Growing Up in the City Could Increase Chances of Mental Illness
Node Smith, ND A new study from the University of Colorado at Boulder shows that people raised in an urban environment without pets around have a less resilient immune system and may be at higher risk for mental illness.1 This research furthers the conversation of the “hygiene theory” into realm of mental health, connecting some […]
Link Between PPI Use and Pneumonia in the Elderly
Node Smith, ND A recent study has found a link between the use of Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) and pneumonia in the elderly.1 PPIs are a commonly used class of drugs for the treatment of heartburn and stomach ulcers. They are generally viewed as safe by the conventional medical community and utilized very often, however, there […]
Are High-Tech Baby Toys Decreasing Language Development?
Node Smith, ND A very interesting article from JAMA Pediatrics, recently suggested that infant toys that produce words, songs and lights may be causing a decrease in the quantity and quality of language development.1 The study found an association between these “whiz-bang” games and toys and a decrease in language quality/quantity compared to more traditional […]
Are You Safe to Drive after Smoking Pot? Guess What: There’s an App For that!
Node Smith, ND With the increase in legalization of marijuana many more people may be using the plant recreationally. Though the effects are completely different, marijuana is a mind altering substance, which raises similar questions when choosing to use it, such as “is it safe to drive,” or “how impaired am I?” Assessing impairment after […]
Finding Purpose in Life May Be a Key to Overcoming Anxiety
Node Smith, ND A recent study found that individuals who find purpose and meaning in life are less likely to suffer from anxiety disorders, even during difficult and turbulent times of life.1 Feeling in control of one’s life was also a factor that influenced anxiety, according to the study from the University of Cambridge, and […]
Top 5 Lifestyle Behaviors to Prolong Life by almost 15 years
Node Smith, ND According to a recent study from the American Heart Association, a list of 5 healthy lifestyle factors could actually prolong life expectancy by almost 15 years.1 These are incredibly common health considerations, and known to significantly impact cardiovascular health, the number one contributor to early death in America. Even though America is […]
Strenuous Exercise Strengthens Immunity: A Switch in Immunological Perspective
Node Smith, ND A recent study may be changing the way in which the medical community looks at how strenuous exercise affects the immune system. Researchers from the Department of Health at the University of Bath have reinterpreted scientific literature over the past 4 decades and have found that exercise, rather than “dampening immunity,” may […]
Anti-Aging Prescription: Resistance Training
Node Smith, ND Exercise of any kind is beneficial to health, but there may be some that are more effective, or efficient at achieving a specific goal. If your goal is to circumvent the effects of aging, and maintain strength and endurance into later years, it looks like resistance training may be your best option. […]
Major Study Questions Safe Limits on Alcohol Consumption
Node Smith, ND A recent new study significantly calls into question the current safe limits on alcohol consumption. It shows that the current recommendations on alcohol safety limits may be a bit high, and that consuming as little as 10 drinks per week may reduce life expectancy.1 Current CDC Alcohol Consumption Recommendations Currently, the CDC […]
Gastrointestinal and Immune Dysfunction Common in Children with Autism
Node Smith, ND A recent article addresses the gastrointestinal issues that many children with autism experience and link it to changes in inflammation mediated by a dysregulation in the immune system, also common in autism spectrum disorder (ASD).1 The research has been conducted at the UC Davis MIND Institute and is published in the journal […]