The Brain-Gut-Microbiota Axis: A Primer for Clinicians

The brain-gut-microbiota axis provides a bidirectional route of communication between the gut microbes and the brain. The axis involves the vagus nerve, short-chain fatty acids, tryptophan, cytokines and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. New evidence suggests that gut microbes are involved in neural development and function, both peripherally in the enteric nervous system and centrally in the […]

Nitric Oxide: The Body’s Best Medicine

Nitric Oxide (NO) has been the topic of over 140,000 research articles.  The pinnacle of accomplishment in this field was the Nobel Prize in Medicine given to three American scientists for their work in discovering the nitric oxide pathway.  Since then, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical companies have been scrambling to create new products that harness the […]

Why the Mediterranean Diet is the Best Diet on the Planet

Mediterranean countries have some of the longest life spans on the planet. Despite their high rates of tobacco use, and they have lower rates of heart disease, memory loss, cancer, and obesity. Physician-Author Steven Masley set out on a 7-month journey to discover how cuisine and culture converge to engender health across this diverse region. 

A (Relatively) Short History of HRT

Medical perspectives and public attitudes about post-menopausal hormone replacement have swung widely in the century since hormones were first described. Here we review a brief history of the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Timing is Everything in HRT for Menopause

The current landscape for Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a confusing one.

Pharmaceutical industry marketing, conflicting study data, variable medical opinions, and confusing social messages about gender and aging have left many modern women completely baffled about what to do when faced with the challenges of menopause.

Leaky Gut, Leaky Brain: Toward a New Model of Alzheimer’s Disease

In recent years, deeper research into the pathogenic role of chronic inflammation is offering some cautious hope that through comprehensive holistic lifestyle interventions, functional medicine practitioners can help to slow or even arrest the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. In some cases, we might even be able to reverse the damage.

Choline, Carnitine & the Heart: Is TMAO Really a Risk Factor?

Recently, I was asked if I had any concerns about elevated levels of TMAO—trimethylamine N-oxide–with a diet high in eggs. This is a reasonable question given that elevated TMAO levels have been linked to increased cardiovascular disease and stroke. As with most physiologic functions, however, the answer is nuanced and highly individualized. It’s not a simple “good or bad” subject.

Functional Formularies Offers Organic, Plant-Based Options for Tube-Feeding

A small independent company based in Ohio launched a feeding tube formula called Liquid Hope, comprised entirely of organic whole foods like chickpeas, sprouted quinoa, almond butter, turmeric, kale, sweet potato, and other high-energy, anti-inflammatory ingredients. Unlike most conventional enteral nutrition formulas, Liquid Hope is free from sugar, corn syrup, omega-6 laden oils, and dairy ingredients. It is making a profound difference in the lives of many patients. 

To Slow Neurodegeneration, Reduce Toxins, Quell Inflammation

A holistic, integrative approach can often slow the neurodegenerative processes that underlie Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, and many other neurological conditions. But neurodegenerative disorders are typically very complicated, with multiple comorbidities, so it can be difficult even to know where to begin. A seasoned naturopathic physician offers guidance.

Agmatine Attenuates Sciatica & Other Neuropathies

Agmatine, a ubiquitous naturally occurring metabolite of arginine, was discovered in 1910. Yet, it took more than a century before researchers showed that this unique compound has clinically significant cytoprotective and neuroprotective properties. Recent work indicates that it can reduce pain associated with sciatica and other common forms of neuropathy.