Nutrition & Lifestyle

New Board Offers Nutrition Certification for All Licensed Health Care Professionals

By Arthur A. Fierro, DC | Contributing Writer - Vol. 9, No. 2. , 2008

In an effort to improve nutrition education for all health care professionals, he American Clinical Board of Nutrition (ACBN) has launched the first federally-recognized nutrition science certification program. Certification is open to licensed health professionals from any and all of the healing disciplines.

Vitamin D: New Findings, New Questions

By Michael Traub, ND - Vol. 9, No. 2. , 2008

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked with everything from psoriasis and osteoporosis to cardiovascular disease, diabetes and autoimmune diseases. But the relationships may not be as simple as we’d like to believe. Neither is the relationship between sun exposure and vitamin D production in the skin.

Well-Oiled: A Guide to Healthy Dietary Fats

By Janet Gulland | Contributing Writer - Vol. 8, No. 3. , 2007

The “No Fat” approach health maintenance makes very little sense, says Dr. David Riley. Rather than focusing on eliminating fat calories, physicians should be counseling patients on how to choose and use healthy, nutritious oils like flax, olive, walnut, macadamia and avocado. A little knowledge of fatty acid science can go a long way in clearing up confusion about “good” versus “bad” fats.

New Film Documents 30 Days on Mickey D’s Diet

By Erik Goldman, Editor - Vol. 5, No. 1. , 2004

To investigate the health impact of fast food, filmmaker Morgan Spurlock subjected himself to 30-days on an all-McDonald’s diet. A team of three physicians tracked the physiologic changes that occurred. Spurlock gained 25 pounds, his cholesterol soared and his liver enzymes underwent shocking changes, all of which are well documented on film.

Electrodermal Testing: What It Can and Cannot Tell

By Cathy Creger Rosenbaum, PharmD | Contributing Writer - Vol. 9, No. 1. , 2008

Over the last decade, there’s been an explosion of “alternative” diagnostic methods purporting to identify nutrient deficiencies, detect environmental toxins, predict serious diseases, and help guide health conscious individuals in their diet and supplementation choices.

Tackling the Most Common Nutritional Deficiencies: Fiber, Long-Chain Fatty Acids, Vitamin D

By August West | Contributing Writer - Vol. 9, No. 1. , 2008

Many Americans are well fed but poorly nourished, thanks to a calorie rich, nutrient poor diet. This is a major driver of chronic diseases. Fortunately, it’s correctable. In the first of a two-part article, Steven Masley, MD, a nutrition-centered primary care doctor, offers tips for managing the most common deficiencies, including fiber, omega-3s, vitamin D and the B vitamins.

Copper Deficiency May Underlie Osteoporosis, Anemia and Neurodegenerative Disorders

By Erik L. Goldman | Editor in Chief - Vol. 9, No. 1. , 2008

Copper seldom gets the attention lavished on other minerals like calcium and magnesium, but it is an essential factor for myelination of nerves, activation of immune system cells, synthesis of collagen and formation of hemoglobin. Copper deficiency, which is very common, may underlie anemia, osteoporosis, heart disease, and it may even mimic multiple sclerosis. Drugs that suppress stomach acid, as well as zinc and vitamin C supplements, contribute to copper deficiency.

Nutritional Therapies for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

By Janet Gulland | Contributing Writer - Vol. 9, No. 1. , 2008

A unique form of hyperinsulinemia is one of the metabolic drivers of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). According to Dr. Alan Gaby, nutritional therapies aimed at normalizing insulin action and glucose metabolism can greatly benefit women with this condition, often restoring ovulation and fertility. N-acetyl cysteine, vitamin D, chromium, and a little known nutrient called pinitol are valuable allies.

Hair Analysis, Antioxidant Testing: Popular with Patients, But Are They Clinically Valid?

By Cathy Creger Rosenbaum, PharmD | Contributing Writer - Vol. 8, No. 4. , 2007

In their effort to get a grip on their health, many people are utilizing “alternative” diagnostic tests that claim to identify nutrient deficiencies, environmental toxins, and disease risk factors. Some of these tests are backed good science, others are not, but even the legitimate ones may not be able to provide the type of guidance that patients are seeking. In Part One of this series, Cathy Creger Rosenbaum looks at hair analysis and antioxidant testing.

Black Cohosh Is Back; Soy Nuts Shine

By Tori Hudson, ND | Contributing Writer - Vol. 8, No. 4. , 2007

Two new studies reassert the value of Black Cohosh in managing menopausal symptoms and depression. A separate study indicates that a handful of roasted soy nuts per day can reduce blood pressure as well as menopausal symptoms. Dr. Tori Hudson reviews the data and offers her opinions on the findings.