Chronic Disease

Confronting the Hidden Epidemic of Fatty Liver Disease

By Carrie Decker, ND, Contributing Writer

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) often goes undiagnosed because it may not be accompanied overt symptoms or by liver enzyme elevations. Clinicians who are not specifically looking for it, are not likely to detect it. But over the long term it can have devastating consequences. Fortunately, there are many botanical and nutraceutical interventions that can help.

Neurotransmitter Testing Holds Keys to Understanding Chronic Inflammation

By Decker Weiss, NMD, FASA, Contributing Writer

Clinically, we blame most chronic diseases on inflammation. Yet the ways we diagnose, measure, and monitor diseases associated with inflammation–including heart disease and cancer– have not evolved to a truly clinically useful level. By looking upstream at neurotransmitter levels, we can gain important information about what’s really happening with our patients. 

Early Childhood Trauma Raises Adolescent Obesity Risk

By Kristen Schepker, Assistant Editor

A new study shows that early childhood trauma correlates strongly with higher rates of adolescent obesity. The findings offer important insights into the complex etiology of pediatric obesity which, researchers believe, could stem partly from traumatic psychosocial factors early in life. Using data from the statewide Minnesota Student Survey (MSS), a team of University of […]

To Reduce Age-Related Heart Risk, Target the Mitochondria

By August West, Contributing Writer

It’s an unfortunate fact of nature: mitochondrial function tends to decline with age. Along with that comes a host of physiological changes that cumulatively result in the phenomenon we all experience as aging and senescence. Fortunately, a new form of mitochondrially-targeted co-enzyme Q10 can reverse some of these changes. 

To Slow Neurodegeneration, Reduce Toxins, Quell Inflammation

By Todd Born, ND, Contributing Writer

A holistic, integrative approach can often slow the neurodegenerative processes that underlie Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, and many other neurological conditions. But neurodegenerative disorders are typically very complicated, with multiple comorbidities, so it can be difficult even to know where to begin. A seasoned naturopathic physician offers guidance.

“Don’t Fall in the Ditch:” How to Help Patients Prevent Autoimmune Flares

By Kristen Schepker, Assistant Editor

When treating patients with complex autoimmune diseases, it’s advantageous to, “think of the patient’s biology like a landscape,” proposed Samuel Yanuck, DC, FACFN, at the Institute for Functional Medicine’s 2018 Annual International Conference in Hollywood, FL. Imagine a meadow. An “autoimmune flare is a ditch in the meadow,” he suggested. The question to ask is: “How far are they from the ditch?” 

To Help Patients with Irritable Bowel, Clinicians Need to “DIGIN”

By Kristen Schepker, Assistant Editor

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) “is a very serious condition that needs aggressive intervention,” said Gerard Mullin, MD, MS, at the Institute for Functional Medicine’s recent 2018 Annual International Conference in Hollywood, Florida. While conventional medicine offers drugs for symptom management, Mullin believes that to truly heal IBD, clinicians need to “DIGIN,” and work holistically to address the multiple facets of this condition. His DIGIN protocol offers good guidance.

Agmatine Attenuates Sciatica & Other Neuropathies

By Gad M. Gilad, PhD, Contributing Writer

Agmatine, a ubiquitous naturally occurring metabolite of arginine, was discovered in 1910. Yet, it took more than a century before researchers showed that this unique compound has clinically significant cytoprotective and neuroprotective properties. Recent work indicates that it can reduce pain associated with sciatica and other common forms of neuropathy.