by Ashley Jordan Ferira, PhD, RDN Mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), AKA “concussion,” results from an impact to the head (e.g. bump, blow, jolt) that disrupts normal brain function or consciousness.1 Concussions in youth are more common than you may think. In 2016, 19.5% of US adolescents reported at least 1 diagnosed concussion during their lifetime, with 5.5% reporting >1 concussion.2 In addition to competitive sports participation (particularly contact sports), other characteristics associated with a higher concussion rates include being…

Although the ketogenic diet has been used clinically since the early 20th century, with specific therapeutic use for seizure mitigation in children with intractable epilepsy, the “keto diet” is now discussed more broadly, having even entered colloquial use. With the ketogenic diet’s recent rise in mainstream popularity and increased clinical exposure, we compiled a Q&A with Mark Kaye, DC to answer specific questions from healthcare practitioners. Does a ketogenic lifestyle work for hypothyroid patients? Contributing factors to low thyroid function…

by Lewis Chang, PhD Frailty, characterized by exhaustion, reduced physical activity capacity, slow gait speed, unintentional weight loss, and muscle weakness, is a major health concern associated with aging that increases the risk of disability, institutionalization, and death in older adults.1 It is important to identify modifiable risk factors associated with frailty so that prevention or early intervention strategies can be implemented accordingly. According to epidemiological evidence, certain dietary patterns or dietary components can influence the risk of frailty.2 However,…

by Whitney Crouch, RDN, CLT What is Golden Milk? Popularized across social media, golden milk is a cross-cultural drink originating in Asian countries and consumed for its anti-inflammatory properties and pungent flavor. Also known as “golden milk latte” or “turmeric tea”, golden milk is made with freshly grated or ground turmeric, a pinch of freshly ground pepper, honey or lemon to taste, and hot water, milk, or dairy alternative.1-2 The addition of freshly grated or ground ginger adds extra flavor…

This 12-week study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a nutritional product containing n-enriched tetrahydro iso-alpha acids and undenatured type 2 collagen in participants with chronic joint pain (including pain from symptomatic osteoarthritis and from rheumatoid arthritis). Tetrahydro iso-α acids (THIAAs), derived from Humulus lupulus (hops), have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in an animal model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Undenatured type 2 collagen has been found to be effective in clinical studies in RA and osteoarthritis (OA). OBJECTIVE:…

In this presentation “Novel Clinical Insights on Inflammation: Resolving not Blocking,” Andrew Heyman, MD, MHSA shares clinical experiences and observations related to health conditions associated with increased inflammatory biomarkers. Dr. Heyman explores the role of specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) in the clinical management of chronic inflammatory conditions, such as chronic pain and fibromyalgia, focusing on evidence from a multi-center case series investigation. Dr. Heyman concludes with insights on novel clinical targets for resolvins in neuroinflammation, in addition to providing a…

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 Bianca Garilli, ND, IFMCP Endurance-trained athletes must maintain excellent physical fitness in order to regularly perform activities requiring large quantities of sustained energy. Nutrition plays a major role in their ability to achieve superior athletic goals. However, athletes often do not meet recommended nutritional requirements based on sport, age and sex.1 A study conducted in 146 endurance athletes from Lithuania found that 80.8% of endurance athletes used lower than recommended amounts of carbohydrates in their diet, while more than…

by Bianca Garilli, ND Every 65 seconds someone in the US develops Alzheimer’s disease (AD), resulting in approximately 5.7 million Americans currently living with this condition. These numbers are expected to rise dramatically over the next several decades with projections of nearly 14 million people living with AD by the year 2050 and an associated $1.1 trillion in healthcare costs.1 AD is the most common form of dementia, characterized by impaired cognitive capacity beyond what is considered part of “normal…