by Lewis Chang, PhD As the prevalence of obesity continues to increase worldwide, the search for the most effective diet(s) for weight loss continues. Whether one diet is better than another—such as the low-carb vs. low-fat diet approach—is still being hotly debated. Regardless, researchers have noticed substantial inter-individual differences in weight loss success (or failure) in response to the same diet. It has been speculated that variations in certain genetic makeups or physiological traits in the population may be responsible…

by Christopher Moulton, PhD Pectin is a complex and heterogeneous aggregation of polysaccharides first isolated from plant matter in 1825 by French chemist and pharmacist Henri Bracconot.1 Pectin is the major constituent of all plant primary cell walls, contributing to the plant’s structural integrity and providing a barrier to the external environment. Consequently, pectin is a component of all omnivorous diets. Pectin is known to be a soluble, prebiotic fiber that bypasses human digestion in the small intestine, but is…

by Bianca Garilli, ND It has been said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In the case of the growing obesity epidemic and the concurrent increase in insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes (T2D), it is important to understand the relationship between obesity and IR, and to identify biomarkers which can aid in the identification and prevention of these conditions. Inflammation is thought to be a major driver of the IR process, with evidence…

Functional Medicine and Women’s Health: Interview with Joel Evans, MD Part 2: PCOS & Preconception Care/Fertility In this series, we sat down with Joel Evans, MD to talk about Functional Medicine options for common women’s health issues. Q: What is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and what causes it? A: In order to understand polycystic ovarian syndrome, it’s important to understand that it is a syndrome. When we use the word “syndrome” in medicine, it usually means there are many different symptoms and…

by Bianca Garilli, ND Women who consume increased amounts of antioxidants from fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy diet may reduce their risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA).  A 2017 prospective study by Hu Y, et al and published in the Annals of Rheumatic Diseases reviewed data from the Nurses’ Health Studies to evaluate the association between long-term dietary quality and risk of RA in women. The primary outcomes for this study were RA diagnosis with two subtypes of the…

Dr. Frank Hu is a professor of nutrition, epidemiology, and medicine at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Harvard Medical School. In this presentation, he discusses the relationship between saturated and unsaturated fats, sources of carbohydrates, and risk of cardiovascular disease. There have been recent sensationalist headlines on the role of fat in the diet and its relationship to cardiovascular disease. Professor Hu clears up the confusion in this presentation. A recent paper by Professor Hu and…

by Lewis Chang, PhD A plant-based diet emphasizes a high intake of plant foods and limits or eliminates the intake of animal products. Research has demonstrated various health benefits of plant-based diets, such as lower risks of obesity, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. However, studies that examined their effects on all-cause mortality have yielded inconsistent results. Differences in study population, study duration and, as importantly, the chosen definition of “plant-based diets” can all influence study findings. Not all…

by Bianca Garilli, ND, IFMCP Stroke is the 5th leading cause of death in the US and a major cause of serious disability for adults.1 Up to age 75 the incidence of stroke is higher in men, and from years 75-84 both men and women’s risk are equal; after age 84, however, the risk of stroke in women surpasses that of their male counterparts.2 Overall, the lifetime risk of stroke is actually higher in women than men, with a 21% lifetime…

by Bianca Garilli, ND Regular physical activity is a cornerstone of public health policy in most age groups, with the typical adult recommendation at > 150 minutes/week of aerobic exercise along with routine strength training or weight bearing exercise sessions. The benefits of consistent physical activity is well documented, including reducing risk of chronic illness and improving body mass index, weight and mood among other conditions. The role that regular physical activity plays in older adults, however, continues to expand…

by Bianca Garilli, ND The rise in childhood overweight and obesity has been dramatic over the past three decades, with the number of overweight children tripling in that time frame, resulting in approximately 1 in 5 children (17%) in the US now estimated to be overweight.*1 Furthermore, while more children are becoming overweight, the heaviest children are getting even heavier.1 From 1971-1974 to 2009-2010, the prevalence of obesity in US children increased:**2 From 4.8% to 12.1% in children ages 2-5 From 4%…