The Healing Power of Being Moved: Stories, Science, and the Art of Aging
Narrative Medicine, Functional Nutrition Andrea Nakayama Narrative Medicine, Functional Nutrition Andrea Nakayama

The Healing Power of Being Moved: Stories, Science, and the Art of Aging

Some moments in life take our breath away—not because of shock or fear, but because they strike a deep chord within us. Maybe the swell of music or a particular lyric leaves you wiping tears from your eyes, or a stranger’s act of kindness momentarily restores your faith in humanity. Perhaps it’s the quiet wonder of seeing someone you love embraced for exactly who they are or a faded photograph that brings a rush of memories—joyful, bittersweet, or both.

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Mending 6: connection
Narrative Medicine Andrea Nakayama Narrative Medicine Andrea Nakayama

Mending 6: connection

Welcome to mending, a monthly haven where words meet inner wisdom, and stories intertwine with the art of health and healing. At the heart of Narrative Medicine is a belief in the power of the human story. Words, among other human expressions, have the ability to enlighten and connect us to our most vulnerable or even seemingly insignificant moments in life.

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When You’re Not Getting Better (And Why Protocols are Part of the Problem)
Narrative Medicine, Functional Nutrition Andrea Nakayama Narrative Medicine, Functional Nutrition Andrea Nakayama

When You’re Not Getting Better (And Why Protocols are Part of the Problem)

When managing your health becomes a full-time job, it’s easy to feel disheartened. You may have tried the latest diet trends and supplements, hoping that each new approach will bring lasting relief. But instead, it feels like the same place, the same symptoms, like you’re balancing on a tightrope that could give way at any moment.

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Mending 5: absence
Narrative Medicine Andrea Nakayama Narrative Medicine Andrea Nakayama

Mending 5: absence

Welcome to mending, a monthly haven where words meet inner wisdom, and stories intertwine with the art of health and healing. At the heart of Narrative Medicine is a belief in the power of the human story. Words, among other human expressions, have the ability to enlighten and connect us to our most vulnerable or even seemingly insignificant moments in life.

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Mending 4: identity
Narrative Medicine Andrea Nakayama Narrative Medicine Andrea Nakayama

Mending 4: identity

Welcome to mending, a monthly haven where words meet inner wisdom, and stories intertwine with the art of health and healing. At the heart of Narrative Medicine is a belief in the power of the human story. Words, among other human expressions, have the ability to enlighten and connect us to our most vulnerable or even seemingly insignificant moments in life.

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Mending 3: longing
Narrative Medicine Andrea Nakayama Narrative Medicine Andrea Nakayama

Mending 3: longing

Welcome to mending, a monthly haven where words meet inner wisdom, and stories intertwine with the art of health and healing. At the heart of Narrative Medicine is a belief in the power of the human story. Words, among other human expressions, have the ability to enlighten and connect us to our most vulnerable or even seemingly insignificant moments in life.

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Mending 2: sleep
Sleep Andrea Nakayama Sleep Andrea Nakayama

Mending 2: sleep

Welcome to mending, a monthly haven where words meet inner wisdom, and stories intertwine with the art of health and healing. At the heart of Narrative Medicine is a belief in the power of the human story. Words, among other human expressions, have the ability to enlighten and connect us to our most vulnerable or even seemingly insignificant moments in life.

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The Web of Interconnections: Unraveling the Complexities of Omics for Everyday Health
Chronic Health Issues, Functional Nutrition Andrea Nakayama Chronic Health Issues, Functional Nutrition Andrea Nakayama

The Web of Interconnections: Unraveling the Complexities of Omics for Everyday Health

“In nature, nothing exists alone.” - Rachel Carson, Silent Spring Imagine a spider's web. Pull one thread, and the delicate structure shrinks, shrivels, or spoils. Each finespun fiber is essential to the stability of the whole. Similarly, the human body is an intricate web of interconnections.

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Mending 1: not giving up
Narrative Medicine Andrea Nakayama Narrative Medicine Andrea Nakayama

Mending 1: not giving up

Welcome to mending, a monthly haven where words meet inner wisdom, and stories intertwine with the art of health and healing. At the heart of Narrative Medicine is a belief in the power of the human story. Words, among other human expressions, have the ability to enlighten and connect us to our most vulnerable or even seemingly insignificant moments in life.

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Unlocking the Myths of Health Hacking: You Can’t ‘Hack’ Your Health, Part 2

Unlocking the Myths of Health Hacking: You Can’t ‘Hack’ Your Health, Part 2

Last week, I recorded a podcast hosted by a naturopathic doctor. As we got into the conversation, we found ourselves talking about our personal journeys through perimenopause and menopause. While we both diligently drew labs and collected plenty of data and biomarkers, we each noticed that it wasn’t this quantitative data that shifted our symptoms.

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Unlocking the Myths of Health Hacking: You Can’t ‘Hack’ Your Health, Part 1

Unlocking the Myths of Health Hacking: You Can’t ‘Hack’ Your Health, Part 1

You can’t “hack” your health. If you don’t have a chronic health concern and you use biohacking techniques to optimize your physical performance, there’s no need to read any further. This post isn’t for you because you may be among the lucky few who can successfully hack a thing or two. But if you struggle with an unresolved health issue – whether it’s related to pain, fatigue, digestion, immune function, focus, or your ever-changing hormones – then I regret to relay that the hacks you seek may do more harm than good.

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    How a Brain Tumor Influenced My Life’s Purpose

How a Brain Tumor Influenced My Life’s Purpose

My passion for the role of nutrition in healthcare began with a family health crisis. This might have been true for you too. And by now you may be familiar with my origin story, but if not, it all began when my husband, Isamu, was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor.

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