Research Links Childhood Obesity to Diabetes Drug Taken During Pregnancy
Node Smith, ND A recent research study has concluded that when women take the common diabetes drug, Metformin, during pregnancy, their children have a significantly increased likelihood of being overweight or obese.1 Metformin crosses placenta and passes to the fetus There are 2 common reasons why a woman might be prescribed Metformin, one is the […]
Increasing Peer Awareness of Depression Increases Help-Seeking
Node Smith, ND A recent paper was published that discusses a new approach to facilitating community awareness of mental health. The approach concentrates on peer-to-peer education and interaction at the high school and junior high level.1 The program is called the Peer-to-Peer Depression Awareness Campaign (P2P). Peer-to-Peer Depression Awareness Campaign (P2P) High schools nationwide report […]
Meditation for Managing Attention and Emotions
Node Smith, ND A recent study adds to the increasing acceptance that the ability to silence the chaotic inner workings of the mind, through meditation, is a crucial foundation for gaining control over our emotions and attention. In the study, the description used for what meditation facilitates is great – the experience of mental silence. […]
Nutrition for Mental Health
Node Smith, ND We often don’t consider how much our diets contribute to mental health. In fact, it is common for even more holistically minded health practitioners to advocate very adamantly for diet and lifestyle changes for conditions such as hypertension, obesity, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, even cancer, while considering depression and anxiety as needing specific […]
Growing up surrounded by greenery increases cognitive function later in life
Node Smith, ND Humans have an intimate connection with nature; it is part of the human evolutionary process, to be in contact with the natural world. This is commonly referred to as the biophilia hypothesis, and more and more research is supporting its practical impact on our lives, and especially the lives of our children […]
Study: Beetroot Juice is Great for Heart and Kidneys
Node Smith, ND Two recent studies on beetroot juice supplements support their use in certain disorders of the heart, and as protection for the kidneys after radioactive isotopes are used for imaging techniques.1,2 Specifically, beetroot juice was found to enhance the exercise capacity of individuals with heart failure. Beetroot Juice and Heart Failure The research […]
Study Links Alcohol Use and Dementia
Node Smith, ND A new study from the Lancet Public Health journal shows that overconsumption of alcohol, as from an alcohol use disorder, may be one of the most crucial avoidable risk factors of all types of dementia – and especially early-onset dementia.1 The study looked at over one million adults diagnosed with dementia. The […]
Medicating Stress & Depression Away: Search for the “Dr. Feel Good” Pill (Part I)
Dr Sarah LoBisco, ND The Sad Mental State of Our Nation The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)1 reports that major depression is one of the most common mental disorders of Americans. It can result in significant interference in major life activities. Approximately 16.2 million U.S. adults, or 6.7%, has suffered from one or more […]
The Word “Exercise” is Outdated and Here’s Why
Node Smith, ND Let’s Stop Using the Word “Exercise” The word “exercise,” for most people, is associated with a structured regimen, plan, or program that involves a certain level of skill, knowledge or training. This idea places a huge obstacle in front of individuals who have not been “trained” in any specific type of “exercise.” […]
Detect Autism with Blood and Urine Tests
Node Smith, ND Autism Rates Have Skyrocketed in Recent Decades Thousands of children are diagnosed with various degrees of autism, or placed on the “autism spectrum,” each year. It is estimated that as many as 1 in 68 children in the United States falls within the diagnostic criteria of autism. These diagnoses are primarily based […]