Category Archives: Integrative Medicine

SASIM is a non-profit network of medical and allied health practitioners who support the practice of Integrative Medicine (IM). We exist to support like-minded health care providers on their journey to develop their current healing practices in line with holistic, safe and effective integrative medical approaches.

SASIMs community of experienced IM practitioners promote ongoing education (CPD accredited lectures and courses), daily knowledge sharing and live support (via our medical WhatsApp groups for members). We promote IM in South Africa by facilitating the advancement of science and research and providing advice on current health issues and chronic disease management.

SASIM also educates the general public on integrative self-care, disease prevention and the effective and sustainable application of IM for treating chronic disease. This website provides the public with access to our national database of registered IM practitioners, to enable everyone to find practitioners in their vicinity.

Integrative Medicine is whole person medicine, using safe and effective modalities to treat disease and support health.

As Integrative practitioners, we facilitate the patients healing journey through a therapeutic relationship, raising awareness and empowering the patient to experience personal growth, while realizing their potential and reaching optimal health. (SASIM Indaba, February 2022)

The Integrative Medicine paradigm-shift suggests that there are no obstacles, only stepping stones.Dr. Bernard Brom, Founder

N.B. Some international IM organisations define IM as a combination of Allopathic (Western Medicine) and evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). Here in South Africa, we have the Allied Health Professions Council (AHPCSA) which officially regulates 11 CAM disciplines. Therefore, IM practitioners have to be registered with the AHPCSA in order to practice any of these modalities. Medical doctors are only able to include limited CAM within their scopes of practice.

All outcome studies must assess the efficacy of integrated protocols in their entirety and not of individual therapies. This is a point of crucial importance.Prof Majid AliEditor, Journal of Integrative Medicine,Professor of Medicine, Capital University of Integrative Medicine

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Integrative Medicine

The book takes you week by week guiding you through practices and mantras for healing.

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. If youve ever felt that your chronic pain or illness wasnt being resolved with medicine alone, a new book might be for you.

A Jacksonville nurse practitioner has been studying integrative medicine to help people heal. Megan Weigel has culminated her knowledge and practice into an accessible guide to healing.

Her new book Monday Mantras with Megan walks you through the process week by week.

It starts with new beginnings and ends with I am enough. Weigel is guiding us through a year worth of mantras and self-help.

Everyone is scrambling looking for things externally to try to make themselves healthy and feel better and all of it really comes has to come from inside," Weigel said. "So you can spend thousands of dollars on supplements, lab tests and all of these things but what you really need is to work with people who teach you how to heal whats inside of you.

She knows modern medicine as a nurse practitioner. She writes about integrative medicine, which she uses as a supplemental form for medicine.

It include mantras, yoga, even acupuncture.

The book is a combination of a weekly intention which is what I call the mantra, which is a phrase that might help you in your every day and an action," Weigel explained. "That action is a yoga pose or a type of breath or maybe the use of an essential oil.

For 52 weeks and this book as your guide, Weigel hopes people with a range of medical and mental issues can find results like her patients have.

She has mainly worked with patients with multiple sclerosis, but she says she has seen integrative medicine work wonders on people with a range of problems like pain, insomnia, anxiety and others.

Weigel says her book is not a challenge. Its supposed to be easy and give you something not to do... to not stress.

You can find her book in several local stores like Rosie True boutique in Jacksonville Beach. You can also find her book on Amazon.

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Jacksonville nurse practitioner writes book on how to use integrative medicine in your daily life - FirstCoastNews.com WTLV-WJXX

CHAMPIONSGATE, Fla., Sept. 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) is raising awareness of the connection between dental conditions and whole body health with season two of its integrative health podcast and video series Word of Mouth.

Integrative health podcast and video series Word of Mouth, season two released!

"This unique podcast series focuses on the relationship between oral health and overall health, which is also known as the oral-systemic connection," explains IAOMT President Dave Edwards, DDS. "All too often, dentistry is excluded from medical care, resulting in a disconnect between the treatment of the mouth and the rest of the body. This is dangerous because oral health conditions are scientifically associated with a wide range of systemic illnesses."

In the first episode of Word of Mouth, IAOMT member and past president, Griffin Cole, DDS, NMD, interviews biochemist Boyd Haley, PhD about Emeramide, a safe and effective heavy metals chelator that is going through the FDA approval process. They discuss the risks for dental patients and dental professionals that are associated with mercury dental fillings and the many detrimental health effects from exposure to mercury.

New episodes of Word of Mouth will be released every two weeks to explore other concepts relevant to integrative health. In the second episode, IAOMT member Beth Rosellini, DDS, AIAOMT, interviews Earl Bergersen, DDS a pioneer in pediatric sleep, breathing and airway health. The third episode features IAOMT member and past president, David Kennedy, DDS, interviewing Griffin Cole, DDS, NMD, about the adverse health effects from fluoride exposure.

The IAOMT expects Word of Mouth to be a long-running series that will forge a more integrated approach to dental and medical care. "What happens in the mouth impacts the rest of the body and vice-versa," IAOMT President Edwards reiterates. "Patients can clearly benefit from an integrative approach to treating the health of their whole body. Our Word of Mouth series will spread this important message."

Episodes of Word of Mouth can be found on the Word of Mouth website, as well as Spotify, Apple iTunes, YouTube and Facebook.

The IAOMT is a non-profit organization dedicated to biological dentistry and its mission of protecting public health and the environment since it was founded in 1984.

Contact:David Kennedy, DDS, IAOMT Public Relations Chair, [emailprotected]International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT)Phone: (863) 420-6373; Website: http://www.iaomt.org

SOURCE International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology

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Integrative health podcast and video series Word of Mouth, season two released! - PR Newswire

From my vantage point in the Southwest region of the USA, the future looks bright for massage therapy. Elevated continuing education offerings, greater opportunities within allopathic care sectors, and greater acceptance amongst the general public lead me to see our industrys future as very positive.

In my opinion, continuing education is a huge factor in our industrys continued progress and growth. Encouraging therapists to participate with continuing education requirements ensures professionals will acquire updated skill sets and knowledge.

As science discovers more about the human body, it is imperative massage therapists learn these new discoveries to better understand who they treat in their practices. Therapists learn new innovative tools, techniques and approaches as they further their education.

Clients benefit from therapists who seek to advance and improve their practice of therapeutic massage. Ultimately, we attend continuing education to better serve our clientele.

It is my hope that states which do not require continuing education requirements reevaluate why they have chosen to not require this key aspect of industry growth.

In five years, I foresee many more innovations in continuing education regarding the usage of tools to aid manual therapy efforts. I also foresee a greater trend that more educators will hold courses on the integration of mental and physical health with massage therapy efforts.

As trauma informed is slowly becoming a buzzword in education, we will surely have more continuing education classes touch upon this topic. This necessitates we massage educators work with other mental health professionals to ensure our content is accurate and elevated.

Many entry level massage programs in the past decade have adopted courses traditionally reserved as continuing education:

As entry level education elevates, a wise program director will ensure the foundational skills will not be rushed in the first set of classes in order to fit the advanced content later in programs.

Therapists with advanced education with a specific focus will also have greater opportunities with allopathic care sectors.

An example is seen when therapists learn advanced education in lymphatic drainage training. Therapists completing over 60 hours of training in this field have access to work with advanced lymphedema and similar patients. These patients need an exquisite clinical treatment plan which a normal entry level program does not offer enough insight towards lending assistance.

Therapists who seek longer education programs will be able to work in hospital and clinical settings otherwise not afforded to the average massage therapist.

I see many therapists now working in hospitals. This will lend towards greater credibility of massage in the eyes of allopathic medicine. Here in Arizona, I often speak with doctors and nurses who hold a great respect for massage therapy.

In five years, I foresee many more professionals having completed longer specific programs in:

I also foresee on the eastern side of our field, more therapists becoming acupuncturists to further integrate Chinese medicine practice into massage related work.

As massage therapy makes gains in varying professional arenas, more members of the general public will garner a greater appreciation of massage therapy.

Many more people realize massage can aid in the treatment and recovery of many clinical conditions such as:

I foresee mainstream massage coverage in a more positive light as our professional gains in other health care sectors highlight our value as massage therapists. I also foresee more successful massage and integrated wellness facilities being showcased as healing havens as we heal the planet one body at a time.

The future is bright for massage therapy. Entry level education is strengthening, continuing education is broadening, more therapists are working in allopathic sectors, and more general public members are benefiting from the healing power of our work. These will only continue to trend upwards in the next five years.

Jimmy Gialelis, LMT, is a national board certified clinical practitioner passionate about clients actualizing maximum health gains. A member of the Massage Therapy Hall of Fame, he contributes to the Massage & Bodywork Licensure Exam as an exam item writer. He maintains a continuing education business, Advanced Massage Arts & Education, along with his private practice studio in Tempe, AZ.

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Where Will the Massage Industry Be in Five Years? - Institute for Integrative Healthcare Studies

If you haven't tried plogging yet, it's about time you hop on this fitness trend that's great for the environment. The incredibly popular activity of jogging while picking up trash along your route is something individuals are having fun with across the globeand for good reason. There's so much healthy goodness your body gains from plogging, and science proves it. Read on for some astounding facts and food for thought. Ready, set, let's learn the wholesome plogging habits that slow aging!

Started by Erik Ahlstrm in Sweden, "plocka upp" (which means plogging in Swedish) can be life-changing. Not only is the endeavor extraordinary for your overall mental and physical fitness, but it's also quite infectious and benefits the environment in a seriously major way. You may even be inspired to initiate a plogging event in your own community and help spread this positive effort to friends and neighbors. As you help clean up your world, take a look at the many plogging habits that slow aging.

Everyone knows that too much stressmental or physicalcan be totally detrimental to your mind and body. Stress is not simply an overwhelming feeling; it's also the cause of many serious health issues, including stroke, heart disease, dementia, and even early death.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

Let's look at some statistics on the harmful results of stress. Individuals who maintain a stressful 55 hours or more of work every week have a 35% increased risk of suffering from a stroke and 17% increased risk of death by heart disease when compared to keeping a lighter 35 to 40-hour week, according to a study (via NPR). The ability to recover from any sort of stress on the body apparently decreases as you age. Research reveals that an 80-year-old person can take 3 times longer to bounce back from any sort of stress when compared to a 40-year-old, according to a study performed by a Singapore-based biotech company called Gero (via CNET).

The most effective ways to address stress is by performing consistent exercise, in addition to sleeping well, eating a nutritious mostly plant-based diet, being social, and meditating, according to Harvard Health Publishing. Dr. Shalu Ramchandani, an integrative medicine specialist at the Harvard-affiliated Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, explains, "If you're practicing all these healthy habits, it helps you become more resilient and better able to adapt to life's challenging situations."

Bottom line? It's crucial for your overall well-being to get up, get going, and feed your body and your mind with exercise. A plogging routine will have you totally covered on both counts!

Related: The #1 Strength Workout To Regain Muscle Mass as You Age, Trainer Says

Your body benefits from every bit of exercise you can work into your schedule. Along with being a great mood lifter and strength builder, a solid cardio workout is proven to prevent heart disease and other chronic illnesses, Harvard Health Publishing reports. That being said, research proves that aerobic activity can help you live even longer. So what are you waiting for? Put on your sneakers, grab a garbage bag, and get on your way, because your heart will surely thank you.

Related: The Top 5 Walking Habits That Slow Aging, Fitness Expert Reveals

Your heart will beat with pride as a result of your plogging efforts, and a happy heart is a healthy one. Performing service to your community in a special way is plain old nourishing. Studies have proven that the more selfless deeds you perform, the more happiness you experienceand it will help you live longer.

Research performed at Carnegie Mellon University reveals that individuals 51 years of age and over who consistently volunteered their time were at lower risk of developing high blood pressure than adults who did not. High blood pressure is a major cause of stroke, heart disease, and early mortality. Individuals who volunteered a minimum of 200 hours each year lowered their high blood pressure by as much as 40%. The research indicates that performing this kind of volunteer work could be an effective method to help you avoid hypertension.

Volunteering your time cleaning up your community while exercising is an unselfish, feel-good thing to do. You'll be accomplishing a wealth of positive things while doing it.

Your surroundings are integral to your mood and overall health. Not only is the air you breathe and the food you eat negatively compromised by pollutants, but a community that has litter scattered about can also encourage other residents and people traveling to that particular place to be litterers, too.

Aside from being a pretty unattractive sight, think about where that loose trash ends up. One spot is in storm drains, which feed into lakes, streams, rivers, and oceans, exposing fish (your seafood) and more to bacteria. Soil can also become contaminated by the harmful chemicals that come from litter. And in order to easily do away with litter, it's typically burned, which can let out a substantial amount of toxic gases and particulate matter into the earth's atmosphere, according to WorldAtlas. This can result in respiratory issues and health ailments.

Doing your bit to keep your environment clean not only inspires others to keep it that way, but also helps generate a world that is clean to live, eat, and breathe in. This is a huge golden reason why plogging makes so much sense. Think of inspiring a huge number of ploggers to get an abundance of exercise while cleaning up the earth. The activity may motivate people to be mindful of not littering in the first place!

Alexa Mellardo

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The Plogging Habits That Slow Aging, Science Reveals Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

Between juggling career, family, friends and life, it's easy to feel worn down, achy and not like yourself at times, but are these common symptoms from having a busy schedule or linked to an undiagnosed autoimmune disease? There's more than 100 different types of autoimmune diseases and according to John Hopkins Medicine, an estimated 23.5 million Americans have one. "The immune system is the equivalent of a country's Armed Forces, an entity with the sworn duty to protect and defend the homeland. The Armed Forces are never supposed to attack their own country, and likewise, your immune system is never supposed to attack your own body. When your immune system does attack 'self', we refer to this condition as an Autoimmune Disease," Dr. Michael Hirt, a Board Certified Nutrition from Harvard University and Board Certified in Internal Medicine and with The Center for Integrative Medicine in Tarzana California tells us. Read below to find out signs of an autoimmune disease to watch out for and why they're sometimes hard to diagnoseand to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID.

Dr. Hirt explains, "Each specific Autoimmune Disease is associated with a pattern of self-attack on specific body tissues. Just like when the body attacks Covid, the self-attack generates antibodies against its specific target, such as joints, skin, hair, or any internal organ. Since the body is made up of dozens of types of tissues, there are dozens of types of Autoimmune antibodies. As a result, there are more than 80 different Autoimmune diseases, and your healthcare provider needs to figure out which of these to test you for in order to come up with the proper diagnosis. For example, Sjogren's disease (pronounced 'sho-gruns') is a fairly uncommon condition that can cause dry mouth because this disease attacks and dries out your saliva glands. When you complain to your provider about your unusually dry mouth, they might rightly assume you have a more common cause of dry mouth such as allergies, medication side effects, dental issues, or dehydration. Since the immune system is never supposed to attack your own salivary glands, your provider might not consider and run tests for a Sjogren's diagnosis at your first couple of visits for this common complaint. As the symptoms of many Autoimmune diseases are the same as other more benign medical conditions, the diagnosis of Autoimmune diseases can be delayed while your symptoms are being ascribed to something else."

Dr. Hirt says, "Any country with an Armed Forces is at risk for a coup d'etat, and similarly, any person with a functioning immune system is at risk for an Autoimmune disease. You may be more likely to get an Autoimmune disease if other people in your family have a history of Autoimmune diseases, if you are heavily exposed to certain chemicals, if you smoke or vape tobacco, if you consistently eat an unhealthy diet, or if you are under significant stress."

According to Dr. Hirt, "Our general good health relies on each of our organs working just as they were designed. While our body's tissues are quite strong, the immune system is even stronger and can destroy anything that it targets. So, when your own immune system has parts of you in its crosshairs, those tissues that are being attacked will not function properly, such as your knees which could affect your ability to walk. Additionally, the immune attack itself generates lots of different inflammation-triggering molecules much like when the immune system attacks a cold or flu virus. These inflammatory molecules can cause 'common cold' symptoms including headache, night sweats, fatigue, brain fog, and even low grade fevers. Experiencing these miserable symptoms for weeks and months can ruin your quality of life."

"If you have a prolonged bout of unexplained diarrhea, you could have an Autoimmune disease," Dr. Hirt shares. "Everyone can have a day or two of very loose or liquidy bowel movements after eating some food that was spoiled or hard to digest. But diarrhea that continues for weeks or is associated with bloody stools and abdominal pain can be a sign of Autoimmune diseases like Crohn's disease, Ulcerative Colitis, or Microscopic Colitis."

6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

Dr. Hirt states, "If you have red, non-itchy, flaky skin patches in your scalp or on your knees, elbows or genitals, you could have an Autoimmune disease. These flaky patches can be a sign of Psoriasis, an Autoimmune disease caused by the immune system attacking the skin. Unlike eczema that typically itches or dry skin patches that resolve with a good moisturizer, psoriatic patches stand 1-2 millimeters proud of the skin surface and will not resolve with the over-the-counter creams that soothe eczema and dry skin."

Dr. Hirt tells us, "If you have unexplained joint stiffness in the mornings that lasts more than 30 minutes, you may have an Autoimmune disease. It's one thing to wake up with your old-football injured knee feeling stiff some mornings, but when the other knee also inexplicably gets stiff at the same time, that could indicate the presence of an Autoimmune disease called Rheumatoid Arthritis. Autoimmune diseases tend to attack the same joint on both sides of the body at the same time. This unusual pattern of attack is not typical of most injuries or other common joint diseases like gout or infections that tend to affect one joint on just one side of the body. These symmetrical patterns of symptoms may be your first clue that something more significant is going on, like the start of an Autoimmune condition."

Heather Newgen

Excerpt from:
These are the First Signs of an Autoimmune Disease Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

Young Living, a Lehi, UT-based multi level marketing company, recently released its results on a study that centered around its antioxidant berry drink, NingXia Red. The research, conducted by The Franklin Health Research Center, was published in Advances in Integrative Medicine.

The beverage, rich in antioxidants, reduces oxidative stress, promotes wellness and immune support. The dark berry blend was linked to a boost in overall health, particularly in areas such as sleep, mental wellbeing, physical function, and immunity.

Researchers conducted the randomized clinical trial in the United States at the end of 2020 amid a pandemic to evaluate the effects of NingXia Red on multiple health outcomes. The proprietary NingXia Red Blend includes Ningxia wolfberry puree (Lycium barbarum), blueberry juice concentrate (Vaccinium corymbosum), plum juice concentrate (Prunus domestica), cherry juice concentrate (Prunus avium), aronia juice concentrate (Aronia melanocarpa), pomegranate juice concentrate (Punica granatum), along with a proprietary essential blend that contains grape (Vitis vinifera) seed extract, orange essential oil (Citrus sinensis), yuzu essential oil (Citrus junos), lemon essential oil (Citrus limon) and tangerine essential oil (Citrus reticulata).

The trial included 160 healthy adults between the ages of 18-65 were randomized to either a treatment or a control group, with data being collected at the baseline, on day 30, and on day 60 of the study. Each health outcome was measured using multiple clinically and statistically validated instruments that allow for self-reporting of signs and symptoms reflective of overall health status.

The study suggests that drinking 2oz of the blend a day can increase sleep quality, productivity, and mental wellbeing, particularly for women aged 20-49.

Data collected from the treatment group from day 60 revealed improved sleep patterns, increased time asleep by an average of 21 minutes and a decrease in time of falling asleep by an average of 6 minutes when compared to the control group. As a result of improved sleep quality, NingXia Red drinkers also experienced an average of a 37.9% increase in productivity. In addition, the study was also clinically shown to reduce daily stress by 23% and improve mental wellbeing. The effects were more significant in women compared to men, and more prevalent in adults aged 20-49 as compared to adults aged 50-65.

Compared to the control group, those who consumed NingXia Red were shown to increase physical energy levels by 34.5% and reduce physical limitations by 36%. Physical limitations due to inflammation, physical function, mental wellbeing and energy levels were measured by the bodys inability to achieve daily physical tasks such as carrying groceries, using stairs and taking walks. NingXia Red drinkers also averaged a 27% reduction in somatic symptom scores, which reflects improvement in gastrointestinal health, sleep quality, headaches, and respiratory function. Those who did not consume NingXia Red were about five times more likely to develop moderate to severe respiratory symptoms than the NingXia Red group.

Daily consumption of 60 ml of NingXia Red resulted in an increase in sleep duration when used consistently for 60 days. Length of illness was shorter in the supplement group compared to the control group. The supplement improved both immune response and overall health through a safe and healthy method of use, the authors concluded.

The authors acknowledged that certain populations could require a longer intervention time for effects to be documented. In the future, they suggest studies should examine the effects of an antioxidant beverage for periods of 46 months or longer to determine whether the benefits continue to increase.

Source: Advances in Integrative MedicineVolume 9, Issue 3, September 2022 doi.org/10.1016/j.aimed.2022.06.007Effects of antioxidant supplement on immune health and physical wellbeing: A randomized, controlled trialAuthors: J. Hawkins at al.

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Study: Dark berry blend linked to improved sleep, stress, physical health - NutraIngredients-usa.com

An unhealthy gutcan do more than cause tummy troubleswhen your microbiome is off your mood can be too. "Living inside every person are trillions of microorganisms- bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses-that are collectively known as the microbiome," Dr. Jessica Cho, M.D. and Integrative Medicine Specialist with Wellness at Century City tells us. She adds, "When you are healthy, your microbiome detoxifies your gut, boosts your immunity, and synthesizes specific vitamins and amino acids. Thus, several diseases including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and autism spectrum disorder-are now thought to be influenced by the gut microbiome." Recognizing the signs of a microbiome imbalance is essential to overall health and Eat This, Not That! Health spoke with experts who share what signals to look out for. Read onand to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID.

Dr. Samrat Jankar, Surgical Gastroenterologist, Gastroenterologist, Laparoscopic Surgeon and Colorectal Surgeon with Clinic Spots says, "Your gut microbiome is the collection of all the microbes (bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa) that live in your digestive tract. These microbes play a crucial role in keeping you healthy by helping to break down food, synthesize vitamins, and protect against pathogens."

Dr. Jankar says, "There are several things you can do to help keep your gut microbiome healthy, including:

-Eating a diverse array of fresh fruits and vegetables

-Avoiding processed foods

-Limiting your intake of antibiotics"

Dr. Cho shares, "Environmental exposures and diet may tip the balance of your microbiome, leading to higher susceptibility to infection. Probiotics, which are foods that naturally host microbiota or supplement pills, repair your microbiome and support your digestive health."

Dr. Jankar tells us, "Poor gut health has been linked to a variety of mood disorders, including anxiety and depression. This is thought to be due to the fact that the gut and brain are connected via the vagus nerve, which allows for communication between the two. Additionally, gut microbes produce neurotransmitters that can impact mood. Therefore, maintaining a healthy gut is essential for good mental health."

Dr. Cho explains, "Your microbiota influences not only the gut, but also brain function through immune and endocrine pathways and the nervous system. The gut microbiota of individuals with mood disorders contrasts significantly with that of healthy individuals because it secrets neurotransmitters and metabolites that influence our natural neurotransmitter levels, which affects behavior and mood. Poor gut health has been linked to a myriad of mood disorders, including anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder."6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

Dr. Cho says, "Digestion issues including IBS, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, and bloating are a sign of an unhealthy gut. Simple carbs like glucose and lactose are easily absorbed by our own small intestine, but we rely on our gut microbiome to help digest more complex structures. With a malfunctioning gut microbiome, we may experience digestive problems."

According to Dr. Cho, "Autoimmune diseases such as thyroid conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, and type 1 diabetes. Some microbes occupy niches in our gut that might otherwise host harmful bacteria, so without a robust microbiome, we may be more susceptible."

"Your gut microbiome influences inflammatory markers, which contributes to weight management," Dr. Cho explains.

Dr. Cho states, "there is a bi-directional relationship between gut microbiome and heavy metal toxicity. Heavy metals may contribute to the progression of various metabolic diseases due to perturbations of the gut microbiota by altering the pH, oxidative balance, and concentrations of detoxification enzymes in heavy metal metabolism and compromised integrity of intestinal barrier."

Heather Newgen

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Signs There is Something Wrong With Your Gut Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

Neuroplasticity is a wonderful thing.

Note: This article is a paid placement and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Billy Penn at WHYY.

Newsflash: Your brain is important to your overall well-being. Thats obvious, but not everyone may realize that when it feels like your brain isnt working right, doctors now have ways to diagnose and help treat the problem.

Many of us struggle with sub-optimal brain function for one or more reasons.

Concussions or traumatic head injuries are quite common, and even when they seem relatively minor, they can cause problematic long-term symptoms. More and more people complain of brain fog these days possibly related to long COVID, prolonged stress, or other causes. Some just notice their brains simply arent working as sharply.

These issues can be overwhelming, but theres good news. Exciting advances in neuroscience underscore that our brains are incredibly resilient and adaptable. And there are now advanced technologies that can much more accurately assess brain function.

The combination of these diagnostic tools and the science of neuroplasticity are now being leveraged in some of todays modern treatments for enhancing brain function.

It turns out the human brain and its 85-120 billion neurons can repair damaged neural pathways, as well as build new ones. This happens throughout the course of our lifetimes! Even aging brains have the capacity to reorganize and rebuild neural connections.

The key is having an accurate, objective assessment of current brain function and an approach to neuroplasticity tailored to the measured deficits and unique issues a particular person is experiencing.

The Marcus Institute of Integrative Health Jefferson Health has been on the leading edge of studying brain dysfunction, researching the best paths for restorative care, and creating programs of clinical excellence. This multidimensional work has culminated in the Marcus Institutes Optimal Brain Program, which includes a diagnostic assessment and clinical treatment component focusing on enhancing brain resiliency and performance.

The Optimal Brain one-day assessment includes brain imaging protocols designed by world-renowned medical neuroscientist, Andrew Newberg, MD. Additional expertise may include evaluations designed by lead neurologist, Daniel Kremens, MD, an international leader in the field, as well as New York Times best-selling author on brain health, Sara Gottfried, MD.

The combined expertise of medical and rehabilitative health professionals at the Marcus Institute ensures that the Optimal Brain Health assessment and treatment programs will assess performance and provide scientifically informed options for the path forward.

To learn more about the Marcus Institute of Integrative Healths Optimal Brain Health assessment and treatment program, visit JeffersonHealth.org/MarcusBrain.

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Can your brain improve? Modern medicine says yes, if you get proper testing and treatment - Billy Penn

Its impossible to escape the coconut oil fever. With it, people are baking. Theyre using it for cooking. They spread it over their toast and pour it into their coffee. They are rubbing it into their skin, hair, and other areas. It looks like coconut oil can accomplish anything!

But just because this oil is popular among keto dieters doesnt necessarily mean its better for you than other types. When consuming or cooking with coconut oil, its important to bear in mind that it contains saturated fats. Coconut oil, like other solid at room temperature fats, is heavy in saturated fat, the kind of fat that most health experts advise reducing in the diet. According to study, 90 percent of the fat in coconut oil is saturated.

While the healthfulness of saturated fat has been debated, a systematic evaluation of 16 clinical trials, published in 2020, found that using coconut oil raises LDL (bad) cholesterol more than using nontropical plant oils. As a result, while it may increase HDL, the LDL cholesterol associated to an increased risk of heart disease is also increased.

The American Heart Association advises reducing your daily consumption of saturated fat to 13 grammes because of this. The US Department of Agriculture estimates that 11 grammes of saturated fat are included in one tablespoon of coconut oil. If you use coconut oil excessively, its rather simple to reach or go over that limit. Additionally, it doesnt leave much room in your diet for other sources of saturated fat.

According to Tieraona Low Dog, MD, an expert in integrative medicine and womens health and the author of Fortify Your Life: Your Guide to Vitamins, Minerals, and More, coconut oil should be one of many oils you consume. Theres no need to overdo it (it does contain 121 calories per tablespoon, about the same as other oils). Put it in a rotation with ghee, grapeseed oil, peanut oil, and extra-virgin olive oil, she advises.

But even if you use coconut oil sparingly, there are so many other advantages that a container might not last long! Check out these applications for coconut oil from head to toe.

1. As an all-natural remedy for eczema:According to Dr. Low Dog, coconut oil may be helpful in controlling an eczema flare-up. Scratching irritated skin could possibly spread staph bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, which requires antibiotics). Conversely, she notes that research revealed that using [coconut oil] daily to your skin for a month resulted to a 95% reduction in staph on the skin. Lauric acid, which is abundant in coconut oil and has antibacterial and antifungal properties, helps combat dangerous microorganisms. The barrier of your skin, which serves as your bodys first line of protection against infection, may be repaired using its moisturising properties.

2. As a method of treating acne:Early study suggests that coconut oil may be a reasonable choice for patients with mild to severe skin infections, especially acne vulgaris caused by P. acnes, in addition to the many other advantages of its antifungal and antibacterial qualities. Research has shown that coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties, may shield the skin from UV rays, and may improve the skins natural function as a barrier against environmental irritants. However, coconut oil, like all other oils, is comedogenic, which means it can clog pores. Therefore, before using it if you have sensitive skin or are prone to acne, get advice from a board-certified dermatologist.

3. As a Moisturizer:When applied to your skin, coconut oil truly glows. Coconut oil is a fantastic natural hydrator because it doesnt have any added aroma or other potentially irritating additives. I really like applying it topically. According to Low Dog, the ingredients in coconut oil can safely and effectively replenish skins moisture. Coconut oil was proven to be equally safe as other oils and to considerably increase skin moisture when applied to skin twice daily for two weeks. Low Dog continues, You can use coconut oil to reduce the risk of bacterial infections and to soothe irritation and inflammation. Heat some in your hands and apply it to your skin after getting out of the shower.

4. To Improve Oral Health:It has helped Low Dogs patients with gum issues or plaque overgrowth to use the oil pulling technique, which involves swishing olive oil around in the mouth. However, you might also want to give coconut oil a shot.

Also Read:Monsoon Skincare: This Fruit Will Keep Your Skin Healthy And Great-lookingThere is some evidence that coconut oil may be advantageous to dental health in general and the oral microbiota in particular, according to the expert. Lauric acid, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities that may help prevent the development of dental cavities, may be the cause of the advantages, claims a review article that was published in 2017 in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine. While oil pulling cannot take the place of routine dental care, when done appropriately and frequently, it does seem to improve oral cleanliness, according to the review.

5. To Promote Vaginal Health:Even though there isnt much scientific evidence supporting the usage of coconut oil as a natural lubricant, Low Dog notes that it is regularly done thus. Its better to use a water-based lubricant in that situation if youre using coconut oil as a natural lubricant because studies has shown that it can break down latex condoms.

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Some women put a tiny amount of organic refined coconut oil to a micro pad before bed to assist alleviate vaginal dryness. According to Low Dog, its very, very moisturising to the vagina. Because there isnt much study on this application, you should talk to your doctor before using it and perform a patch test beforehand in case you have a negative reaction.

Additionally, preliminary research suggests that the medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil may aid in the eradication of Candida, the fungus that causes yeast infections. Additional human trials are required, however an in vitro study suggests that coconut oil may be just as effective in this area as a well-known antifungal drug. Again, since this research is still in its early stages, you should speak with a doctor before trying any at-home remedies.

6. In order to avoid athletes foot:Athletes foot may be prevented by the same antifungal properties of coconut oil, notably lauric and caprylic acid. Although preliminary research has showed these chemicals to have encouraging antifungal action, more studies are required to evaluate whether they will be safe and effective for use in people. However, Low Dog advises massaging coconut oil into your feet before bed if you frequently work out in the gym and are concerned about the possibility of developing athletes foot. (Because it could be greasy, cover up with socks.) A added benefit of using coconut oil to your feet is that it will hydrate them, as dry, cracked skin is more common on the heels.Remember that wearing shoes or slippers while taking a shower and completely drying your skin before putting on your socks and shoes are the greatest strategies to prevent gym fungal infections.

7. In help totreat hair:According to study, coconut oil can help lower the chance of hair damage when used either before or after washing. When used before and after washing hair, it was the only oil out of three studied to lessen protein loss for both healthy and damaged hair. One rationale is that coconut oils lauric acid can quickly permeate hair proteins to help shield your locks. Just be careful not to overuse the oil or you can end up appearing oily (even though your mane will be well moisturized).

Also Read:These Tips And Tricks Can Help You Overcome Tailbone Pain

Recent studies have also suggested that coconut oil may help treat dandruff. Coconut oil may benefit the health of the scalp microbiome, according to a 2021 Scientific Reports study (possibly because of its antifungal, antimicrobial properties). Women who were prone to dandruff who had coconut oil applied to their scalps experienced an increase in microorganisms that were adversely associated to dandruff. The occasional coconut oil hair mask definitely wont hurt, but more research is required.

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Ingenious Ideas to Add Coconut Oil Into Your Beauty and Health Routine - News18