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Hello There!
I am Dr. Isabel Casimiro, a mom and Endocrinologist practicing in Hawai’i. In medical school they call those who have both M.D. and PhD degrees “Mud Phud’s,” Hence, I go by MuDPhuD* Mama.
Metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity are on the rise, especially in people of color/minorities. In the clinic I see patients that are affected by metabolic disease -a process in which genetics, environment and dietary factors have led to decades of insulin resistance. My goal is to explain how metabolic disease develops and what we can do to prevent it, reverse it and keep it well controlled if we already have it. Inflammation caused by our modern ultra-processed diet is a major reason why these health issues are skyrocketing.
The ancient principle “Let Food Be Thy Medicine and Medicine Be Thy Food” coined by Hippocrates circa 400 BC, has never been more relevant. While medications are necessary for various health issues, addressing the cause of metabolic dysfunction is key to preventing disease and keeping it at bay. Healthy eating is the most important actionable measure you can take to improve your health.
In my blog posts I will help you unravel the relationship between inflammatory foods and their effect on the metabolic and nervous system. I invite you to join our community and share healthy nourishing recipes!
*MuDPhuD: Academic slang used to describe those having dual MD/PhD doctorate degrees.
You Do Not Have to Sacrifice Cultural Values to Eat Healthy.
- Choose natural healthy ingredients to make traditional dishes.
- Swap refined bleached flours for natural whole flours such as cassava, oat or almond flour.
- Choose healthier oils like extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil or coconut oil.
- Always have healthy snacks at the ready; The more of the good stuff you eat, the less of the bad stuff you will crave.
What is an Endocrinologist?
What We Eat Plays a Major Role in the Development of Metabolic Disease.
As an Endocrinologist, I see patients with Type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hypertension and cardiovascular disease every day. A majority of these patients do not realize how important food has been in the development of their disease processes. Unfortunately, physicians receive very little training on nutrition. We give them medications -and while these help; They do not address the root of the problem. Actively participating in managing our health means making healthy choices every day. Of course having an occasional treat is not itself bad, but it’s what we put in our bodies day to day that can impact our health. Realizing why this is important and presenting these concepts in ways that are easy to understand is why I created this site.
Inflammatory Foods and Children.
The gut and the brain connection is something we do not talk much about in medical practice. Yet, it is a vital connection that has repercussions outside of the metabolic system. Inflammatory foods not only promote metabolic disease, but they can also cause nervous dysregulation. This is particularly true in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and autism (neurodivergent children). As a physician, a scientist, and mother of a neurodivergent child, I know this firsthand.
When our son started to exhibit intense labile emotional dysregulation we had no idea how to help him. We encountered data regarding gluten and dairy free diets in neurodivergent children that could help with symptoms. We were willing to try anything. Once we eliminated inflammatory foods such as artificial dyes, processed foods, preservative chemicals, refined carbohydrates and excess sugars, his ability to regulate his emotions improved dramatically. His focus at school also improved. The connection between the gut and the brain has been widely established in the scientific literature, but dietary guidelines are not usually included in medical therapy plans.
As a mother and medical professional who has seen how diet can influence daily behavior and cognition, I created this website with two purposes: One is to provide important endocrine health information because that is my expertise, and the second is to share recipes that keep us healthy. My goal is to reach people afflicted by metabolic disease as well as other parents who may be struggling with their neuro-sensitive children and do not yet know about how diet can improve their well-being.
My son and my patients have inspired me to create this website so that we can come together to talk about these issues. Together we can talk story and share recipes that are wholesome, and healthy in order to nourish our body and mind!