K1 is best known for facilitating clotting. But K2 (menaquinone) has been found to be far more important for its role in preventing osteoporosis and atherosclerosis. Based on the results of a comprehensive review and analysis of both observational studies and randomized, double-blind clinical trials, he further makes the case for Vitamin K2 supplementation, particularly MK-7. read more »
Following widespread efforts to eradicate iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) worldwide — first launched in the 1990s and continuing today — epidemiologists noted an unexpected phenomenon: a significant uptick in the rates of both autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s disease) and thyroid cancer. Initial wisdom suggested that because eradication efforts favored universal salt iodization (USI) programs, excess iodine was likely to blame. read more »
I recently had the pleasure of having a conversation with David Brownstein, MD, who is a board certified family physician, integrative practitioner and an expert in thyroid disease, hormones and iodine. He is also the author of fourteen books and is a popular keynote speaker at Restorative Medicine conferences. In our conversation, he graciously shared details about his typical method for evaluating patients and specifics on his treatment plans using nutrients, herbs, hormones and occasionally pharmaceuticals as needed. I think you’ll find the information he shared to be noteworthy and relevant to your own practice. read more »
If you’re an integrative physician practicing in Canada, you may have noticed that not all professional brands of supplements from the US are available for you to sell in your dispensary. You may also have noticed that the formulas for the Canadian versions of products are different, and may offer lower doses of certain ingredients. read more »
The topic of acidosis has long been controversial, and has not yet gained acceptance by mainstream medicine. Some of the reasons for this may be because of the challenges in thoroughly understanding the complexity of the topic, the obstacles in testing serum acidity accurately, and then the challenges of proving it in research. Nonetheless, acidosis has been shown clinically to have a significant effect on health. read more »
AARM designed the Restorative Medicine Digest to complement the education offered in the Journal of Restorative Medicine (JRM) and to highlight topics in the Restorative Medicine Conferences. read more »
Dr. Druz is keenly interested in personalized prevention strategies that combine traditional medicine with functional and integrative therapies. She is a nationally recognized cardiac imaging expert with board certifications in cardiovascular disease and internal medicine. In this interview, she discusses the unique obstacles in diagnosing cardiovascular disease in women and steps that should be taken to increase physicians awareness on this critical topic. read more »
Is serum TSH the best indicator of thyroid function? Kent Holtorf, MD, asserts that TSH, produced by the pituitary, doesn’t necessarily reflect thyroid status in peripheral tissues — especially in patients suffering from a range of specific conditions. This article reviews basic thyroid physiology which demonstrates scenarios when thyroid activity cannot be measured by standard lab tests. read more »
There is a common misperception that professional supplement brands use only organic herbs and herbal extracts. In reality, the majority of these products comprise herbs that are conventionally grown — which potentially exposes patients both to the chemicals found in pesticides and herbicides, and those found in the solvents used for extraction. Be sure to know what is in the herbs you recommend to your patients.
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For years, naturopathic medical schools have included the diagnosis and treatment of reversible hypometabolic symptoms in their curricula — and practitioners have accordingly treated their patients for it. Yet, conventional medicine has resisted the concept. This is largely due to the American Thyroid Association’s official position that hypometabolism is induced… read more »