Consumer Blog

You are here:

Microscope in laboratory

Hidden in Plain Sight: The Skin Microbiome and Gut-Brain-Skin Axis

When you hear “microbiome,” you may think of gut bacteria first. Cutting-edge research, however, shows that the skin biome is another vital population of microorganisms that influences human health in surprising ways. From 2009 to 2019, the annual number of peer-reviewed papers examining the skin biome increased more than ten-fold. (1) Scientific interest in the topic is growing exponentially as new sequencing techniques allow the identification of previously undiscovered species, as well as novel insights into the roles they play in wellness and disease. (2)

Workspace: Team Of Diverse Workers Put Hands Together

Functional Medicine, COVID-19 & Racial Disparities: Bridging the Gaps Webinar

I am so grateful for the participation of the panel in the roundtable discussion on Bridging the Gaps in Functional Medicine, COVID-19 & Racial Disparities.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis

A Reckoning with Modern Medicine: One Individual’s Journey to Find Healing When Faced with Eosinophilic Esophagitis

This month’ blog is a story both painful and hopeful. Our own Juston Jaco MS, current team member in our residency program for nutrition professionals, shares his from-the-heart decades of experience with a challenging allergic condition – eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).

Cardiometabolic Disease

How Gut Health Impacts Cardiometabolic Disease

As research on gut barrier function and gut microbes (aka the gut “microbiota”) expands, more is realized about the interconnectedness of the human body. One of the surprising areas is in the way that an unhealthy microbiota is a key driver of obesity, fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiac risk.

Resolving Migraines

Healing Decades of Pain Trauma – A Functional Medicine Approach to Resolving Migraines

Severe chronic pain is devastating. It can rob individuals of who they are and what they can become. In this heartfelt blog, Josette Herdell CNS generously shares her own family’s challenging journey from chronic, debilitating migraines, to a full, pain-free life through Functional Medicine.

first responder

Tactical Nutrition for First Responders

“One of our lead nutritionists, Janine Henkel, is a former first responder. This blog, written “from the heart” by Janine is for anyone on today’s front lines, including those working in healthcare and essential services through these challenging times. We appreciate you so much. It’s also for anyone who needs their brain and body to function to its highest level at a moment’s notice and, as Janine likes to say – “anyone who isn’t guaranteed a bathroom break.” Moms of young kids included (we know what you have to do!). Truth is, there is wisdom here for all of us, even those of us at home day in, day out, trying not to make too many trips to the refrigerator. Tuck in…”

natural anti-avoid compounds

8 Potential Anti-COVID Compounds Revealed by Molecular Docking Studies

Here’s a review of the latest peer-reviewed and pre-print publications in regards to natural compounds that are showing promising anti-coronavirus activity.

covid-19

Calming the Panic: Practical Information About COVID-19 to Ease Your Fear

Let’s take a quick look at what we know about COVID-19. Then I’ll talk about what it means for us all, how we can best support ourselves and our communities, some novel treatments, and some specific techniques for reducing stress and boosting immunity in this incredibly stressful time.

COVID-19

COVID-19: Preserving Your Family’s Health and Sanity in the Face of a Pandemic by Dr. Bird

You asked, and we dug into the research to share some background and advice for support in the midst of the COVID-19 epidemic, written from a pediatrician’s perspective.

supplements

Essential Advice for Choosing Dietary Supplements

Supplement quality is a hugely important issue. There have been many instances of supplements not containing what they claim to, containing contaminants they are not supposed to (including ones that can be harmful), cost-cutting with cheaper nutrient types, and overstating health impacts. Learn how to navigate your dietary supplement selection right here with advice from our Nutrition Team.

Phytonutrients

The role of Phytonutrients in Brain Health: Using Nutrition to Fight Cognitive Decline

Nutrition is one of the most powerful tools we have to fight cognitive decline. Scientists believe that is in large part because many plants are rich sources of phytonutrients.

Diet

Diet Wars – Why We’ll Still Take Personalized Over Veganuary

We do get many inquiries about vegan diets, for reasons that include ethical, health and environmental, including by many people who simply want to reduce their meat intake, aka ‘flexitarian.’ But are vegan diets really a good idea for all? Read on to find out.

2019

Best Content of 2019

As we look back over the wealth of content we have shared this past year, we have been so humbled by your feedback and engagement. Below, we highlight our most-read and listened-to articles and podcasts over the past 12 months.

plant-based burgers

Faux Meats: Good for the Planet – But What About Your Health?

Are you curious about the surge in popularity of plant-based burgers like the Impossible and Beyond Burgers? Wondering our thoughts on these new food products? This article provides insights and recommendations that will help you make the best decisions for your health and your principles.

school

Back at School – Our Team’s Top Tips to Revitalize Your Lunch Box!

Are your school (or work!) lunches in need of a revamp? Are you struggling with ideas to keep things interesting and healthy? Want to learn some tips and tricks for encouraging your kids to make healthier lunch choices? Intrigued by what we’re putting in our own lunchboxes 🙂 ? This article gathers input from across our clinic team to help you make healthier lunches a reality.

Premier Sponsors
I am eternally grateful to our sponsors who, by advertising with us, enable me and my team to devote energy and time to writing and publication. All the companies who sponsor us are companies that I trust for myself and my patients and use regularly in my clinical practice. Please check out their websites! – Dr. KF

Real Mushrooms (NAMMEX)

TA Sciences

Biotics Research Corporation

Women’s International Pharmacy

Dutch Test

Metagenics

Doctor’s Data

Dunwoody Labs

Sponsors