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Marina Kotova - Certified Functional Health Practitioner Serving DMV: District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, & Surrounding Areas

Roots of
Knowledge
A growing collection of insights and expertise, where you’ll find articles from trusted practitioners alongside my own guidance on health, wellness, and transformation.


GLP-1 and Muscle Loss: Why Protecting Your Muscle Matters
When people talk about GLP-1 medications, the conversation usually centers on one number: how much weight came off. But the scale can’t tell you what you lost. Research suggests lean mass can account for roughly 25-40% of the weight lost, and muscle matters for blood sugar, metabolism, balance, and bone health. Here’s why it happens, and the simple steps that help protect your muscle: protein, strength training, and everyday movement.
6 days ago


Are GLP-1 Medications Safe and Effective? What the Research Actually Shows
GLP-1s are backed by real data, but the scale doesn't tell you what you're losing. Here's what the research says, and why "safe and effective" isn't the whole story.
Jul 16


"Eat More Protein” (Here’s Why It Actually Matters)
“Eat more protein” is simple advice, but often overlooked. Beyond muscle, protein supports blood sugar balance, reduces cravings, and helps sustain energy throughout the day. When paired with a foundation of whole, fiber-rich vegetables, it becomes a powerful tool for metabolic and gut health. Small, consistent shifts like adding protein earlier in the day can make healthy eating feel more natural and sustainable.
Mar 24


The Lymphatic System Only Works When You Move
Your immune system depends on movement more than you think. Unlike the heart, the lymphatic system has no pump. It only flows when you move. When you sit too long, lymph stagnates, impacting detoxification and immune function. The good news? You don’t need intense workouts. Simple, gentle movements throughout the day can support circulation, reduce inflammation, and help your body function at its best.
Mar 24


Why Doing Everything Right Still Isn't Enough?
Many people are doing everything “right” — eating well, taking supplements, prioritizing movement — yet lasting healing still feels out of reach. Often, the missing piece isn’t another protocol, but the state of the nervous system itself. When the body remains in subtle survival mode, repair and regulation cannot fully occur. This article explores why safety, vagal tone, and slowing down may be the true foundation of sustainable healing.
Feb 17


Headaches are an Invitation
Headaches aren’t random. They’re the body’s way of signaling that something’s off balance. In this post, we explore how hydration, nutrient status, stress, food sensitivities, and more can contribute to headaches and why tuning in, not tuning out, is the key to lasting relief.
Apr 25, 2025


Supporting your body during conventional cancer treatment
Support your body through cancer treatment with nutrition, detox, and immune support to boost resilience and healing.
Feb 26, 2025


A Holistic Approach to Cancer Prevention
Cancer prevention starts with addressing the root causes while supporting cellular metabolism, immune function, & detoxification.
Feb 7, 2025


Creating Health Through Functional Medicine
True health starts with addressing root causes, not just covering up symptoms.. Learn how functional medicine can transform your health.
Dec 25, 2024


Your Guide to an Abundant Holiday Season
Discover simple strategies to nourish your body, mind, and spirit this holiday season. Prioritize joy, connection, and self-care while keepi
Nov 26, 2024
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