It is time to face our PTSD from the last two years and center ourselves again relative to our immune systems and minor illnesses. Most everyone knows someone or of someone who has died from this terrible virus or has been affected by Long Covid. Now it is time to remember that all pandemics come to an end regardless of vaccine status within 1-3 years and we have already seen the virus get less dangerous. This is wonderful news for all of us. We also know that we can support the immune system and use a multi drug combo to support people when sick so this is not hopeless. We especially need to help children overcome this time as many children are fearful when anyone gets sick. If they get sick, we need to love on them and cuddle with them because they need it for their little souls. Stress and fear make illness worse so let’s start back to basics of love, cuddles, chicken soup, warm baths, humidifiers, vitamin C/elderberry. Check out my first aid kit. Think back to your own childhood memories of the cuddles, chicken soup, and popsicles when you were sick. These were usually good memories that we need to remember in dealing with illness post covid. If you were treated badly or ignored when you were sick, then let’s try to reframe that to help create safe and sweet memories for our children. We can do this by creating rituals related to healing like warm baths, lotion massages, chicken soup while watching cartoons and cuddling in bed at night. I always remember getting to eat Campbell’s Chicken Soup and drinking Coca cola and thinking it was such a treat even if we may choose healthier options these days. Healing happens when we are optimistic but has the opposite effect if we are living in fear or having a lot of stress. Those are the placebo and the nocebo effects. Placebo works up to 40% of the time in studies and that is dismissed by current medical dogma, but I see that as Divine Design that Uncle Joe and Aunt Betty can heal just because they believe they will be healed by that pill. Imagine if they can do that without training or intention, imagine what we can do with intention of healing. The nocebo effect is when you think you will have a bad outcome, you probably will. Let’s honor that placebo effect and move forward with optimism. Children get sick and that is a normal and important part of childhood as it is an exercise for the immune system. Let’s be proactive in creating safe memories for them and support them through these common childhood situations. We know as parents that we have to make some sacrifices of comfort but we too can frame this as an opportunity to create those sweet memories when our children grow up. Time to heal our souls! Sincerely, Dr. Benton Benton Integrative Medicine 704-775-6029 Huntersville, Denver and Charlotte locations

Forgiveness is really more for ourselves than for the person we want to forgive. Lack of forgiveness is like a little cancer in our bodies that just simmers, grows and then makes us sick. The last 2-3 years has brought up many opportunities to forgive and practice patience due to various political and medical discrepancies. The issue is not just with society in general, but this polarization is being felt in families, friendships and even marriages. I have been on quite the spiritual journey during this time. Despite many painful experiences, like loss of friendships (and for some people alienated family members), my faith has led me on a journey of radical forgiveness by learning who I really am. I was struggling with a particular situation with a colleague and kept coming back to the hurt I felt when our ways parted related to the way the world has gone. I had a mix of hurt, anger, and a desire to forgive but also a desire to convince her of my “side”. I finally had that ‘aha’ moment. There was really nothing to forgive after all. Seemed obvious after all that prayer and meditation. The reality is that most people are only doing the best they know how during this time in history, so I shifted my perspective. Out of 8 billion people on this Earth, we have 8 billion different opinions with different cultures, faiths, and personalities. Ideally, we should be able to have a hearty discussion about politics, religion, and covid related subjects with disagreements and still be friends at the end of the day. It is human nature to want to be around like-minded and comfortable people but we grow more when we push those edges and talk to people with differing opinions. It is sad that not everyone wants to communicate with love or is able to at this moment. So let’s try to find those who do want to talk. We need human connection always. Back to my colleague, and finally realizing there is nothing to forgive. Again, it came down to feeling the need to be heard as opposed to someone doing wrong to me. That person is doing the best they know how with the information they are able or willing to see just like I am doing my best with the information I am able or willing to see. Sometimes the opposite “truth” (regardless of validity) is just too painful and I don’t claim to know the inner workings of that colleague to judge their reactions. It isn’t personal. It has nothing to do with me and everything to do with their journey. Instead of forgiving, I just need to know who I really am and give myself some grace. I can also hold space and love for that colleague even though we aren’t friends in this season. I can give gratitude for the season of friendship I did have. For those suffering with the splitting of families, I recognize this is exquisitely painful. We have to trust that, although we may not be able to see it now, there will be beautiful things to rise out of the ashes. Time to trust the bigger plan and just surrender a little. We don’t have control over society and other people so let’s find the love within. Fall into the arms of our Creator and surrender. It is important to forgive when you can but also remember to show grace, not only to other people, but for yourself. See the love in each other and trust that this too shall pass. Sincerely, Dr. Benton

Insurance.  Oh the quandary we are in.  Insurance is a God-send for a crisis and there is no other country I would rather be in for a crisis whether it be due to a severe infection, trauma, heart attack, strokes, or any other crisis.  However, how are we for chronic diseases though or the average day to day? We ranked 34th in the world per JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) 2014 for quality of health care systems in the world! We are number 1 for Infant and Maternal Mortality. We have to realize insurance covers physical exams which helps us check off those boxes but how much wellness do we help with? Insurance has limited if any nutritionist visits covered and many nutritionists are still teaching on the 1980's food pyramid that has contributed to the obesity, heart disease, and diabetes crisis. Wellness needs to be disconnected from the insurance/"healthcare" model.  We need to realize that we need to invest in our own health and not wait until we are in the crisis to bank in on our insurance investments.  Proper nutrition and exercise are not covered by insurance.  Nutraceuticals (natural supplements) often are not covered by insurance.  Extra time with your doctor is definitely not supported by insurance. Our healthcare system certainly needs to be revamped.  I think your average person is realizing that something is amiss.  Let's speak with our dollars and our motivation to take health into our own hands! Functional Medicine is an answer to this crisis.  We address the system as a whole. We address hormones, inflammation, gut health, environmental health, sleep issues, mood disorders, spirituality and more.   You have to have all the pieces of the puzzle to get health back on track because you can't fix one piece and expect the rest to improve.  That is what I love to do because we are getting people to a greater state of wellness and less dependence on the system by looking at the entire system of a person.  Check out www.bentonintegrative.com for a list of my services.

We live in a toxic soup! Although our bodies are created to detoxify, I am not so sure we were built to overcome this level of toxins that have been grandfathered in by the EPA. Did you know tens of thousands of chemicals were grandfathered in that do not require a study on health effects? I do believe our health can improve through simple measures to overcome this assault on our bodies. Detoxification is the process of eliminating toxins from the body, allowing it to function optimally. Our bodies naturally detoxify through organs like the liver, kidneys, and skin, but modern lifestyles and environmental contamination can overload these systems. By minimizing your toxin exposure by using nontoxic cleaning products, eating fresh organic food, avoiding plastics when possible, your body can tap in to Divine design and heal while using these simple methods here! If you have eczema, autoimmune disease, allergies or findings on your blood work like eosinophils, I do think it may be worth doing a parasite cleanse first prior to this nutritional detoxification. See my blog on parasite cleanses to consider first. Also, if you have complicated health issues, we encourage you to discuss with your doctor first before doing a detox. Hydration Drinking an adequate amount of water is fundamental to the detox process. Water helps flush out toxins, improves digestion, and keeps the body functioning at its best. Use filtered or Reverse Osmosis water. If you use Reverse Osmosis water, you need to add minerals via sea salts or mineral supplements like the DFH Complete Mineral Complex . Nutrient-Rich Diet Consuming a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals supports the body's detox pathways. Include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to provide essential nutrients. My rule of thumb is that if you can’t pluck it out of the earth, off a tree, kill it or milk it, don’t eat or drink it. Eat real food. Herbal Teas and Detoxifying Foods Certain herbs and foods, such as green tea, dandelion, milk thistle, and cilantro, have natural detoxifying properties. Incorporating these into your diet can enhance the body's ability to eliminate toxins. Eat from the rainbow, meaning fruits and vegetables with all the colors of the rainbow. Detox supplements Three basic supplements can help a gentle detox but should be done ideally with a provider who understands detoxification pathways. Your gut health should be stable first. If not, go see your holistic healthcare provider. Designs for Health has the Charcoal binder with zeolite, the LV-GB which is the liver and gallbladder support, and the S-acetyl Glutathione Synergy for the antioxidant detox support. These should provide a seamless detox. If you don’t feel well on these, you start at the lowest dosage and move up slowly. You can purchase these supplments as a Purchase the Detox Bundle at Designs For Health . Lymphatic massage We highly recommend you find a good lymphatic massage therapist to help you during this venture. We don’t give our lymphatics enough credit for our health. If you are local to us in the North Charlote area, we really love Julie Jetzer . She can do thermogram images before and after detox and lymphatic massage to track progress objectively. Sauna Therapy Saunas have been used for centuries in various cultures for their therapeutic benefits. Whether it's a traditional dry sauna or an infrared sauna, the heat generated induces sweating, promoting a range of health benefits. Check out my Health Benefits of Sauna blog for more information on the all the many benefits of Sauna. It's not just for detoxification. Take a look at our Sauna packages and book yours today by calling the office 704-775-6029 and setting up an appointment. Detoxification Through Sweating Sweating is one of the most effective ways to eliminate toxins from the body. Saunas elevate your core body temperature, prompting a deep sweat that expels impurities through the skin. Relaxation and Stress Reduction Sauna sessions provide a tranquil environment, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. It is a great time to meditate and listen to your favorite frequencies. The heat soothes muscles, releases tension, and triggers the release of endorphins, contributing to an overall sense of well-being. Rinse off in the shower after to feel fresh to go back into the world! Improved Circulation The heat from saunas dilates blood vessels, leading to increased circulation. This helps deliver more oxygen to the body's tissues, promoting better nutrient absorption and aiding in the elimination of waste products. Combining the practices of detoxification, lymphatic massage and sauna therapy can be a powerful way to enhance your overall well-being. By adopting a healthy, nutrient-rich diet and incorporating regular sauna sessions into your routine, you can support your body's natural detoxification processes and experience the benefits of these time-tested practices. Prioritize self-care and give your body the attention it deserves for a healthier, more balanced life. For you parents, your children need to see you practice self-care too! If you have more complicated detoxification pathways like methylation issues, severe chemical sensitivities, medicine intolerances, or you have a lot of medical issues, it is worth seeking your local functional medicine provider to navigate this complex health issues. We would love to see you at Benton Integrative Medicine for exploration of health optimization! Sincerely, Dr. Benton Benton Integrative Medicine 704-775-6029 Huntersville and Denver locations

Smart doctors don’t get flu shots. Smart patients don’t either. Does that mean you’re not smart if you got a flu shot. No. .... It means the pharmaceutical industry has you and your wallet right where they want you. .... It means you believed the hype instead of looking at the science. Smart doctors don’t get flu shots. BUT I’m a doctor and not only did I get them, I insisted my mom and my siblings get their flu shot too. But I do judge an industry that tries to terrify and deceive people into getting a flu vaccine they do not want or need. I made my mom and siblings get the flu vaccine too. My Flu Story Growing up, I never had a flu shot and I also never had the flu. But as a young adult thinking about starting a family, I listened to my doctor. I was told getting a flu shot was not only good for me and my family, it was essential. Life-saving. And not getting a flu shot? Only irresponsible, unintelligent patients and crackpot parents refused the flu vaccine. How could there be a problem with the flu vaccine? Everyone was getting one. You could get them at the supermarket. Besides, my doctor couldn’t be wrong. Since my husband and I were starting a family, I made my mom and siblings get the flu shot too. I didn’t want my family spending time around my children if they were not fully vaccinated. That was just good common sense. We had three children in five years and I insisted every year that family members get the flu shot. Every year.  Guess what happened? Sick from the shot My mom, who had not had the flu since childhood, my brother, and my sister all got high fevers, body aches, and upper respiratory infections, all within 24 hours of the flu vaccine. All lasting a week or two. For three years in a row. I am a conventionally trained medical doctor. I saw my family get sick within a week of the flu vaccine. Three years straight. But I dismissed it. An unfortunate coincidence. Nothing to do with the flu vaccine. You can’t get sick from a vaccine. That’s what I had been taught. And that’s what I believed. Besides, I was fine after my first flu vaccine. Initially. True, I started getting almost constant colds that lasted four or five months following the flu vaccine. Before, when I didn’t get the vaccine, I was usually healthy and cold-free in the winter.  It took me awhile to connect the dots. It took me awhile before I stopped ignoring the clinical evidence in front of me, in my own body, and in my mom and siblings. It’s hard for doctors to realize our education is incomplete. It’s hard to become aware that the whole medical establishment is caught up in a belief system that is simply untrue. It’s hard to admit that we are wrong. It took me three years but I figured it out. Every year the flu vaccine was making me and my family sick. My colleagues keep telling their patients you can’t get sick from the flu shot. And they say it “would have been so much worse without the shot.” Can you hear the BS meter going off? I couldn’t back then but I can now. The sound is deafening. Look at the science. We now know, from both animal and epidemiology studies in humans, that the flu vaccine can and does make you sick . Mandatory Flu Vaccines for Doctors and Nurses I used to work for a group practice. Our practice decided to mandate the flu vaccine. They did not mandate that we eat vegetables with every meal, get optimal amounts of sleep, have our vitamin D levels checked and supplement with sunbathing or supplements if they were below optimal levels, or adopt other health strategies proven to support the immune system. Why mandate the flu vaccine? That dictate started wheels turning. How important is it really to get the flu shot? What are the real risks and benefits?  In medical school we did not look critically at vaccines. We did not study the risk of adverse events , discuss vaccine ingredients , or talk in any detail about efficacy rates. We were not told that the government compensates families with loved ones who have died from a vaccination or suffered other extreme health problems. Instead, we were taught what amounts to little more than propaganda about vaccines. An infectious disease specialist spends an hour or two with students showing us pictures of miserable children suffering acute side effects from infectious diseases. She says angrily, “C’mon. We can do better than that. No child should ever have to suffer like this!” You are supposed to accept it without question and, of course, you do. No one wants a child to die. We become doctors in order to heal people, and keep them alive. So of course we don’t question the Holy Grail. Which means never looking critically at the necessity, efficacy, and safety of any given vaccine. The flu vaccine works and saves thousands of lives every year. End of conversation. Government-advertised death rates from the flu are grossly inflated We are told that between 30,000-50,000 die annually of the flu, a dangerous and sometimes lethal illness that affects infants and the elderly the most. “…in the United States alone, over 36,000 people die and 200,000 are hospitalized each year because of the flu,” according to Harvard University .  Flu death statistics are usually tallied from the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report database. But deaths from the flu and from pneumonia are lumped together in one category in the MMWR . This greatly inflates the number of “flu” deaths. And is a nonsensical way to capture statistics, as the majority of pneumonia cases have nothing to do with the flu! Yep. It is true. The death rates from the flu that we are told year after year, repeated ad nauseam in medical training and in the media, are, as Bob Sears, M.D., puts it, “grossly inflated” ( The Vaccine Book, p.121), and what this country doctor would say more plainly, are simply made up. The scientific evidence does not support having a yearly flu vaccine I contacted the chair of the committee that was recommending flu vaccine mandates at my work and asked him to share the scientific evidence that mandating flu vaccines for health care workers actually reduces death rates from the flu. He could not offer me a single article to read. I don’t know, he told me, adding that all the major health organizations recommend the flu vaccine and, “I trust them.” Then he rattled off several major medical organizations recommending the flu vaccine, including the American Academy of Pediatrics , American Academy of Family Physicians , and the American Heart Association .  So what does this bulldog do? I write them all, asking for a list of scientific studies supporting flu vaccine mandates and requesting the information that proves that mandating the vaccine for doctors and nurses contributes to better outcomes. Some ignored me but some responded. They all said the same thing: That they didn’t have the information I’d requested! One prominent organization recommended I contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes for Health (NIH), as they based their recommendations off the CDC’s and the NIH’s. So none of the leading health organizations shaping public health policy has scientific information to support the policy to mandate the flu vaccine?   How can this be?  I had three young children and worked full time. But I wanted to read the science for myself to find out if what I was noticing clinically—with my own health, my family’s, as well as with my patients’—was valid. As helpful and important as vaccines may be, the flu vaccine recommendation left me with more questions than answers. Since none of the organizations insisting on the necessity of the flu vaccine could provide me with direct information, I went searching for it myself. I will put it to you that any conventionally trained medical doctor who is willing to impartially research the science behind the influenza vaccine safety, efficacy, and necessity is in for a surprise. The best place to start a search for accurate medical information is usually the Cochrane database. Cochrane is a non-profit research organization based in the United Kingdom and they tend to be considered the gold standard in scientific medical research. Their reviews of the medical literature are comprehensive and carefully peer-reviewed. As my colleague, Mark Hyman, M.D., explains in an article, Flu Shot: Harmful or Helpful? : “ One very reliable way to determine the effectiveness of the flu shot is to look at the database analysis presented by The Cochrane Collaboration , an independent group of scientists who have no link to any industry or government agencies.” So what does Cochrane have to say about the flu vaccine? It’s not effective for children under age 18 or for adults over 65. Between ages 18 to 65, it is only 30-50% effective in an average year (which means it fails between 50-70% of the time) and up to 80% in a perfectly matched year (a much lower number than most vaccines).  There is no decrease in flu transmission rate or hospitalization rate for people who have gotten the flu vaccine. Ut oh. Here is the Cochrane review ’s results and conclusions so you can read them yourself: MAIN RESULTS: We included 50 reports. Forty (59 sub-studies) were clinical trials of over 70,000 people. Eight were comparative non-RCTs and assessed serious harms. Two were reports of harms which could not be introduced in the data analysis. In the relatively uncommon circumstance of vaccine matching the viral circulating strain and high circulation, 4% of unvaccinated people versus 1% of vaccinated people developed influenza symptoms (risk difference (RD) 3%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2% to 5%). The corresponding figures for poor vaccine matching were 2% and 1% (RD 1, 95% CI 0% to 3%). These differences were not likely to be due to chance. Vaccination had a modest effect on time off work and had no effect on hospital admissions or complication rates. Inactivated vaccines caused local harms and an estimated 1.6 additional cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome per million vaccinations. The harms evidence base is limited. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS:  Influenza vaccines have a modest effect in reducing influenza symptoms and working days lost. There is no evidence that they affect complications, such as pneumonia, or transmission. WARNING: This review includes 15 out of 36 trials funded by industry (four had no funding declaration). An earlier systematic review of 274 influenza vaccine studies published up to 2007 found industry funded studies were published in more prestigious journals and cited more than other studies independently from methodological quality and size. Studies funded from public sources were significantly less likely to report conclusions favorable to the vaccines. The review showed that reliable evidence on influenza vaccines is thin but there is evidence of widespread manipulation of conclusions and spurious notoriety of the studies. The content and conclusions of this review should be interpreted in light of this finding. In Dr. Hyman’s words: “After analyzing all of the data on the flu shot, they have concluded that it really doesn’t work well. It doesn’t even cover most of the influenza infections that people get .” Dr. Hyman concludes that the majority of Americans do not need a flu vaccine. He explains the science behind his conclusion here . I also found a 126-page analysis by researchers at the University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy (CIDRAP). Among the key findings of this 2012 analysis (in the researchers’ own words): Influenza vaccine protection is markedly lower than for most routinely recommended vaccines and is suboptimal. CDC recommendations about the flu vaccine over the past 30 years have not been based on scientifically sound data. I shared the results of my research with colleagues. They were stunned. Just stunned. I also wrote back to the committee member who wasn’t aware of this data to let him know that there is no scientific data to support mandating flu vaccines . And since those studies have been published, flu vaccine efficacy rates have hit new lows. In 2014-2015 the flu vaccine was only 19% effective . This year FluMist, the nasal spray influenza vaccine, is no longer recommended . Why? Because it doesn’t work at all. In the words of the CDC , “no protective benefit could be measured.” The CDC tells me personally that the flu vaccine doesn’t work Dr. Mark Hyman practices functional medicine. Like integrative medicine, functional medicine seeks to individualize medical treatment, identify and treat the root causes of illness and disease, and help the body heal itself through lifestyle and nutritional intervention, not just pharmaceutical products. At a functional medicine conference, I happened to be seated at lunch beside a lovely CDC senior medical official. She was there to learn more about functional medicine. She was super nice and, of course, I couldn’t help but be excited that I was sitting next to gold. Or so I thought. Our conversation went like this: Dr. Benton: So, what do you think about the flu vaccine? Dr. CDC: It’s a good thing. A wonderful intervention. Everyone needs one. Absolutely. Dr. Benton : Have you looked into the recent science? Dr. CDC: Of course. So good to see our ideas confirmed—it’s a safe, efficacious vaccination that seems to cause few, if any, side effects. Dr. Benton : So you’ve read these studies yourself? Dr. CDC: [Hesitating. Silent. Long pause.] Well, actually, I haven’t… So I jumped in. I told her all about the Cochrane review. Her. Jaw. Dropped. Yep. She, a senior CDC medical official, did not have a clue.  In all fairness, just because you work at the CDC, should you really know all the most recently published studies about all vaccines? I don’t think so. And to her credit, she was interested and engaged and listened with an open mind. She told me I needed to talk directly to the influenza division of the CDC. So this small town country doctor made an appointment with the medical director of the influenza division of the CDC.  With sweaty palms and racing heart, I made the phone call at the appointed time. I introduced myself and proceeded to go over the data about the flu vaccine, including that per the national vital statistics on the CDC website, that there are only about 1,000 deaths out of over 300 million people from the flu. After each factoid I mentioned, the CDC director just said, “Yep.”  Befuddled, I got to the end of my list of concerns, wiped my palms on my skirt, and asked, “Rebuttal?”  She said she didn’t have one!  In fact, she said, there will never be a good flu vaccine because there are over 200 different viruses that cause influenza and influenza-like symptoms and vaccine manufacturers have to guess a year in advance for the strain of flu that might be in circulation that coming year. Like meteorologists predicting the weather, sometimes vaccine scientists are pretty accurate, sometimes they are dead wrong. So I asked her why our government is pushing flu mandates across the country? She denied that the CDC was recommending mandates, and admitted there is simply not enough science to justify mandating the flu vaccine. All of these hospital, school, and company policies, she insisted, were outside of the purview of the CDC. I reminded her the CDC shapes public policy by recommending vaccines and that medical professionals were being fired across the country for refusing the flu vaccine. She said she disagreed with that practice. And there you have it. The smart doctors who work inside the CDC know the flu shot isn’t working. And they probably don’t get flu shots either. Big Pharma Pushes Flu Mandates, Smart Doctors Push Back Why this ridiculous push for a vaccine that doesn’t work, that prompted more government pay-outs because of adverse events, including death, than any other vaccine in 2017 so far , and that also contains ingredients analyzed by CDC scientists and found, in a recent peer-reviewed paper , to be highly neurotoxic? Could it be the bonuses that insurance companies pay to medical groups for flu vaccine compliance among their staff and their patients?  Could it be the hundreds of thousands of dollars paid to politicians by the powerful pharmaceutical lobby? In an 8-year period donations by pharmaceutical companies that manufacture vaccines given to the American Academy of Pediatricians exceeded 9.4 million dollars ( The Business of Baby , p. 223). Smart doctors tell their patients the truth. Smart doctors give their patients all the information they need to make an informed decision about what is in the best interests of their health. Smart doctors tell their patients the risks of the vaccine, the benefits of the vaccine, and the alternatives to vaccination. The best alternative, in this doctor’s assessment, is not to get a flu vaccine. What I would do...Get some Elderberry Syrup!   https://www.sweetssyrup.com https://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetsSyrup

Parasite cleanses have been a hot topic in recent years. I was skeptical at first and looked for hard proof before doing these. This would be considered controversial in mainstream medicine, however, I learned that so many people felt better regardless and the risks were low so why not listen to those feeling better! I did one myself recently and felt a big difference in my energy level even though I never saw actual parasites. So here is some information so you can do this at home. Before delving into the concept of a parasite cleanse, it's essential to understand what parasites are. Parasites are organisms that live off another organism (the host) at the host's expense. They can infect various parts of the human body, including the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and even the bloodstream. Common parasites that affect humans include Giardia, roundworms, tapeworms, and pinworms. They can hide and be hard to find at times but sometimes you can find them on functional medicine stool tests or you can see “eosinophilia” on blood work. It is a bonus to find that hard proof prior to doing a cleanse. Why Consider a Parasite Cleanse? Health and Well-being The presence of parasites in the body can lead to a variety of health issues, including digestive problems, fatigue, skin disorders, autoimmune diseases and even allergies. A parasite cleanse is believed to help eliminate these unwelcome guests and restore the body's natural balance. Enhanced Digestive Health Many parasites reside in the gastrointestinal tract, where they can disrupt the digestive process. Cleansing the body of these invaders may improve digestion and alleviate symptoms like bloating and diarrhea. Increased Energy Levels Parasites can sap your energy by robbing you of essential nutrients. Removing them from your system can result in increased vitality and well-being. Skin Health Some skin conditions, such as acne and eczema, are believed to be related to parasites. A cleanse may help improve skin health by removing these potential culprits. Immune System Support A robust immune system is crucial for maintaining overall health. Parasites can compromise the immune system's effectiveness, making it more susceptible to infections. By eliminating parasites, your body can better defend itself against external threats. How to Do a Parasite Cleanse Consult a Healthcare Professional Disclaimer that I am not your treating physician and ideally you will seek someone you know to support you in this adventure! See someone holistic that is trained in this. Choose a Cleanse Protocol There are numerous parasite cleanse protocols available, including herbal remedies, dietary changes, and over-the-counter supplements. We have put together a protocol that would work best for this type of cleanse. This plan utilizes 3 supplements available at Designs For Health (our supplement partner): CHARCOAL PLUS BINDER LV-GB COMPLEX™ GI MICROB-X™ Purchase Parasite Cleanse Supplement Bundle at Designs For Health Directions: Do one bottle’s worth (which is about a month) of each supplement Then take a 2 week break Then repeat one more month Consider doing this one month per year after the initial cleanse. Diatomaceous Earth - 1 tsp twice daily in food. Don’t inhale the silica particles into your lungs! Maintain a Healthy Diet Incorporate whole foods, especially fruits and vegetables, into your diet. Avoid processed and sugary foods, as parasites often thrive on sugar. Stay Hydrated Drinking plenty of water helps flush toxins from your body, supporting the cleanse. Herbal Remedies Some herbal remedies, such as black walnut, wormwood, and cloves, are believed to have anti-parasitic properties and can be used as part of your cleanse. Lifestyle Modifications Practicing good hygiene, washing your hands regularly, and cooking meat thoroughly can help prevent future parasite infestations. Mineral Support Minerals are critical. You can get them in the form of Himalayan Sole or take a daily supplement called Complete Mineral Complex If you feel you don’t detox well Meaning you react to a lot of medicines or chemicals, then consider adding the S-Acetyl Glutathione supplement daily along with the LV-GB complex year round. Coffee Ground Enemas Sounds crazy and took me 5 years to be willing to try this but this helps with detox as well. It isn’t required for the parasite cleanse but I did this once weekly while doing mine and I appreciated the results of more energy and my abdomen felt lighter. I would not recommend doing this more than once weekly unless there is a specific indication. Check out more information from GERSON In Conclusion Parasite cleanses may offer numerous potential benefits for your health and well-being, but it's essential to approach them with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Remember that not all health issues are related to parasites, so a proper diagnosis is crucial. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and good hygiene practices, is essential in preventing future infestations. Whether you choose to embark on a parasite cleanse or not, focusing on overall wellness should always be a priority. Sincerely, Dr. Benton Benton Integrative Medicine 704-775-6029 Huntersville and Denver locations

When we say that there is Divine healing in our bodies, there really is. Science is helping us to find those pearls in our bodies and human cell tissues is the next frontier. We are revitalizing our health by using human cell tissue to regenerate joints and many other health issues. The Basics of Human Cell Tissue Human cell tissue therapy seeks to harness the body's natural healing abilities by introducing healthy cells into damaged or degenerated tissues. Human cell tissue can be used to repair and regenerate damaged cartilage, ligaments, and other structures within the joint when injected directly into the joint capsules. We can use PRP (platelet rich plasma)  which uses our own cells or cells from carefully screened donors to extract growth factors. Potentially it is better to use human cell tissue from young healthy donors for the elderly or people with comorbidities. As we age and develop more health conditions, we have less growth factors and less healthy plasma, therefore the need of healthy donors. Exosomes: Tiny Messengers of Regeneration Exosomes are small, membrane-bound vesicles that are an important ingredient in these regenerative products. They hold great promise due to their ability to modulate inflammation, promote tissue repair, and stimulate regeneration. When used in joint injections, they seem to target injured areas and people can often regain full or partial use of those joints. I have had patients be able to run marathons after having injections with human cell tissues with no adverse effects! On occasion some may feel achy a day or two following the treatments but most feel no ill effects. Some people choose to have a “Wellness” injection that is given intramuscularly and so many have told me their joint pains improved overall or they had more energy.  More studies are needed there too!  Benefits of Human Cell Tissue and Exosome Therapy for Joint Regeneration Reduced Inflammation: Exosomes have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate pain and swelling associated with joint conditions. Tissue Regeneration: Human cell tissue introduces healthy cells to the damaged area, promoting the regeneration of tissues such as cartilage and ligaments. Minimally Invasive: Compared to surgical interventions, joint injections with human cell tissue and exosomes are minimally invasive, offering a quicker recovery and reduced risk of complications. Personalized Medicine: Utilizing the patient's own cells or carefully screened donor cells ensures a personalized and potentially more effective treatment approach. Challenges and Future Directions We need to understand that this is still a new form of medicine that is still in its infancy.  As we learn more, it will become a part of precision and personalized medicine.  For now, if you want to avoid surgery and regain vitality, this is an option being used around the world! Thankful for the medicine in our own bodies for healing! Sincerely, Dr. Benton Benton Integrative Medicine 704-775-6029 Huntersville and Denver Locations

Women come to me frequently for low libido and sexual dysfunction. Yes, it can be hormone related and yes there are illnesses or medications that can totally kill libido. More commonly there is a self love issue. That is when it gets really complicated! 81% of women and 43% of men report some form of sexual harassment or assault in their lifetime. Healing Sexual Dysfunction Both women and men often have their own lasting wound for various reasons but for this blog, let’s focus on women. Our sexuality and anything related is extremely personal and is a foundational safety issue for anyone! In the hippie world, this relates to the sacral and root chakras which are related to safety and sexual vitality. Those who have been violated sexually almost always have years, if not a lifetime to overcome that primal wounding. If you have fear and trauma related to this, we highly recommend various therapies to include hypnotherapy, EMDR, brain spotting, somatic experiencing or whatever aligns with you and your belief system. Many people go on to have healthy sexual lives and it is best to work on your healing to enjoy the sexual vitality you want. Loving Your Partner Sometimes I find that women (quite frankly men as well) don’t either love their spouse anymore or they feel their spouse doesn’t love them. For great sex, it helps to love the person you are with or at least have amazing chemistry together. Go to individual AND marriage therapy to get to the bottom of this if you want to get past this quagmire. Marriage therapy often does not help without deep individual work. These generations are breaking generational traumas and conditioning like no other in modern history! Work on yourself and your marriage to get that wild abandoned sex! Trust In Your Partner Trust is key for adventurous sex and trust can be diminished in many ways. You can have your own personal trauma with cheaters (either partners or watching your parents) that keeps you from trusting your honest non-cheating partner or maybe your gut is correct that your partner is cheating. Unless you have the agreement to be polyamorous, then this lack of trust can totally ruin the libido and trust to explore. Also make sure you don’t agree to polyamory if you really don’t want to. Be true to yourself! Loving Yourself You need to love yourself. I find that women are their own worst enemy. Women are often ashamed of their body and they won’t even look at themselves. If you have stretch marks or scars from childbirth, I encourage you to look at your body in the mirror, naked and look at yourself and declare your love for this human body for birthing another human. Recognize with admiration the miracle that worked through your body. If you have loss related to scarring on your body, speak love to that part of you that taught you hard things but that you are still here strong and amazing! If you hate that flabby skin or that cellulite, just know that magazines are airbrushed and most people have that too. Tell your whole body that you love it and when you put lotion on after your shower, speak love through your hands into your body from your toes to your head! It is hard to feel sexually adventurous when you don’t love yourself. Remember that there is literally no one like you in the whole universe, yet God chose to make one of you to be here to do important things in this world. Get a mirror out and love yourself radically! Bedroom Set and Setting If your room is full of clutter and dirty laundry, it is hard to feel sexy. I encourage you to keep your room clean, avoid working in there. Avoid watching TV or anything stressful on your phones. If we are watching the stressful news that is meant to keep us afraid and angry, it will be hard to relax. Light some (non-toxic ) candles. Make your bed. Dim the lighting or have fun LED lighting. Play some funky music or some soulful music or some calming music. Consider your setting when planning for a fun date night! If you need ideas, there is an entertaining show on Netflix called “ How to build a sex room” for conservative couples all the way to the most exotic explorers! And sure, check your hormones if you are concerned. If you have severe vaginal dryness, we can help you with that. We provide natural therapies for hormone health and have modalities like Femiwave to help women with the physical side of things like dryness, pain, and decreased sensitivity. Those procedures and treatments do amazing things but always consider the basics and you will have way more success having fun in the bedroom! The resources are limitless! We believe the Creator made our bodies for Divine connection as our bodies are also made for Divine healing. Reach out to Benton Integrative Medicine for Women's Sexual Health and Men's Sexual Health . We are here to help. Sincerely, Dr. Benton Benton Integrative Medicine 704-775-6029 Huntersville and Denver Locations

Do you love your spouse but just don’t have the desire to have sex?  There are many reasons as to why this happens; hormones, traumas, lack of interest, body image, and even micro-agressions. In this blog we will explore a few of the various challenges that could be contributing to this dilemma. Micro - Aggression "Micro” anger, or what is called “micro-aggressions” are small things someone does that make us angry and we hold that anger inside. For instance, when you say things like this about your partner: “can she just close the toothpaste lid?”, or “can he just help with the dishes sometimes?”, or “can she be more organized?” or “can he stop snoring”? Sometimes we just hold on to these resentments without realizing.  We meet with our friends and complain about our partner and lose sight of the reason we loved them in the first place.   They are still attractive, they aren’t mean so why don’t we want to have sex?  Well if we have subconscious anger, then why would we have libido? If we speak less than love about our love, then those words have power. We create our reality with words!! Now if you have a toxic marriage, then get counseling and leave if it can’t be repaired. If it isn’t beyond repair then really consider the words you use about your spouse. Start speaking love about them and to them.  Create that reality that you desire and remember why you loved each other in the first place!  Parent Alone Time Now what about kids? I truly believe that it is important to have mommy and daddy private time once they are old enough. The children will feel your sacred connection and without knowing why, they will see you model a healthy marriage.  Then once or twice a month, get a baby sitter and have an extra long time to meditate into each other’s body.   The “Love Sandwich” may be a solution to your low libido issue.   Set a time on your calendar daily to have a quick 10 minute love sandwich where you set intentions on the gratitude you have for your partner. Then you bring up something bothering you. The partners need to hear each other and not be defensive and maybe try to come up with a solution. Then give each other gratitude and love.  If this isn’t working then it may be worth seeing one of the many amazing therapists for relationships and sex in the area. There are therapists who help with wound healing and trauma in the most beautiful ways.   Hormone Imbalance Sometimes you may have hormone imbalances that affect mood and lubrication for women and erectile dysfunction for men.  So many men put their full energy into their erections that represent their “manhood”.  When women have vaginal dryness or they are no longer fertile, they often lose their sensuality. More Than The Action  Sex is so much more than intercourse!!  Sex is massage, sweet sticky notes, cooking together, cuddling during a movie, and so much more!  Foreplay all day!!  Once we recognize that our whole bodies can be sexual and sensitive, then we can continue to have amazing sex even when our bodies aren’t “performing” like when you are twenty years old.   We hope some of this discussion can help you have a more fulfilling, loving and sexual life with your spouse. If you have concerns about your health or are suspicious you have hormone issues , come see us at Benton Integrative for our affordable hormone program. We also have an excellent nutrition reboot program to help people get their health on track (did you know certain foods can even lower your libido?!). We also have specialized sexual health services to naturally enhance sexual satisfaction and address various intimate health concerns for both women and men .   Also stay tuned for more of our Adult Sex Ed programs with myself and my beloved, Kyle Hall, to help bring connections to each other and learn to be creative in the most sacred way. Sincerely, Dr. Benton Benton Integrative Medicine 704-775-6029 Huntersville and Denver Locations

Years ago, I was struggling working 55+ hours per week with two toddlers at home and I thought I was going to lose my mind! I was not enjoying the gifts God had given me like I knew I should.  I was short tempered and impatient and simply not happy.  I went to my first holistic conference where they discussed stress management and I was convinced I didn't have time to do it. After realizing I was the debbie downer, I decided I needed to make a change.  The world was going to go on with or without me so how could I change my perception of the world around me so I could be more present and enjoy it and not let life bring me down.  After I followed the following steps, within two short weeks, I was no longer waking at 2-3 am wide awake.  Bedtime was spent reading and enjoying my girls instead of griping at them to go to sleep.  That meant they went to sleep easier since I wasn't stressing them out which meant I was able to go work downstairs more efficiently because I was less stressed out.  That meant, I finished my work earlier and I went to sleep more peacefully.  By just changing my perception of the world around me, my sleep responded, my work was more efficient, I was calmer and more importantly, my girls were happier and bedtime was more fun. Stress Management Rx Yoga/tai chi/stretching - You cannot have a flexible mind when your body is tense.  My favorite yoga video is "Kundalini Yoga Ultimate Stretch Workout"-Ana Brett and Ravi Singh.  It is very Americanized and you can do it in portions.  Start slow and easy and try 20 minutes to start. Deep breathing- there are so many techniques-it stimulates the "chill out" nervous system to lower stress hormones which helps lower your blood pressure, pulse, weight loss.  One technique-sit straight, legs down, eyes closed and breathe in the nose 4 seconds, 7 seconds out of the mouth.  Do that 2-4 times when stressed, to start the day, before work, during lunch etc.  It takes less than a minute.  Another one is to hold your thumb to one nostril and breathe in, then let go of the thumb and put the pinky finger to the other nostril and breathe out.  Alternate and do several breaths like that. Daily Gratitude Journal - 3 one-liner blessings for the day.  No repeats allowed making you really figure out your blessings.  Before you know it, you will be looking for those blessings and turn the cup is half empty to the cup is half full.  Life is full of blessings, hidden and in plain view. Guided Meditation - If you have Insomnia and need help falling asleep, consider a guided meditation CD. Check out CD's on Amazon.com or apps on smart phones.  You can find one that suits your needs including Christian based ones.  It will help you reign in those wandering or racing thoughts that I call monkey brain. Daily Exercise - All of the above will take 30 minutes or less a day but if you can, also add in aerobic exercise which has been proven efficacious for depression.  A study showed that exercise alone was superior to an antidepressant or antidepressant plus exercise!! (not saying there is never use for medicines).  Aerobic exercise increases your feel good hormones. I hope these techniques can help you on your health journey just like they helped me! Peace and love, Dr. Benton

Healthcare trends are changing. In particular, there’s a greater focus on holistic health today because patients are seeking alternative medicine procedures and focusing on their overall wellness. A study on healthcare professionals’ ability to deliver holistic care concluded that the rate is high, although there’s still progress needed to satisfy patients. This is why there have been studies applying the holistic health care model to medical education. And in turn, this is changing how healthcare is being taught at higher education institutions. Those with a healthcare management degree are now equipped with modern strategic healthcare insights to provide a wider range of care. And today this includes holistic healthcare. Of course, you don’t need to visit a professional to practice holistic health. It is very easy to do so on your own. Below are a few habits to get you started. Get regular checkups Being proactive is part of upholding holistic health. This means you don’t wait for a disease to appear before engaging in healthy practices. One habit that reflects this is getting regular checkups. It allows the doctor to assess your health and suggest improvements. For instance, they may recommend changing your eating habits for fluctuating weight issues. Regular checkups guarantee that you remain healthy. It’s an avenue where you can ask questions regarding healthy practices for your current state and preventive measures to avoid any health risks. Regular checkups include dental, skin, and cancer screenings because holistic health emphasizes well-being as a whole. Acquire sufficient sleep Sleep is essential for physical and mental health. Sleep is a measure of cardiovascular health because people who lack sleep have a higher chance of developing heart conditions. Regarding mental health, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep—the deepest stage of sleep—is when the brain processes emotions and information. This is only achieved when you get enough sleep. If the brain fails to do this, it negatively impacts your mental health and behavior. Given this, get 8 hours of sleep nightly. Turn off your phone and TV, so you don’t get distracted from resting. It may also help to limit the amount of light in your room to increase the feeling of drowsiness. Sufficient sleep is vital to your physical and mental well-being. Refine your diet What you consume affects the way your body and mind work. This is why holistically improving your diet is a must. One way to do so is by seeking the help of a holistic practitioner. Their background in holistic medicine and nutrition enables them to recommend specific diet changes for better health. Holistic practitioners studied different techniques to help patients attain optimal wellness. They’ll analyze your condition, determine what food (or lack thereof) causes imbalances, and make dietary suggestions. Before consulting a holistic practitioner, kickstart better eating habits by eating the rainbow. Consume different colors of fruits and vegetables to get as many nutrients as possible. Switching to a holistic diet is a habit that will benefit your overall health. Spend time in nature The American Psychological Association found that nature improves a person’s mental and social health. People who live in areas with green spaces have a reduced risk of developing mental illnesses like depression and mood disorders. Contact with nature also increases positive social interactions, which sharpens memory and cognitive skills for better brain health. While these are all good habits for holistic health, they’ll only be effective if you remain consistent. Remember that your path to optimal well-being is about progression and not perfection, so be kind to yourself if you don’t reach your holistic goals immediately. Feature penned by Annmarie Kate Vance for Benton Integrative Medicine 704-775-6029

There are fortunately many options for allergies these days from prescription medicines, over the counter medicines, herbals, essential oils, homeopathy, nutrition and more. Over The Counter Over the counter medicines like Allegra, Zyrtec, and Claritin are accessible and affordable. Plus, these medications have a low risk of side effects as well. Benadryl is a classic but can cause sedation and memory issues if taken long term. However, it is excellent for serious allergic reactions if you need help fast. Herbals & Supplements My favorite herbal product is Natural D Hist but there are other brands with similar ingredients. It has Stinging nettles, quercitin, bromelain, vitamin C and N-acetyl-cysteine which I consider to be a miracle supplement as it has many benefits like thinning mucus , liver and kidney protection and also increases glutathione which is one of the body’s most potent antioxidants. Remember to do the loading dose and try it before allergy season starts. Honey Local honey is like yummy painless allergy shots. Bees use the pollen to make the honey so that gives us small doses that seem to help the body like immunotherapy. Pollen allergies should continue to get better if you do this year round. If you have fall allergies then try to get the honey collected during that time. Get to know your local bee keeper so they can let you know when the proper honey you need is collected. Elderberry We love elderberry syrup around here and have wonderful brands like Sweet’s Syrup and others made by local moms. Apparently it is pretty easy to make yourself. It has a lot of vitamin C which helps allergies but most include honey which also helps allergies. Sweet's Syrup uses raw, local honey to help your immune system develop antibodies to fight off the seasonal irritants that are in bloom. Elderberry actually has quite the list of good studies to back up the claims. Essential Oils Peppermint, lavender and lemon oils combined are AMAZING for allergies. Some people put 3-4 drops of each into gelatin capsules that you can purchase online and some put the edible kind into a tea to drink 1-2 times daily. You can also put peppermint oil on your finger tip and place just below (but not inside) your nose when you need help with an acute exposure. Be sure to dilute Peppermint oil with a carrier oil like coconut, olive or avocado oil as not to burn the skin. For kids, you can put some lavender inside the cheeks and the nose topically but you can put the oils in a tea for them to drink with honey. Again make sure you are using the edible essential oils and not the ones to use topically. Homeopathy There are various homeopathic remedies over the counter to consider. Homeopathy is amazing and safe but if it doesn't seem to be working for you then you may need to see a homeopath. Homeopathy is truly an art due to how it is prescribed. Check out the book Homeopathy: Beyond Flat Earth Medicine by Dooley ND, MD for a quick primer on how homeopathy works. However, it can be complicated to figure out on your own. Nutrition Tips When it comes to allergies it is important to avoid inflammatory foods like sugar. Other foods to pay attention to are dairy and wheat. Dairy is a mucus maker so we definitely want less snot! Most people don’t realize that wheat is a grass. If you have allergies to grasses, either eliminate wheat completely from your diet or just eliminate it during your allergy season. Other Tips For year round allergies, consider getting allergy testing, removing carpets from your house, get good quality HEPA filters for the rooms you spend most of your time in, and rule out mold in your house. Hope these tips help to help you enjoy your year! Sincerely, Dr. Cammy Benton MD IFMCP, ABIHM Benton Integrative Medicine 16415 Northcross Drive Suite C Huntersville, NC 28078 704-775-6029