By Dr. Fred Pescatore

Sleeping is as vital to human health as food, water and air. It has been directly connected to weight management, heart health, cognitive health as well as brain detoxification and mitochondrial function. And I think we’ve all had patients that present with a seemingly unbeatable case of insomnia. They’ve tried everything: low dose melatonin, high dose melatonin, teas, going to bed at the same time every night, relaxing music that sounds like the beach, meditation, copious amounts of alcohol and the list goes on. While a number of these strategies work for select patients, I’ve run into many patients that have needed a more complete approach.

By Dr. Gary Kracoff, RPh, NMD

One of the most prevalent ways that elevated cortisol presents is abdominal adiposity and obesity.  This is driven by two areas of physiology that I would say are ‘somewhat’ understood by the majority of practitioners I speak with.  More than ever people are making the connection between cortisol and abdominal adiposity, but the most significant mechanisms have remained unexplored in the recesses of physiology texts.

As doctors continue to bring this information to the forefront of their patients’ minds, the clinical outcomes will continue to improve as will the health of the practice itself.

The two target tissues that cortisol hones in on are the adipocytes themselves and thyroid hormone.  Repeated activation of the HPA axis results in excessive secretion of cortisol.  The cortisol then binds to the glucocorticoid receptors on fat cells which in turn activate lipoprotein lipase, which leads to…you guessed it, fat storage in the adipocytes.  And it just so happens that there are a greater concentration of glucocorticoid receptors in visceral as opposed to peripheral adipose tissue.  This observation of the presence of abdominal fat is the basis upon which practitioners make clinical judgement regarding the presence of excessive cortisol.

By Dr. Ronald Hoffman

Diindolylmethane (DIM) is a versatile nutraceutical for which I find many uses in my practice. It is naturally obtained via dietary consumption of cruciferous vegetables. Brussel Sprouts, Garden Cress, Mustard Greens, Turnip, and Kale are rich sources of glucobrassicans, the mother compounds of beneficial glucosinolates like indole-3-carbinol, which is metabolized into DIM. However, heat treatment, particularly boiling and microwaving, degrades?myrosinase, the plant compound responsible for bio-transformation of glucobrassicans into useful compounds like DIM and sulforaphane.

An advantage of supplementation with DIM over consumption of large amounts of raw cruciferous vegetables is avoidance of goitrogenic isothiocyanates. These compounds compete with iodine for binding in the thyroid, potentially contributing to hypothyroidism. DIM is thought not to have goitrogenic properties. To obtain the benefits of DIM contained in just two capsules per day, it is estimated that the average person would have to consume two pounds of raw cabbage family vegetables per day, an intake that might court the danger of thyroid suppression.

By Ramneek S. Bhogal, DC, DABCI

Metabolism has recently become a very important topic. As our food sources and activity levels have changed over time, so too have the success of our metabolic functions. It is now estimated that one in three adults live with metabolic syndrome – a combination of risk factors including high blood sugar and imbalanced cholesterol levels.

We knew we had to create a supplement to support healthy metabolism and energy balance for our customers.* We didn’t want a typical weight management formula, but instead a multivitamin and mineral supplement that offers more—real support for healthy metabolic functions. Metabolic Multi was born.*

A vegetarian, gluten free tablet featuring 38 nutrients, Metabolic Multi supports a wide range of metabolic health factors, including those that can contribute to Metabolic Syndrome.*

One of its most distinct characteristics is the inclusion of Phytosome complexes.

Everyone’s heard that you must hydrate when you’re sick. But why hydrate when you’re healthy? One big reason: water helps you detox--by helping to form the liquids that carry normal toxins out of your body, effectively flushing your system while maintaining the lubrication your body needs to function smoothly.

Water can help cleanse your digestive system and encourage fluid circulation, which will help you eliminate wastes on a more regular basis - and generally feel good.

With detox on the mind, we looked back at our guest writer Karen’s tips for water haters - and her reminders of why hydration matters.

By Karen Sturtevant

Zippy and Zoey are my Russian tortoises. Their lineage originates from the dry, arid regions of Afghanistan, Northern Pakistan and the Soviet territory, Kazakhstan. They can go days, even weeks, without water.

What liquid they do get comes primarily from their diet of deep greens (kale, spinach, Romaine lettuce).  I give them a bath once a week and if thirsty, will drink then. They don’t have access to water and don’t care much for it when it is offered to them. You and I are not tortoises and need water for survival and to function at our best.

Feeling under the weather? Us too - and we mean that literally. Allergy season is here, and we’re doing everything we can to keep them at bay.

But what if you’ve tried everything you can think of, and you’re still not experiencing the relief you’re seeking?

These three home remedies are a little on the strange side, but they’re tried and true.

We often talk about Autism in children and about social challenges that accompany the disorder. But have you ever wondered which physical health concerns correlate with Autism in adults? You aren’t alone.

As reported by Maureen Salamon, Kaiser Permanente researchers  found that, based on a comparison of prevalence of diagnoses among 2,100 adults with an autism spectrum disorder to 21,000 adults without the disorder, those with an Autism diagnosis showed higher rates of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, as well as higher rates of physical ailments.

The team had examined medical records from 2008-2012. Reporters highlighted the following seven findings on physical health challenges:

Cognitive function and brain health are on our minds this Autism Awareness Month. And we’re always proud to share that DaVinci’s pioneer product, DMG, has proven to be an important part of the supplement regimens of many families whose lives Autism has touched.

DMG is actually a precursor to many of the amino acids and neurotransmitters that aid in brain and nerve function.* It helps the body adapt to various forms of stress and supports immune system wellness.* Based on 20 years of extensive research into its benefits and safety, DaVinci has been awarded three U.S. patents on DMG.

Perhaps more important than this, though, are anecdotal reports of DMG’s benefits. It has been reported to modify and improve behavior, eye contact, social interaction, verbal skills and alertness.* It may also reduce lethargy, acting as an energy supportive nutrient.*

We saw what DMG meant and decided to offer another formula that provided more ingredients to work together to support balanced behavior patterns  Behavior Balance-DMG* was born.

Trendy superfoods have been coming and going in and out of the spotlight for decades. But kefir is different. It has true staying power.

It’s one of the oldest products of its type (cultured milk) in existence. Kefir has been sold as kefir drink since 1908 in Moscow, and it keeps its spot on our health-food radar for a bunch of reasons.

In fact, many people believe that the origin of the word kefir is the word “keyif”, which refers to the “good feeling” you’ll get after drinking or eating it.

So, what is it?

Kefir is a grain, but is more popularly known as a drink, a fermented milk product made from using the kefir grains as a yeast/bacterial starter. You can buy it pre-made or make it at home.