Metabolic Health

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Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease on the Rise, Moderate Exercise is a Viable Solution

The annual Digestive Disease Week, sponsored by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, American Gastroenterological Association, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, was held from May 18 to 21 in San Diego. Two studies caught the attention of Today’s Practitioner: 1. on the increasing rates of liver disease and, 2. on a very simple solution to reducing the risk of

Environmental Toxicants – A Factor in the Development of Diabetes?

Data shows a relationship between environmental toxicants and diabetes – so, what can you do to protect your patients? The first Global Report on Diabetes, recently published by the World Health Organization (WHO),[1] highlighted several alarming statistics: the incidence of diabetes has doubled since 1980, and as of 2012, it was the eighth leading cause of death worldwide among both sexes, and the fifth leading cause of death in women.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Thyroid Function and Gut Health as Disease Risk Factors

With increasing rates of obesity and diabetes, the associated condition of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become increasingly common, such that it is now the number one cause of liver disease in Western countries.[1] NAFLD affects 10 to 46% of the U.S. population, with a worldwide prevalence of 10 to 40%.[2] NAFLD is subdivided into nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The former presents without significant liver

French Maritime Pine Bark Extract: A Complex Compound with Numerous Metabolic Effects

Standardized pine bark extract (SPBE), also known as French maritime pine bark extract per its source of the Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Aiton), offers anti-aging benefits that encompass structure, beauty, and function. A diverse array of clinical research backs the use of this supplement, with data showing it supports the health of tissues and organs ranging from bones and skin to the arterials and the brain. More than 400 PubMed

Berberine: The Natural Antidote to Metabolic Derangement?

Berberine, an orangish-yellow alkaloid found at high levels in the bark and root structures of many ground-covering shrubs, has an extensive history of use as a medicinal herb in North America, Europe, Asia, and India. Oregon grape, a North American source of berberine, was used by the native inhabitants and European colonists in the Pacific Northwest as a “blood toner,” an antimicrobial, and to ease digestive distress.[1] Berberine has now

Cardiovascular Health and Lipoprotein(a)

Addressing a genetic issue & supporting cardiovascular health naturally. Cardiovascular health for many only becomes a concern with age, unless familial factors or birth defects highlight it earlier in life. Yet it isn’t uncommon that a higher profile story splashes the news, which reminds us that it may be something we should be looking at with more comprehensive screening sooner. When Bob Harper, fitness guru and co-host of the hit

Natural Interventions for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

The Evidence Behind Natural Interventions for Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Botanicals, Nutrients, and Probiotics for Treating This Common Ailment Given the rise in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in both adults and pediatrics and the lack of an indicated pharmaceutical treatment,[1],[2] natural strategies for the treatment of this condition stand well-poised as the “next best thing.” Several nutritional supplements and botanicals have been studied clinically and show promise for treatment