From Operator Warrior
To Family Warrior
and productive life for the long term
Enhancing resilience and quality of life with an original solution
We provide a streamlined solution to often overlooked root causes of health issues such as hormone dysfunction, nutritional deficiencies and unhealthy inflammation which have a massive impact on the successful transition to civilian life. Research shows that hormone dysfunction, nutritional deficiencies, and unhealthy inflammation have a massive impact on their health and wellness.
Integrative Hormone Health
for Veterans
Returning from active duty, many veterans face a complex array of physical and mental challenges. Sadly, they are prescribed various medications that merely mask the symptoms.
That’s where our specialized approach to holistic hormone wellness comes in. By optimizing and balancing foundational hormones, it’s akin to turning on a light switch in a dark room. Mood lifts, pain diminishes, sleep quality enhances, and metabolism revs up, cultivating a better quality of life.
Understanding the Impact of Military Service
The trauma, stress, and intense demands of military service can cause lasting damage to the foundation of health, which is then compounded by poor nutrition and inadequate medical care. Additionally, blast-wave exposure and concussive impact forces can cause significant traumatic brain injury, leading to hormone dysfunction, cognitive impairments, chronic pain, depression, and even suicide.
Organizations we work with
SEAL Future Foundation
SFF’s core, like the core of those it serves, encompasses much more than helping SEALs transition. It provides the support necessary to realize their full potential and to continue to serve our new communities, families and employers with the same passion and commitment we had in the teams. Although some might argue our best days are behind us, SFF helps us realize there are many great days ahead when given the opportunity to shape and continue a life of purpose as we did in the brotherhood.
Dawson’s Peak
Dawson’s Peak is a public charity whose mission is to inspire the discovery and pursuit of individual purpose. The organization develops and hosts large scale, adventure-related projects that are undertaken by its sponsored athletes. These projects are designed to enable viewers to draw parallels between themselves and the athletes. Personal challenges may be specific but effort and commitment are universal. Project Seven for Soldiers is an attempt by sponsored-athlete Matt Dawson to set up to seven world records. 100% of net proceeds from Project Seven for Soldiers will benefit veterans from Gary Sinise Foundation and Hope For The Warriors.
The Impact of the Solution
Physical
- Less joint pain
- Less brian fog
- Less abdominal fat
- More muscle mass
- Better sleep
- Better recovery
- Improved blood flow
Mental
- Increased motivation
- Clarity
- Improved mood
- Improved sexual function
- Focus
- Memory
Emotional
- Better stress response
- Emotional stability
- Improved behavior
- Reduced anxiety
- Reduced suicidal ideation
- Less symptoms of depression
The Role of Hormones, Nutrition & Inflammation
Hormones
Hormones control many vital functions in the body, including metabolism, emotions, and sexual function. When hormones are properly balanced, they can support heart health, emotional stability, and even improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and fatigue.
Nutrition
Hormones control many vital functions in the body, including metabolism, emotions, and sexual function. When hormones are properly balanced, they can support heart health, emotional stability, and even improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and fatigue.
Inflammation
Hormones control many vital functions in the body, including metabolism, emotions, and sexual function. When hormones are properly balanced, they can support heart health, emotional stability, and even improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and fatigue.
When we support the brain on all three levels of hormonal balance, nutritional optimization, and inflammation control, it becomes more responsive to other forms of treatment. By focusing on these three key areas, we improve overall health and wellbeing, reduce the risk of disease, and positively impact mental health and even the will to live.
Frequently Asked Questions
Endocrine dysfunction
A study from the 1990s concluded that low testosterone levels were linked to increased mortality in male veterans.
Testosterone levels have been shown to be associated with various parameters of mood and behavior, and may also influence the course of bipolar disorder and suicidal behavior.
TBI, particularly when secondary to blast-wave exposure, has a significant dysregulating effect on the endocrine system, potentially disrupting hormonal interactions and leading to various health issues.
Overactivity of the “hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal” axis, due to acute or chronic stress, can disrupt hormonal balance, leading to increased secretion of cortisol and norepinephrine, insomnia, and sleep disruption.
Hypogonadism is closely associated with TBI, and certain types of hormonal imbalances, including low testosterone, can contribute to poor sleep, chronic fatigue, and symptoms that mimic depression.
A comprehensive blood serum panel is the most reliable method for diagnosing hormonal imbalances, though it is often neglected or not properly evaluated by healthcare providers.
Regular comprehensive lab panels, reviewed by a specialist, are crucial for veterans to ensure timely diagnosis and management of hormonal imbalances and related health issues.
Depression is prevalent in the veteran community, with an increased risk observed in veterans with PTSD and/or TBI, as well as an increased risk of suicidal behaviors following TBI.
A 30-year follow-up study on TBI patients showed that a significant portion developed psychiatric disorders, including major depression, alcohol abuse, panic disorder, and personality disorders, decades after the injury.
Yes, the Department of Defense offers TBI-focused programs through the National Intrepid Center of Excellence and the Intrepid Spirit Centers, but these programs often have long waitlists and are not available to retired military personnel.
While some services may be covered by individual health insurance plans, none currently offer comprehensive and functional care models specifically tailored to address the foundational components of men’s health in the context of TBI and hormonal imbalances.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Inadequate nutrition contributes to various symptoms and health issues, emphasizing the importance of proper nutrition for the body’s healthy function.
Vitamin C deficiency can lead to the development of scurvy, as seen in sailors in the past.
A deficient brain has reduced ability to regrow neurons and becomes more susceptible to trauma due to a loss of synaptic plasticity, also known as a “brittle brain”.
A deficient brain is unable to repair the extensive network of blood vessels (around 100,000 miles) and the trillions of connections between its 80-100 billion neurons.
Insufficient nutrition leads to a decreased supply of neurotransmitters required for memory and focus.
An unfocused, brittle, inflamed, damaged, and oxygen-depleted brain with low blood flow is less resilient to depressive feelings compared to a nutritionally supported and balanced brain.
Yes, addressing nutritional deficiencies in the veteran community can significantly reduce the likelihood of suicide.
Omega 3s, such as EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), are crucial for optimal brain development and function.
Research indicates that over 68% of adults and 95% of children in the US do not consume enough Omega 3s to meet nutritional needs based on the US dietary guidelines.
Populations with notably low levels of Omega 3s include adult males, Mexican American/Hispanic individuals, non-Hispanic black individuals, and even elite athletes entering the NFL combine who are chronically deficient in these critical omega 3s.
Inflamation
Unhealthy or excessive inflammation is a contributing factor in various chronic diseases, including cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, stroke, cancer, osteoarthritis, and certain forms of mental illness, such as depression.
Causes of inflammation can include nutritional deficiencies, infections, environmental toxicity (like water and air pollution), traumatic events (such as TBI), and stress.
Inflammation is a natural immune response that allows the body to respond to injury, illness, and infection.
Chronic inflammation has complex and not fully understood ramifications. It can alter the conversion of hormones and neurotransmitters into less optimal forms or concentrations.
One example is related to tryptophan. In the presence of chronic and unregulated inflammation, inflammatory cytokines disrupt the conversion of tryptophan into serotonin. Instead, tryptophan is converted into neurotoxic kynurenine and pro-depressive quinolinic acid.
Chronic inflammation can disrupt the conversion of hormones and neurotransmitters into less optimal forms or concentrations.
Chronic inflammation has been linked to a range of diseases, including cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, stroke, cancer, osteoarthritis, and certain forms of mental illness like depression.
Yes, nutritional deficiencies are among the factors that can contribute to inflammation.
Environmental factors such as water and air pollution can contribute to inflammation.
Chronic inflammation disrupts the conversion of tryptophan into serotonin, leading to the production of neurotoxic kynurenine and pro-depressive quinolinic acid, potentially contributing to mental health issues.