People who have been exposed to a seasonal “common cold” may experience less severe COVID-19 symptoms. While we’ve discussed this topic previously, a study from the Journal of Clinical Investigation reports the first clinical evidence of cross reactivity with the common cold and COVID. This is due to previous immune responses against the four endemic…
It goes without saying, although I’ll still say it again, that 2020 has been a year for the books not only in the world of Functional and Integrative medicine, but in all ways possible.
I am particularly fascinated by new advances in testing biological age and how these biomarkers relate to disease risk. My podcast guest today is Dr. Joseph Raffaele MD, a leading expert, researcher, and clinician on the topic of biological aging and telomeres. We talked last year on New Frontiers, and I’m psyched to continue the conversation!
This time, Dr. Raffaele and I explore the various tests he uses to determine physiological age and disease risk, and go big into how senescent T cells and infections, such as cytomegalovirus, increase COVID-19 risk, particularly in a younger, seemingly healthy population. You’re going to love this enticing convo on the role of aging as it relates to disease and COVID-19 risk, and might find some great take-away clinical pearls to use in your own practice. Settle in, this is a good one, and let me know what you think by leaving a review or comment! ~DrKF
Is it fair that I say – yet again – that this was my best conversation this year? My most deeply personal, honest, heartfelt, love-filled, scientific, evidence-informed (and pearl-ladened) conversation on cancer and recovery? Well, Dr. Patrick Hanaway, MD is a mentor, a colleague, a friend, and an amazing guy. His journey as a leader in functional medicine through stage IV laryngeal cancer and his embrace of a metabolic approach was profound.
Scientists are continuing to explore the role of furin proteases in the development of drugs to address COVID infections. This is a topic Dr. Fitzgerald has written on previously, including a peer-reviewed publication discussing dietary, lifestyle, and natural options to consider for lowering furin levels.
High-dose biotin appears to be ineffective and potentially harmful in the treatment of progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), contradicting an earlier study. A randomized trial from The Lancet of over 600 participants with MS found those who took 100 mg of biotin three times per day (10,000 times higher than the RDA) or placebo failed to…
Dogs not only serve as playful and loving family companions, but now research suggests they also help keep kids’ immune systems healthy. A study found pregnant moms with a dog in the home had children with less immunoglobulin E (IgE) allergies. Adolescents who had prenatal exposure to dogs showed nearly a 30% decrease in IgE…
Immune cells in our gut appear to help protect the brain from infection. A fascinating study in mice suggests that immune cells in the gut are trained to recognize and respond to pathogens and then move to the brain’s surface to protect it. The lining of the gut is rich in immunoglobulin A (IgA), antibodies…
New research adds to our existing knowledge and experience that some medications may inhibit weight loss, even when lifestyle interventions such as diet and exercise are prioritized. The Look AHEAD randomized study followed over 5000 middle-aged diabetic participants for 13.5 years and found overweight or obese participants taking obesogenic medications, or drugs that tend to…
Supplementing with omega-3 fats DHA + EPA, with a higher ratio of DHA, may increase physical power output and prolong the time before exhaustion (specifically before reaching the lactic acid threshold) according to a new study. Participants in a recent study of 50 amateur cyclists published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports…