FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE BLOG
Includes over 800 monographs reporting on emerging studies in the medical and scientific literature of practical clinical importance, easily searched for content.
Unresolved PTSD promotes adverse cardiovascular and brain effects
PTSD is associated with a 50% to 60% increased risk of incident CVD and elevated stroke and dementia risk.
Stress-linked mental disorders, systemic inflammation, and Brainspotting
Traumatic or emotionally charged experiences can get ‘stored’ in our nervous system, leading to emotional distress and physical symptoms. When physiological or emotional issues remain unprocessed, we can become stuck in a maladaptive biological and/or cognitive-emotional homeostasis. Brainspotting activates the trauma or stress-related emotions and memories that persist in the deeper, subcortical brain in a way that permits spontaneous processing and resolution.
Risks of high cholesterol and benefits of statins misrepresented by unacceptable scientific behavior
The emphasis on relative risk coupled with insufficient disclosure of absolute risk in the reporting of randomized controlled trial outcomes has led healthcare providers and the public to overestimate concerns about high cholesterol and to be misled as to the magnitude of the benefits of cholesterol-lowering therapy.
Phototherapy and photobiomodulation can improve cognitive function in dementia
After 15 years of follow-up, prostate cancer–specific mortality was low regardless whether the treatment assigned was active monitoring, surgery, or radiotherapy. Transperineal prostate biopsy is superior to transrectal.
Atrial fibrillation caused by autoimmunity
Autoimmunity can cause or contribute to atrial fibulation (afib) and other cardiac arrhythmias, and should be included for investigation and treatment in case management.
Red blood cells’ previously unknown immune activity in anemia of inflammation
RBCs promote inflammation through expression of Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) on the cell surface and are essential components of inflammatory responses that can cause anemia.
CPAP oronasal masks collapse the airway more than nasal masks
Oronasal masks require higher pressures that have an adverse effect on airway anatomy and function compared to nasal masks.
Oral contraceptive hormone doses could be reduced by over 90%
“Results show that it is possible to reduce the total dose by 92% in estrogen monotherapy, 43% in progesterone monotherapy, and…that by combining estrogen and progesterone the dose can be lowered even more.”
Encouraging news for prostate cancer and a better way to biopsy
After 15 years of follow-up, prostate cancer–specific mortality was low regardless whether the treatment assigned was active monitoring, surgery, or radiotherapy. Transperineal prostate biopsy is superior to transrectal.
Most prenatal supplements do not provide enough key nutrients
Research published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reveals that almost no prenatal dietary supplements provide key nutrients in the doses needed for pregnant women.
Calcium and vitamin D supplements do not increase bone density in premenopausal women
A Cochrane Review of seven randomized studies shows that calcium and vitamin D do not improve BMD (bone mineral density) in healthy premenopausal women and is unlikely to prevent fractures.
How vagus nerve stimulation improves stomach function
taVNS (transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation), stimulates the gastric-brain network to regulate digestion and the experience of hunger.
Telomere dysfunction without shortening also drives immunosenescence
Oxidative damage can rapidly cause telomeres to no longer function, resulting in the ‘zombie cells’ characteristic of immunosenescence—in the absence of shortening.
Nordic walking beats HIIT exercise for cardiovascular benefits
Nordic walking surpassed HIIT and MICT exercise in improving functional capacity in subjects with coronary artery disease. Depression scores also improved.
Skip the hot bath after your COVID shot
There are several activities to avoid to reduce the risk of serious adverse effects from COVID-19 vaccination.
Calcium supplementation increases heart attack risk in large study
In a very large, real-world study calcium supplementation significantly increased the risks for heart attack, stroke, and mortality in general. On the other hand, subclinical magnesium deficiency is a major driver of cardiovascular disease.
Immunosenescence—immune deterioration associated with age—and social stress
Immunosenescence, the immune system deterioration associated with aging that drives the inflammation of chronic disease, can be accelerated by other factors including social stress.
Prediabetes is linked to heart attacks
Prediabetes is a major a risk factor for myocardial infarction (heart attack). There are excellent resources to reverse prediabetes and its associated vascular damage.
Enriching the conversation about menopause
An thought-provoking and inspiring article in the BMJ (British Medical Journal) freshly unwraps the experiential, medical, and psychological aspects of menopause and suggests a better way forward.
Overcoming postpartum depression to calm distressed babies with heart rate variability
Mothers can calm distressed babies when their heart rate variability reflects a state of ease to which the baby naturally synchronizes.