Clinical Pearls – 2018
The Ins and Outs of COMT – August 3rd, 2018
Nutritional Endocrinology Practitioner Training (NEPT)
Clinical Pearl
August 3rd, 2018
The Ins and Outs of COMT
If you’ve been on any of my nutrigenomics calls, you know that COMT is mentioned a lot. COMT, catecholamine-o-methyltransferase, is an enzyme coded by the COMT gene, and SNPs are found to be present in approximately 80% of the population.
This article does an excellent job of explaining what COMT is, what it does, and what happens when it’s not functioning at full capacity.
Niacin in the Management of Coronary Artery Disease – July 20th, 2018
Nutritional Endocrinology Practitioner Training (NEPT)
Clinical Pearl
July 20th, 2018
Niacin in the Management of Coronary Artery Disease
Low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and elevated triglycerides (TG) affects millions of people around the world. These findings are strongly linked to a significantly increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), even with people who achieve or surpass the current low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) targets.
Based on an analysis of the AIM-HIGH trial, discussed in an article in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology, May 2018, these people may benefit from niacin.
The AIM-HIGH (Atherothrombosis Intervention in Metabolic Syndrome with Low HDL/High Triglycerides and Impact on Global Health Outcomes) trial didn’t demonstrate even small clinical benefits to taking extended-release niacin (ERN) when they compared 3,414 statin-treated patients with established cardiovascular disease and low baseline levels of HDL, to those taking the placebo.
Another analysis before the AIM-HIGH suggested that ERN provided benefits in ERN-treated patients with high triglycerides ( >200 mg/dL) and very low HDL-C (<32 mg/dL) at baseline.
A new analysis looked at how changes in TG-enriched lipoproteins and HDL subfractions impacted risk in the groups of people that either received the treatment or didn’t.
This unique lipoprotein is particularly harmful because, unlike LDL particles, which have to undergo oxidation before they can be taken into the interior lining of the arteries, Remnant Lipoproteins (RLP) can be readily transformed into foam cells, which is what comprises arterial plaque. In fact, RLP is one of the four major risk factors cited by the National Cholesterol Education Program that contributes to heart disease.
This paper suggests that the benefit seen in patients taking niacin was due to a reduction in this particularly harmful lipoprotein called RLP.
(Journal of Clinical Lipidology, May 2018) LINK to ABSTRACT Relationship between lipoprotein subfraction cholesterol and residual risk for cardiovascular outcomes: A post hoc analysis of the AIM-HIGH trial.
It’s All in Their Heads – June 29th, 2018
Nutritional Endocrinology Practitioner Training (NEPT)
Clinical Pearl
June 29th, 2018
It’s All in Their Heads
I know that many docs fall into the trap of prescribing Prozac and other antidepressants when they can’t find a reason for their patient’s symptoms.
A big part of that is that they don’t look at nutrition and lifestyle, like we do.
Another aspect of that is attitude.
Many people believe they can’t get well. They’ve been programmed into victimhood or they’ve been wounded as children, and are living out the pattern with ill health as a result.
Childhood Disrupted is a book I’ve recommended in the past. Here is the link to the book on Amazon:
Another resource for getting to the heart of the mindset component of your client’s health challenges is in Pillar 6 of Body Freedom, on Outlook.
And finally, I highly recommend Laura Fine’s class, Dancing with Defenses, starting tomorrow.
I am excited to be able to participate, along with many of your colleagues in NEPT. I’ve seen people’s healing accelerate when applying the strategies Laura teaches. Check it out here at www.dancingwithdefenses.com and be sure to reach out on the Facebook group and ask those who have taken it or are planning to be there.
There are still seats and she’s offering it at a very low investment as this is the first time it’s being offered online (each section is recorded so you can listen over and over).
Now for a bit of adjustment on my outlook and attitude. I am off to the beach for real!!!
I’ll see you tomorrow at Dancing with Defenses and the Healing Kitchen show. After that I’m off.
Listening Goes a Long Way – June 17th, 2018
Nutritional Endocrinology Practitioner Training (NEPT)
Clinical Pearl
June 17th, 2018
Listening Goes a Long Way
One of the best ways to support your clients’ food journey is to ask what are their favorite foods — get into the details with them. What flavors do they love? What textures are appealing, and what are repelling? What eating schedule do they follow?
The art of being a good health and wellness practitioner starts with listening. Ask lots of curious questions. Don’t give into the temptation of telling them what to do before hearing them.
Stephen Covey — in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People says, “Seek first to understand and then be understood.” This couldn’t be more true than in health coaching.
In the History Taking module, we have lots of details, videos, and templates.
Your job is to get to the heart of the matter.
Master the power of why — you want to go deep and touch their heart and soul, then be able to guide them back to health.
Empower them to become unstoppable.
Revisiting the Power of Questions and “Why” – June 10th, 2018
Nutritional Endocrinology Practitioner Training (NEPT)
Clinical Pearl
June 10th, 2018
Revisiting the Power of Questions and “Why”
Last week’s case study reminded me about the importance of questions — the ones we ask our clients, in getting to the root cause — the “why” of it all.
If you missed it, please watch.
Not only did I demonstrate and talk about the importance of thorough questioning and determining the timeline of a client’s health challenges, I also analyzed a number of labs. Lots of learning.
Health coaches and practitioners tend to make the mistake of trying to jump in and fix things too soon — even long-term issues.
Each time a person presents with a symptom or abnormal lab finding you need to ask “why.”
If they present with low vitamin b2, get curious. Sure, you can Band-Aid it with a supplement temporarily, but it’s important to ask why.
Is their diet deficient?
Do they have digestion or absorption issues?
Do they eat or drink things that antagonize ?
Do they have genetic polymorphisms that make them need more?
Are they stressed and are using more?
You get the idea.
Yes, supplementation can help the symptoms but let’s ask why until we get to the root cause.
Also, go through the history taking module, or review it if you’ve been through it already.
Powerful history taking skills is the most important tool in your toolbox.
Clearing Blocks to Open Heart – May 27th, 2018
Nutritional Endocrinology Practitioner Training (NEPT)
Clinical Pearl
May 27th, 2018
Clearing Blocks to Open Heart
I was a full participant in Laura Fine’s The Awakening class less than 2 weeks ago. And I emphasize the word full.
I volunteered a couple of times to explore my own energetic blocks, which put me in a vulnerable position, especially considering that most of the people in the audience were my students.
What I learned was the power of active listening and reflecting back what the client says. At least in my experience, hearing my own words reflected back helped me dig deeper.
And this short exercise took the charge off a very emotionally active incident, allowing me to move forward.
This sort of inquiry process is a skill I encourage you to master.
If you missed it and wish you could’ve been there, write to us at nept@drritamarie.com and we’ll let you know how to get the recordings.
Laura Fine TEH Series – May 6th, 2018
Nutritional Endocrinology Practitioner Training (NEPT)
Clinical Pearl
May 6th, 2018
Ready for Eye Push-ups? Do NOT WEAR SUNGLASSES unless absolutely necessary while driving. You may have to give up feeling like a mysterious movie star, but sunglasses weaken your eyes. You can improve your vision with simple eye exercises. When you are out walking, do distance gazing with your eyes. Gaze at trees and clouds over 200 feet away and you’ll exercise your eyes and improve your vision. Deep breathe while you do it for further benefit.
Be sure to Share this with your clients.
And one more — according to the research shared in the book, “The Blue Zones,” one of the secrets to longevity is connection and community. I listened to the book while travelling and running last week — it’s worth a read. Lots of gems to share with clients.
Laura Fine TEH Series – April 29th, 2018
Nutritional Endocrinology Practitioner Training (NEPT)
Clinical Pearl
April 29th, 2018
Hey guys, leather belts block and diminish the energy flow between your upper and lower body. Switch to canvas belts whenever you can.
Hey ladies, underwire bras do the same thing, they block the energy flow into your mammary glands. Protect your breast health and switch to bras without underwire.
Wearing natural fiber clothes, cotton, rayon, silk, wool, etc., supports the energy flow throughout your entire system — whereas polyesters and other synthetic fabrics create stagnant energy.
Time to go shopping!
Laura Fine TEH Series – April 22th, 2018
Nutritional Endocrinology Practitioner Training (NEPT)
Clinical Pearl
April 22th, 2018
Did you know…Deep meditation, for about 20 minutes, can be the equivalent of about four hours of sleep. If you’re too wound up to sleep, just meditate. If you don’t know how, there are tons of simple techniques. Here are 3 simple steps to get you started:
- Focus your attention on the area of your heart chakra in the center of your chest by placing your palms there.
- Breathe deeply and rhythmically, 10 times, keeping your focus centered there.
- Visualize a spiritual, calming, or uplifting presence both within your heart and gazing at you with a gentle, loving smile.
Practice these 3 steps sitting up for five minutes, then lie down to sleep.
Homeopathy as an adjunct for what you already do – April 1st, 2018
Nutritional Endocrinology Practitioner Training (NEPT)
Clinical Pearl
April 1st, 2018
Homeopathy as an adjunct for what you already do.
On our ACR this week, Lynn Rose DeMartini shared pearls of wisdom from her extensive training and experience as a homeopath.
I suggest you listen to her talk, and get a kit. Access the document she put together for you on how to choose, and use, a kit.
I was particularly interested in learning more about using homeopathics with clients suffering from heavy metal toxicity. Lynn shared that you can get homeopathics of the specific metals, or if they have several, the combination formulas work well.
Check it out. With just a little bit of research, you can help people with acute symptoms. The deep constitutional clearings require more experience. But you can help a LOT using your kit and some of the resources Lynn recommended.