The Wellness Way- Granville

06/12/2026

🫀 Atherosclerosis (Plaque In Arteries): The Silent Process Happening Decades Before a Heart Attack

Heart disease is not simply a “cholesterol problem.” Arterial plaque is a complex inflammatory process involving injury to the blood vessel lining, oxidative stress, metabolic dysfunction, immune activity, and the body’s attempt to repair damage.

🚨 What can contribute to plaque formation?

🔥 Insulin resistance & high blood sugar
Elevated insulin and glucose can damage the delicate lining of blood vessels (the endothelium), promote inflammation, and contribute to unfavorable changes in blood lipids (fat in arteries). This is the most common reason why this process happens.

🦠 Chronic infections & oral health
Persistent infections, especially severe periodontal disease (infections in the mouth like cavities, root canals, cavitations), may increase systemic inflammation and have been associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease because they have a direct access point into your bloodstream.

⚡ Oxidative stress
LDL cholesterol particles become more problematic when they are oxidized and contributes to inflammatory processes within the artery wall. The body’s repair response can eventually involve calcium deposition and plaque stabilization.

🌱 Seed Oils
Polyunsaturated Omega 6 Fatty Acids known as seed oils are also a big driver for inflammation, especially in the arteries. This is why omega 3 fatty acids can be beneficial as they essentially counteract one another to control inflammation. The problem is a large majority of our food supply are loaded with seed oils.

🥑 Nutrient status
Nutrients involved in antioxidant defense, vascular function, and metabolism may influence cardiovascular health:
• Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil)
• Vitamin E (preferably tocotrienols)
• Magnesium
• Niacin (vitamin B3)
• B12/Folate vitamins involved in homocysteine metabolism (genetic markers like MTHFR for example are one of the many reasons why they say that heart disease can also be genetically influenced)
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin K2

☣️ Environmental stressors
Air pollution and certain environmental toxins, including mycotoxins (big silent contributor), may contribute to oxidative stress and inflammation.

😰 Chronic stress, poor sleep & sedentary lifestyle
Long-term stress hormones, poor recovery, and lack of movement can negatively impact blood sugar regulation, inflammation, and cardiovascular health.

🩸 Iron overload
Chronic excess iron in individuals can contribute to oxidative stress especially in the arteries, making ferritin and iron studies useful in the appropriate clinical context.

🧪 Important blood markers to know

🔬 Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) – The most accurate count of potentially artery-penetrating lipoprotein particles.

🔬 Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] – Another cholesterol particle strongly associated with increased cardiovascular risk though can be genetically influenced.

🔬 NMR Lipoprotein Profile & LDL Particle Number – Looks at the number and size of cholesterol-carrying particles. A high number of small, dense LDL particles is associated with increased risk.

🔬 Lp-PLA2 (PLAC Test) – Evaluates vascular inflammation associated with plaque activity.

🔬 High-Sensitivity CRP & ESR – General markers of inflammation that may provide insight into inflammatory burden.

🔬 Fasting insulin & A1C – Help identify insulin resistance and long-term blood sugar exposure.

🔬 Fasting glucose & Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) – Provides information on glucose, kidney function, liver function, and overall metabolic health.

🔬 Triglycerides, HDL, LDL & Total Cholesterol – Provide a broad picture of lipid metabolism. Triglycerides and HDL patterns can offer clues about metabolic health.

🔬 Omega-3 Index – Assesses omega-3 status, which is associated with cardiovascular health.

🔬 Homocysteine – Elevated levels may reflect impaired methylation pathways and have been associated with vascular risk.

🔬 Iron Panel & Ferritin – Helps identify iron deficiency or excess iron storage.

🔬 Magnesium – Important for blood pressure regulation, vascular tone, and metabolic function.

🔬 Vitamin D – Influences immune regulation, inflammation, and vascular health.

🔬 Testosterone & Hormonal Balance – Hormones can influence body composition, insulin sensitivity, and cardiovascular health.

🔬 Copper & Ceruloplasmin – Important in oxidative balance, insulin sensitivity, and iron metabolism, though they are not routinely used as primary cardiovascular screening markers and easily get missed.

🩻 What scans can evaluate heart health?

❤️ EKG
Evaluates your heart’s electrical rhythm and may identify previous heart damage or rhythm abnormalities.

🏃 Exercise Stress Test
Shows how your heart responds to physical demand and can reveal signs of reduced blood flow during exercise.

🧱 Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Score
A useful screening tool that measures calcified plaque burden. However, it does not directly measure blood flow restriction and does not visualize soft plaque. If a patient has done a lot of work to dramatically improve their health that previous soft plaque can actually harden to the lining of the blood vessel making it look like the calcium score is worse when in reality the blood vessel passageway is more open for adequate blood flow now. Also, if a patient has already a stent put in that will get picked up on the scan and make it look like that artery the stent is in is massively calcified. In essence, Calcium Scores need interpretation in the context of the ENTIRE clinical picture.

🩻 CT Coronary Angiography (CTCA)
One of the most informative non-invasive imaging tools available because it can visualize the coronary arteries, identify both calcified and non-calcified plaque, and evaluate whether plaque is narrowing the vessel. This is my personal preferred way of assessing for arterial plaque and function.

🌿 Lifestyle & supplements commonly explored for cardiovascular support

🥜 Omega-3 Fish Oil – Supports healthy triglyceride levels and inflammatory balance.

🌻 Vitamin E Tocotrienols – Potent antioxidants that may help protect lipids from oxidative damage.

🌱 Magnesium – Supports vascular relaxation, blood pressure regulation, and metabolic health.

🍚 Niacin (Vitamin B3) – Can influence lipid metabolism, though high-dose niacin should only be used under medical supervision due to potential niacin flushing of the skin.

🫘 Nattokinase – A fibrinolytic enzyme derived from fermented soybeans that has been studied for its effects on blood lipids and atherosclerosis.

🌿 Berberine – Supports glucose metabolism and may improve certain lipid markers.

🌺 Hawthorn – Traditionally used to support cardiovascular function.

💊 B12 & Folate – Help regulate homocysteine metabolism.

📚 A fascinating study on Nattokinase

A 2022 clinical study involving 1,062 participants examined high-dose nattokinase (10,800 FU/day) for 12 months. Researchers reported significant improvements in blood lipids and reductions in carotid artery intima-media thickness and carotid plaque size. The study reported improvements in carotid plaque measurements in many participants and noted no significant adverse effects recorded during the study period.

🫀 The biggest takeaway:

The goal is not simply to lower a cholesterol number. The goal is to create an environment where arteries are healthy: stable blood sugar, low inflammation, healthy metabolism, balanced nutrients, regular movement, quality sleep, stress management, and an overall lifestyle that supports vascular integrity.

Your heart health story is written by far more than just your total cholesterol number.

06/11/2026

🐍💊 The fascinating history of Lisinopril: From Brazilian snake venom to one of the world’s most prescribed blood pressure medications.

https://www.lgcstandards.com/US/en/Resources/Articles/pharma-roots-captopril-lisinopril

Most people have no idea that the story of ACE inhibitors began with the venom of the Brazilian pit viper (Bothrops jararaca). Researchers discovered compounds in the venom called bradykinin-potentiating peptides, which helped scientists understand how blocking the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) could lower blood pressure. This research eventually led to the creation of synthetic medications like lisinopril.

So how does lisinopril work? 🩺

ACE is responsible for converting angiotensin I into angiotensin II—a powerful molecule that tightens blood vessels and signals the kidneys to retain sodium and water. By blocking ACE, lisinopril forces blood vessels to relax and remain open reducing blood pressure.

But ACE also helps break down bradykinin. When ACE is blocked, bradykinin levels can increase. In some individuals, this can contribute to the well-known “lisinopril cough”—a persistent, dry cough that can appear weeks or even months after starting the medication. In rare cases, excess bradykinin can also contribute to swelling called angioedema OR lung cancer development.

https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCOUTCOMES.120.006687

Like all medications, ACE inhibitors come with potential risks and benefits. Possible side effects may include:
⚠️ Dry persistent cough
⚠️ Dizziness or low blood pressure
⚠️ Elevated potassium levels
⚠️ Changes in kidney function, especially in certain individuals such as those with narrowed kidney arteries, dehydration, or existing kidney disease
⚠️ Fatigue, headache, or gastrointestinal symptoms
⚠️ Rare but serious allergic-type swelling (angioedema)
⚠️ Lung Cancer

Nature also contains compounds that have demonstrated ACE-inhibiting activity in research 🌿:
🌱 Aged garlic extract
🌺 Hibiscus
🍵 Green tea catechins
🫒 Extra virgin olive oil polyphenols
🍇 Grape seed polyphenols
🥛 Certain milk-derived peptides
🌾 Foods rich in potassium and nitrate-containing vegetables that support healthy vascular function

These natural compounds can support healthy blood pressure physiology.

The takeaway? Every medication has a history, a mechanism, benefits, and potential downsides. Understanding how these compounds interact with the body helps us have more informed conversations about our health and treatment choices.

❤️ Know your numbers. Ask questions. Stay informed.

🐍💚

Background: Use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs)was associated with increased risk of lung cancer in a cohort study from the United Kingdom. We aimed to replicate these findings in a Danish population. Methods: We conducted a nested case-control study using data from 4 Danish nati...

06/10/2026

🔥 Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is not just “joint pain” — it is an autoimmune process where the immune system begins attacking the lining of the joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and eventually damage if the process continues. 🔥

Common symptoms can include:
🖐️ Hand and wrist pain
🌡️ Warm, swollen, or stiff joints (especially morning stiffness)
💪 Decreased grip strength
🦴 Progressive changes in joint alignment, including fingers drifting or “caving in” over time
😴 Fatigue and low energy

Common blood markers that may be evaluated when assessing for RA include:
🧪 Rheumatoid Factor (RF)
🧪 Anti-CCP antibodies (often more specific for RA)
🧪 C-reactive protein (CRP)
🧪 Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
🧪 ANA and additional autoimmune markers in some cases

The body is incredibly intelligent. When the immune system is reacting against a joint, it raises the important question: what factors may be contributing to immune dysregulation and ongoing inflammation? 🔍

Common factors that may influence immune activity in RA include:
🥦 Food sensitivities or intolerances
🦠 Chronic infections
🏠 Environmental exposures (mold being #1)
⚙️ Heavy metal exposure
😰 Chronic stress
🍎 Nutrient inadequacies (Vitamin D being #1)

Addressing overall health, reducing inflammatory triggers, and supporting the body’s natural healing processes can be an important and effective approach to healing RA. 🌿

There are also emerging and studied therapies that have been explored for their effects on inflammation and pain in RA:

💧 DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) has been researched for anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects and is used topically by some individuals to help with joint discomfort. Some patients I have seen have reported such significant improvement to the point where they were actually able to get off their RA medications!

🩹 Low-dose ni****ne patches have also been investigated and shown to help with RA because ni****ne can activate alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7 nAChRs), which are involved in the body’s cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. By activating this pathway it can help calm down the immune system thus alleviating joint pain of the affected if patch is applied directly to the affected area.

✨ RA does not have to be a super complex condition. There is an immune system problem and peeling the body back like an onion one layer at a time and assessing for all the potential immune triggers will best help the patient discover what is truly aggravating their immune system. Once discovered, patient can begin working on trying to remove that immune trigger from the body and thus calming down the immune system and alleviating that pesky joint pain they feel every day or at minimum, greatly reduce what they are already experiencing.

The goal should not only be symptom management, but understanding all the factors that may be contributing to inflammation and working with your healthcare team to create the right strategy for you.

06/09/2026

Dr. Ethan is our amazing PT in our office and not only can break down and assess these musculoskeletal imbalances you may have but also is very experiencing with soft tissue modalities like dry needling to get those muscles to calm down!

If stretching hasn’t fixed it… there’s probably more going on.

Muscle imbalances create compensation patterns
Pain often returns because the root issue isn’t addressed.
PT can help restore proper movement patterns.

Your body was designed to move better than this!

06/08/2026

❗️Important summer schedule facts❗️

🌞Summer is here! Schedules are busy!
Here are a few things to keep in mind this summer for our office:

📆Your schedules are busy, ours are busy! The best way to make sure you get the appointment times you want is to schedule several appointments out. You can do this online or call in!

✅While each doctor is taking new patients and do have available spots on their schedule, we also have a wait list! Ask to be added to our waitlist for a sooner appointment!
You may also add yourself to the waitlist online if you want!

❌Please keep in mind our cancellation policy. We do need a decent amount of time for notice when able, so we can add someone to our schedule from our waitlist who really needs our help! We still love ya, but as small business owners, we have to enforce this. 24-48 hour notice is required. Our doctors spend an immense amount of time outside of business hours preparing for your appointments!

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒Bring your kids! We don’t care if you have your littles with you at your appointment. We have plenty of toys and a furry pup 🙂

😎Summer specials- we are running several summer specials, so keep an eye out for this! Discounts are available for family care, referrals, and various other things through the summer.

-The best way to contact us is to call 740-672-3630
-schedule online
-only quick questions/updates to text 740-404-6487
-email: [email protected]

Thanks for always doing health with us ❤️

Schedule here-

Our chiropractic and functional medicine doctors focus on root causes of stressors on a body. Chiropractic, PT, and wellness consults.

06/08/2026

🩸💙 Understanding Type 1 Diabetes 💙🩸

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. Over time, this reduces the body's ability to produce insulin, which is why many people with Type 1 diabetes require insulin injections or an insulin pump to help regulate blood sugar levels.

🔬 Helpful lab markers that may support a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis include:

✅ Diabetes-related autoantibodies (such as insulin autoantibodies, GAD65, IA-2, and ZnT8 antibodies)
✅ Low insulin levels
✅ Low C-peptide levels
✅ Elevated HbA1c (A1C)
✅ Elevated blood glucose levels
✅ Sometimes elevated triglycerides

⚠️ Because people with Type 1 diabetes rely on insulin therapy, blood sugar can occasionally drop too low (hypoglycemia) because if you are fasted and insulin keeps dripping into your body you can run the risk of having too low of blood sugar. This is why many carry a fast-acting source of glucose with them in case their blood sugar falls unexpectedly.

🥩🥑 Nutrition can play a major role in blood sugar management:

✔️ Prioritize quality proteins

✔️ Include healthy fats

✔️ Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods

✔️ Limit ultra-processed foods (foods with a paragraph of ingredients you cannot pronounce half the stuff in there) , added sugars (candy, sodas, etc), excessive alcohol intake, highly refined carbohydrates (breads, pastas, etc), and starches (potatoes).

🍎🍯 When a quick source of carbohydrate is needed, whole-food options such as fruit can be very useful like dates or raw honey as they are natural and do not spike your blood glucose through the ceiling like a Coke would when sugar levels dip too low. These foods can also help sustain blood sugar levels throughout the day longer without experiencing frequent crashes where you need to spike your glucose over and over again.

🧪 Additional testing that is very useful for Type 1 Diabetics is to explore the immune triggers that may be flaring up this autoimmune process. These labs include but are not limited to:

• Food allergy or sensitivity testing

• Comprehensive stool testing (parasites, fungi, bacteria, etc)

• Environmental toxin assessments (mold, heavy metals, glyphosate, etc.)

• Nutrient status evaluations

🏃‍♂️🧘‍♀️ Lifestyle habits matter too:

✅ Regular exercise
✅ Quality sleep
✅ Stress management
✅ Consistent blood sugar monitoring

🌞 Important nutrients involved in blood sugar regulation and metabolic health include:

🔹 Chromium (supports insulin sensitivity and helps cells respond more effectively to insulin)

🔹 Magnesium (supports glucose metabolism and helps improve insulin signaling)

🔹 Zinc (plays a role in insulin production, storage, and release)

🔹 Selenium (supports antioxidant defenses that help protect pancreatic cells)

🔹 Copper (helps support healthy energy production and glucose metabolism)

🔹 Vanadium (has been shown in some studies to enhance insulin activity and glucose uptake)

🔹 Vitamin D (supports immune regulation and may help improve insulin sensitivity)

**One very, very interesting thing that I have observed in clinical practice and has been studied in the literature is that low dose ni****ne is extremely powerful at regulating blood sugar. It has not only been observed to lower blood sugar, it has also been studied in mammals with Type 1 Diabetes that those taking low doses of ni****ne every day use far less insulin than those that do not due to the immune regulating properties of activating the cholinergic system in the body with ni****ne. Something as small as a 7mg ni****ne patch every day can bring down the amount of insulin used throughout the day dramatically**

💙 Education and awareness are powerful tools. If you have concerns about blood sugar, autoimmune conditions, or diabetes risk, we can help!

💙🩸

06/05/2026

Happy birthday to the best doc, best wife, and best anything really for that matter. She works her buns off to provide the best care possible to her patients and has built something truly spectacular here in Licking County💚

06/04/2026

❤️🫀 CHOLESTEROL: THE MOST MISUNDERSTOOD MOLECULE IN CARDIOLOGY? 🫀❤️

One of the most common things I hear from patients is:

🗣️ "My cholesterol is high. Is that bad?"

Let's think about this logically for a second...

Your body makes MOST of its cholesterol in the liver. In fact, cholesterol is so important that your body manufactures it every single day. Your body doesn't produce something in large quantities without a purpose!

So instead of immediately asking, "How do I lower my cholesterol?" a better question might be:

❓"Why does my body need so much cholesterol right now?"

After all, cholesterol is involved in:

🧠 Brain function and development

⚡ Nerve function and repair

💪 Hormone production (testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, thyroid function, etc.)

🛡️ Immune system regulation

🔥 Tissue repair and recovery following inflammation

🧬 Cell membrane structure and function

And much more!

Interestingly, studies of centenarians (people living beyond 100 years old) have found that many maintain cholesterol levels that would be considered "high" by modern standards. 👴👵🎉

Another interesting fact:

📈 Cholesterol reference ranges have changed over the years. What was considered acceptable decades ago (high used to be anything beyond 300!!) was often much higher than today's targets.

Now let's talk about where cholesterol becomes concerning...

🚨 Cholesterol itself isn't what causes problems.

What appears to matter more is when certain lipoprotein (cholesterol) particles become damaged or oxidized.

Think of it like this:

🪵 Cholesterol particles are firewood.

🔥 Oxidation is the spark.

You can have a pile of firewood sitting in your yard for years and nothing happens...

Until a spark shows up.

When it comes to cardiovascular risk, some of the markers that may provide additional information beyond a standard lipid panel include:

🔬 Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)

🔬 Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]

🔬 Small Dense LDL

🔬 LDL Particle Number

These markers can help paint a more complete picture than simply looking at:

📋 Total Cholesterol

📋 LDL

📋 HDL

📋 Triglycerides

Many experts now consider particle number and particle type to be more important pieces of the conversation.

What can contribute to oxidation and vascular damage?

⚠️ Poor blood sugar regulation / insulin resistance

⚠️ Chronic inflammation

⚠️ Smoking

⚠️ Certain infections

⚠️ Poor oral health and gum disease

⚠️ Oxidative stress

⚠️ Diets high in heavily processed foods (especially seed oils)

Antioxidants help protect against oxidation, which is why nutrients such as Vitamin E (including tocotrienols) have generated interest in cardiovascular research. 🥜🥑🌻

Now let's talk about cholesterol medications...

Like ALL medications, statins have both benefits and potential side effects.

Potential side effects can include:

⚠️ Muscle aches

⚠️ Fatigue and poor recovery

⚠️ Reduced CoQ10 levels

⚠️ Blood sugar changes

⚠️ Memory complaints

⚠️ Immune suppression

⚠️ Decreased hormone output
..and much more!

This means every patient deserves an individualized discussion about risks, benefits, and alternatives with their healthcare provider.

❤️ The biggest takeaway?

Don't get fixated on one number.

Ask better questions.

Look at the entire picture.

Understand WHY your body may be sending signals before jumping to conclusions.

Your cholesterol report is only one chapter of the story...

Not the entire book. 📖🫀

06/03/2026

Just a quick reminder that Licking County Dumpsters offers more than just dumpster rentals

We also handle:
•Bulk item pick-ups
•Trash-out/cleanouts
• Small demo jobs (sheds, decks, playsets, etc.)

If you need anything hauled off or cleared out, feel free to reach out. We appreciate all the support so far!