Since the pandemic began, there have been reports of patients – some of whom were not even that sick from COVID – developing debilitating long-term symptoms, which has become known as COVID long-haul. Obviously if a person has a very bad case of COVID, it can cause lasting damage to...
In the age of COVID 19, as an integrative/functional medicine doctor, it concerns me that almost no one is talking about what can be done to improve basic immune function. As the news reports track the spread of this new virus, many people are afraid. But it is important to...
As the news reports track the spread of this new virus, many people are afraid. In a time like this, it is important to remember that you are not helpless against this and you have the most valuable protection on earth already inside of you. Your immune system is amazing....
Keto/Low Carb Crustless Easy Pumpkin Pie Mix together: 1 – 1.5 cup Confectioners Swerve – adjust the sweetness to your taste 1 tsp salt 4 tsp Pumpkin pie spice 4 large eggs 1 large 29 ounce can Pure Pumpkin 2 cans (13.5 oz each) coconut cream (365 Whole Foods Brand)...
The newly released report shows that our ground water has been contaminated with PFOA and PFOS. These chemicals were used in many consumer products for years, and have now gotten into our water supply. They can cause many negative health effects, and should be avoided whenever possible. PFAS chemicals are...
With Bay Area air quality at an all time low, here are a few tips you can use to minimize damage to your health. If you need to be outside, wear an N95-99 mask, and learn how to properly fit it to your face. When possible, stay indoors with doors...
It used to be that I felt like we were all helpless victims of winter viruses – just waiting to get attacked by them and having to go through the inevitable misery of a cold or flu. I used to get a cold at least twice per year, but since...
Out-of-pocket costs are typically higher when seeing an integrative medicine doctor than when seeing a regular allopathic doctor. It is important for the patient to understand why this is, so that they do not feel resentful or feel that the doctor is taking advantage of them in some way. In...
Our integrative practitioners, Lynne Mielke, M.D. and Sandra Kreizenbeck, DNP at Optimal Health Spectrums believe that if the thyroid gland makes both, then we should replace both if it is low. It isn’t just a matter of assuming that mimicking mother nature is best (although that almost always turns out...
This is a sensitive topic that many people are very passionate about – whether or not to eat animals (vegetarian) or even any animal products such as dairy or eggs (vegan). I realize that for some it is a religious issue, and I will never argue with someone’s religion because...
Did you know that the standard medical recommendations for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes are terrible in my opinion? Drugs, drugs, and more drugs – to try to lower that blood sugar. The real problem is not a lack of those medications. The real issue is abnormal HORMONE levels...
The Ketogenic diet is taking the world by storm. There has been an explosion of evidence that eating keto is beneficial for essentially all the major health problems that plague our country and the rest of the world – such as Alzheimer’s disease, Diabetes, Obesity, and Heart Disease, and other...
What is the difference between skin care products that you find at a local department store or advertised on TV by famous celebrities, and my skin care line - Dr. Mielke’s Optimal Skin Care? Simply put, ours is medical grade, and none of those are. Most people don’t know the...
If the thought of skipping a meal makes you nervous, you are not alone. We have all heard the saying, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day”, and the advice that you shouldn’t miss meals because your metabolism will slow down, you will eat more later than if...
This is the season when many people in the Bay Area are really suffering from seasonal allergies, often known as hay fever. This is not as benign as it may seem, because it is often the precipitating cause behind asthma flares and sinus infections - and can cause significant fatigue...
I routinely talk to my patients about sex, libido, and orgasms. I believe that orgasms are good for your health. They flood your body with positive chemicals, reduce anxiety, and help with a myriad of other symptoms. Like any other issue - if this is overdone, becomes an addiction, or...
Integrative Heart Health Pointers February is heart health month. Like most things, the integrative approach to heart health is drastically different than the typical traditional approach. Integrative doctors look at many factors that can affect your heart – including diet and exercise (of course), but also very importantly – toxins,...
Many people ask me about medical grade supplements vs. over-the-counter (OTC) supplements that can be purchased at outside stores or online. Is your OTC multi-vitamin the same thing that you can get at a medical office? In a word- no.One reason is that over the counter vitamins are not regulated...
Even with diet and exercise, many of us still have pockets of fat on our bodies that we would like to get rid of. To get rid of those targeted pockets, often one would have to calorie restrict and/or exercise to an unreasonable and unsustainable degree. Wouldn’t it be nice...
As with many topics in integrative medicine, this one is somewhat controversial. If you listen to the PR machine, you had better get your flu shot right away or you will die. Ironically, I know of many people who get the flu shot and then get the flu anyway. I...
There are hundreds of community-acquired viruses that can make you sick this winter, and you can’t get vaccinated against them all. Your best bet is to boost your immune system. Then, even if someone coughs or sneezes right in your face you have a good chance of not getting it!...
1. Take 4-6 loaves of different kinds of gluten-free bread (such as Udi's) and tear or cut each slice into small pieces. You can stack several slices and cut them into small squares at the same time. Bake the bread pieces at 250-300 degrees fahrenheit on a baking sheet until...
