Vitamin D deficiency is a global pandemic, and the clinical impact is far-reaching for pediatric and adult patients. In this video, Dr. Sara Gottfried discusses the US Endocrine Society guidelines for vitamin D sufficiency and explains the differential impact of vitamin D2 vs. D3 supplementation on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels – 25(OH)D. Next, she provides insights on the synergistic role of vitamins D and K in bone and cardiovascular health. Since both of these essential, fat-soluble micronutrients are major nutrient…

by Sara Gottfried, MD and Nilima Desai MPH, RD Dynamic duos exist throughout culture: Batman and Robin. Thelma and Louise. They also exist in lifestyle medicine, because nutrients don’t fly solo. They interact often interdependently, act as cofactors in metabolic pathways, and compete for receptors. One example is how vitamin C helps you absorb more iron, like you find in red pepper hummus. Other examples are zinc and copper, vitamin B12 and folate, or even the combination of berberine and…

Host: Deanna Minich, PhD, CNS, FACN, IFMCP Guest: Karima Hirani, MD, MPH In this cutting edge discussion, Drs. Karima Hirani and Deanna Minich discuss pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS), honing in on its clinical presentation, assessment, and treatment options in both pediatric and adult patients. PANDAS is thought to arise from the development of brain-reactive autoantibodies following infection by a group A streptococcus (GAS). PANDAS is an episodic condition typified by a sudden onset of obsessive compulsive…

by Whitney Crouch, RDN, CLT Women are often educated around the changes they’ll see in their bodies as they journey through pregnancy, however there tends to be a vast knowledge void when it comes to mother’s health and expectations after baby’s arrival. Once the much-anticipated new addition has arrived, moms are followed up within six weeks after childbirth, likely asked about or given a questionnaire assessing postpartum depression symptoms, and physically evaluated by her care provider.1 The American College of…

by Bianca Garilli, ND, USMC Veteran Energy drinks have become a common sight in today’s fast-paced, “get the job done” world. In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), next to multivitamins, energy drinks are currently the most popular dietary supplement consumed by American teens and young adults.1 These drinks are marketed as a means to improve energy, stamina, athletic performance, and concentration, as well as reducing fatigue.1-3 Energy drinks are sometime considered “functional beverages” while also falling…

by Whitney Crouch, RDN, CLT What is stress? An integrated definition of stress states that it is a constellation of events, starting with a stimulus (stressor) that precipitates a reaction in the brain (stress perception) and results in the activation of the physiological fight-or-flight systems in the body (stress response).1 Stress is a fact of life. We all face stressors of some sort in our day-to-day lives; whether psychological, physiological, or physical. We have evolved with stress, and many of…

by Melissa Blake, BSc, ND Mental health continues to be a growing concern worldwide. Both Statistics Canada and The National Institute of Mental Health estimate that 1 in 5 Canadians and Americans live with a mental illness.1,2 The World Health Organization lists depression as the #1 cause of disability globally.3 Considering the rising rates and significant disease burden of mental illness, the increasing level of interest in novel clinical support options is no surprise. One such option being explored is…

by Bianca Garilli, ND Hair loss, or alopecia, is a common complaint by patients, male and female alike. It can affect localized regions (like the temples and crown of the head seen in male-pattern baldness), the entire scalp, and sometimes can even extend to other areas of the body. Typical hair loss is approximately 50-100 hairs per day, but those suffering from more extensive hair loss frequently notice increased hair loss after brushing or styling their locks or even when…