Consumption of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices is associated with reduced risk of many chronic diseases. Only in the past few decades has research revealed that plants produce a wide variety of phytochemicals, commonly referred to as phytonutrients, which play unique roles in human health. The Phytonutrients Research Review explores plant-based dietary patterns, with a focus on the Mediterranean diet, followed by a detailed discussion of the health benefits of various phytonutrients and their associated biological mechanisms. View the Research…

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are long-chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids derived from marine sources, such as oily fish and fish oil or algal products. EPA and DHA act in the body via cell membrane incorporation, specific cellular receptors, and the generation of critical down-stream lipid mediators such as eicosanoids and specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs). The EPA & DHA Research Review covers the sources, recommendations, functions, and various areas of clinical support for EPA and DHA, including cardiovascular,…

Positive associations have been found between rising obesity/body mass index (BMI) levels and Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) rates. Additionally, recent studies point to changes in the human microbiome as a potential mechanism for increased rates of CDI, along with the obvious increase in CDI prevalence associated with the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a common occurrence in those with elevated BMI. Download the Clinical Review to learn more

This presentation provides a brief overview on the historical use and known medicinal actions of turmeric root, ginger root, hops flowers and Indian frankincense. It describes key active constituents including curcuminoids, gingerols, xanthohumol, and boswellic acids. Several figures delve into the biologic mechanisms of action of these constituents as they relate to local and systemic inflammation and pain. Mechanisms discussed include the upstream and downstream modulation of enzymes, prostaglandins, gene expression regulators, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and chemokines. Also described is clinical…

Maintaining a healthy weight is not easy, but it is possible. This clinical review covers various factors influencing successful long-term weight loss maintenance. The World Health Organization’s statistics indicate that most of the world’s population now lives in a country in which overweight and obesity contribute to more mortality than underweight. This trend has led to a worldwide obesity rate that has tripled since 1975. If this rate of overweight incidence continues, nearly half of the world’s adult population will be…

Did you know?... Over 12% of the US population will develop a thyroid condition during their lifetime Up to 60% of individuals with thyroid disease are unaware of their condition Hypothyroidism is the 2nd most common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age Thyroid hormone (TH) is essential for life and has numerous, critical functions in the body. In addition to regulating metabolism and mediating body weight and energy levels, TH is also involved in regulating many vital body functions…

MAPS Slide Deck Presentations Dominic D'Agostino, PhD – Plant-Centric Keto Diet  Dr. Dominic D’Agostino is Associate Professor of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology at University of South Florida in Tampa, FL. View the slides Bridget Briggs, MD – Achieving Hormone Balance in Women’s Health: Address Your Patients’ Symptoms with Simple Detox Protocols Dr. Bridget Briggs is a family physician, specializing in integrative and lifestyle medicine at The Briggs Institute of Epigenetic Medicine in Temecula and Murrieta, CA. View the slides Jeff…

Osher Center for Integrative Medicine 2018 Annual Integrative Medicine Pre-Conference: Personalizing Cognitive Health for Optimal Outcomes Metagenics Institute sponsored the pre-conference “Personalizing Cognitive Health for Optimal Outcomes,” which took place on April 26, 2018 in Miami, FL at The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine’s Osher Center for Integrative Medicine’s Annual Integrative Medicine Conference. Poor nutrition, stress, chronic inflammation, and physiological changes throughout the lifespan can adversely affect cognitive functioning. Optimizing cognitive health outcomes requires personalized, multi-pronged interventions. This…

Chronic inflammation is linked to many chronic diseases. The innate inflammatory response is comprised of two distinct, active phases: initiation and resolution. The resolution phase is coordinated by specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs). In this slide deck, you will learn about the history of SPM discovery, lipid mediator biosynthesis pathways, and hallmark activities of SPMs in inflammation resolution. Areas where lipid mediator synthesis dysregulation exist are highlighted, and emerging areas of clinical pro-resolution research evidence are explored. View the slides

Part of the Diabetes Prevention Program: Tips and guidelines for diabetes prevention and treatment, including meal plans with caloric intake and suggested options for managing glycemic index Several studies have demonstrated the reduction in the development of diabetes with moderate weight loss that is sustained over a long period of time. Structured, intensive lifestyle programs that include individualized patient education on diet, physical activity and behavior modification have been proven to produce long-term weight loss and chronic disease prevention. Additionally,…