Dr. Patrick Ess

10/21/2026

🚨 YOUR HEARTBURN MEDICATION COULD BE DRAINING YOUR BODY OF ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS!

Millions of Americans take acid-reducing medications like Prilosec, Nexium, and Protonix—sometimes for DECADES! 😳

But what happens when you continuously suppress stomach acid?

🔬 NEW RESEARCH RAISES CONCERNS!

A study published in ACS Omega examined the effects of omeprazole in rats over 10, 30, and 60 days.

Researchers observed:

🩸 IRON: Blood iron declined while iron accumulated in the liver and spleen.

⚡ COPPER: Liver copper levels dropped, potentially interfering with iron metabolism.

🦴 CALCIUM: Changes in calcium distribution raised concerns about bone health.

❤️ RED BLOOD CELLS: Hemoglobin and red blood cell counts progressively declined.

While these findings come from animal research, human studies have also associated long-term PPI use with certain nutritional deficiencies, including vitamin B12 and magnesium.

⚠️ HERE’S THE BIG CONCERN:

Many people remain on these medications for YEARS without reassessing whether they’re still necessary!

💡 MY APPROACH AT STANLY WELLNESS CENTER:

Rather than simply suppressing symptoms, I believe we should investigate WHY the digestive system isn’t functioning properly.

My approach may include:

✅ Digestive Support: Evaluating digestive enzymes, including formulations containing Betaine HCl, when appropriate, to support digestion. Betaine HCl may be unsafe for patients with ulcers or certain other conditions.

✅ Chiropractic Care: Addressing spinal dysfunction and supporting overall nervous system and musculoskeletal health.

✅ A Gradual Medication Review: For appropriate patients, working with their practitioner to develop an individualized plan to reduce or discontinue PPIs. A gradual approach over approximately 2–3 months may be considered.

✅ Nutritional Assessment: Evaluating potential deficiencies and addressing contributing factors such as diet, meal timing, and lifestyle.

🔥 THE GOAL?

Improve digestive health, address contributing factors, and reduce unnecessary medication use.

Remember: Stomach acid isn’t your enemy. It plays an essential role in digestion and nutrient absorption!

👉 Are we treating the symptom while overlooking the bigger picture?

📅 Schedule your appointment:
https://askdrpatrick.com/appointment-scheduling/

🌿 Stanly Wellness Center
Helping your body function at its best!

10/20/2026

🚨 5 FOODS THAT CAN NATURALLY LOWER YOUR CHOLESTEROL! ❤️

Did you know that what you EAT can have a powerful impact on your cholesterol levels and heart health?

Before reaching for another supplement, take a look at these 5 scientifically supported foods that can help lower your LDL (“bad”) cholesterol! 👇

🥣 1. OATS – Rich in beta-glucan, a soluble fiber that helps remove cholesterol through your digestive system.

🥜 2. NUTS – Almonds and walnuts contain healthy fats, fiber, and plant sterols that help reduce LDL cholesterol.

🐟 3. FATTY FISH – Salmon, sardines, and mackerel provide omega-3 fatty acids that help lower triglycerides and support cardiovascular health.

🫘 4. BEANS & LEGUMES – Packed with soluble fiber that helps reduce cholesterol absorption.

🥑 5. AVOCADOS – Loaded with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that can help lower LDL when replacing saturated fats.

💥 HERE’S THE KEY: You don’t always need a drastic diet overhaul. Small, consistent changes can produce measurable improvements in your cholesterol!

❤️ Remember: Your daily choices are either building your health or breaking it down!

👇 Which of these 5 foods do YOU eat regularly?

Dr. Patrick Ess
Stanly Wellness Center
🌐 www.askdrpatrick.com

10/19/2026

10/18/2026

🚨 COULD EATING JUST 5–6 PRUNES A DAY HELP PREVENT BONE LOSS? 🦴

Most people think building stronger bones means taking more calcium. But new research suggests that slowing bone breakdown may be just as important!

🔬 THE SCIENCE:

Your bones are constantly remodeling. Specialized cells remove old bone while other cells rebuild it.

A 12-month study involving 235 postmenopausal women found that eating 5–6 prunes daily helped preserve hip bone mineral density compared with eating no prunes!

Researchers believe prunes may help regulate bone remodeling and reduce excessive bone breakdown.

🥗 OTHER FOODS THAT SUPPORT STRONG BONES:

🥬 Leafy greens: Kale, collards and broccoli provide vitamin K, calcium and magnesium.

🐟 Salmon & sardines: Provide protein, vitamin D and, when bones are eaten, calcium.

🥚 Eggs: Supply protein and some vitamin D.

🥛 Yogurt & kefir: Excellent sources of calcium and protein.

🥜 Nuts & seeds: Pumpkin seeds and almonds provide magnesium and other important minerals.

🫐 Berries & prunes: Contain polyphenols that may support healthy bone metabolism.

🫘 Soy foods: Tofu and other soy products may offer additional bone-health benefits.

💪 DON’T FORGET: Resistance training, weight-bearing exercise, adequate protein and vitamin D are also essential for maintaining strong bones!

👉 BOTTOM LINE: Strong bones aren’t just about adding calcium. They’re about balancing bone breakdown with bone rebuilding!

📍 Stanly Wellness Center
👨‍⚕️ Dr. Patrick Ess

🌐 www.askdrpatrick.com

📅 Schedule your appointment:
https://askdrpatrick.com/appointment-scheduling/

Your bones are living tissue. Feed them wisely and keep them moving! 🦴💪

10/13/2026

🚨 JUNK FOOD MAY BE REWIRING YOUR CHILD’S BRAIN! 🧠🍟

What children eat today may influence what they CRAVE as adults!

A new 2026 study published in Nature Communications found something alarming:

🐭 Mice fed high-fat, high-sugar diets early in life developed lasting changes in brain pathways controlling appetite.

⚖️ Even after returning to a healthy diet and normal body weight, their preference for junk food persisted!

🦠 Here’s the fascinating part: A specific probiotic helped normalize food preferences, suggesting the GUT-BRAIN CONNECTION may play an important role.

⚠️ This was an animal study, not proof of permanent brain damage in children. But the findings deserve attention!

🥦 MY TAKEAWAY: Feed your children REAL, nutrient-dense foods. Perfection isn’t necessary—think 80/20—but healthy habits established early may influence a lifetime of eating behaviors.

You’re not just feeding their bodies. You’re helping shape their future! 💪

📚 Research: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41735265/

👨‍⚕️ Dr. Patrick Ess | Stanly Wellness Center

📅 https://askdrpatrick.com/appointment-scheduling/

10/12/2026

🚨 STRESSED OUT? EATING LATE? YOUR GUT MAY BE PAYING THE PRICE! 💩

New research presented at Digestive Disease Week 2026 analyzed data from over 15,000 people and found a surprising connection between stress, late-night eating, and bowel problems!

📊 39% of highly stressed late-night eaters experienced constipation or diarrhea, compared to just 23% of lower-stress individuals who ate earlier.

🧠 Researchers also found that higher stress combined with poor dietary habits was associated with reduced gut bacterial diversity.

WHY DOES THIS MATTER?

Your gut and brain are constantly communicating through the gut-brain axis. Stress and meal timing may influence digestive health more than we realize!

✅ Finish dinner earlier.
✅ Avoid heavy late-night meals.
✅ Manage daily stress.
✅ Give your digestive system a consistent routine.

⚠️ This was observational research, so it shows an association—not proof of cause and effect.

BOTTOM LINE: Sometimes improving your gut health starts with WHEN you eat, not just WHAT you eat!

📚 Study — American Gastroenterological Association:
https://news.gastro.org/issues/2026/april-2026/late-eating-stress-tied-to-bowel-issues/

10/08/2026

🚨 BEFORE YOU REPLACE YOUR HIP… CHECK YOUR FEET! 🦶🦴

Did you know your hip pain could be influenced by the way you WALK?

Your feet are the foundation of your body. When your arches collapse or your feet excessively pronate, it can change the forces traveling through your knees, hips, pelvis, and spine!

🔬 WHAT DOES RESEARCH SHOW?

✅ A 2023 systematic review of 7 studies involving 266 people found that foot orthotics and footwear modifications showed potential benefits for hip pain and function, although the evidence was limited.

✅ A 2024 randomized feasibility study found promising improvements in walking activity with contoured orthotics.

💥 THE TAKEAWAY?

Your hip doesn’t work alone! Sometimes addressing foot mechanics, gait, and muscle imbalances can help improve comfort and mobility.

Hip replacements are sometimes necessary, but conservative options deserve consideration when appropriate.

👨‍⚕️ At Stanly Wellness Center, we evaluate the entire kinetic chain—not just where you hurt!

📍 Locust, NC

📅 Schedule your evaluation today!
https://askdrpatrick.com/appointment-scheduling/

10/06/2026

🚨 **THINK YOUR DIET GIVES YOU ALL THE NUTRIENTS YOU NEED? THINK AGAIN.**

Even people eating a relatively healthy diet may be falling short on essential micronutrients.

According to data highlighted by Chris Kresser:

☀️ **94%** may not get enough vitamin D
🥚 **92%** fall short on choline
🌻 **89%** fall short on vitamin E
🥬 **67%** fall short on vitamin K
⚡ **52%** fall short on magnesium

Why?

Modern diets, chronic stress, medications, restrictive eating, changes in agriculture, and other factors can make optimal nutrient intake harder to achieve.

🥩🥦 **REAL FOOD SHOULD ALWAYS COME FIRST.**

But a quality multivitamin may act like nutritional **“insurance”**—helping fill the gaps your diet leaves behind.

⚠️ The key word is **QUALITY.**

Not all multivitamins are created equal. Look for:

✅ Bioavailable forms
✅ Appropriate—not mega—doses
✅ Nutrients that complement one another
❌ Avoid unnecessarily high amounts of iron, calcium, iodine, and certain forms of vitamin E unless specifically needed.

👉 **Food first. Supplement intelligently.**

Your body doesn't just need enough nutrients to survive—it needs the right nutrients to **THRIVE.**

10/06/2026

“You live with the brain you build” 100% spot on!

https://youtube.com/shorts/RuYcVJ2pHoE?is=Vf7ZcjZZvKAqAquc

10/05/2026

🚨 YOUR CHRONIC COUGH MAY NOT START IN YOUR LUNGS.

Most people think acid reflux means:

🔥 Heartburn
🤢 Indigestion
😣 Burning in the chest

But reflux can potentially affect something you might NEVER associate with your stomach…

🫁 YOUR LUNGS AND AIRWAYS.

Researchers have recognized connections between gastroesophageal reflux and respiratory problems including:

🫁 Chronic cough
😮‍💨 Asthma
🗣️ Hoarseness and throat clearing
🌙 Nighttime coughing
🫁 Other chronic respiratory conditions

And here’s where it gets interesting:

👉 You don’t necessarily have to feel heartburn for reflux to be occurring.

Stomach contents can travel upward into the esophagus and throat. In some people, reflux may trigger airway reflexes—and small amounts of refluxed material may potentially reach the respiratory tract, a process known as microaspiration.

Think about that.

Your persistent cough or irritated airway may not always be JUST a lung problem.

There may be a gut → esophagus → airway connection involved.

And the relationship may work BOTH ways.

When breathing becomes labored, changes in pressure between the chest and abdomen can potentially encourage reflux.

Then reflux may further irritate an already sensitive respiratory system.

🔄 BREATHING PROBLEM → REFLUX → AIRWAY IRRITATION → MORE BREATHING PROBLEMS

But here’s another important piece of the puzzle:

💊 Acid-blocking medications such as PPIs reduce the acidity of stomach contents.

They don’t necessarily stop the physical act of reflux itself.

And clinical trials have NOT consistently shown that simply suppressing stomach acid improves respiratory conditions such as chronic cough, asthma, COPD or pulmonary fibrosis.

👉 WHY IS THE REFLUX HAPPENING IN THE FIRST PLACE?

Sometimes we become so focused on suppressing a symptom that we forget to investigate the mechanics and physiology contributing to it.

Your digestive system and respiratory system aren’t operating independently.

The body is interconnected.

If you’re dealing with unexplained chronic coughing, throat clearing, hoarseness, nighttime coughing or difficult-to-control respiratory symptoms, reflux may be ONE piece of the puzzle worth discussing with your healthcare provider.

Sometimes the symptom you feel in one part of the body…

may have its roots somewhere else entirely.

— Dr. Patrick Ess
Stanly Wellness Center
www.askdrpatrick.com