Host: Deanna Minich, PhD, CNS, FACN, IFMCP Guest: Mark Houston, MD, MS, FAHA, FASH, DABC Drs. Mark Houston and Deanna Minich delve into the science and proper clinical use of omega-3 fatty acids for the prevention and treatment of heart-related conditions. Dr. Houston vets the methodology and validity of 3 major meta-analyses related to omega-3s and heart health outcomes,1-3 helping to demystify the seemingly complex science and conflicting conclusions, so you can understand the data. Drs. Houston and Minich also discuss food…

by Bianca Garilli, ND The 2018 National Physician Burnout & Depression Report published by Medscape surveyed more than 15,000 physicians from 29 specialties on a wide array of topics, one of which was physician burnout.1 The topic of physician burnout has become increasingly important in medicine due to its impact on both the provider’s health and wellbeing, as well as its potential negative impact on patients’ safety and quality of care.1 Physician burnout can be described as a “work-related syndrome…

by Bianca Garilli, ND Physical inactivity prevalence among adolescents aged 11-17 years was estimated to be 81% globally in 2010, where insufficient physical activity (PA) was measured as < 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA daily per WHO guidelines.1 As part of the 60 minute/day exercise recommendation, the US Department of Health and Human Services recommends that aerobic activity should be incorporated at least 3 days/week, muscle-strengthening at least 3 days/week, and bone-strengthening activities at least 3 days/week.2 It is well…

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…

by Christopher Moulton, PhD Depression is one of the most common mood disorders in the US and worldwide. In 2016 an estimated 16.2 million adults, or 6.7% of US adults, suffered at least one major depressive episode,1 while globally more than 300 million are afflicted.2 Further, depression is comorbid with numerous chronic disease states including cardiovascular disease,3 type 2 diabetes,4 inflammatory bowel disease,5 and cognitive decline.6 Current frontline therapies such as psychotherapy and antidepressant medications present challenges related to treatment…

by Bianca Garilli, ND I have a patient who doesn’t like vegetables. In fact, this person is also not a fan of water (sans flavoring), exercise, nor high fiber foods such as legumes. This scenario is, in many ways, a perfect setup for a number of lifestyle-related chronic diseases, including hypertension. This patient has been on a cocktail of medications for many years but expressed to me that they’d like reduce the list. So, it was with great excitement that…

Host: Deanna Minich, PhD, CNS, FACN, IFMCP Guest: Christopher Keroack, MD, IFMCP You may have heard about the ketogenic diet. This high-fat, low-carbohydrate, moderate-protein dietary pattern has experienced a revival of sorts in the mainstream media and dieting world. But, before “keto” was a contemporary fad, how was it used? In fact, there is ~100 years of science supporting the ketogenic diet. To shed light on its history of use and elucidate practical areas of clinical application, Drs. Deanna Minich and Christopher…

by Bianca Garilli, ND A reduction in muscle mass, strength, and function reduce the independence and health of aging adults. Sarcopenia, the loss of muscle tissue typically associated with the natural aging process, also increases the risk for morbidity and mortality through its association with chronic illnesses including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. The greater the degree of sarcopenia, the higher the risk of these disease processes.1-2  Sarcopenia can be slowed through routine engagement in exercise, including strength or resistance…

by Lewis Chang, PhD The Mediterranean diet (MED), characterized by a high consumption of plant-based foods, less red meat, and using olive oil as the main source of fat, is one of the healthiest diets. A study found that MED might also prolong brain health and function in cognitively healthy middle-aged individuals.1 According to an earlier systematic review of cohort studies and randomized controlled trials, adherence to MED was associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease…

by Milene Brownlow, PhD In addition to their original use as an anticonvulsant treatment (explored in Part 1 of this blog series), ketogenic diets (KDs) are increasingly viewed as a promising metabolic therapy for other neurological conditions. But first, an important question: Are KDs neuroprotective because of the reduction in glucose and insulin levels or due to the presence of ketones? Answer: Both. On the one hand, chronic consumption of refined sugar and starches results in systemic inflammation in the…