premier Division soccer teams, Olympic teams, Formula 1, rugby and cricket team therapists as well as specialist pain clinics in the UK and USA. Learn more about Laser Therapy Ever feel like your stomach is auditioning for a dramatic role? One moment it’s a calm sea, the next it’s a turbulent storm! You’re not alone in this gut drama! Together, we can work on restoring that gut-brain balance and kick those pesky symptoms to the curb. Let’s turn that gastrointestinal chaos into peace! Schedule a one-on-one if you’re ready to make your gut happy!   Did you know that minerals are the unsung heroes of a healthy body? But thanks to nutrient-depleted soil, processed foods, heavy metal toxins, and even sneaky little parasites, most of us are living with a mineral shortage. The result? We’re left feeling low on energy, sluggish, and dealing with things like dry mouth, headaches, and even low back pain (yep, that too!). But there’s a way to turn things around, and it doesn’t involve hugging a rock.  The Fix: Hydration + Trace Minerals Let me introduce you to two rockstars (pun intended!) that I’ve been obsessed with: Hydration Complex: This magic in a bottle helps with the temporary relief of low back pain, dry mouth, infrequent trips to the bathroom (you know, when you just can’t go), headaches, and that zombie-level energy dip. You’re basically rehydrating from the inside out. Multi Trace Mineral: A naturally occurring, liquid supplement that brings all the good stuff straight from Utah’s ancient sea (yes, really!). It’s packed with a full spectrum of trace minerals that you won’t find in most of our modern diets. Your body needs these to function like the well-oiled machine it’s meant to be! Imagine feeling actually hydrated, energized, and ready to conquer the day without the need for constant coffee refills. But remember, minerals don’t work alone—it’s about a holistic approach: Nourish your body with mineral-rich foods like nuts, seeds, avocados, quinoa, kelp, and green veggies. Detox to get rid of those mineral-stealing toxins and parasites. Support your body with these two powerhouse products (trust me, you’ll thank me later!). So if you’re tired of feeling “meh” and ready to give your body what it’s been craving, now’s the time to jump on this mineral train. Drop me a message and I’ll hook you up with the goods! #MineralMagic, #HydrationBoost, #TraceMinerals, #NaturalHealth, #HolisticHealing, #EnergyBoost, #WellnessJourney, #HealthyLiving, #MineralDeficiency, #GutHealth Let’s talk Cayenne! I’m sure you’ve heard about its ability to potentially stop a heart attack dead in its tracks. So why is that? Well, it’s a major warming stimulant for the cardiovascular system. A blood mover & vessel dilator. Cayenne increases circulation & opens the peripheral capillaries.  When mixing cayenne with any other herbs, it works synergistically to actually increase the actions of those herbs making them even more effective. Cyanne is one of the tinctures I like to have in my first aid kit! I also love it for its abilities to stop bleeding & relieve pain for things like arthritis, menstrual cramps, neuropathy & muscle/joint pain.  (So if you’re ever in the kitchen & cut yourself grab some cayenne & pack it on the wound).
I know when you think of something hot & spicy like cayenne you’d think it would agitate something like ulcers. When in fact cayenne supports the lining of our stomach. Because it can block Substance P it actually can relieve any pain associated with ulcers & address secondary infections like the H. pylori bacterial infection. These are just a few ways we can benefit from cayenne out of the many. I recommend getting some quality vibrant red cayenne to have on hand. Elijah and I made fresh squeezed lemonade and added cayenne pepper, ginger and manukau honey.. sooo delicious! Let us know how you like it! |
AuthorDr. Lizie Pilicy, Chiropractor and Nutritional Specialist, uses innovative holistic approaches to wellness incorporating mind, body, and spirit disciplines to assist with whole-being wellness. Categories
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14330 Midway Road, Ste. 119
Farmers Branch, TX 75244 |