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Menopause is a natural transition — but for many professional women, it arrives like a storm in the middle of their most productive years. The reality is that menopause doesn’t just affect hormones — it affects careers, confidence, and quality of life. At Mirelle Institute for Anti-Aging Medicine, we see women every day who feel frustrated, exhausted, and misunderstood. Many are high-achieving professionals struggling to balance demanding workloads while battling symptoms that silently sabotage their focus, mood, and motivation. The Hidden Impact of Menopause in the Workplace When estrogen and progesterone levels begin to decline, the brain’s neurotransmitters, metabolism, and sleep cycles follow. The result? Brain fog that makes concentration harder. Anxiety and irritability that strain relationships and leadership presence. Fatigue that makes mornings harder to face. Unexplained weight gain, especially around the abdomen, that can erode confidence. Hot flashes and sleep disturbances that leave women drained during meetings or presentations. Despite these challenges, most women push through silently — fearing judgment or professional stigma. But ignoring these symptoms doesn’t make them disappear; it only allows them to intensify. The Connection Between Menopause and Weight Gain One of the most common — and distressing — side effects of menopause is stubborn weight gain. Even with the same diet and exercise routine, the body’s changing hormones can slow metabolism, increase insulin resistance, and shift fat storage to the midsection. As a medical weight loss specialist, I often remind my patients: this isn’t your fault — it’s biology. At Mirelle Institute, we approach weight gain during menopause with science-driven, personalized protocols that restore metabolic balance. Our Functional Medicine and Medical Weight Loss Program integrates: GLP-1 and peptide therapies (including Tirzepatide and peptide alternatives), Hormone balancing and nutritional optimization, Body composition analysis and metabolic testing Customized lifestyle plans designed for midlife women. These solutions help women reclaim energy, confidence, and vitality — not through fad diets, but through precision medicine. The Emotional & Cognitive Toll Menopause doesn’t only change the body — it impacts how women think, feel, and show up in their work. Low estrogen affects dopamine and serotonin levels, leading to mood instability, low motivation, and even burnout. This often leads to women feeling invisible, overlooked, or less capable — when in truth, they’re entering a stage of power, perspective, and potential that deserves support and understanding. Reclaiming Control — and Your Power If you’re experiencing these changes, you’re not alone — and it’s not “all in your head.” There are safe, evidence-based treatments to restore your hormones, rebalance your metabolism, and reignite your vitality. At Mirelle Institute for Anti-Aging Medicine, we specialize in: ✅ Menopause & Perimenopause Management ✅ Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) ✅ Functional Medicine & Peptide Therapy ✅ Medical Weight Loss & Metabolic Reset Programs ✅ Skin & Body Rejuvenation for Women in Midlife Our mission is to make women seen, heard, and supported through every stage of life. Take the First Step! Your symptoms don’t have to define you — and your career doesn’t have to suffer. Let’s restore balance, confidence, and energy from the inside out. Schedule your Functional Medicine or Menopause Consultation today or join the Mirelle Anti-Aging app for additional information. Why The Mirelle Anti-Aging App? Great Question! The Mirelle App is equipped with AI smart technology Joining our complementary App will unlock extraordinary benefits even if you choose not to purchase a membership. Here are some complementary perks: Enjoy special financing with Affirm, shop your favorite skincare brands and enjoy FREE shipping on orders greater than $100 Meet our AI skincare advisors Aria & Adonis for smart advice on treatments and skincare that will benefit your particular skin Get a $50 gift from us for joining the Mirelle App GET PAID: Earn $25 for each referral, and get cash rewards each time you visit our clinic. Yes, $25 for you and $50 for them! Keep referring and we will pay you and your friends. For a limited time, unlock Mirelle Platinum VIP Membership — FREE for 7 days in the Mirelle Anti-Aging App! ✨ Your Platinum Trial Includes: 20% OFF all treatments, services, and products — no limits, anytime until October 31, 2025 Exclusive VIP pricing on advanced aesthetic and wellness packages (eg. 50% Savings on VI Peel) Priority booking with our expert medical team Early access to new treatments and launches Member-only invitations to private events and promotions Enjoy the Luxury of Limitless: For 7 days, you’ll receive 20% OFF everything — no restrictions, no waiting, no strings attached. Just pure VIP treatment. ⚠️ Please Note: Your trial excludes the monthly choices of complementary treatments and bonuses reserved for paid Platinum Members. You can upgrade anytime to continue enjoying full VIP access and the member-only perks our Platinum patients love. 📅 Offer valid through October 31, 2025. Use code OCT25VIP to activate your FREE 7-Day Platinum Trial in the Mirelle App today and discover luxury at the next level. Enjoy your VIP Experience! Or take our Metabolic Code® Assessment to discover your personal metabolic blueprint. By Dr. Corina Ianculovici, DNP, FAAMFM, AGNP, ABAAM Founder, Mirelle Institute for Anti-Aging Medicine | Manasquan, NJ

Leaky Gut, Your Skin, and Your Mood: How Everyday Foods Disrupt the Gut—and How to Fix It What is “leaky gut” (in plain English)? “ Leaky gut” is the lay term for increased intestinal permeability. Your gut lining is a smart filter—letting nutrients in, keeping irritants out. When that filter gets inflamed or damaged, its “tight junctions” loosen, and small unwanted particles (like lipopolysaccharides/toxins, food fragments, and microbes) can slip into the bloodstream. Your immune system sees them and mounts an inflammatory response that can ripple through the whole body—skin included, and even the brain via the gut–brain axis. Scientists measure this permeability directly; it’s a real, studied phenomenon. PMC What drives leaky gut & dysbiosis (microbiome imbalance)? 1) Ultra-processed foods & additives UPFs (think packaged snacks, sweetened drinks, fast foods) shift the microbiome, inflame the gut, and loosen the barrier, independently of total calories. Emulsifiers and some additives can thin the mucus layer and disturb microbes; high-sugar patterns do the same. Large cohort data also link high UPF intake with higher depression risk, highlighting gut–brain connections. J AMA Network 2) Low fiber, low plant diversity Fiber is fermented by gut bacteria into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)—especially butyrate, which is fuel for colon cells and helps tighten the gut barrier and calm inflammation. Diets low in fiber and variety reduce SCFAs and weaken the barrier. PMC 3) Hidden sugars & chaotic eating Frequent spikes from added sugars and irregular meal timing can promote microbial shifts and inflammatory signals that aggravate permeability. (Mechanistic and clinical reviews tie specific diet components to barrier changes.) Physiology Journals 4) Lectins (a balanced view) Some plant lectins (e.g., wheat germ agglutinin) can bind gut cells and alter barrier behavior in vitro and in certain contexts; gliadin (a wheat protein) can increase permeability in susceptible people. For most people eating whole, cooked legumes/grains within a diverse diet, lectins are typically tolerated—proper soaking/cooking lowers activity. The evidence in everyday, healthy humans is mixed, so personalization is key. PMC How leaky gut shows up on your skin (the gut–skin axis) When microbial balance and barrier integrity falter, immune messengers and microbial metabolites change—this can flare acne, eczema, and psoriasis or slow healing and dull the complexion. Reviews of the gut–skin axis link dysbiosis and barrier problems with common inflammatory skin conditions and suggest targeted dietary approaches can help. spandidos-publications.com, Frontiers How it affects mood, focus & resilience (the gut–brain axis) Your gut and brain “talk” via nerves (vagus), hormones, immune signals, and microbial metabolites (like SCFAs). Dysbiosis and a leaky barrier can amplify systemic inflammation and alter neurotransmitter pathways—raising anxiety, brain fog, and depression risk. Landmark reviews and prospective studies support these links; importantly, improving diet quality can reduce depressive symptoms in randomized trials. Physiology Journals Everyday culprits (and what to swap) -Processed snacks & sweetened drinks → swap for whole foods, sparkling water, herbal teas. BMJ -Low-fiber routines → add legumes, oats, nuts, seeds, veggies, and diverse fruits to feed SCFA-producing microbes. PMC -Monotonous diets → aim for 30+ different plants/week for microbial diversity (even spices/herbs count). ScienceDirect -Frequent “grazing on sugar” → move toward regular meals with protein + fiber to stabilize the microbiome. Physiology Journals -Lectin sensitivity (if suspected) → prefer soaking/sprouting/pressure-cooking legumes; consider a time-limited trial reduction with re-challenge, guided by a clinician. ScienceDirect How we fix this—Metabolic Code® + Functional Consultation at Mirelle At Mirelle Institute for Anti-Aging Medicine (Wall Township/ Manasquan, NJ), we tackle leaky gut and dysbiosis with a personalized, two-pronged systems-based approach: 1. The Metabolic Code® Assessment : A structured, evidence-informed analysis of your metabolic and inflammatory patterns that becomes your personal blueprint for gut repair, energy, mood, and skin vitality. 2. The Functional Medicine Consult ation : Uncover the Root Cause. Rebalance Your Body. Restore Vitality A Functional Medicine Consultation is more than a visit — it’s a deep dive into your body’s story. Rather than chasing symptoms, we look upstream to identify the *root causes* of imbalance — whether hormonal, metabolic, nutritional, inflammatory, or environmental. At Mirelle Institute for Anti-Aging Medicine, our consultations integrate cutting-edge diagnostics , personalized nutrition , and advanced lifestyle medicine to create a unique wellness roadmap designed just for you. What to Expect? Your journey begins with a comprehensive health assessment that includes: 1. Detailed Health & Lifestyle History We explore your energy, sleep, stress, digestion, hormones, medications, food choices, and environmental exposures — painting a complete picture of your health. 2. Symptom & System Mapping Using the Functional Medicine Matrix and (optionally) the Metabolic Code® Assessment , we identify which biological systems are under stress — such as inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, or hormonal imbalances. 3. Advanced Diagnostic Testing (as needed) Depending on your symptoms, we may order targeted labs including: * Gut microbiome analysis or food sensitivity testing * Hormone & adrenal panels * Micronutrient or inflammation markers * Metabolic & insulin sensitivity assessments 4. Personalized Plan of Care You’ll receive a structured plan that may include: * Customized nutrition and meal timing * Peptide or nutraceutical support * Stress-reduction and sleep optimization * Detoxification or gut-healing protocols * Fitness and recovery strategies based on your metabolic type 5. Follow-Up & Optimization We track your progress, refine your plan, and provide ongoing education so you can sustain long-term results and feel empowered in your health decisions. Why It Works? Functional Medicine bridges traditional medicine and precision wellness — combining evidence-based science with an individualized approach. By uncovering what’s driving your fatigue, inflammation, or hormonal imbalance, we can create targeted interventions that restore equilibrium and optimize longevity. Peer-reviewed studies consistently show that lifestyle and functional interventions —including diet diversity, gut repair, and stress management—improve biomarkers of inflammation, metabolic health, and mental well-being (Frontiers in Public Health, 2023; JAMA Network Open, 2024). Ideal For : * Chronic fatigue or “burnout” * Hormonal imbalances (PMS, menopause, andropause) * Brain fog, anxiety, or mood changes * Digestive symptoms (bloating, reflux, IBS, leaky gut) * Weight-loss resistance or metabolic slowdown * Autoimmune or inflammatory conditions * Skin issues linked to internal inflammation Your Personalized Wellness Roadmap Awaits When you understand how your unique biology works, you can finally feel — and look — like your most vibrant self. ✨ Book your Functional Medicine Consultation today and begin your journey toward total health transformation. 👉 Schedule Onlin e We translate your blueprint assessment + labs into a practical plan: 1. An anti-inflammatory, high-fiber, diverse whole-foods template (often Mediterranean-style) shown to improve depressive symptoms and support the gut barrier. BioMed Central 2. Strategic re-introduction/elimination when needed (e.g., emulsifiers, excess sugars; careful handling of lectins). PMC 3. Targeted nutrients (prebiotic fibers; polyphenol-rich plants) that encourage SCFA production and barrier integrity. PM C ✨ Curious what your blueprint looks like? Start with the Metabolic Code® Assessment and we’ll map your gut–skin–brain connections, step-by-step. 👉 Step 1: Purchase Your Metabolic Code® assessment and Your Functional Medicine Consultation in our Mirelle Anti-Aging Boutique 👉Step 2: Schedule your appointment to discuss your personalized results and care plan with Dr. Ianculovici, DNP, FAAMFM, A-GNP References: Camilleri M. Leaky gut: mechanisms, measurement and clinical implications in humans. Gastroenterology review. PMC Cryan & Dinan. The Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis. Physiol Rev; mechanistic overview. Physiology Journals Samuthpongtorn et al. Ultraprocessed foods & depression risk. JAMA Netw Open cohort. JAMA Network Salem et al. Gut microbiome & skin disorders (acne, AD, psoriasis). Front Microbiol review. Frontiers Pérez-Reytor et al. SCFAs and gut barrier/healing. Int J Mol Sci review. PMC AJP-GI review on dietary components and permeability. Physiology Journals WGA/lectins mechanistic evidence.

There’s a reason fresh-baked bread evokes nostalgia—beyond comfort, homemade bread from freshly milled wheat berries, especially when paired with sprouting and sourdough fermentation, carries a unique nutritional profile and digestive advantage that industrial breads lack. In my work in functional and regenerative medicine, I often encourage patients to return to traditional foods that balance bioavailability, reduce inflammatory burden, and support gut resilience. Below I explore what’s in freshly milled flour, what science reveals about health effects (skin, autoimmune, gut), and how to bake in a way that maximizes benefits and minimizes risks. Inspiration from a Pioneer in Nutritional Bread Science My own journey into the world of freshly milled grains has been deeply inspired by Sue Becker, a renowned food science expert and educator who has spent over three decades researching and teaching the health benefits of freshly ground whole grains. Through her company, The Bread Beckers , and The Bread Beckers Podcast , Sue has empowered countless individuals to reclaim their health through the simple act of baking real bread. Her scientific yet heartfelt approach to nutrition bridges traditional wisdom and modern research, reminding us that true wellness begins with the purity and integrity of the foods we prepare at home. I share in her belief that homemade bread—milled fresh from whole, living grains—can be a cornerstone of healing for those seeking vitality, improved digestion, and deeper nourishment. What Freshly Milled Flour Offers: Nutrients, Enzymes & Bioactive Compounds When you mill a whole wheat berry yourself—or obtain very recently milled whole-grain flour—you retain the three parts of the kernel: endosperm, bran, and germ. In contrast, refined flours discard much of the germ and bran, where many nutrients reside. Key Nutrients & Why They Matter B-Vitamins (thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, folate, biotin): these support mitochondrial energy metabolism, skin health, DNA repair, and nervous system resilience. Vitamin E (tocopherols): concentrated in the germ, an antioxidant that protects lipids, skin cells, and cell membranes from oxidative damage. Minerals (magnesium, zinc, iron, selenium, phosphorus): cofactors in enzyme reactions, immune regulation, and detox pathways. Healthy fats (in the germ): unsaturated fatty acids that support membrane fluidity and nutrient transport. Protein + essential amino acids: for tissue repair, immune support, and rebuilding leaky gut. Dietary fiber (both soluble and insoluble): feeds beneficial gut bacteria, supports bowel motility, and helps moderate blood sugar. Enzymes & phytases (when fresh): some of the native enzymes and phytases (which help degrade phytic acid) are more active when freshly milled, which can improve mineral absorption and digestibility. Sprouting (germination) enhances this further: sprouted grains tend to have higher levels of folate, vitamin C, zinc, magnesium, and protein, and lower phytic acid, making minerals more bioavailable (Harvard Health, sprouted grains ). Comprehensive reviews show that sprouting alters the nutritional and functional profile of grains significantly. (Benincasa et al., Sprouted Grains Review ) However, one must note: nutrient loss begins soon after milling. Vitamins degrade, oils oxidize, and enzymes lose activity over days. That’s why “fresh milling” is a meaningful step in preserving value. What Science Shows: Health Effects (Skin, Autoimmune, Gut) Below is what current human and translational research supports—along with caveats. Use it to support functional recommendations, not overpromise cures. Skin & Inflammation While there is no direct randomized trial showing freshly milled homemade bread “cures” skin disease, the logic is sound: antioxidants (vitamin E, phenolics) and B vitamins help repair oxidative injury and support barrier function. Whole-grain consumption has been linked to lower systemic inflammation in cohort studies, which may benefit conditions like acne or eczema indirectly. Autoimmune & Systemic Inflammation Whole grains (vs. refined) are associated with lower markers of inflammation in observational and interventional studies. The added benefit of fermentation and sprouting is the reduction in anti-nutrients and improved bioavailability of micronutrients that support immune regulation. However, clinical trials specifically isolating sourdough or freshly milled breads in autoimmune disease are limited. A systematic review of sourdough bread health claims found that while in vitro and in vivo mechanistic studies are promising, clear consensus in human clinical trials is lacking (Nutritional benefits of sourdoughs: systematic review ). SIBO / IBS / Gut Tolerability One compelling mechanism: during sourdough fermentation, lactic acid bacteria and yeast reduce FODMAP content, degrade phytic acid, and improve digestibility and nutrient accessibility (Extension: Selecting Sourdough for Health Benefits ). Research shows sourdough alters fiber structure and microbial metabolites in ways beneficial to gut health (Exploring Nutritional Impact of Sourdough ). Some in vivo (animal) work also suggests sourdough bread may help reduce inflammation and support favorable gut microbiota (Mouse feeding study, microbiome & sourdough ). However, human clinical evidence remains more modest and heterogeneous (Does sourdough bread provide clinically relevant health benefits? ). A 2024 systematic review acknowledges the nutrient and bioaccessibility improvements from sourdough, but cautions that clinical health endpoints (e.g. in IBS, metabolic syndrome) are difficult to confirm across diverse studies (Nutritional benefits of sourdoughs ). In summary: for many patients with mild gut sensitivity (not celiac), well-fermented, fresh-milled sourdough bread may be better tolerated than commercial bread and could contribute positively to gut health, especially when part of a low-inflammatory diet. How to Use This in Clinical Practice (and at Home) Here’s how I integrate this in my practice and what I teach patients who opt in: 1. Mill at Home or Source Fresh Use a quality grain mill at home or buy freshly milled whole-grain flour. Use it within 1–3 days for maximum nutrient retention, storing leftover in the freezer. 2. Sprout When Possible Allow wheat berries to germinate (24–48 h) before drying and milling. This enhances vitamin and mineral profiles and lowers anti-nutrients. 3. Use Long & Mild Sourdough Fermentation Adopt a slow fermentation (12–48+ hours) with wild yeast / lactic acid bacteria. This reduces phytic acid, lowers FODMAPs, and modifies protein structure to improve digestibility. (Sourdough microbiome benefits ) 4. Use This as a “Therapeutic Food” In patients with skin, autoimmune, or gut sensitivities, introduce slowly and monitor symptoms and biomarkers (CRP, GI symptoms, autoantibodies). Use the bread as a supportive food within a larger anti-inflammatory, nutrient-rich diet. 5. Caution in Sensitive Populations Celiac disease: Wheat products (fresh or fermented) remain dangerous. Severe non-celiac gluten sensitivity: test cautiously. Use this protocol only when clinically warranted and monitor closely. Bottom Line (Functional Medicine Perspective) Freshly milled wheat berries, when processed with sprouting and sourdough fermentation, preserve nutrients, reduce anti-nutrients, and modestly improve digestibility and micronutrient absorption. Mechanistic and in vivo data suggest benefits for gut health, metabolic balance, and inflammation. While direct clinical trials are still limited, many patients experience symptom relief, better digestion, and improved vitality when this approach is integrated thoughtfully into their functional medicine protocol. In my capacity as a clinician, I view this not as a miracle cure but as a low-risk, high-integrity food medicine tool—especially for those committed to nourishing their biology, reducing oxidative load, and reclaiming health through food choices. Selected References & Further Reading: 1. Lau SW, et al. Sourdough Microbiome Comparison and Benefits. Nutrients. 2021. (Review of sourdough fermentation benefits for nutrition and digestibility). PMC 2. D’Amico V, et al. Does sourdough bread provide clinically relevant benefits? Critical review, 2023 — discusses clinical evidence for sourdough benefits. PMC 3. Koc F, et al. Impact of low FODMAP sourdough bread on gut microbiota. Frontiers in Microbiology. 2024 — demonstrates low-FODMAP sourdough can improve tolerability in IBS/SIBO contexts. Frontiers 4. Benincasa P, et al. Sprouted Grains: A Comprehensive Review. Nutrients. 2019. (Shows biochemical changes during germination that improve nutrient bioavailability). PMC 5. Moshawih S, et al. General Health Benefits and Pharmacological Activities of Wheat. (Review of wheat nutrients: B vitamins, minerals, fiber). PMC

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