Want smoother, firmer, and more youthful glowing skin? That's what micro-needling can offer you. It's like pressing the reset button on your skin, helping to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars. It’s a Must if You’re 40+!
Read MoreThink 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
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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
Tender Breasts in Peri-Menopause: Here's why it hurts so much
How to Overcome Sleep Troubles in Peri-Menopause
Peri-Menopause is often a confusing time for hormone balance, especially for maintaining great sleep quality.
Here are the two key hormones at play:
Cortisol produced by the adrenal cortex can serve as a measure of a healthy circadian rhythm. Cortisol and the autonomic nervous system act as a bridge between our internal clock (hormone secretion) and the external clocks (light, time).
However, when cortisol does not maintain a normal pattern of output, the result is a dysfunctional curve that could be either high or low in total cortisol output. Either way results in poor quality of sleep. Disruptions in estrogen production common in peri-menopause are impacted by this dysfunctional curve.
The chronic stress response occurs when the stressors that trigger the sympathetic nervous system and the HPA axis surge. Inflammation, blood sugar imbalances, infections, lack of sleep and mental/emotional stressors can result in chronic stimulation of the stress response leading to a disrupted circadian rhythm.
Melatonin:
As natural light dims in the evening, the signal to suppress melatonin decreases allowing melatonin to rise. Melatonin has two roles in the circadian rhythm. First, it trains and shifts the circadian rhythm to align with the environmental cue of darkness. Secondly, it promotes sleep and induces a hypnotic state throughout the night.
Testing Your Circadian Rhythm
Both cortisol and melatonin can be easily measured to provide insight into the mechanisms that have an influence on the circadian rhythm.
Here’s a quick 5 min tutorial —> on what an abnormal circadian rhythm looks like AKA BAD SLEEP PATTERNS!
Why should you care?
RESET: Sleep resets our physiological processes and allows the body to conserve energy, repair, rebuild and detoxify. Sticking to a regular sleep schedule that is aligned with our natural circadian rhythm supports these much-needed processes. During sleep, growth hormone increases to repair tissues while blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, glucose and insulin decrease.
FOCUS & CONCENTRATION: We consolidate memories and dream during REM sleep while we deeply relax during quiet sleep. Better REM = Better AM Energy
HEALTHY PATTERN: Supporting a healthy sleep cycle requires a bedtime somewhere between 9-10 pm. YOU MUST reduce your activity and limit exposure to blue light otherwise the signals for appropriate hormone secretion mix.
CAN YOU HELP ME ?
Yes, even if you've been dealing with these problems for years and consulted with many other health professionals, I can help improve your sleep quality in my peri-menopause or hormone balance program. I have an approach that has shown excellent results for all my patients. Let me walk you through it.
BACKGROUND:
I learn all about your medical history and what might have led to this situation.
DISCOVERY:
I take the time to get to know you and understand your unique situation. This process helps me find the correct combination of labs to discover the reasons for your symptoms. I test and don't guess to help you get back on track.
PROGRAM:
I elaborate a step-by-step program to solve your health issue based on the clinical background information we worked through. After the first two consultations, you'll walk away with a specific step-by-step strategy so you can begin to take action. My program’s main focus is achieving optimal function so you can enjoy an excellent quality of life!
FOLLOW-UP:
As you follow the steps of the program, I will make adjustments and changes to the strategy to get the best results possible based on your progress. What's unique about my practice is that I take a deep look at your neurotransmitters as they relate to adrenal function. This is a more advanced way to correct adrenal function quickly. Of course, I make changes to your diet as this will give your long term support.
GET HEALTHY, GAIN POWER, BE EXTRAORDINARY | DR. VERA SINGLETON
If you have been dealing with these issues for a long time without any positive change, I can help you! I have first-hand experience helping hundreds of people just like you! I am a naturopathic doctor who has been in private practice for over 12 years. I have a wealth of experience helping people with adrenal fatigue, peri-menopause, sleep problems, and other health issues. We'll work together to identify the root of your problems and how to correct it on your first visit. Schedule your appointment today, or call me at (510) 230-2282.
Honoring Rita Singleton, Dr. Vera's Beloved Mom 1949-2022
Some of you may have noticed I've been working remotely. I’d temporarily moved to Las Vegas to support my best friend, my travel companion, and my mom, Rita.
She was my BEST and MOST compliant patient, but she’s lost the battle against cancer.
About Her
Rita (Akua) Singleton courageously fought mucosal melanoma of the bladder, a rare type of cancer that impacts only 1% of cancer diagnoses. She didn’t drink or smoke or have any other typical risk factors. While diagnosed in 2018, its progress seemed to be relatively predictable, until the pandemic.
Mom underwent multiple surgeries and immunotherapy to try and control the impact of cancerous growth, but its growth rate was too forceful and widespread. The cancer spread to her brain, lungs, and destroyed her bone tissue.
Despite the impact, mom fought HARD and held incredible tenacity for living the fullest right to the end. In my life, I’ve never seen anyone crave each breath during their cancer fight like she did.
She was a young 73 and an extraordinary example of someone who valued life and took extraordinary care of herself. (read her story)
I am so lucky to have had my mom in my life. She was someone who worked tirelessly for her family and her community. She came from nothing, created an inspiring life, and then gave generously to others.
My Thanks
I’d like to thank the exceptional medical team & advisors over the years for their tireless work, strategy and an incredible example of what a caring provider is:
Centennial Hills Hospital, Las Vegas; Dr. Devries, Nicole (an incredible RN who cared for mom in her last hours)
UCLA; Dr. Everson, Dr. Chmielowski, Adelita Cabagnot, NP, Jules Guerra
UCSF: Dr. Tsai, Dr. Chapman, Dr. Porten, Krisztina Emodi, NP
Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Las Vegas: Dr. Sanchez
Reno Integrative Cancer Center: Dr. Eslinger
RGCC of America consult team - Oncocount Testing
Dr. Ira Copeland, MD
Dr. Toni Varela, ND
Dr. Adiel Tel-Oren, MD
Dr. Ryan Partovi, ND
Dr. Robert Duplain, ND
Dr. Melissa Coats, ND
I’d especially like to thank you, my patients, and my staff for your words of comfort, for your flexibility, and for holding space for me over the years. I could not have cared for mom in her last days, without you!
My HUGE ASK of you…
I’d be honored to invite you to come celebrate or just leave a loving message for Rita’s memorial in Las Vegas, where our family and friends will honor her one last time.
I'll be out of the office for the rest of August so that I can attend to my family and my grief. My staff will continue to answer your concerns, refill prescriptions and field urgent questions.
If you still have your mom or a mother figure in your life, honor my mom by reaching out to them to let you know you love them.
Thank you for your patience, prayers and well wishes for her over the years.
XOXO
Dr. Vera
