Nutritional Endocrinology Practitioner Training (NEPT)
Clinical Pearl
December 11th, 2016 

Magnesium

This weeks’ focus is on Magnesium, a very important nutrient.

I suggest that you review the Magnesium presentation in the Micronutrients module, if you already have that module unlocked.  If not, check out my blog article for a great overview to prepare you for the depth in the module.

Read about Magnesium HERE (broken link)

Spread some of YOUR wisdom. Pick one of your favorite holistic healthcare or business strategies to share with your fellow practitioners in our Facebook group.

Nutritional Endocrinology Practitioner Training (NEPT)
Clinical Pearl
November 27th, 2016 

Insulin Resistance and Intermittent Fasting

I’ve been thinking a lot about insulin resistance as I prepare for the annual live version of our blood sugar balancing program. This time we are re-branding and recreating many of the training videos.

Here is some new research on the benefit of intermittent fasting for many people (not all) in reversing insulin resistance.

http://burnfatnotsugar.com/assets/if.pdf  – While I don’t agree with the food choices in this one, nonetheless it has some good explanations.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1550413116302509  – This is just an abstract, but sounds like good study.

http://burnfatnotsugar.com/assets/if.pdfBeneficialEffects  – Contains links to videos.

Do you have any experience with intermittent fasting? Post on the Facebook page and let’s discuss.

Nutritional Endocrinology Practitioner Training (NEPT)
Clinical Pearl
November 20th, 2016 

Cordyceps Mushroom

I found a really good article about my favorite mushroom, cordyceps. It concisely summarizes some of its actions. No wonder I like it so much.

Check it out here: http://www.earthpulse.com/src/subcategory.asp?catid=11&subcatid=55 (link does not go to the article)

Nutritional Endocrinology Practitioner Training (NEPT)
Clinical Pearl
November 13th, 2016 

Ferritin as Inflammation Marker

I’ve begun some research into the phenomenons of high serum iron with low ferritin and low serum iron with high serum ferritin.

Based on the understanding that ferritin is a storage form of iron, it would seem logical that in cases of severe anemia, we’d see both low and in cases of hemochromatosis we’d see both high.

However, I’ve seen a lot of patients with the paradox of low iron and high ferritin and vice-versa.

In researching, I have come across a few articles, and I am also pursuing the biochemical pathways to better understand what might be going wrong.

One of the articles I came across is this one:

http://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2014/mt/c3mt00347g

It contains a lot of information linking ferritin to inflammation, along with charts that help clarify.

We’re a long way from fully understanding it, but I will keep you in the loop.

Nutritional Endocrinology Practitioner Training (NEPT)
Clinical Pearl
November 6th, 2016 

Nutrigenomics charts

I created some really nice nutrigenomics charts for SHINE Day 3 that would be good to print and keep handy for when you are looking at genetic testing reports.

Here they are:

 http://drritamarie.s3.amazonaws.com/materials/INE/INE-GeneticTestingCheatSheets.pdf

Nutritional Endocrinology Practitioner Training (NEPT)
Clinical Pearl
October 16th, 2016 

Blood Sugar Balancing with White Bean Extract

I am formulating some private label products and hopefully they will debut at SHINE. The branding is related to my soon to be revealed all new version of B4 Be Gone. It will have a new name, new logo, and new content – plus the ability to purchase product packs.

Stay tuned.

One of the products I am considering contains white bean extract, along with green tea extract and protease enzymes. It’s been shown to significantly reduce blood sugar and promote weight loss in diabetics. I have mixed feelings. I believe it could be a great aid for those with resistant blood sugar imbalances, taken along with diet and lifestyle modifications. What do you think?

Here’s an article:

http://nutritionj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1475-2891-8-52

Nutritional Endocrinology Practitioner Training (NEPT)
Clinical Pearl
September 25th, 2016 

Butyrate and the Microbiome

Butyrate is a fatty acid that’s important for protecting the gut from inflammatory and autoimmune diseases like Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis, and colon cancer. It’s the most important source of energy for endothelial cells. It’s a type of short chain fatty acid (SCFA) and has also been shown to prevent infiltration of immune cells from the bloodstream into adipose tissue.

Balancing butyrate levels is super important for health and nutrition practitioners to focus on with patients and clients, especially when working with people who are suffering from autoimmune issues and struggling to maintain optimal weight.

A healthy microbiome is critical to healthy levels of butyrate. Gut bugs make butyrate by fermenting certain types of fiber.

According to research posted in the Endocrinology section of the Nature Review, people with type 1 diabetes are deficient in butyrate-producing bacteria in their gut plus butyrate improves insulin sensitivity.

It’s clear that butyrate is linked to gut health, protection from cancer, autoimmune disease, obesity, and diabetes.

Here are 4 things you can do to optimize butyrate levels:

#1: Use oral butyrate supplements: A recent study in Alimentary pharmacology and therapeutics found that 4 grams per day for 8 weeks improved symptoms of Crohn’s disease.

#2: Eat butyrate containing foods: The problem here is that the highest concentration of butyrate is found in butter and other dairy products, which are problematic for most people.

#3: Balance gut flora: Ensure the flora producing the SCFAs, in particular butyrate, are the dominant ones.

#4: Eat the fiber that butyrate love: Particularly powerful fibers to consume are resistant starches, found in seeds, legumes, whole grains, cold potatoes, unripe bananas, and just about any vegetable. Of course, the diet needs to be customized to the person, and not all forms of resistant starch will be indicated based on other factors such as glycemic control, presence of bacteria in small intestine (SIBO), and food sensitivities.

And here are a few good articles if you want to read more:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16225487

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26729037

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20823773

http://paleoleap.com/butyrate-anti-inflammatory-fat/

Nutritional Endocrinology Practitioner Training (NEPT)
Clinical Pearl
August 21st, 2016 

Methylation Resources

Recently, I did a clinical pearl on the genetic report from metabolic healing that Jamie Johnson had recommended.

I really like that report and there is a new one that I also like (and they are different). It’s called Strategene, and it’s from Dr. Ben Lynch and SeekingHealth.org.

You can access it HERE: https://seekinghealth.org/product/genetic-analysis/

They also have a brand new Facebook group and Dr. Lynch was planning a Facebook LIVE on Thursday. I haven’t checked yet, but I bet the recording of it is up by now.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/StrateGene/

I have only run the report twice – once on a client and once on myself. I like how it’s laid out so you can see your SNPs on the pathway planner diagrams. Here’s a link to mine so you can study it and decide if you want to run it on your family or clients:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/b4r0mhnvzurlfjq/Strategene-RL.pdf?dl=0

It doesn’t have as many SNPs reported as the report at www.MTHFRSupport.com , but it has more detailed explanations and some clinical protocol options as well.

We have an entire module on Nutrigenomics in Mastery, and Mastery members also have access already to the Nutrigenomics module on our Vibrant Living Members (VLM) client membership site (that one has over 20 hours of materials, including presentations and actual cases. It’s actually a pre-req for the NEPT module and is a great way to get your feet wet.)

Here’s what I suggest if you’d like to step into the Nutrigenomics works and get your feet wet.

Map your genetics at www.23andme.com/DrLoscalzo  (my code gives you $20 off).

Run the following reports and study them. Starting with your own genetics will give you practice.

www.GeneticGenie.org  – Run the methylation and detox reports and use the following documents to interpret them.

http://s3.amazonaws.com/drritamarie/materials/INE/INE-Genetics-DetoxInterpretation.pdf

http://s3.amazonaws.com/drritamarie/materials/INE/INE-Genetics-MethylationInterpretation.pdf

www.MTHFRSupport.com  – Run Sterling’s report (about 49 pages). The online version has links to videos and descriptions for some but not all of the SNPs.

www.MetabolicHealing.com  – Nice report organized by body system with descriptions of meaning (about 48 pages).

www.drritamarie.com/go/GeneticAnalysis  – Dr. Ben Lynch’s new report includes charts and descriptions, including some suggested actions to take.

www.Promethease.com  – Somewhat confusing on some SNPS, good on others; not as valuable in my opinion as the above but a good learning tool.

Watch the videos on the Nutrigenomics pages (Mastery only)

(login to VLM, then click to access)

http://www.VibrantLivingMembers.com

http://www.vibrantlivingmembers.com/nutrigenomics/part2/

neGuide

Nutritional Endocrinology Practitioner Training (NEPT)
Clinical Pearl
August 7th, 2016 

DUTCH Test

What’s the best way to test hormones?

It’s hard to make generalizations, but I am sure enjoying the new DUTCH test from Precision Analytics. Meridian Valley just announced that they have one too.

Here are some videos that discuss it.

https://dutchtest.com/videos/

Become a provider, and they let you purchase your first tests for half off. It’s a great deal.

https://dutchtest.com/providers/

They have the most amazing flow chart; it includes some of the genetic SNPs so you can see where people’s pathway blockages are. We will have a whole segment on DUTCH and interpretation as part of our reproductive hormone testing module in Mastery and Certification. Until then, I suggest you watch some videos and get familiar with it, and if you run one on yourself or a client, submit it for lab interpretation.

Here’s the sample report:

https://dutchtest.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/DUTCH_Complete_Female_Sample_Report_June2016.pdf

I am totally in love with the chart on page 6. A lot to learn, but eye opening.

Here’s a link to the chart as a single page PDF:

https://dutchtest.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Steroid_Pathway_Jan2016.pdf

Here’s the info on the one from Meridian Valley:

http://meridianvalleylab.com/dried-urine

They have a very nice interpretative guide too.

http://meridianvalleylab.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Urine-Hormone-Interp-Guide.pdf

Nutritional Endocrinology Practitioner Training (NEPT)
Clinical Pearl
July 31st, 2016 

Lynn’s Clinical Pearl: Medicine Cabinet Herbs

Chronic illness is at an all time high, and people are scrambling to find the answer to health problems like autoimmune disease, diabetes, pain, chronic fatigue, anxiety, poor immune function, cancers, and more. Millions are turning to natural solutions, and many have experienced great success with essential oils.

While we don’t want to offer a this-for-that approach, it would still be valuable to know which herbs and nutrients are the most important to keep in your medicine cabinet. Here is a list I prepared. Read it, change the list around to suit your own needs, and then stock up on a few beneficial herbs, so you will have them on hand when you need them most.

1 – CHARCOAL — This is not an herb, yet it is invaluable in a number of ways. Charcoal is pure carbon, and it will adsorb (not absorb) 29 of the 30 most dangerous poisons. You can drink it diluted in water, use it as a poultice on wounds, skin infections, etc.

2 – CAYENNE — Dr. Christopher, a well-known herbalist of the mid-20th century, said that if he only had two herbs, he would select charcoal and cayenne. Cayenne is powerful in its ability to attract blood to a body part. Since it is the blood which brings healing, this can be an important quality.

Internally, it is useful for arteriosclerosis, arthritis, asthma, bleeding, high or low blood pressure, bronchitis, chills, colds, convulsions, coughs, indigestion, infections, jaundice, ulcers, and varicose veins.

Externally, it is used for frostbite, painful joints, swellings, and varicose veins. When added to herbal formulas, it stimulates the action of other herbs. It is a preventative for heart attacks, flu, colds, indigestion, and lack of vitality. It is good for treating the spleen, pancreas, kidneys, and is effective as a poultice for rheumatism, inflammation, pleurisy, sores, and wounds. It can be rubbed on toothaches and swellings.

3 – GARLIC — This is one of the most powerful antiseptic substances ever discovered. In the 1950s, Soviet scientists found it to be equal to penicillin, yet without the harmful effects of the drug.

Internally, it is used for arteriosclerosis, cancer, contagious disease, coughs, cramps, diverticulitis, emphysema, gas, heart problems, high blood pressure, indigestion, liver congestion, parasites, rheumatism, sinus congestion, and ulcers.

Externally, it is used for bowel problems, parasites, ringworm, skin parasites, tumors, warts, and yeast infections.

Garlic is used for all lung and respiratory ailments, and can be used as a tea or added to syrups for coughs, colds, tuberculosis, fevers, and blood diseases. Use it as a tea in an enema for worms and bowel infections. Use the fresh extract oil or eat the raw cloves.

4 – GOLDENSEAL — This is another powerful antiseptic, and, in a sense, it is the first true herb on this list. (The first three can be purchased in the grocery store.)

Internally, it is good for alcoholism, allergies, asthma, bad breath, bladder diseases, bronchitis, canker sores, chicken pox, colds, diabetes, eczema, bleeding gums or gum infections, hay fever, heart weakness, hemorrhoids, herpes, indigestion, infections, inflammations, liver problems, lymph congestion, measles, mammary and ovarian tumors, morning sickness, sore mouth, tonsillitis, and ulcers.

Externally, it is used for burns, canker sores, eye inflammations, bleeding gums, gum infections, herpes sores, mouth sores, ringworm, skin inflammation, tonsillitis, and wounds.

Goldenseal can be used on open sores, inflammations, eczema, ringworm, and itchy skin conditions. It is a specific for all kinds of mucous membrane problems. Snuffed up the nose, it is good for nasal stuffiness. Small doses will relieve nausea during pregnancy. It is a douche for vaginal infections, an eyewash, and an antiseptic mouthwash. Used with cascara sagrada, it is a bowel tonic. As a retention enema, it will reduce swollen hemorrhoids.

5 – PEPPERMINT — This is an old household remedy, and it is useful for a variety of conditions.

Internally, it is useful for insomnia, measles, menstrual cramps, migraines, morning sickness, muscle spasms, nausea, nervous disorders, chills, colic, fevers, dizziness, gas, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dysentery, and hysteria.

Externally, it is used for skin itch, toothache, and anesthetic to local pains and inflamed joints. For example, to open up the sinuses, put 5-10 drops into 2 quarts hot water and breathe it in through the mouth and nostrils. Cover the head with a cloth as you do this.

6 – SLIPPERY ELM — This is the inner white bark of the slippery elm tree and is invaluable to keep on hand. (The outer dark bark is also sold, but is useless.)

Internally, it is used for bladder inflammation, bronchitis, colitis, constipation, ovarian cramps, coughs, cystitis, diarrhea, diverticulitis, dysentery, eczema, flu, gas, hemorrhage, hemorrhoids, hoarseness, lung congestion, stomach problems, tonsillitis, and ulcers.

Externally, it is used for burns, colitis, constipation, diverticulitis, dysentery, gangrenous wounds, hemorrhoids, open sores, rheumatoid and gouty afflictions, and wounds.

Slippery elm is also used to bind materials of suppositories, lozenges, and unleavened breads together. It makes a nourishing gruel for children, for the elderly with weak stomachs, for those with ulcers, and those who are recovering from diseases. If used as a douche or enema, it must be diluted with water so it will not plug the apparatus (since it is a mucilaginous herb).

7 – LOBELIA — This is both a relaxant and stimulant, and it’s a powerful helper.

Internally, it is used for allergies, arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, chicken pox, contagious diseases, convulsions, coughs, earache, ear infections, fevers (all kinds), headache, heart palpitation, indigestion, jaundice, pleurisy, pneumonia, food poisoning, teething, and toothache.

Externally, it is used for snake and insect bites, poison ivy, ringworm, and tumors.

Small doses of a tincture of lobelia (5-10 drops) will act as a tonic and stimulant; larger doses will act as a sedative.

It relieves spasms and acts as an expectorant. It can be used as a wash on infected or itchy skin conditions. In large doses, it is an excellent emetic. It is especially good in spasmodic coughing of phlegm. Taken in small doses, it relaxes the heart and lowers rapid pulse.

8 – ALOE VERA — The gel from the leaves of this plant is invaluable. It is best used freshly picked from a plant. Keep several plants growing; you cannot have enough!

Internally, it is good for chronic constipation, gastritis, hyperacidity, and stomach ulcers.

Externally, it is used for abscesses, burns, infection in wounds, insect bites, skin irritations, and ulcers.

When applied on the skin for severe burns and skin rashes, it can be left on for two days without changing the application.

Do not use it during pregnancy, nor in large doses when there are hemorrhoids.

9 – CASCARA SAGRADA — This is one of the safest laxatives for chronic constipation and is not habit forming.

Internally, it is used for constipation, cough, gall bladder disease, gallstones, gastric and intestinal disorders, hemorrhoids, indigestion, and jaundice.

10 – CORN SILK — This is the best single herb for increasing urine flow, thus helping to eliminate kidney and bladder problems.

Internally, it is used for bed-wetting, chronic cystitis, inflammation of kidneys and bladder, kidney stones, prostatitis, excess uric acid, and urine retention.

It is a good remedy for all inflammatory conditions of the urethra, bladder, prostate, and kidney; it can remove gravel from the kidneys, bladder, and prostate. It helps the aged when their urine is scanty and has heavy sediment.

11 – HOPS — This is an excellent nervine and will produce sleep when insomnia is present. But it also has other uses.

Internally, it is used for coughs, fever, headaches, indigestion, insomnia, jaundice, morning sickness, weak nerves, stomach tonic, throat, bronchial tubes, chest ailments, toothache, and ulcers.

Externally, it is used for boils, bruises, earaches, inflammations, rheumatic pains, skin ailments, and ulcers.

The tea is good for nervous stomach, poor appetite, gas, and intestinal cramps. Cold tea before meals will increase digestion. The dry herb can be placed inside a pillow; it will induce sleep.

12 – WITCH HAZEL — This is an excellent astringent herb and is one of the best remedies for stopping excessive menstruation, hemorrhages from the lungs, stomach, uterus, and bowels.

Internally, it is used for diarrhea, diphtheria, hemorrhoids, prolapsed bowel, varicose veins, and uterine problems. It is used to stop bleeding from the lungs, uterus, and other internal organs.

Externally, it is used for burns, bruises, diphtheria, insect bites, sore breasts, sore muscles, tonsillitis, and varicose veins.

Witch hazel can be used as an injection for bleeding piles, vaginal discharges, and infections. As a poultice, it is good for wounds, bed sores, sore and inflamed eyes, and oozing skin diseases. It is good for almost any internal or external inflamed condition.

I hope this quick synopsis of these herbs is helpful for you and that you have learned if there are any alternatives to medicines that could be added to your natural medicine cabinet! If you have any that you consider basic essentials, please share them on our Facebook page.