Vitamin B12 May be More Available to Vegans Soon
Node Smith, ND A major discovery about vitamin B12 may have significant impact to improve the vitamin content of some vegetarian and vegan diets.1 Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is typically supplemented in vegan and vegetarian diets (or consumed through fortified products) because it is not readily available from plant sources. Plants don’t make B12 because they […]
Reminder: Biotin Can Alter Lab Results
Node Smith, ND In a case report in the Journal of the Endocrine Society, we are reminded to be mindful of how supplementation of certain vitamins and minerals may alter lab results.1 The specific case study shows how a patient taking a biotin supplement was led down a rabbit hole of various consultations and unnecessary […]
Saunas May Lower Stroke Risk
Node Smith, ND According to a recent study, using saunas regularly is associated with a reduction in stroke risk.1 Using a sauna 4-7 times per week was seen to lower stroke risk by 61 percent. This is the conclusion after a 15-year follow-up. This study is the first of its kind. The study was conducted […]
Overall Patient Dissatisfaction with Conventional Hypothyroid Treatments
Node Smith, ND An interesting study has recently been published that highlights patient dissatisfaction with their treatment of a very common condition, hypothyroidism.1 This may come as a concerning revelation, considering the routine comfort many practitioners have in treating this condition, which occurs in over 10 million individuals in the United States. Over 12,000 people […]
World Health Organization Against Trans Fats
Node Smith, ND The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a precedent for a worldwide ban on artificial trans fats in all foods over the next 5 years. Trans fats are recognized as unhealthy fats that are artificially made by adding hydrogen to vegetable oil. This process creates a solid oil at a lower temperature, […]
Neurophysiological Foundation for Mindful Breathing
Node Smith, ND Many claim that meditative practices concentrating on bringing awareness to the breath, such as pranayama, can increase focus, and attention. A study from Trinity College Dublin elucidates this link between the breath and attention. Breath-training through mindful meditation practices has myriad cognitive benefits Much like training other physical abilities, breath-training through mindful […]
Gut Biodiversity and Atherosclerosis
Node Smith, ND A recent study has shown that microbiome diversity, or lack thereof, may influence atherosclerosis.1 The research is being conducted at the MRC and British Heart Foundation. Non-diverse gut microbiota may lead to many diseases and disorders There is a growing interest in the gut microbiome’s relationship with various diseases and disorders. Diversity, […]
Healthy Diet Helps Fertility
Node Smith, ND A recent report in the journal Human Reproduction, concludes that it may be more difficult for women who consume too much junk food to become pregnant.1 Research shows that women who don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables may have a decreased chance of conceiving over the course of a year. Infertility plagues […]
SLEEP: The Great Regulator of Health
A new study on linking quality of life to sleep duration in a population with chronic kidney disease speaks loudly to the importance of sleep for maintaining our mental and physical health.1 While the study states that sleep disorders are common in individuals with chronic kidney disease, it is well understood that sleep problems are […]
Study Supports Low-Carb Diet in Management of Type 1 Diabetes
Node Smith, ND A recent study has dug up the historical practice of carbohydrate restriction in type 1 diabetes management and shown it to be effective at decreasing insulin requirements as well as improving patient satisfaction with the management of their diabetes.1 Authors of the study point out that this approach to diabetes management is […]