There’s a lot of hype around genomics these days. From a patient care perspective, it comes down to two basic questions: What types of tests give truly useful information? And, who benefits most from having the testing done? Thought leaders in the field gathered at Maryland University of Integrative Health for a three-day symposium on these issues.
If the idea of utilizing parasitic worms as therapy makes you squirm, you’re certainly not alone. Sure it sounds strange, but the use of “purposeful parasites” is not as far-fetched as it seems. Researchers like Duke University’s William Parker, PhD, believes certain types of helminths can be helpful in treating immunological, gastrointestinal, autoimmune, and even cognitive disorders.
Patients with joint hypermobility are very likely also suffering from a cluster of other chronic conditions linked to a cluster of genes known as RCCX on chromosome 6.
Nearly a decade ago, microbiome researchers began publishing reports suggesting that bacteria in the intestines play a role in glucose metabolism. Recent studies support that thesis, and provide a basis for use of probiotics as adjunctive treatments for people with type 2 diabetes.
Over the last few years, clinicians have become increasingly aware of the importance of methylation as a determinant of health. In general, that’s a good thing. But over-methylation, driven by zealous use of supplements like methylated folate and methylcobalamin (vitamin B12), can be as much of a problem as under-methylation.
Specialized pro-resolving mediators, or SPMs, represent a portion of the omega-3 fatty acid spectrum that has a powerful effect on reducing inflammation. As such, SPMs taken as dietary supplements, are an important new tool for regulating the inflammatory response in our patients.
Faced with, “unbelievable pent-up demand,” the Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Functional Medicine (CFM) will be doubling its physical size and patient care capacities in the coming year.
Most scientific research portrays the kidneys as victims of high blood pressure. Yet, the evidence and good logical thinking suggest that kidney disease can act as the “perpetrator” in hypertension.
It’s an increasingly common scene, playing out in clinics all over the country: A patient comes in with a worried look and a fat printout from 23andMe. She wonders what all those scary red boxes mean, and whether cancer, Alzheimer’s, or some other bad disease is lurking in her genes.
From the outside, there’s nothing about the Cleveland Clinic’s new Center for Functional Medicine that suggests a healthcare revolution in the making.
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