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NJ Functional Medicine Care | Zimmerman Modern Wellness

NJ Functional Medicine Care | Zimmerman Modern Wellness

By: Lisa Zimmermann
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 Empowering better health through functional medicine in New Jersey
Episodes
  • Helping the Immune System Find Balance Again

    Helping the Immune System Find Balance Again
    Feb 11 2026
    Integrative Support for Autoimmune Conditions Autoimmune conditions can feel confusing and exhausting. Many patients are told their immune system is “overactive,” yet standard treatments often focus only on suppressing symptoms rather than addressing why the immune system became dysregulated in the first place. At Zimmermann Modern Wellness, we take an integrative, systems-based approach to autoimmune conditions—looking beyond diagnosis alone to understand immune signaling, inflammation, tissue repair, and cellular communication. One emerging therapy we may incorporate for patients is TruDOSE Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy. Understanding Autoimmune Conditions in Simple Terms Autoimmune conditions occur when the immune system loses appropriate regulation and begins reacting in ways that damage the body’s own tissues. This may involve: Chronic inflammationImpaired immune signalingPoor tissue repairOngoing cellular stressNervous system and hormonal imbalance Common autoimmune and immune-mediated conditions include thyroid disorders such as Hashimoto’s, Rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, etc. Rather than viewing autoimmunity as simply an “overactive immune system,” many clinicians now understand it as a state of immune miscommunication and impaired repair signaling. Why Immune Balance Matters More Than Immune Suppression The immune system is designed to be responsive and adaptable, not constantly aggressive. In autoimmune conditions, immune cells may remain stuck in a defensive state, even when the original trigger has passed. Long-term immune suppression, while helpful for symptom control, can have adverse effects without addressing: Tissue repairCellular recoveryNervous system regulationLong-term immune balance This has led to growing interest in therapies that focus on immune modulation and repair signaling, rather than suppression alone. What is TruDOSE PRP Therapy? TruDOSE PRP Therapy uses a patient’s own blood to create a concentrated, dose-specific platelet-rich plasma solution, which is then administered intravenously under medical supervision. Platelets are not just involved in clotting—they are powerful cell signaling units that contain: Growth factorsCytokinesChemokinesExtracellular signaling molecules When delivered systemically, PRP is believed to have substantial signaling effects, potentially influencing immune regulation, inflammation, and tissue repair pathways. How TruDOSE PRP May Support Autoimmune Conditions Supporting Immune Modulation: PRP contains signaling molecules that may help guide immune cells toward more regulated, balanced behavior rather than excessive inflammatory activation.Enhancing Repair and Recovery Signals: Growth factors may help signal that tissue damage is resolving, encouraging the body to shift toward repair rather than constant defense.Reducing Chronic Inflammatory Signaling: By supporting cellular communication and tissue health, PRP may indirectly reduce persistent inflammatory signaling.Supporting Nervous System and Immune Crosstalk: Immune regulation is closely linked to the nervous system. Improved cellular signaling may support overall physiologic balance. Importantly, TruDOSE PRP therapy is not an immunosuppressive therapy and does not “turn off” the immune system. Conditions Where TruDOSE PRP Therapy May Be Considered TruDOSE PRP therapy may be explored as a supportive therapy for patients with autoimmune or immune-mediated conditions, including: Autoimmune thyroid conditions such as Hashimoto’s ThyroiditisRheumatoid Arthritis or inflammatory joint/connective tissue disordersInflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative ColitisSystemic autoimmune conditions such as LupusChronic inflammatory conditions with immune dysregulationComplex chronic illness involving immune imbalanceMast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) Candidacy depends on individual health history, labs, and overall treatment goals. An Innovative Way to Think About Autoimmune Support Autoimmune conditions are complex, and healing often requires more than symptom suppression alone. Supporting healthy immune communication, tissue repair, and cellular signaling may help the body move toward greater balance over time. TruDOSE PRP therapy represents a promising approach that may support immune regulation and repair pathways when used thoughtfully within a comprehensive integrative care model. Ready to Learn More? If you’re struggling with chronic autoimmune symptoms and exploring advanced integrative options, our team is here to guide you. Book a discovery call with our onboarding specialist at Zimmermann Modern Wellness to learn whether TruDOSE PRP therapy may be appropriate for your individualized care plan.
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    6 mins
  • Supporting Cardiovascular Health Through Chelation Therapy

    Supporting Cardiovascular Health Through Chelation Therapy
    Feb 11 2026

    Cardiovascular health is influenced by a complex interplay of metabolic, inflammatory, vascular, and environmental factors. In integrative and functional medicine, increasing attention has been given to therapies that support vascular function and systemic balance rather than focusing solely on symptom management.

    Chelation therapy is one such intervention, often explored as part of a broader cardiovascular and cardiometabolic optimization strategy.

    What is Chelation Therapy?

    Chelation therapy is an intravenous treatment most commonly utilizing ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), a compound with a strong affinity for binding certain metals and minerals. Once bound, these complexes are excreted from the body through normal renal pathways.

    Clinically, chelation therapy has been used to:

    • Reduce circulating heavy metal burden
    • Support detoxification pathways
    • Modulate oxidative stress and inflammation

    In integrative cardiovascular care, chelation therapy is approached as a method of supporting vascular and metabolic terrain, not as a standalone treatment for cardiovascular disease.

    Cardiovascular Health and the Role of Biological Burden

    Cardiovascular function is closely linked to endothelial health, oxidative balance, and inflammatory regulation. Factors that may negatively influence these systems include:

    • Chronic low-grade inflammation
    • Oxidative stress
    • Environmental and heavy metal exposure
    • Metabolic dysfunction
    • Impaired endothelial signaling

    Over time, these stressors may contribute to vascular stiffness, impaired nitric oxide signaling, and suboptimal circulation. Terrain-based therapies aim to reduce these burdens and support physiological balance.

    Proposed Mechanisms of Chelation Therapy in Cardiovascular Support

    Reduction of Heavy Metal Load

    Certain heavy metals, such as lead and cadmium, have been associated with increased oxidative stress and vascular dysfunction. Chelation therapy facilitates the binding and removal of these metals, potentially reducing their contribution to cardiovascular stress.

    Modulation of Oxidative Stress

    By lowering metal-catalyzed oxidative reactions, chelation therapy may support redox balance. Improved oxidative control is relevant to endothelial function and vascular integrity.

    Supports Endothelial Function

    Healthy endothelial cells are essential for vascular tone, circulation, and nutrient delivery. By addressing factors that impair endothelial signaling, chelation therapy may contribute to improved vascular responsiveness within a comprehensive care framework.

    Reduction of Inflammatory Burden

    Chronic inflammation plays a central role in cardiovascular dysfunction. Chelation therapy is often incorporated into protocols designed to reduce systemic inflammatory load and support immune-vascular balance.

    Chelation Therapy as Part of a Cardiovascular Optimization Plan

    Chelation therapy is most effective when integrated into a broader cardiovascular support strategy that may include:

    • Nutritional and lifestyle interventions
    • Metabolic and lipid optimization
    • IV nutrient and antioxidant support
    • Mitochondrial and vascular therapies
    • Medical-grade supplements
    • Ongoing clinical assessment

    This integrative approach reflects current models emphasizing cardiovascular resilience and long-term vascular health rather than isolated interventions.

    Safety, Screening, and Medical Oversight

    Chelation therapy should always be administered under medical supervision. Prior to treatment, patients typically undergo appropriate screening to assess kidney function and overall suitability.

    Protocols are individualized, and treatment plans are adjusted based on clinical response and laboratory findings.

    Clinical Perspective

    Chelation therapy represents a systems-based modality aimed at supporting cardiovascular health through reduction of biological burden, modulation of oxidative stress, and support of vascular function. While not a replacement for conventional cardiovascular care, it may serve as a complementary strategy within a comprehensive, medically supervised wellness program.

    At Zimmermann Modern Wellness, chelation therapy is offered as part of an individualized approach to cardiovascular optimization, guided by clinical assessment and patient-specific goals.
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    5 mins
  • When Lyme Won’t Let Go: Exploring SOT Therapy as a Targeted Option

    When Lyme Won’t Let Go: Exploring SOT Therapy as a Targeted Option
    Feb 9 2026
    Chronic Lyme disease is one of the most complex and misunderstood conditions in modern medicine. Many individuals continue to experience debilitating symptoms long after standard treatment has ended- fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, neurological symptoms, mood changes, and systemic inflammation that interfere with daily life.At Zimmermann Modern Wellness, we take a precision-based, integrative approach to chronic Lyme disease – addressing not only the infection itself, but also immune dysfunction, inflammation, nervous system dysregulation, and overall physiologic resilience. One emerging therapy we may incorporate into a comprehensive Lyme protocol is Supportive Oligonucleotide Therapy (SOT). Understanding Chronic Lyme Disease Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted through tick bites. While early detection and antibiotic treatment may be effective for some individuals, a rapidly growing subset of patients continue to experience persistent symptoms months or years later. This is often referred to as chronic Lyme disease or post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS).Chronic Lyme is rarely simple. Contributing factors may include: Persistent immune activationBiofilm formation protecting pathogensCo-infections such as Babesia or BartonellaMitochondrial dysfunction and cellular stressAutonomic nervous system imbalanceImpaired detoxification pathways Because of this complexity, true healing often requires a multidisciplinary, individualized care plan rather than a single therapy. What is Supportive Oligonucleotide Therapy (SOT)? Supportive Oligonucleotide Therapy (SOT) is an advanced, precision-based therapy designed to support the body’s immune response to specific pathogens.Unlike antibiotics, which broadly target bacteria, SOT utilizes nucleic acids (oligonucleotides) that are custom-designed to bind to a specific microorganism, such as Borrelia burgdorferi. When the nucleotides bind to the specific pathogen, they inhibit that pathogen from producing proteins and genetic expressions required for replication and function.SOT essentially creates a genetic shutoff “key” that targets a specific “lock” within the DNA of a pathogen. Once the shutoff “key” binds to the “lock”, the pathogen is no longer able to make critical proteins necessary for its survival and replication, causing the pathogen to die.This highly targeted approach aligns with our philosophy at Zimmermann Modern Wellness: treat the individual, not just the diagnosis. How SOT Therapy Works At Zimmermann Modern Wellness, SOT therapy follows a structured, physician guided treatment plan: Comprehensive Medical EvaluationPatients undergo a detailed medical review to determine whether SOT may be appropriate within their overall treatment plan.Pathogen IdentificationAdvanced laboratory testing is used to identify the genetic signature of the targeted organism.Custom Oligonucleotide DevelopmentA specialized laboratory, RGCC, creates a personalized oligonucleotide designed to bind to the pathogen’s genetic material.Intravenous AdministrationThe therapy is administered via IV infusion allowing systemic distribution throughout the body.Immune Support & RegulationThe oligonucleotide interferes with the pathogen’s ability to function and replicate while supporting immune recognition and clearance.Most SOT protocols involve a single infusion per targeted organism, though response and timing vary between individuals. Potential Benefits of SOT for Chronic Lyme While outcomes vary and research is ongoing, potential advantages of SOT therapy include: Highly personalized, precision-based targetingDoes not rely on long-term antibiotic useMinimal impact on gut microbiomeMay bypass traditional resistance mechanismsCan be integrated into a broader treatment protocol At ZMW, SOT is never positioned as a standalone solution, but rather as one tool within a comprehensive healing strategy. Our Integrative Lyme Healing Model at Zimmermann Modern Wellness When appropriate, SOT therapy may be incorporated into a broader, integrative chronic Lyme care plan that may include: Medical oversight and ongoing reassessmentIV nutrient and mitochondrial supportImmune modulation strategiesDetoxification and lymphatic supportNervous system regulation and stress resilienceNutritional optimization and lifestyle changes This whole-person approach allows us to support healing at multiple levels simultaneously. May Be a Candidate for SOT Therapy? SOT Therapy may be considered for patients who: Have persistent Lyme-related symptoms despite prior treatmentCannot tolerate or have not responded to long-term antibioticsAre seeking advanced precision-based therapiesAre under the care of a qualified medical provider A consultation is required to determine candidacy and ensure safety. A Thoughtful Modern Path Forward Chronic Lyme disease requires patience, expertise, and a willingness to look beyond conventional approaches. At Zimmermann ...
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    6 mins
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