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1.
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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2.
Probiotic Drinks: Are They as Effective as Probiotic Supplements?
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 explores the evidence around different types of probiotic drinks, their wide ranging effects on gut, cardiovascular, metabolic, and immune system health, and how their efficacy may be impacted by storage and processing. He also does a comparison between the effectiveness of probiotic drinks, probiotic supplements and probiotic food, with respect to their viability and delivery system within the body.
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3.
Decreasing Migraine Frequency with Nutrition
As the pioneer and global leader of Functional Medicine, the Institute of Functional Medicine (IFM) leads and catalyses the efforts of a large and expanding Functional Medicine ecosystem, including providers, educators, payers, industry leaders, regulators, and influencers.
2022
Abstract
It is proposed that nutritional interventions for migraines might reduce migraine occurrence and increase the quality of life for migraine sufferers. Immune mediated food sensitivities have been implicated as an underlying factor and evidence suggests that IgG based elimination diets may reduce the quantity of migraines. Supplements such as CoQ10, magnesium citrate, riboflavin, cinnamon, and vitamin D (if deficient) may also reduce the frequency of migraine attacks. Given that cardiovascular and neurological comorbidities have been closely associated with migraines it is interesting that dietary approaches such as the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) and MIND (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) diets have been shown to reduce headache severity. The role of fatty acids is also highlighted as studies have linked omega-3 fatty acid intake with migraine prophylaxis, providing another avenue for migraine support.
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4.
Navigating Obesity in Immune Dysfunction
KARA FITZGERALD, ND completed a post-doctorate in nutritional biochemistry/laboratory science with Richard Lord, Ph.D. Author: Case Studies in Integrative and Functional Medicine, contributing author: Laboratory Evaluations for Integrative and Functional Medicine; IFM’s Textbook for Functional Medicine. She lectures globally on functional medicine; is on faculty at IFM and practices in Connecticut.
2021
Abstract
This blog post discusses the management of obesity in clinical practice. The benefits of using a personalised approach are highlighted while other factors are taken into consideration when supporting obese patients - too little versus too much physical activity, and their equal contribution to respiratory tract infection risk for example. The crucial role of weight loss is analysed and discussed, along with the importance of working with a team of different healthcare practitioners, who practice patient-lead healthcare.
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5.
Does the gut microbiome increase cardiovascular disease?
Alex Manos is one of the UK’s leading Functional Medicine practitioners who specialises in SIBO and gut-related disorders, as well as mould illness and mycotoxins. He is also very passionate about physical therapy, movement, resiliency, life coaching, nutritional therapy, and biohacking. He is a lecturer at various colleges and institutions including the Institute of Optimum Nutrition (ION) and one the MSc program at The Centre For Nutritional Education and Lifestyle Management (CNELM).
2021
Abstract
In this blog post, Alex Manos discusses the role played by the diversity of the intestinal microbiota in cardiovascular disease. He presents us with the intestinal microbial communities that widely differ between patients with symptomatic atherosclerosis and healthy controls. This article is a precious source of information as it lets the reader understand how closely blood pressure is affected by the diversity of the gut microbiome, and how specific classes of microorganisms can positively or negatively impact our risk of cardiovascular disease development.
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6.
The Functional Medicine Approach to COVID-19: Virus-Specific Nutraceutical and Botanical Agents
As the pioneer and global leader of Functional Medicine, the Institute of Functional Medicine leads and catalyzes the efforts of a large and expanding Functional Medicine ecosystem, including providers, educators, payers, industry leaders, regulators, and influencers.
2021
Abstract
This document published in December 2020 discusses the mechanisms of action of a number of different botanical and nutraceutical agents. These agents can be considered immunoadjuvants, defined as substances that act to accelerate, prolong, or enhance antigen-specific immune responses by potentiating or modulating the immune response. The aim of this paper is to provide resources for practitioners who are supporting patients going through Covid-19. This article is part one of a series and the link for part two can be found under the section “Background and Introduction”.
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7.
Relaxation techniques: Breath control helps quell errant stress response
Harvard Health Publishing (HHP) is the consumer health education division of Harvard Medical School (HMS), under the direction of Dr. David H. Roberts, Dean for External Education. Their publications draw on the expertise of the 11,000+ faculty physicians at HMS, as well as our world-famous affiliated hospitals, to provide authoritative, trustworthy, and actionable health information to our global audience.
2021
Abstract
In this article, Harvard Health Publishing presents some relaxation techniques that can be used to mitigate anxiety and our reaction to stress. Nowadays, stress responses occur more and more frequently, putting a toll on our immune and cardiovascular systems, as well as on our general wellbeing status. It explains how deep abdominal breathing needs to be encouraged in order to promote full oxygen exchange, as this has been shown to slow the heartbeat, lower blood pressure, and help to disengage from stressful thoughts and sensations.
Sponsored Blog Post
8.
Probiotics for Immunity – a Look at the Research
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.
2020
Abstract
This blog post presents the evidence available about the links between the gut microbiome, probiotics and the human immune system. With a useful run through of the different aspects of our immune systems, it provides details of the evidence for specific probiotic strains and in what circumstances they can be effectively and safely used to boost immunity.
Sponsored Blog Post
9.
How to take care of your immune system
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.
2020
Abstract
This blog post summaries some of the simple but powerful dietary and lifestyle measures that can be taken to support the immune system. It discusses the power of sleep, exercise and diet in relation to immunity and the importance of minimising levels of stress, alcohol and travel. With useful tips for each of these areas and an attractive infographic setting it out in an eye-catching visual, it is a great one for Nutrition Practitioners to share with clients through their own social media channels.
Sponsored Blog Post
10.
Your Child's Microbiome: Dr Kate's Complete Guide
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.
2020
Abstract
A healthy gut microbiome is important to many aspects of health, from digestion, immunity, energy and skin. This blogpost provides up-to-date information on children's microbiome health, exploring pregnancy, birth and the early years in detail and giving details of what can affect the microbiome and ways to support it. Nutrition Practitioners working with parents and children will find the infographic on Your Child's Microbiome included in this blogpost a useful clinical tool.