by Kyle Perkovich, BS The pursuit of effective, natural remedies for sleep disturbances and anxiety is increasingly critical. Among various options, kava—a traditional herbal ingredient rooted in Pacific Island cultures—stands out for its potential therapeutic benefits. Known scientifically as Piper methysticum, kava has been celebrated for centuries for its sedative properties1. Only in recent years has it garnered attention from the scientific community for its potential in enhancing sleep quality and mitigating anxiety. This exploration into kava's therapeutic capabilities aims…

by Yekta Dowlati, PhD Iron is a vital nutrient that serves as a fundamental component of heme and various coenzymes, playing critical roles in essential biochemical pathways. It is integral to the transport of oxygen via hemoglobin, supports mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation for energy production, and is necessary for the synthesis of DNA.1 In female individuals, physiological changes during the menstrual, gestational, and lactational phases result in dynamic requirements for iron homeostasis. Sufficient iron consumption is essential for maintaining overall health…

by Yekta Dowlati, PhD According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 2 billion adults globally are overweight, with 650 million classified as obese. Projections suggest that, if current trends persist, the number of overweight adults could reach 2.7 billion by 2025, with the obese population surpassing 1 billion.1,2 Obesity, a complex condition, emerges from an interplay of genetic, societal, and environmental factors and induces metabolic alterations, including changes in gut microbiota, systemic inflammation, and intestinal barrier dysfunction.3,4 Approximately 31%…

by Kyle Perkovich, BS Sleep determines everything – how we feel throughout the day, our mental and physical performance, and various aspects of our overall health.1 However, an estimated 50 to 70 million Americans struggle with sleep disorders, and one out of every three adults does not get the proper amount of sleep for their health.2 Trouble sleeping can occur for a variety of reasons, such as physiological, psychological, and environmental factors, and it effects all ages.3 This widespread issue is…

by Kyle Perkovich, BS In the intricate ecosystem of the human gut, a new frontier is emerging, marked by the strategic paring of probiotics and prebiotics working synergistically to help provide optimal gut health and well-being. This combination, known as synbiotics, is gaining prominence for its potential to enhance gut health and immune function. As research has advanced, the role of our gut microbiota has become increasingly recognized as a vital part of overall health, influencing not only proper digestion,…

by Lewis Chang, PhD Not all heroes are muscle-bound and wear capes. There is a tiny, almost invisible, hero that lives in our gut and promotes our health and wellbeing. Its name, Akkermansia muciniphila, may be a mouthful, but it’s time to get to know this hero better, as its health-promoting effects have earned it the reputation as a next-generation beneficial bacteria.1 Gut health is intricately connected to human health in ways that surprise us. Our gut is home to…

Angela Kelly, MA and Michael Stanclift, ND This is the last installment of a three-part series on bacterial vaginosis (BV). In part one, we discussed a healthy vaginal microbiome, symptoms, and diagnostic criteria. In part two , we highlighted the risk factors that contribute to BV, the health impacts it can cause, and conventional antimicrobial treatments, along with their propensity for resistance. As we saw in part two , conventional antimicrobials often only temporarily resolve BV, and contribute to antibiotic resistance. For…

Angela Kelly, MA and Michael Stanclift, ND This is part two in a three-part series about bacterial vaginosis (BV). In part one we discussed a healthy vaginal microbiome, BV’s characteristics, and diagnostic criteria. In this section, we’ll explore risk factors for developing BV, the health impacts of it, and current conventional therapies. BV risk factors While the precise causes of BV are still being investigated, researchers have discovered the following risk factors that can contribute to its development: Having a sexual…

Angela Kelly, MA and Michael Stanclift, ND In part one of this three-part series, we’ll discuss a healthy vaginal microbiome, symptoms, and the diagnostic criteria of bacterial vaginosis (BV). A healthy vaginal microbiome The vaginal microbiome is the lesser-known heroine of the body's microbiomes and the first line of defense against pathogens that can cause infections.1-5 Like the gut microbiome, the vaginal microbiome is seeded from mother to daughter and the surrounding environment within 24 hours of birth.6-7Hormonal fluctuations related…

by Michael Stanclift, ND Patients with digestive problems aren’t always taken seriously by primary care providers. Often cases are dismissed with the nebulous diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), when the problem hasn’t been adequately worked up and given the proper attention. A recent study in Scientific Reports found that up to half of patients diagnosed with IBS also have a treatable and consequential condition called small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). SIBO in and of itself has many underlying causes, and…