by Lewis Chang, PhD A yearlong lifestyle intervention that utilized a ketogenic diet significantly improved HbA1c, body weight, and multiple cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), according to data from a clinical study published in two journals.1,2 CVD is the leading cause of death among patients with T2D.3 As the prevalence of T2D continues to increase rapidly worldwide, effective interventions to address T2D and CVD risk are critical. A low-carbohydrate diet is one of…

by Vincent Pedre, MD Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a controversial diagnosis that can masquerade behind a variety of symptoms, not all of which involve the characteristic bloating, gas and abdominal pain. SIBO also manifests as rosacea,1 diarrhea, constipation, anxiety,2 depression, fatigue, and iron deficiency. The astute clinician needs to hold a high degree of suspicion because a patient with SIBO may not present with the classic symptoms. For example, a recent severe case I saw presented only with diarrhea. Definitions First…

by Bianca Garilli, ND  Traumatic brain injury (TBI) research has grown rapidly in the past decade as awareness of the high prevalence and its potential devastating consequences have become clearer.1 TBI may result in varying degrees of paralysis, loss of consciousness, amnesia and even death. Death was the most common outcome for those diagnosed with moderate and severe TBI where severity of TBI was classified according to the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). The two most common causes of TBI globally…

by Lewis Chang, PhD Clostridium difficile, or "C. diff", is a bacterium that can cause infection in at-risk individuals, triggering symptoms ranging from mild diarrhea to severe pseudomembranous colitis. Major risk factors for C. diff infection include depletion of protective gut microorganisms due to antibiotics use (e.g. fluoroquinolones), compromised immune system, age, healthcare environment, and certain medications. Hospitalized older individuals with recent antibiotic exposure and those admitted to long-term care facilities are particularly susceptible for C. diff infection.1 Two fluoroquinolone-resistant…

by Bianca Garilli, ND Sleep plays an important role in foundational health with inadequate amounts contributing to risks associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D), metabolic syndrome, hypertension and cardiovascular disease.1 One study reviewing the relationship between insufficient sleep and chronic health issues concluded, “Sleep duration of less than 6 hours is a risky behavior for the development of chronic diseases, particularly stroke and cancer, and should be therefore addressed in public health campaigns.”2 Studies have shown that the risk…

by Bianca Garilli, ND In the constant quest for improving performance, ultra-endurance athletes often alter exercise and dietary habits hoping to optimize peak physical and mental health. With this goal in mind, the ultra-endurance athlete community has turned its attention to the potential benefits of a low-carbohydrate diet. This is in stark contrast to the previously long-held approach of consuming a high-carbohydrate diet before, during and after exercise.1 Crucial to peak performance is the availability of adequate glycogen throughout the…

by Romilly Hodges, MS, CNS Dynamic Bone Bone is not a static entity in our body. Our body is continually actively forming bone, as well as breaking it down—a process called bone remodeling. Osteoblast cells are responsible for forming bone matrix, a collagen-proteoglycan mix that can bind mineral salts, mostly as calcium hydroxyapatite. Osteoclast cells are active in resorbing bone matrix by secreting cathepsin K proteases that catabolize bone collagen, and hydrogen ions that lower the surrounding pH and solubilize minerals. A healthy…

by Lewis Chang, PhD Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Increased intake of EPA and DHA is beneficial for cardiovascular health, cognitive function, mental health, maternal and child health, immunity and inflammation. EPA and DHA supplements are becoming more and more popular across a wide diversity of people; from healthy individuals to vulnerable populations with impaired health. Higher omega-3 concentrations may compete with fatty acids such as arachidonic acid for metabolizing enzymes. The interaction results…