Read this month's case study about a patient who experienced a complete remission of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. The biggest reason why her thyroid disease had persisted for years was no other physician had addressed the biggest source of her disease: stress.
Fact. Food dyes have been banned in many European countries but legal in the U.S. food and pharmaceutical industry since the artificial coloring better entice consumers to ultimately drive a profit, even at the expense of the public’s health.
Did you know longevity is associated with low-calorie diets. Yet, the physiological mechanisms behind why low-calorie diets are so therapeutic are only just being understood. Could intermittent fasting be part of the explanation for why that is?
Menopause is a natural process of the human body, but it doesn't have to be a painful experience. Read this week's blog post to discover how to go through menopause pain-free.
This month we talked about the impact of blood oxygenation and sleep regulation. We can detect vascular and lymphatic blood flow under Thermography. Unlike several other diagnostic approaches for vascular or intravenous diseases, thermography is safe.
What is happiness and how can we get and keep it? Can happiness be pursued, or does it have to do with our inborn temperament, gender, or race? Read more to find out what you can do to be a part of your happiness.
Did you know that healthy breathing is absolutely critical for deep and restorative sleep? This all comes back to proper blood circulation. Consider circulation therapy via BEMER if you need to better support your sleep.
Adherence to an anti-inflammatory diet is associated with a significant reduction of all-cause and cause-specific mortality. But did you also know that it can impact your mood?
When Jared was diagnosed with Crohn’s, he felt he had to identify with a chronic illness which made him feel vulnerable, helpless, and broken. We were able to turn his story around. Read more here.
A materialistic approach to life can often harm our overall sense of well-being and happiness. However, reshaping your mindset to one of health rather than material things has the opposite effect. Ask yourself: Is health my greatest wealth?
Last month, I wrote briefly on the marketing history and impact of one food item: dairy and estrogen-sensitive cancers. This week, I want you to understand that at the intersection of nutrition and cancer, other dietary factors must be considered.
Cold Laser therapy offers a non-invasive option to surgery or drugs, and can be used in combination with massage and acupuncture. This approach eliminates the complications of long-term drug treatment programs that can lead to painkiller addiction.
Did you know that Black Elderberry is as effective as Tamiflu, the conventional antiviral medication for the early treatment and prevention of influenza A and influenza B. Read more about this powerful herb here.
Cancer in it's early stages has no symptoms. Without symptoms, it’s hard to know if anything is wrong. This is why our entire approach is different. Read on to find out how we were able to detect early breast cancer in one of our patients.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Yet, why does nutrition's association with cancer remain a controversial topic to this day? The truth is cancer doesn’t happen overnight. It is a long-term process that likely involves what we put in our mouth.
Everything in life is connected, even the things we cannot see. Read on to learn about what happens when we lose our beneficial bacterial friends, the "Good Guys", in the gut.
A patient recently came in to see me who was suffering from chronic allergies. By understanding the microbiome in early life and adulthood, we can do a lot to reverse needless suffering from seasonal allergies. Click to read our latest case study!
A handful of blood pressure drugs have recently been recalled due to concerns about cancer-causing chemicals. Read to learn more about which drugs have been recalled and if you or your loved ones might be affected.
The truth is ground-level ozone is killing us, and as the planet gets warmer, we're going to see a rise in cardiovascular events, especially in highly polluted areas. Read this blog to learn how to protect yourself. We at Advanced Health are here to help.
Is breakfast the most important meal of the day? Don’t believe everything you read. There is an alarming amount of research funded by breakfast makers, and their ill-formed claims are ultimately tricking people and harming their health.
Let me be frank. There’s not a day in my practice when I don’t see a patient with multiple health diagnoses. It’s very common, but not overwhelming when you understand the underlying mechanisms of what’s going on.
A recent review has discovered an association between low-dose Aspirin and an increased risk of intracranial bleeding, in individuals with no symptomatic cardiovascular disease.
Many of us can relate to the idea of not having enough hours in the day. Our task lists and inboxes continue to grow, and many of us are used to feeling as though we’ve been spread too thinly to meet the needs of the day.
Case study #1: Treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Case Study #3: Reversing Formation of Blood Clot
There are plenty of reasons why meat alternatives are being developed. Many consumers pursue vegetarian or vegan lifestyles, and for them a faux meat burger is an alluring option.
A San Francisco civic ordinance, file #190312, signed by Mayor London Breed effectively bans the sale of e-cigarettes in the city. Unanimously passed by the board of supervisors, this landmark legislation is the first of its kind in the United States.
Historically, plants were the cornerstone for producing medicine. In Western culture, we consider medicine as a product of the pharmaceutical industrial complex.
Happiness stems from perception: a positive outlook reframes any circumstance, no matter what life throws your way. However, changing your outlook is easier said than done.
There are a ton of DNA tests out there that impart information about ancestry, health and wellness, and genetic traits. You’ve likely heard of 23andMe, from either a relative or coworker, at some point.
Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, both associated with pain and fatigue, are chronic conditions requiring ongoing treatment and management. Although these treatments differ, the benefits are effective in managing both conditions.
When people think of “hormones” they tend to associate them with times of change, like puberty or pregnancy. It’s true hormones are responsible for those extreme changes, but they also affect multiple body functions at all times.
Osteopathy is a naturopathic healing art that operates under the philosophy that the body is fundamentally capable of healing itself from illness or injury without the addition of medicines or the removal or destruction of bodily tissues
There is an old proverb that says the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. In practical terms, this means that cooking for someone is a way to show love and care.
Inflammation is a painful, damaging condition with a number of different causes. Inflammation indicates that the body is in the process of repairing injury or attacking an invader.
33 years old female Priya enjoys yoga, walking, and jogging. She is a nonsmoker and has no sleep issues, but her demanding work schedule resulted in late nights.
We’ve all heard the old adage “you are what you eat.” This refers, of course, to the practice of eating high quality food to achieve high quality nutrition. Another newer saying “you are what you eat, ate” is more accurate.
Advanced Health is now offering a wider range of diagnostic tests through a partnership with local provider Genova Diagnostics.
Advanced Health has been innovating for years to discover ways to help our patients overcome various ailments and improve their lives. Recently, we have added Thermal Digital Imaging, or Thermography, to our suite of health services.
The liver may not be the CEO of the body, but it is still sitting in one of the corner offices.
Millions of people struggle with their weight, their digestive system, and their overall health. It is incredibly frustrating to eat a meal only to have discomfort and painful symptoms afterward.
A person's lungs are one of the most critical organs in the human body, but they aren't often cared for the way they should be. There are plenty of ways to keep lungs healthy and improve respiratory health.
A breast cancer diagnosis can be enough to uproot your entire life, requiring you to change your regular routine to combat the condition. If you are interested in lowering your chance of developing the condition, follow some of these tips.
If you have had inflammation in your body for some time now, you’ll no doubt be experiencing some discomfort and are likely feeling very annoyed at the whole thing.
The body’s immune system is made up of cells, tissues, and organs that have the job of protecting the body. The immune system acts as internal armor against infectious invaders.
Sam’s primary concern was his chronic acid reflux (heartburn) for over a decade and asked Dr. Bhandari M.D. at Advanced Health to put together a plan to effectively treat his chronic pain.
There are any number of ways that your relationship with food may have become imbalanced, but with a few simple lifestyle changes and healthy habits, you can set yourself on the path to wellness.
The Bredesen Protocol is a compelling approach to Alzheimer's treatment that shows a great deal of promise in clinical trials and has already helped hundreds of patients.
Holistic nutrition is a philosophy that recognizes health is multidimensional, comprising the physical, chemical, mental, emotional, and spiritual bodies.
Learn how to organize your kitchen to shift to healthy eating habits. Make cooking pleasant and convenient so you enjoy the process and the results.
As the new year gets under way, many people are trying to make good on resolutions that included "getting healthy," but what does that mean, exactly? Getting healthy means different things for different people; however, most people will be making it a poin
Dr. Payal Bhandari, M.D., was visited by a 54 year old male patient (hereafter called Jack to ensure confidentiality) who had just been diagnosed with a large deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his entire left leg.
Memory loss is a common occurrence among women as they approach menopause. Here are some tips to naturally fight it.
Cancer, like many other diseases, is something that you want to catch early so that you have the best chance possible of beating it; the earlier it's caught, the less likely it is to advance. But that still leaves questions as to how you can improve your c
While food sensitivities and food allergies have a lot in common, and even share many of the same symptoms, the underlying mechanisms for each are distinct, and only one of them is potentially life-threatening.
B vitamins, as a group, comprise a class of water-soluble nutrients that help with cellular metabolism.
The Northern California Camp Fire was the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California’s history. Now is a perfect time to talk about how to prevent lung damage and keep your exposure to air pollutants low.
Dr. Payal Bhandari, M.D. received a visit from a 56-year-old male patient (whom we will call “John” to preserve his confidentiality) with chronic hip pain that severely impacted his right hip for over a decade.
Some body types will naturally carry more fat than others, and that isn’t necessarily an indicator of ill-health. Muscle weighs more than fat, by volume, and many people will get healthier by putting on a few extra pounds of muscle rather than shedding fro
As the old saying goes, “you are what you eat.” That bit of conventional wisdom is just as true today as it was when your great grandmother used to say it.
Cortisol, sometimes called the “stress hormone,” has been much maligned in the media recently. There is quite a bit more to cortisol than the standard explanations everyone hears.
A 42-year old female patient sought the help of Dr. Payal Bhandari M.D. because she was having severe chronic gastrointestinal discomfort. Patient “Ada” came to Advanced Health with a desire to learn more about the nutrient-dense foods she could safely in
A healthy, well-balanced diet can help prevent eczema flare-ups.
The concept of food addiction is relatively new in the medical sphere. Food addiction is an extremely harmful, lifelong struggle for a great many Americans.
Hormones can affect your memory as much as your mood. When you experience frequent outbursts of anger or find yourself crying randomly, you may want to look at your hormone levels.
We are exposed to environmental toxins all the time. Even the simplest of daily routines can expose one to several common pollutants found in the water we drink, food we eat, and air we breathe.
Have you found yourself feeling dull, fatigued, and unlike yourself lately? You could be suffering from Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
constipation means that something has gone wrong in your digestive system – your large intestine, in particular. The digestive system is impacted by almost everything the body does.
There are any number of reasons why you might want to shift to a plant-based diet. Some people make the switch for ethical reasons, some for health concerns, and still others because they want to save money when preparing meals for a large family.
No matter where you live, it’s imperative that you filter your tap water. Impure water is a serious problem in just about every part of the industrialized world. The risk factors are vast and most are unavoidable, even with a robust municipal water filtrat
Psoriasis is not pleasant. It can cause transient disfigurement, pain, and can degrade a person’s quality of life. Learn about the connection between psoriasis and stress.
Inflammation can have any number of causes. Discover five ways to treat inflammation naturally.
Symptoms of seasonal allergies can include itching, sneezing, congestion and runny nose, headaches, red or watery eyes, and so on. They can vary from mild to severe, acute to chronic.
At Advanced Health, we believe that daily practices of mindfulness can contribute to lifelong wellness.
Lymphedema can be caused by various genetic conditions, by aging, or as a result of another condition or disease. Learn how acupuncture can help.
The practitioners at Advanced Health practice an integrative approach to chronic pain, which considers the body holistically. In doing so, we rely on these treatments, and more, for all sorts of patients, especially those managing chronic pain.
Gluten intolerance is, unfortunately, fairly common: more than â…“ of the U.S. population has a certain degree of gluten sensitivity. It is highly likely that gluten intolerance is underdiagnosed.
An integrative treatment for gut health would address the various root causes which have contributed to the condition of ill-health.
Many men struggle with societal pressures that make it difficult to admit to health concerns or to ask for help. Here are some solutions.
There are a few simple changes you can make to your lifestyle today that will have a strong and lasting impact on your cognitive health for the rest of your life.
With Mother’s Day around the corner, we wanted to put together a list of some of the best integrative and functional medicinal treatment options for new and expecting mothers.
Here are five unique and often unexpected benefits of massage therapy that help you to achieve better health, both mentally and physically, as a way of supporting lifelong wellness.
Dr. Lonnele Ball, PhD and Dr. Harlan South, M.D. leverage state-of-the-art technologies to focus on disease prevention and health optimization, with a personalized approach to concierge medicine.
It all comes down to this. There is no miracle cure, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to diet.
No matter your lifestyle, or your current state of health, seeing an integrative functional dietician might be the best choice you can make, to take charge of your healing and promote lasting wellness.
You’ve got hundreds or thousands of different species of bacteria living in your digestive tract, and each of them has a particular niche. Learn more about gut bacteria!
Integrative health and functional medicine are two relatively recent developments in the practice of Western medicine. At Advanced Health, we take an integrative approach to healing the body.
A variety of herbs can be extremely beneficial in the maintenance of healthy skin. See the top herbs for skin care...
One of the first things that people should consider is the symptoms of leaky gut. The most common symptom is any type of digestive issue. Learn more!
Is it time for you to get a massage? Well, ask yourself if any of these apply to you…
Even if you think that you are healthy, you can still make some changes to improve your heart health. Taking care of your heart today is the key to living a long, happy. and healthy life.
Menopause can also be associated with a number of symptoms. Learn about the benefits of bioidentical hormones for treating symptoms.
An autoimmune disease is a disease that changes the way the human body views a specific part or feature of the body. Learn more about these diseases and integrative health.
The benefits of acupuncture are proven by numerous scientific research results that now name it as one of the most viable and effective alternative methods to use for well-being and healing.
Integrative medicine focuses on discovering the common causes of sleep problems in order to understand each individual's unique needs for a solution.
The most important thing to look for when choosing a San Francisco family physician is the ability to treat a whole family. Learn more about what other qualities to look for.
Unlike conventional health care, integrative medicine primarily focuses on prevention
Heart disease is preventable! Dr. Payal Bhandari, M.D. explains why integrative medicine is the best treatment for cardiovascular conditions.
Do you know the difference between good cholesterol and bad cholesterol? Primary care physician Dr. Payal Bhandari explains high cholesterol myths and facts.
Dr. Payal Bhandari, M.D. spoke in a Seed the Commons event in San Francisco and explained why milk is not the best option for our kids’ nutrition and how we can replace this food for another protein which the body can absorb.
Have you checked in with your primary care physician about how to stay healthy this holiday season?
When it comes to successful weight management strategies, integrative medicine emphasizes the need for a nutrient-dense diet with an overall, holistic sense of health.
These statistics are tragic. Over 600,000 Americans die each year from preventable cardiovascular disease such as a stroke.
When prostate problems arise, most men experience immediate concern about cancer. Learn about the difference between prostate cancer and other conditions.
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that attacks the lining of the digestive tract, which, if not recognized and treated in time, is very likely to cause moderate to severe physical problems.
GERD, which is often referred to as dyspepsia, is a common chronic digestive disease, stemming from the problems that stomach acid or stomach content cause to the esophagus.
Recognizing asthma attack symptoms can save lives, which is why education about asthma and its physical signs is important. Learn more...
Having a local physician in San Francisco who is familiar with your medical history, including family background, former illnesses, and records of exams and test results is an invaluable resource.
Taking a more serious approach to your health can help you make the changes that you need without those excuses getting in your way.
As we age, we learn that irregular menstrual cycles can be quite common. Learn how integrative health can get your abnormal periods under control.
Integrative health for men primarily focuses on preventative care, aiming to convey the importance of men developing a more health-conscious attitude. Learn more!
One way to combat chronic stress is to use mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques. Here are five integrative techniques for practicing mindfulness and reducing your stress levels.
When people with anxiety manage their symptoms with integrative health care, they can prevent their condition from worsening while living productive, happy lives.
An integrative health approach to common sexual problems will help with finding lasting emotional balance.
Currently, there are no known cures to heal celiac disease. Integrative health looks at why more than a gluten-free diet is needed.
Chronic diseases are incredibly common, affecting a staggering 50% of the adult population in the United States. Explore integrative treatments for chronic diseases.
Did you know that endometriosis is one of the most frequent disorder of the feminine reproductive years, estimated to impact about 10% of American women?
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the US. Do you know why? Learn about the different types of skin cancer and integrative cancer treatment.
Integrative doctor Payal Bhandari, MD shows you how to treat the most common types of summer allergies in San Francisco naturally and effectively.
Feeling abnormally stressed & tired? Something could be wrong! Dr. Payal Bhandari, MD explains her techniques for treating adrenal insufficiency naturally.
Our skin may seem strong, healthy and impervious to both skin cancer and sun damage, but that damage builds up over time. Even sunscreen isn't always enough protection!
Don’t wait around for your skin to figure itself out! Dr. Payal Bhandari offers expertise on using integrative medicine to treat chronic skin conditions.
Menopause doesn’t need to be a negative phase in women’s lives. Dr. Payal Bhandari explains her natural treatments for menopause symptoms.
It’s something we’ve all heard about, but what is IBS? Dr. Payal Bhandari discusses the symptoms and explains how common irritable bowel syndrome is.
Always tired? San Francisco integrative medicine physician, Dr. Payal Bhandari explains her techniques for treating chronic fatigue syndrome.
Many of us assume arthritis develops with age and cannot be helped. Dr. Bhandari, M.D. explains how arthritis symptoms can be improved with lifestyle changes.
Practicing mindfulness meditation daily can help change our brains and can be used as an integrative health treatment for many chronic conditions.
Diabetes affects millions of people. Dr. Payal Bhandari, M.D. empowers patients with integrative techniques to live well and manage diabetes effectively.
1 in 3 Americans have prediabetes and 90% are unaware of it. Dr. Payal Bhandari, M.D. is a San Francisco-based integrative physician that specializes in chronic illness and how to turn them around.
Could you be experiencing allergy symptoms without knowing? Dr. Payal Bhandari is San Francisco integrative medicine physician with all the answers you need.
Inflammation is a process that is meant to heal the body, but Dr. Payal Bhandari explains how chronic inflammation can lead to serious long-term health issues.
Gluten can cause severe discomfort and lifelong illness. Dr. Payal Bhandari, a San Francisco integrative doctor, discusses common celiac disease symptoms.
Anxiety can dramatically affect and disrupt daily life. Dr. Payal Bhandari is a San Francisco integrative doctor that has some tips to share with you.
The effects of gluten and wheat on our bodies has become a hot-topic for many. Dr. Payal Bhandari explains why you should be mindful of wheat consumption.
Nut butters are an easy way to invigorate your diet and help boost your overall health. Dr. Payal Bhandari breaks down the health benefits of the most common types of nut butters.
How much meat should you eat and where should your protein come from? San Francisco Physician Dr. Payal Bhandari debunks the most common health myths about protein.
Where does the popular health myth “Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever” come from? San Francisco Physician, Dr. Payal Bhandari debunks the most common health myths.
Where do our popular health myths come from and what should we believe? San Francisco Physician, Dr. Payal Bhandari debunks the most common health myths.
It takes time to develop the habit of drinking more water, but it’s easier to do than you think. Our tips will help you build this healthy habit in no time.
Read Advanced Health's list of practical and achievable New Year's resolutions you can adopt to make a big difference in your overall health and wellbeing.
Volunteering is very gratifying, and we often get out more than what we give. It’s an activity the whole family can bond over, and as a bonus, volunteering is good for our health, too.
During the holidays we often experience higher than normal stress levels. Read our list of surprising holiday activities that can reduce stress effectively.
Every year kids end up in the emergency room due to toy-related accidents. Watch out for these toys and gifts that are bad for your toddler's health.
San Francisco has a wealth of green spaces, breathtaking views, and great climate all year round, making it the perfect place for urban hiking.
Manage stress and anxiety when doing your holiday shopping so you can have a fun-filled and relaxing festive season with your family and friends.
Satisfy your taste buds and have fun with this year's Thanksgiving dinner with our health tips, without feeling like a stuffed turkey afterward.
You will be surprised at how good you will feel when cutting out unhealthy foods from your diet. Read more to learn which foods to avoid or limit.
Many illnesses are caused or aggravated by the food we eat. Learn which foods make up a healthy and well-balanced diet with all the necessary nutrients.
Without a proper functioning liver, toxins will build up in the body, which can be detrimental to our health. Avoid liver diseases by following our tips.
We all know that smoking is bad for our lungs. But what else can we do to keep our lungs strong and healthy? Read Advanced Health's tips for healthy lungs.
Depression may take years to treat, but there are steps you can take for yourself. Our tips will help you take charge of your mental wellness.
Cancer is one of the scariest diseases, but with certain lifestyle choices, risk factors can be reduced. Here's a list of cancers that affect women most.
We all know that exercise and a healthy diet can keep our heart healthy, but did you know about the uniquely fun ways to take care of your heart health?
Most STD infections can be avoided. Advanced Health discusses safety precautions to follow and signs to look out for to prevent an STD infection.
What we thought we knew about cholesterol was wrong. For decades cholesterol had a bad rap, but it is a natural function of the body we can't live without.
Most deaths from prescription opioid pain relievers are preventable and addiction is unnecessary. Read more about alternative treatments for chronic pain.
Sight is the most precious of our five senses. Our early vision care tips will help detect and avoid eye problems so your child doesn't become a victim of poor vision.
People live longer than ever before. Advanced Health discusses the most common illnesses among seniors and how to treat, manage, or avoid them.
World Humanitarian Day is on the 19th of August. Why not make this day about kindness towards others while increasing your health at the same time?
High Blood Pressure is one of the deadliest diseases and affects 75 million people in the U.S. Find out how Hypertension can be treated and avoided.
San Francisco is the perfect place to create a fun and successful work out! Check out these great ways to stay in shape in San Francisco.
Dehydration is one of the major summer health hazards, especially for kids and the elderly. Read more about precautions, symptoms, and treatments.
Everything you need to know about the Zika virus in San Francisco: how it’s spread, what are the symptoms, and what you should look out for.
The e-cigarette industry is like the Wild West. The FDA is stepping in to save our teens from addiction and test if vaping is really as safe as they claim.
Melanoma, a form of skin cancer, will kill about 10,130 people this year. Avoid looking like a bright red tomato and prevent sun damage with our tips.
Cancer is one of the most terrifying modern illnesses, but the good news is that early treatment and a healthy diet can save thousands of lives.
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts found in your intestines. They are good for your health, especially for your digestive system. Read to learn more.
Our normal sleeping patterns are sometimes interrupted by factors out of our control. With good sleeping habits, you can still have a good night's sleep.
Since May is skin cancer awareness month, and also the start of summer, we thought it’s a good time to talk about how you can prevent skin cancer.
Turmeric not only makes great curries but has many medicinal properties as well. Advanced Health discusses the health benefits of turmeric and curcumin.
What causes low libido? How can you treat low sex drive? Advanced Health shares tips on how to counter low libido and save your sex life.
Coconut oil is one of the most versatile health foods and can be used for cooking and beauty treatments, and has natural medicinal properties. Learn more here.
Dr. Bhandari discusses joint pain remedies to reduce pain and inflammation and preserve joint function to improve your quality of life.
Alcohol is part of our daily lives. Advanced Health discusses the health risks of excessive drinking and gives tips on how to avoid drinking too much.
Are you and your dog haunted by allergies during pollen season? Advanced Health discusses ways to reduce allergy symptoms that will help you breathe easier.
Cures for Winter Blues for You and Your Dog
One in three Americans are overweight, but there are preventative measures we can take to control the fluctuations in our weight.
February is National Heart Month, and though there multiple factors that can lead to heart disease, there are also diet and lifestyle changes you can make to improve your heart's health.
Excess inflammation can lead to chronic diseases, but there are healthy habits that can help reduce inflammation.
Love and social connections have important affects on both your mental and physical health, due in large part to the hormone known as oxytocin.
The San Francisco Medical Society highlights Dr. Bhandari.
Winner of Home Practice of the Year
We hardly ever think about health goals. What we don't realize is that we're in control of our own health. Dr. Bhandari helps in setting and reaching your goals.
The top 5 common bad habits which can make us feel tired
Blood pressure is a vital sign of what is physiologically transpiring inside one’s body.
