Why are some plants–and the substances derived from them–beloved and broadly-embraced, while others are vilified, restricted, and viewed with suspicion? The reflexive answer might be: Some are dangerous, while others are beneficial. But if you take a deeper look, it’s seldom so simple. As an herbalist, I am prone to questions like this. And lately, […]
Approximately 1 in 8 every couples in the US faces fertility challenges. And that’s a conservative estimate. As functional medicine practitioners, we could easily postulate that optimal fertility is even more fleeting for many more people, as are optimal maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Humans today face a daunting moment. In the industrialized world, fertility […]
A recently published case series from the University of Chicago underscores the value of plant sterol supplements for managing elevated cholesterol in statin-intolerant patients at moderate to high risk for cardiovascular disease. While statin therapy with accompanying lifestyle modification remains the preferred conventional intervention for treating dyslipidemias and reducing cardiovascular risk, many patients do not […]
Can probiotic supplements mitigate stress and its adverse health consequences? A new study recently published in the journal, Neurobiology of Stress, attempts to answer that question. Acute and chronic impact both mental and physical health. The hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis, which is the main stress response system, produces stress hormones, including cortisol, which can […]
In recent years, researchers and medical practitioners alike have taken interest in a particular molecule known to be the master regulator of cellular metabolism — nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). NAD+ is a ubiquitous coenzyme involved in hundreds of metabolic processes, including: mitochondrial energy production, glycolysis, and DNA synthesis and repair. It also plays a vital […]
Though our celebrations may look a little different this year, many people will still uphold the holiday habits of over-consuming alcoholic drinks and comfort foods, and becoming more sedentary and less active. Though enjoyable, these lifestyle shifts–along with the return of the cold weather– can raise metabolic stress, perturb metabolic balance, add to allostatic load, […]
Body recomposition refers to the process of gaining muscle and losing fat simultaneously. It is not a specific diet or exercise plan. Rather, it is a set of principles and practices that help people build muscle and strength, lose fat, and establish healthy eating and exercise habits. When followign the 5 main pillars of body […]
The COVID-19 pandemic, along with the onset of flu season, have a lot of people thinking about their immune systems, and seeking ways to improve resilience to viruses and other types of infection. The best way to help patients strengthen their immunity is to work with them to optimize gut health and strengthen epithelial barriers. […]
“Nations, like individuals, have myths rooted deep in their histories– myths that are always contradicted by their complex realities.” –Parker Palmer – Healing the Heart of Democracy “Is there any relevant family history?” It’s one of the first questions that doctors ask new patients, and with good reason: a person’s family history often gives important […]
March 2020 changed our lives forever. In a blink of an eye, our hugs and social routines, our business travel and vacations were taken from us. Almost overnight, the world shut down, filled with fear of the unknown, fear of sickness, fear of interaction. Digital meetings replaced social gatherings and conferences. Online classrooms replaced schools. […]
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