One group of people that is always on my heart is our caretakers.
These are the people who quietly carry a great deal for others, the ones who step in when someone is sick, struggling, or simply overwhelmed. They are often generous with their time, their energy, and their attention, sometimes giving up their own rest or personal needs to help someone else carry life’s burdens.
I have a special respect for these individuals, and it’s always an honor when I’m able to help them.
Today’s newsletter is about two caretakers I especially admire and respect.
I call this “A Tale of Two Caretakers.”
Both came to me not because they lacked strength or dedication, but because their bodies were beginning to show the strain of caring so deeply for others. Through bloodwork analysis, viewed through the lenses of functional medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine, we were able to decode what their systems were asking for so they could restore their own health and continue supporting the people they love.
Bloodwork Through the Lens of TCM
If you’re like most of my clients, at some point your doctor has told you:
• “Everything looks normal, see you next year”
• “This number is high, take this pill”
That can feel either dismissive or scary, and neither really explains what’s happening in your body.
In my clinic, I read labs through both modern medicine and Chinese medicine. I’m not just asking, “Is this number in the box?” I’m asking:
• Is your system quietly trending toward a problem like brain fog or memory loss
• Or is your body actually more resilient than your symptoms make it feel, and you mostly need help protecting that resilience
Let me show you what that looks like with two real clients from this month.
Example 1: Quiet Early Warning for Cognitive Decline
Client A is a woman in her late 60s, post menopausal, worried about her memory and sleep. The usual workup said, “No obvious dementia, you’re not diabetic, your labs are mostly okay.”
But when we looked more closely:
• Her cholesterol pattern is more inflammatory than we’d like
• A blood vessel inflammation marker is elevated even though standard CRP looks normal
• Blood sugar is creeping up
• White blood cells are on the low side
• Hormones are very low and not easily available to tissues
• She reports brain fog, poor memory, insomnia, migraines, and sensitivity
On paper this might sound mild.
From my perspective, this is an early brain risk pattern.
What We Did About It
Her plan needed more than “just relax”:
• Food: consistent, protein forward meals
• Movement: walking and light strength work
• Sleep: structured bedtime routine and stress regulation
• Targeted support: herbs, nutrients, and discussion of hormone support if needed
The key point is this:
Her labs don’t say panic.
They say act early so the brain ages well.
Example 2: Strong System Under Stress
Client B is a middle aged man who has been through:
• Years of night shift work
• Past mold exposure
• Ongoing caregiving for elderly parents
He came in exhausted.
But his labs told a different story:
• Thyroid function mostly stable
• Testosterone still solid
• Blood sugar and cholesterol excellent
• Very low inflammation
• Strong blood production
His body was not failing.
It was carrying a heavy load.
How We Approached His Care
We did not overwhelm him with supplements.
We focused on what actually helps:
• Food: realistic, supportive meals
• Movement: light and consistent
• Daily rhythm: protect morning and evening time
• Gentle support: minimal herbs and nutrients
His labs said:
“This is a strong system under pressure.”
So we supported, not over treated.
What This Means For You
This is why I don’t just look at whether labs are “normal.”
I look at direction.
• If your body is trending toward imbalance
You need intervention and support
• If your body is still strong but stressed
You need nourishment, rest, and pacing
This helps you avoid overdoing supplements when they’re not needed, or missing support when it is.
Final Thought
It is deeply my honor to support caretakers.
I know even taking time for yourself can be difficult.
That’s why I offer Zoom consults for those who cannot come in person.
Please enjoy your holiday weekend.