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Fasting and Mitochondrial Health
As the pioneer and global leader of Functional Medicine, the Institute of Functional Medicine leads and catalyses the efforts of a large and expanding Functional Medicine ecosystem, including providers, educators, payers, industry leaders, regulators, and influencers.
2023
Abstract
The IFM provides a concise summary of fasting and its impact on mitochondrial health, exploring fasting intervention types and the mechanism of action of two key players mediating mitochondria biogenesis: PGC-1 alpha and NrF2.
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2.
All about your vaginal flora
OptiBac Probiotics specialise entirely in probiotics. One of their core values is encouraging people to take health into their own hands in a responsible manner. Training and education is a cornerstone of this, and with their expertise, they hope to help raise awareness of probiotics and their potential to help change lives.
2023
Abstract
OptiBac take a deep dive into the vaginal microbiome and the role of Lactobacillus which is estimated to make up approximately 95% of the average vaginal flora. The production of both lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide are two key processes which help to prevent the growth of unfavourable strains of bacteria and yeast that may cause health infections such as thrush and bacterial vaginosis. The article explores vaginal microbiome changes during life stages such as puberty, pregnancy and menopause, which are thought to be attributed largely to oestrogen fluctuations given the influence of oestrogen on glycogen levels, the main food source for Lactobacillus. Besides hormonal shifts, some additional triggers for vaginal infection are reviewed and the mechanisms involved, including sexual intercourse, high sugar diets, antibiotics, stress and the use of hygiene products.
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3.
How to reduce brain inflammation: 4 actions you can take today
Dr Ruscio is a Doctor of Natural Medicine, Doctor of Chiropractic, clinical researcher and author. His podcast, Dr Ruscio Radio presents cutting edge information in health, nutrition and functional medicine distilled into practical advice that can be used to improve our health.
2023
Abstract
Dr Ruscio focuses on the link between brain inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s but also brain fog and mood. He summarises how it might be possible to reduce neuroinflammation through diet, looking at the links with dysbiosis and leaky gut but also exercise, sleep hygiene, and stress management. A concise overview of the evidence for diets such as Paleo, Low FODMAP, Ketogenic and Low Carb, as well as the Mediterranean diet for reducing inflammation and supporting brain health is provided. The potential for lab testing via anti and pro-inflammatory markers is also reviewed.
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4.
Brain fats – seafood, omega-3 PUFAs, phospholipids and Vitamin D
Food for the Brain Foundation are a not for profit charity working to raise awareness of the importance of optimum nutrition in mental health, and to empower individuals to change their diet and lifestyle and take greater control of their own mental health.
2023
Abstract
A quick overview of the importance of omega 3 fatty acids, phospholipids, B vitamins and Vitamin D for supporting cognitive health including the evidence for supplementation.
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5.
Nutrients for female brain health across the lifespan
Food for the Brain Foundation are a not for profit charity working to raise awareness of the importance of optimum nutrition in mental health, and to empower individuals to change their diet and lifestyle and take greater control of their own mental health.
2023
Abstract
A blog that explores specific nutrients and dietary patterns that are most supportive of female brain health across the lifespan starting with premenstruation, menstruation and finally the menopause.
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6.
The menstrual cycle: A seasonal guide
The Institute for Optimum Nutrition (ION) was founded in by 1984 by Patrick Holford with the support of twice Nobel Prize winner Professor Linus Pauling, ION has been successfully training nutritional therapists for more than 30 years and is recognised as one of the most respected training bodies of its kind in Europe. Their mission is to ‘educate and enthuse, instilling optimum nutrition as the foundation of health for all’.
2023
Abstract
This blog post summarises the hormonal changes that occur at each stage of the menstrual cycle and potential symptoms that may be experienced, aligning each stage with one of the four ‘seasons’. There is a focus on menstrual migraines and inflammation, which waxes and wanes throughout the cycle in accordance with fluctuating hormone levels. It is suggested that nutrition and lifestyle can be tailored to each ‘season’ to help optimise the cycle.
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7.
Nutrition & the Menstrual Cycle
Rhitrition is a renowned Harley Street nutrition clinic founded by Rhiannon Lambert, one of the UK’s leading nutritionists. Rhitrition believe in empowering everyone to embrace a healthy way of living through the food we enjoy and the life we lead, and to strive to find a way of eating that works for us individually.
2023
Abstract
An insightful and well evidenced blog post reviewing the nutritional considerations for each phase of the menstrual cycle including support for oestrogen detoxification, insulin sensitivity; energy levels, inflammation and more.
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8.
Diet. Nutrition, and cancer risk: what do we know and what is the way forward.
The BMJ Opinion provides comment and opinion written by The British Medical Journal's international community of readers, authors, and editors.
2023
Abstract
An in depth exploration of the current evidence linking diet and nutrition to the risk of several different types of cancer along the digestive tract and other common cancers such as breast, lung and prostate cancer. Besides providing an invaluable overview of the available nutrition research for each cancer type, it includes a useful summary of the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) and International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) conclusions regarding nutritional factors that may be contributing to the cancer burden worldwide, namely obesity and alcohol. The fact that evidence for other nutritional factors is currently inconclusive is thought to be largely due to the difficulty of performing research into the effects of nutrition on health.
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9.
The connection between POPs and Metabolic Syndrome
As the pioneer and global leader of Functional Medicine, the Institute of Functional Medicine leads and catalyses the efforts of a large and expanding Functional Medicine ecosystem, including providers, educators, payers, industry leaders, regulators, and influencers.
2023
Abstract
This IFM insight investigates the growing link between persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and increased rates of metabolic syndrome. There is evidence that POPs may also impair metabolic functioning of ‘normal weight’ individuals and not just those who are overweight or obese due to their potential impact on the gut microbiome. Underlying mechanisms are explored as well as the risks of eliminating POPs from the body. They review dietary approaches that may be targeted to support individuals with metabolic syndrome along with a high toxic burden in light of the ubiquity of POPs in our food environment.
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10.
Supporting Men’s Mental Health
As the pioneer and global leader of Functional Medicine, the Institute of Functional Medicine leads and catalyses the efforts of a large and expanding Functional Medicine ecosystem, including providers, educators, payers, industry leaders, regulators, and influencers.
2023
Abstract
An insightful short read by the IFM raising awareness about gender norms around masculinity and the stigma of men’s mental health as barriers for support by practitioners. It suggests that men’s mental health issues may go unrecognised or undiagnosed due to presenting factors and the fact that men are in general less likely to seek support. The evidence for reducing mental health stigma in men and tailoring lifestyle interventions are discussed.