The Power of Body Contouring: Beyond Vanity to Vitality

Body contouring has emerged as a powerful anti-aging treatment, offering a comprehensive approach to addressing various signs of aging beyond just vanity.

Through techniques like skin tightening, cellulite reduction, fat removal, and muscle toning, body contouring enhances physical appearance and also promotes a more youthful and rejuvenated mindset.

I don't know about you, but seeing loose, saggy skin reminds me of this fact: my hormones are changing and shifting the architecture of my body.

Let's face it, we all are getting older, but your mindset is what makes the wo(man).

Being over 40, you can no longer be lazy with food choices, exercise, and mental health. The blueprint for how your physiology presents in your 4th decade of life and beyond is being shaped right now.

Adipose tissue is inflammatory. Full Stop.

So the quicker you eliminate and recalibrate how your body stores it, best believe you'll get an all-over recalibration. Insulin and Leptin resistance is the real epidemic and this is why we are seeing GLP-1 weight loss drugs make incredible transformations for people.

But some of us don’t want to take prescriptions, or use drugs to lose weight, but can’t muster the willpower to do the workouts to burn fat, or just don’t have the time, here is where body contouring can make a difference.

In 30-60 minutes 1x/week for 5-10 weeks, you can break this inflammatory cycle of fat tissue calling the shots.

Why consider non-surgical body sculpting?

Non-surgical body sculpting aims to redefine your body’s shape and smooth your skin. Here at Potentia Medspa, we’ve brought on PHYSIQ, a non-invasive energy-based solution that you can multiple areas of the body. It works for all skin types and body sizes.

How does PHYSIQ work to remove fat?

PHYSIQ not only removes fat, it also improves muscle tone. It targets subcutaneous adipose ( fat) tissue and muscle with its unique STEP technology. The deep heat phase from PHYSIQ’s super luminescent diode matrix (SDM) targets adipose tissue while electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) creates muscle contractions to re-educate the muscle in the targeted area.

If you are over 40, building muscle mass is critical right now…

Have you noticed less muscle mass and decreased muscle tone from fasting, previous dieting or even weight loss drugs from your 30s? Body contouring techniques, using electromagnetic muscle stimulation, can help tone and strengthen muscles, resulting in what I call the ultimate jumpstart.

Well Dr. Vera, how is body contouring relevant to anti-aging?

Since our Medspa acquired PHYSIQ earlier this year, we’ve had some pretty incredible results with physical transformations as well as behavioral changes with our early adopter clients.

Yes, we saw reduced skin laxity, cellulite disappear, fat accumulation vanish in stubborn areas- all signs of anti-aging.

But most importantly we saw vitality shifts:

• Muscle tone strengthening from PHYSIQ resulted in a client signing up for pilates classes for the first time in her life

• Belly flattening with PHYSIQ encouraged a client to finally start eating a diet that didn’t cause her digestive bloating and upset

• Gluteal (butt lifting) with PHYSIQ gave another client the confidence to finally wear clothing that was flattering. She bought a new outfit to wear on her 1st date in over 4 years.

As you know, vitality adds years to one's life, but also ensures those years are lived with vitality, functionality, and quality. I’m all for living up to the best of my potential, aren’t you?

Grab your appointment for a consultation 24/7 using this link & learn more about body contouring with us at Potentia MedSpa in Lafayette, CA at 510 230 2282

XOXO

Dr. Vera

2 Unique and Delicious Breakfast Ideas for Fall

Are you tired of the same old breakfast routine? Oatmeal, toast or just plain skipping it?

Here are 2 flavorful shake-ups to start your day! They do require pre-prep so it’s a great idea to meal plan on the weekend.

Breakfast Buddha Bowls: Fuel Your Morning with Bliss

Picture a bowl loaded with high-fiber complex carbohydrates, protein-packed goodies, and a rainbow of fresh veggies. That's your Breakfast Buddha Bowl!

Start with a base of quinoa, brown or cauliflower rice, add your favorite veggies (spinach, avocado, roasted sweet potatoes - you name it), and top it off with a poached egg or a sprinkle of nuts. Drizzle with your favorite sauce - tahini or my favorite avocado dressing.

Simple.

Breakfast Salads: Greens Galore to Kickstart Your Day

Who says salads are only for lunch and dinner?

Pile on leafy greens, throw in some berries, sliced apples, and a handful of nuts. Top it off with a hard-boiled egg, Just Egg (if you can’t eat eggs) or other protein sources like sausage or a scoop of plain Greek yogurt.

Many of these items can be pre-cooked or purchased ready-to-eat from your favorite grocery store: Berkeley Bowl, TraderJoes, Whole foods, Safeway and Diablo foods.

Why Breakfast Matters: Mood, Focus, and Clarity

But here's the real advantage: Your morning meal plays a huge role in blood sugar regulation. By choosing complex carbs and protein at the first meal of the day, you're giving your body the right fuel to keep your blood sugar levels steady.

And when your blood sugar behaves, you're rewarded with mood stability, focus, and crystal-clear thinking throughout the day. No more 2 pm energy slumps or brain fog!

Try these two non-traditional breakfast ideas and feel the difference.

XO

Dr. V

Daily Immune Boosters to Kick Cold and Flu Season to the Curb (Kid Friendly)

With cold and flu season right around the corner, it's time to gear up and give our immune systems a much-needed boost. We all know that our genes play a part in how we handle sickness, but what really makes a difference are the everyday factors that affect our immune strength.

Think toxins, stress, anti-biotic exposure, extra pounds, not catching enough ZZZs, and what we put in our bodies – they can all disrupt our immunity. It's like throwing our body's balance, or as the experts call it, "allostatic overload," out of whack and leaving our immune system struggling.

You can naturally ramp up your immune resilience, and NOW IS THE TIME to kick this into high gear. I’ve got four tips to support you. These are especially handy as the kids have returned back to school and bringing many germs your way!

1. Andrographis: The Immune Wonder

 Andrographis, a plant from South Asia, is the real star of immune boosters. Studies have shown that it's packed with phyto compounds that can kick your immune system into high gear, making it better at fighting off infections. Adding some Andrographis to your daily routine can help you shore up your defenses before the flu season comes knocking.

Dose at 50-100mg/day

 2. Astragalus: Your Immune Ally

Astragalus, a traditional Chinese herb, is like your immune system's best friend. It has unique polysaccharides shown to stimulate the production and activity of immune cells, such as T-cells and natural killer cells- the core of your immune cell production, helping your surveillance against everyday exposure.

Dose at 50-100mg/day

3. Vitamin A: Your Immunity's Sidekick

Above all, Vitamin A is the most under utilized and underappreciated, but most trusty sidekick in the fight against germs. It keeps your skin and mucous membranes strong – the first line of defense. Plus, it's crucial for making antibodies, the warriors that help your body fend off infections. Load up on Vitamin A at 5,000iU (lower the dose for kids) and Vitamin A-rich foods like sweet potatoes, carrots/carrot juice, and leafy greens to give your immune system the support it needs.

4. Vitamin D: The Sunshine for Your Immunity

 Vitamin D3 is essential for your immune system. It helps your immune cells do their job better and keeps both superficial and deeper body's defenses in top shape. Our immune cells have vitamin D receptors, and when it binds with vitamin D, it helps activate them. This activation is necessary for the immune system's response.  If you didn’t soak up enough sun during the summer months, consider adding a Vitamin D supplement to your routine now.

Dose D3 2,000IU/day

So, there it is my friends – four simple ways to jumpstart your immune system. Grab this protocol and give your body these natural boosts- you'll be better prepared to tackle whatever cold and flu season throws your way.

Stay healthy and happy!

XO

 Dr. Vera

Think You Have Adrenal Fatigue? Try Making Sole Water

I am a huge fan of Solé Water.

 I find many patients are depleted in basic minerals like zinc, potassium, magnesium, and even iodine. Deficiencies in these basic minerals can lead to cramping, dizziness, twitchy muscles, and chronically low blood pressure.

When you need a quick simple way to rehydrate your body, improve mineral load, and build blood volume, this is a favorite amongst my patients and works quickly!

What is SOLÉ WATER?

Himalayan saltwater, also popularly known as solé water, is basically water that has been fully saturated with salt.

Everyone believes coconut water is the most efficient rehydration fluid behind Pedialyte, however solé water can be just as effective.

SALT = Sodium and chloride combined. These two electrolytes combined into water give our cells life, assist with detoxification and reduce inflammation.  If you’d like to read more about the importance of sodium chloride, read Linus Pauling’s in depth article.

I recommend consuming your solé water in the morning & definitely by midday. You can also use solé to help rehydrate your body after exercise or on hot days to replace the water and electrolytes lost in sweat. For deeper depletion, I advise drinking daily over the course of 2-3 months.

Benefits:

• Keeps the body energized & hydrated: Solé water contains the necessary electrolytes that give you the required minerals to function and also keep your stress system down and energy levels up.

• Easily absorbed Minerals: Himalayan salt is rich in many trace minerals and having it in the form of solé water makes the absorption of these minerals in the body easier

Good to know before you begin:

• The key is to make your concentrated solé tonic hyper-saturated by dissolving large natural, minimally processed rock salt into water until the water cannot absorb more. Using fine grain is totally possible, but is messy.

• While many patients get excited and try to drink the solé tonic straight, please don’t do this! Your mouth and lips will be very unhappy.  It’s best mixed with larger amounts of water.

Here’s how to make it!

Ingredients

·      4-5 blocks large ancient sea salt  or Large unrefined crystal salt( Himalayan or Celtic)

·      6-10 ounces water

Equipment

·      Glass Mason Jar  ( pint-sized) with a plastic lid. You can recycle old supplement bottles or peanut butter jars, just make sure it’s glass. Metal lids will rust from salt contact over time.

Preparing the solé tonic.

·      Place 4-5 salt crystals into a pint-sized glass jar. If you are using smaller crystals, add enough salt to fill half the volume of your glass jar.

·      Fill your jar with filtered water, then seal the jar with a plastic or other non-metal lid.

·      Let the salt dissolve for at least 48-72 hours. The crystal will dissolve but remain visible after 24 hours. Wait until the salt has fully hyper-saturated the water. If the salt crystals have NOT dissolved completely, add another salt crystal and allow it to saturate in the water for another 24 hours.

Get ready to use the solé tonic!

Once your supersaturated solé tonic is ready for use,  uncover the jar, stir the water, and then measure 1 tablespoon of solé tonic into a 32 oz bottle of water, mix well and drink from morning until afternoon.

You’ve just made medicinal solé water!

Pro-Tips!

• If a tablespoon is too much initially, lower it to one teaspoon and build your way back up over time.

• Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice. It’ll give a refreshing zing to your water, as well as a dose of vitamin C.

• You can always use this solé tonic to make bone broths or make large batches of soups or stews- it’ll enhance the mineral density tenfold!

• Store it away in a dark cool area until ready for use daily.   

Press Release: Expansion and Rebranding to Potentia Med: Elevating Holistic Care with Functional Aesthetics

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dr. Vera Singleton, ND, MBA Announces Bold Expansion and Rebranding to Potentia Med: Elevating Holistic Care with Functional Aesthetics

Lafayette, CA – Dr. Vera Singleton, a trusted name in Naturopathic Functional Medicine in the Bay Area is proud to announce its exciting expansion and rebranding as Potentia Med. This transformation marks a significant upgrade in the way we provide care, aligning with our commitment to enhance the well-being of our valued clients.

The word "Potentia," meaning power, perfectly encapsulates the essence of our evolution as we adapt to the changing needs of our community. This strategic rebranding process reflects our dedication to next-level holistic care and the incorporation of functional aesthetics to address the diverse health concerns of our clientele.

While we remain steadfast in offering all our popular and highly rated programs, including Digestion and Gut Health, Perimenopause Support, and Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT), our expansion into aesthetic medicine marks an exciting new chapter in our journey.

As we emerge from the challenges posed by the pandemic, we recognize the profound impact it has had on various aspects of our lives, from increased stress levels to premature peri/menopause transitioning. We understand that these experiences have not only affected us emotionally but have also taken a toll on our physical well-being, causing signs of rapid aging.

Drawing from our combined 18 years of experience in holistic skincare from the inside out, our team has undergone extensive training with leading aesthetic trainers across the country. We are now equipped with the latest protocols and therapies to elevate the appearance and performance of your skin.

Our forthcoming offerings at Potentia Med will not only restore youthfulness but will also include targeted therapies specifically designed to reverse the damage caused by UV radiation, long-term effects of acne and hair loss. Cutting-edge treatments such as PRP/F, Plasma and Microneedling are essential tools for rebuilding healthier, rejuvenated skin.

We are excited to embark on this transformative journey and reaffirm our commitment to providing comprehensive and innovative care to our valued clients. Potentia Med represents a powerful blend of time-tested expertise in natural medicine and cutting-edge approaches to elevate your overall well-being. For more information and to stay connected with our practice, please visit our website at [www.drverasingleton.com].

About Potentia Med:

 Dr. Vera Singleton ND, MBA/Potentia Med is a leading functional medicine and aesthetics practice in Lafayette, CA dedicated to offering comprehensive Naturopathic care and a commitment to holistic well-being, Potentia Med is embarking on a transformative journey, into using regenerative medicine to elevate our client’s expanding needs.

Press Contact:

Vera Singleton, ND, MBA

CEO/CMO

Dr. Vera Singleton/Potentia Med

510-230-2282

Contact us

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Will Cortef help your energy levels?

I want to shed some light on a topic that affects many perimenopausal women: adrenal fatigue. Have you ever experienced persistent fatigue, brain fog, or a general sense of exhaustion? If so, you might be dealing with adrenal fatigue.

I am a fan of using adaptogens and adrenal support first, but sometimes you need a different approach.

Before I talk about Cortef, let's take a moment to understand what adrenal fatigue entails. Adrenal fatigue is a term used to describe a collection of diffuse symptoms believed to occur when the adrenal glands drop below their optimal level. These symptoms can include chronic fatigue, difficulty concentrating, disrupted sleep patterns, and even a weakened immune system.

Cortef and its Uses

Cortef, also known as hydrocortisone, can potentially play a role in addressing adrenal fatigue. Cortef is a synthetic form of cortisol, a hormone produced naturally by the adrenal glands. It mimics the effects of cortisol in the body and has been utilized to manage a range of medical conditions, including adrenal insufficiency.

Restoring Cortisol Levels

One of the key aspects of adrenal fatigue is the disruption of cortisol production, which leads to an imbalance in the body. Cortef can help replenish cortisol levels and provide the body with the necessary resources to combat fatigue and improve overall well-being.

Balancing the Stress Response

Our adrenal glands play a vital role in managing the body's response to stress. When faced with chronic stress, the adrenal glands can spike, then collapse, resulting in a reduced ability to produce sufficient cortisol. Cortef can aid in restoring balance to the stress response system, alleviating the burden on the adrenal glands and allowing them to recover over time.

Managing Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is often associated with adrenal fatigue. Cortef's anti-inflammatory properties can assist in reducing inflammation in the body, providing relief from symptoms such as joint pain, allergies, and improving skin quality.

Important Considerations for a balanced approach to restoring adrenals:

Cortef is a prescription medication, and its dosage and duration should be used in the context of a comprehensive approach. Modifications such as stress management, specific types of exercise, an anti-inflammatory adrenal-specific diet, and improving circadian rhythm rest are essential components in overcoming adrenal fatigue.

I’ve been supporting adrenal fatigue using hormonal and non-hormonal options for quite some time, so if you are experiencing symptoms and looking for support, don’t hesitate to book a consult with me to discuss!

Why Sea Moss is a MUST for Peri-Menopausal Women

Sea Moss.

Full stop.

When I heard about the craze, I thought it would be a fad to come and go, however, when several patients raved about how amazing it made them feel, I decided to look into this closer.

There are 2 popular types of sea moss:

Irish Moss (Chondrus crispus): This is one of the most well-known types of sea moss. Irish moss is known for its high nutritional content and gel-like consistency when soaked or cooked.

Purple Sea Moss (Gracilaria): This variety of sea moss has a vibrant purple color. It is known for its high antioxidant content. Purple sea moss has anti-inflammatory properties.

You may see youtube or tiktok videos showing how to prepare this, but I want to clarify why it’s amazing for PM bodies:

Hormonal Balance: Sea moss may contain phytoestrogens, which are plant-based compounds that mimic estrogen in the body. During peri-menopause, when estrogen levels naturally decrease, consuming sea moss may help balance hormone levels and alleviate some symptoms associated with hormonal changes, like hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness.

BEST FOR: Irregular cycles, hot flashes, terrible PMS, insomnia

Incredible General Nutritional Support: Sea moss is rich in vitamins, minerals, and trace elements, including calcium, magnesium, iodine, iron, and vitamins A, C, E, and K. These nutrients are essential for maintaining skin health, supporting bone density, and promoting stable stress management, which can be particularly important during peri-menopause.

BEST FOR: Those with adrenal fatigue, reflux, IBS- always take with B-complex

Digestive Health: Sea moss is known for its high fiber content, which can help support digestive health and alleviate constipation.

BEST FOR: IBS, reflux, constipation, hemorrhoids, all skin issues including acne

Skin and Hair Health: Sea moss is often used in skincare products due to its big benefit for skin health. I wouldn’t take collagen with adding sea moss! It may help nourish and hydrate the skin, promote collagen production, and support healthy hair growth.

BEST FOR: Thinning hair, breaking nails, all skin issues

How could you not fall in love with sea moss?

XO

Dr. Vera

Got IBS? The 5 myths to breakthrough when you need a cure

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be difficult to treat!

Here are 5 common myths you may have read about online and how my Digestion & Gut Program works to breakthrough:

1. The exact cause of IBS is not fully understood.

FALSE! IBS is well-studied. It involves a combination of factors such as abnormal gut motility, visceral hypersensitivity, gut-brain axis dysfunction, changes in gut microbiota, and emotional factors. This complexity makes it challenging to develop targeted and effective treatments in the traditional pill + condition model.

2. IBS is the same in everyone.

FALSE!

IBS symptoms can vary greatly among individuals. Some people experience predominantly diarrhea (IBS-D), while others have constipation (IBS-C), and some may alternate between the two (IBS-Mixed ). Additionally, symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and urgency are common. Treat the individual!

3. Currently, there are no specific biomarkers or diagnostic tests for IBS.

FALSE! In the world of functional medicine, diagnosis is typically based on symptoms and key objective markers in stool testing. If you know what markers to look for in the GI tract, the answer is quite obvious.

4. Treating IBS is a silver bullet approach with Rifaximin.

FALSE! You must take into account the specific symptoms, triggers, and coexisting conditions of each person. What works for one individual may not work for another. Many clients have still sought my protocol after Rifaximin didn’t work.

5. There are limited treatment options for IBS.

The combination approach works best for treating IBS. Most of my clients are on a cocktail therapy of herbs, amino acids, and motility modifiers. This includes dietary modifications, herbal anti-biotics, pre/probiotics, and most importantly targeted restoration of the floral microbiome.

HOW I GET RESULTS FOR MY CLIENTS WITH IBS?

I use a specific approach to shift the microenvironment in IBS.

What I have discovered is: If you don’t correct all of the areas below, symptoms return over time.

• Gastrointestinal motility dysfunctions

• Malabsorption of bile acid

• Gut microbiota modulation

• Altered gut barrier function ( leaky gut)

• Intestinal immunological modulation

This functional approach is unique to my practice I have developed over the years. All of my clients in the Digestion & Gut program get massive results using this protocol.

This works for all ages!

XO

Dr. Vera