Category Archives: Integrative Medicine

By now we should all know the common signs of COVIDcough, fever, fatigue, body aches, muscle aches and shortness of breath, among other symptoms. But in addition to the typical woes, some people experience unusual effects of the virus that aren't widely known about. Researchers are still learning about why strange symptoms happen to some people and not others. Eat This, Not That! Health talked to doctors who revealed odd signs of COVID they've seen and explained why symptoms vary so much. Read onand to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID.

Dr. Ali Jamehdor, DO Medical Director, Emergency Department at Dignity Health St. Mary's Medical Center, says, "Most of us know about the 'usual' sign and symptoms that come with COVID infections. Runny nose, cough, sore throat, headache, body ache and fever. But we have seen some symptoms that are associated with COVID-19that aren't usually associated with an upper respiratory viral infection. Remember in the beginning when we started to hear about people losing their sense of smell or taste? This seems to be mainly associated with the original COVID-19 virusless so with the Delta variantand as the Omicron variant has become the superior variantwe're not seeing it at all these days. While it's not that unusual to lose some sense of smell or taste with a regular cold because of congestion and other inflammatory processes that occur on the oral nasopharyngeal cavity, this loss of smell and or taste was occurring in patients with absolutely no other complaints. Some people would lose these senses for hours, some days and there are still cases that have not regained these important senses for over a year. There has not been any true medical explanation for this, there does not seem to be any remedies at this time but luckily this symptom seems to be losing its potency and we are seeing fewer and fewer of this complaint."

Dr. Michael Hirt, a Board Certified Nutrition from Harvard University and Board Certified in Internal Medicine and is with The Center for Integrative Medicine in Tarzana California says, "Without the other classic COVID symptoms occurring simultaneously, most people who get COVID diarrhea think they have a mild case of food poisoning or ate something that just didn't 'agree' with them. Viral shedding in the stool is so common with this virus that 'COVID hunting' public health officials often sample community wastewater to track the levels of the virus in cities, neighborhoods, and even college dorms."

RELATED: "Most People are Going to Get COVID," but You Can Cheat It. Here's How.

Dr. Teresa Bartlett, senior medical officer at Sedgwick explains, "The skin rashes are really an odd symptom we are seeing in some cases. Rashes on the body, head and even COVID toe that appears like bruising on the toes. Many people with the Omnicron variant are getting a really bad sore throat that was not the case with the prior variants. It appears people either have a minor stuffy nose and scratchy throat or they are really sick with headache, dizziness, cough, fever and severe fatigue."

RELATED: Dr. Fauci Identifies "Possible Cause" of Long COVID

Dr. Hadassah Kupfer, Audiologist and Hearing Aid Specialist says, "Tinnitus, or ringing in the ear, has been reported on occasion, either following Covid-19 infection or even the Covid-19 vaccination and boosters. We have seen multiple cases in our NYC audiology practice, where there has been high community spread of COVID infection, and COVID vaccination is highly prevalent and/or mandated across most work sectors. Tinnitus is usually a sign of damage to the inner ear- which ultimately builds up into a noticeable hearing loss. Although the direct link between COVID and tinnitus is still unknown, one possibility is attributed to the cytokine storm that occurs in COVID patients, which may attack the very delicate cochlea (inner ear). If this is correct, then patients with underlying risk factors for developing hearing loss (diabetes, heart conditions, prior noise exposure, prior diagnosis of hearing loss) will be more vulnerable to auditory symptoms from COVID, as this may speed up the pathological process. The delicate cochlea would also be more vulnerable in those with autoimmune conditions, since their body is more likely to attack itself."

RELATED: Signs You've Developed Diabetes Without Knowing It

According to Maryland based dentist Dr. Mansi Oza, "COVID virus binds to the cells inside the mouth. By entering through the blood and swallowing from the mouth, it spreads to the lower lobes of the lungs, gut and other parts of the body." As a result, Dr. Oza explains that the following symptoms can appear in the mouth.

RELATED: The #1 Cause of Heart Attack, Experts Find

"The symptoms people exhibit largely depend on their immune status and how their body responds to the virus," Dr. Bartlett states. "It also could depend on the variant you are exposed to and whether or not you have any immunity either through vaccines or prior infections to COVID 19. Your immune status directly correlates with how well you take care of yourself by eating a well-balanced diet, maintaining a regular exercise program and getting enough sleep."

RELATED: Supplements That Really Do Boost Immunity

Dr. Bartlett says, "The symptoms vary as does the actual contraction of the virus. I have seen cases of 2 people driving in a car for hours together without masks, when the next day one of them becomes sick with the virus and the other person does not get it. Keep in mind there are asymptomatic carriers out there who unknowingly could spread the virus. It is speculated that all this variation is dependent on age, underlying health conditions, blood type, race, social determinants of health, prior vaccinations you may have had in your lifetime, prior diseases you had and how much of the virus you were exposed to."

"Not really. While scientists continue to study all the various symptoms and implications, unless there is something that continues to bother you after you have "recovered" there is no need to be concerned. As always, talk to your doctor if you are worried about something," Dr. Bartlett states.

Follow the public health fundamentals and help end this pandemic, no matter where you liveget vaccinated or boosted ASAP; if you live in an area with low vaccination rates, wear an N95 face mask, don't travel, social distance, avoid large crowds, don't go indoors with people you're not sheltering with (especially in bars), practice good hand hygiene, and to protect your life and the lives of others, don't visit any of these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.

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Strange COVID Symptoms No One Talks About Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

ADHD doesnt only affect attention. Better considered an executive function and self-regulation deficit, ADHD affects the whole person the mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, and social self. It increases daily stress and chips away at a positive sense of self. It interferes with self-care and makes it hard to keep healthy habits.

This helps to explain why ADHD is linked to chronic stress, burnout, anxiety, mood disorder, sleep problems, substance use, and other conditions and issues. The reverse is also true: chronic stress and anxiety can worsen ADHD symptoms.

ADHD impacts the whole self, so is treatments must likewise target more than inattention and impulsivity. Integrative medicine is growing in popularity because its a treatment approach that addresses symptoms and promotes general health and wellness.

Integrative medicine considers the whole person and leverages all options holistic thinking, complementary therapies, and conventional treatments in devising a patients care plan.

Studies exploring the effectiveness of integrative approaches for ADHD specifically are limited. Moreover, the most common treatments for ADHD are the conventional medication and psychotherapy. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends treating ADHD in children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 with FDA-approved medications, plus parent training in behavior modification and behavioral classroom interventions. Research studies have found that stimulant medications are most effective, and combined medication and psychosocial treatment is the most beneficial treatment option for most adult patients with ADHD.

Still, just as ADHD affects many aspects of wellbeing, a variety of treatments and approaches can do the same.

[Get This Free Download: Natural ADHD Treatment Options]

As an integrative practitioner, my approach for treating patients with ADHD is this: If the ADHD symptoms are significantly impairing, I start with medication, and then phase in other strategies, often outside of conventional care. If the ADHD symptoms are mild to moderate, the non-medication and lifestyle approaches can be tried first.

Over time, as the other skills and strategies are employed, the need for medication can be re-evaluated and the dose reduced.

An example of an integrative medicine plan for ADHD may combine psychotherapy (a conventional strategy), stress-management skills (holistic thinking), and omega-3 fatty acids (a complementary supplement). All ADHD treatment decisions should be made in consultation and coordination with a licensed medical provider.

[Read: How Nutrition, Exercise & Sleep Curb ADHD]

Most of the following approaches address ADHDs secondary symptoms namely stress, anxiety, mood, low self-esteem, and emotional dysregulation. Treating these factors can help decrease the severity and impairment of ADHDs core symptoms.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps patients develop a greater understanding of their ADHD symptoms and teaches skills that help with executive dysfunction.

CBT aims to improve patients problem-solving and stress-management skills by setting realistic goals and teaching organizational and time-management skills to achieve them. This type of psychotherapy can also improve balanced thinking and communication skills by focusing on ones unique challenges (e.g., history of trauma or other comorbid mental health conditions).

Like CBT, coaching helps individuals meet their goals and develop skills to address ADHD-related barriers along the way.

Mindfulness a practice that includes meditation as well as awareness shifts in daily activities has been shown to improve both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms, as well as selected measures of attention, emotion regulation, and executive functions1.

By analysis of automatic habits, the practice allows you to change them in the moment. For example, mindful awareness may help you realize that you are procrastinating, and help you tune in to the emotions that are driving the procrastination.

A facet of mindfulness, practicing self-compassion is particularly important for mental health. Offering yourself some validation and kindness This is hard. Im stressed. Im struggling will make a difference in how stress is experienced.

As you observe your reaction and create inner pause, you can ask: What can I do to help this situation? and find possibilities to do so. The answer may be I need to take a few deep breaths or I need to prioritize my tasks.

Sometimes one can reframe the situation or focus on the positive (e.g., gratitude) to see what is working versus what is not. By making such shifts in awareness and response, you can begin to self-regulate and enhance your resilience.

Seeing ADHD symptoms as neurobiologically driven ways of responding versus the idea that you are defective in some way fosters self-acceptance. The important thing is to see ADHD as a biological difference and condition that needs extra support or accommodation.

Regular sleep, adequate hydration, prioritized self-care, and avoidance of excessive alcohol and other substances can help manage ADHD symptoms. At the same time, the ability to keep up with these practices is often compromised by ADHD itself. It is best for patients and clinicians to identify and target the most problematic areas first.

Exercise has wide-ranging health benefits (physical, cognitive, and emotional) both acutely and when done regularly over time. In particular, aerobic exercise has been shown to improve executive functions, attention, and behavioral symptoms in ADHD2. Other types of mind-body movement, such as yoga or tai chi, can also be helpful for ADHD symptoms.

Stress and anxiety typically make breathing faster and shallower (i.e., chest breathing). Slower and deeper breathing (i.e., belly breathing) is the ideal. Breathing regulates the sympathetic-parasympathetic nervous system balance, so breathwork can counteract stress and change your body state.

Examples of breathing exercises:

Acupuncture, derived from Chinese medicine, aims to treat a variety of conditions by stimulating diverse points on the body (acupoints). This approach focuses on regulating the body organ system to lower inattention and hyperactivity. Some research supporting the use of acupuncture for ADHD is available from Asian countries3. But this approach to ADHD has not been studied widely in Western cultures.For general wellness, acupuncture is often used to treat pain and stress-related conditions. There is also some evidence supporting it as an adjunctive treatment for anxiety. I have found it helpful for those who struggle with chronic stress and pain.

Poor nutrition and lifestyle habits can increase the level of impairment from ADHD. While specific nutritional approaches for ADHD symptoms dont have strong research evidence, we do know that processed foods, refined grains, excessive sugar, and high fat worsen mental health.

Eat the foods that support health and mood. Foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, fish, and nuts has been shown to improve depressive symptoms4. Colorful fruit and vegetables (high in flavonoids and antioxidants) appear to protect against cognitive decline5, and may support modulation of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine6. Eating protein at each meal and low-glycemic foods (which dont spike blood sugar quickly) enhance steady blood glucose and cognitive function.

The gut-brain axis refers to the two-way link between these parts of the body (i.e. the emotional and cognitive centers of the brain with intestinal functions). Research tells us that the foods we eat affect the microbiome in the gut, which influences this connection7. Healthy gut flora, for example, can reduce anxiety and serum cortisol levels8. Prebiotic and probiotic foods, like kimchi and sauerkraut, can support gut health.

A variety of supplements and herbs have been studied for their use in treating ADHD. In using supplements, two paths can be taken:

The thinking in using a combination of supplements for ADHD is that multiple nutrients will be involved in the important processes in the brain, such as modulation of key neurotransmitters.Since ADHD symptoms exist on a spectrum from mild to severe, supplementation can be individualized and used with or without medications. When using supplements, practical considerations, like cost or the number of pills needed per day, should be considered.

There are many kinds of integrative providers, with different training backgrounds and attitudes about treating ADHD. A good integrative provider will understand conventional mental health and wont sell only one approach. They should be willing to work collaboratively with you and your other clinicians.

I recommend beginning your search for integrative providers with these national organizations.

Talk with the provider before making an appointment to understand their approach and to see if they are a good fit for your needs. Many of the providers found here have knowledge of integrative approaches, and are willing to collaborate with other integrative clinicians on a holistic treatment plan.

Keep in mind that medication is a very helpful tool to support the brain processing differences due to ADHD. It is important to collaborate with your doctor to find the most effective medication and dosage for you. There may be times when more medication is needed, and times when it can be decreased or eliminated. We know that the level of impairment that comes with ADHD can fluctuate over a lifespan. The change can happen because ones environment (school or job tasks) changes, if lifestyle habits are optimized, or if treatment tools are used successfully.

The whole-person approach looks at how ADHD affects all of ones health and lifestyle, and vice versa. It is important to start treatment gradually and to have support family, ADHD community, nutritionist, coach, or clinician along the way to better wellbeing.

SUPPORT ADDITUDEThank you for reading ADDitude. To support our mission of providing ADHD education and support, please consider subscribing. Your readership and support help make our content and outreach possible. Thank you.

1 Zylowska, L., Ackerman, D. L., Yang, M. H., Futrell, J. L., Horton, N. L., Hale, T. S., Pataki, C., & Smalley, S. L. (2008). Mindfulness meditation training in adults and adolescents with ADHD: a feasibility study. Journal of attention disorders, 11(6), 737746. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054707308502

2 Mehren, A., zyurt, J., Lam, A. P., Brandes, M., Mller, H., Thiel, C. M., & Philipsen, A. (2019). Acute Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Executive Function and Attention in Adult Patients With ADHD. Frontiers in psychiatry, 10, 132. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00132

3 Hong, S. S., & Cho, S. H. (2011). Acupuncture for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Trials, 12, 173. https://doi.org/10.1186/1745-6215-12-173

4 Ventriglio, A., Sancassiani, F., Contu, M. P., Latorre, M., Di Slavatore, M., Fornaro, M., & Bhugra, D. (2020). Mediterranean Diet and its Benefits on Health and Mental Health: A Literature Review. Clinical practice and epidemiology in mental health : CP & EMH, 16(Suppl-1), 156164. https://doi.org/10.2174/1745017902016010156

5 Yeh, TS, Yuan, C., et. al. (July 28, 2021). Long-term dietary flavonoid intake and subjective cognitive decline in US Men and Women. Neurology, 97(10). https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000012454

6 Meireles, M., Moura, E., Vieira-Coelho, M. A., Santos-Buelga, C., Gonzalez-Manzano, S., Dueas, M., Mateus, N., Faria, A., & Calhau, C. (2016). Flavonoids as dopaminergic neuromodulators. Molecular nutrition & food research, 60(3), 495501. https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.201500557

7 Carabotti, M., Scirocco, A., Maselli, M. A., & Severi, C. (2015). The gut-brain axis: interactions between enteric microbiota, central and enteric nervous systems. Annals of gastroenterology, 28(2), 203209.

8 Foster, J. A., Rinaman, L., & Cryan, J. F. (2017). Stress & the gut-brain axis: Regulation by the microbiome. Neurobiology of stress, 7, 124136. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ynstr.2017.03.001

9 Darling, K. A., Eggleston, M., Retallick-Brown, H., & Rucklidge, J. J. (2019). Mineral-Vitamin Treatment Associated with Remission in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms and Related Problems: 1-Year Naturalistic Outcomes of a 10-Week Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. Journal of child and adolescent psychopharmacology, 29(9), 688704. https://doi.org/10.1089/cap.2019.0036

10 Johnstone JM, Hatsu I, Tost G, et al. Micronutrients for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Youths: A Placebo-Controlled Randomized Clinical Trial. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. 2021 Jul. DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2021.07.005. PMID: 34303786.

11 Ghoreishy, S.M., Ebrahimi Mousavi, S., Asoudeh, F. et al. Zinc status in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Sci Rep 11, 14612 (2021).

12 Bener, A., Kamal, M., Bener, H., & Bhugra, D. (2014). Higher prevalence of iron deficiency as strong predictor of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children. Annals of medical and health sciences research, 4(Suppl 3), S291S297. https://doi.org/10.4103/2141-9248.141974

13 Effatpanah, M., Rezaei, M., Effatpanah, H., Effatpanah, Z., Varkaneh, H. K., Mousavi, S. M., Fatahi, S., Rinaldi, G., & Hashemi, R. (2019). Magnesium status and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A meta-analysis. Psychiatry research, 274, 228234. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2019.02.043

14 Derbyshire E. (2017). Do Omega-3/6 Fatty Acids Have a Therapeutic Role in Children and Young People with ADHD?. Journal of lipids, 2017, 6285218. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/6285218

15 Dimpfel, W., Schombert, L., Keplinger-Dimpfel, I. K., & Panossian, A. (2020). Effects of an Adaptogenic Extract on Electrical Activity of the Brain in Elderly Subjects with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Two-Armed Cross-Over Study. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 13(3), 45. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph13030045

16 Akhondzadeh, S. et.al. (2005). Passiflora incarnata in the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents. Therapy 2(4);609-614. 10.1586/14750708.2.4.609

17 Lee, S. H., Park, W. S., & Lim, M. H. (2011). Clinical effects of korean red ginseng on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children: an observational study. Journal of ginseng research, 35(2), 226234. https://doi.org/10.5142/jgr.2011.35.2.226

18 Shakibaei, Fereshteh, et al. Ginkgo Biloba in the Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents. A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Trial. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, vol. 21, no. 2, Apr. 2015, pp. 6167., doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2015.04.001.

19 Trebatick, J., Kopasov, S., Hradecn, Z., Cinovsk, K., Skodcek, I., Suba, J., Muchov, J., Zitnanov, I., Waczulkov, I., Rohdewald, P., & Durackov, Z. (2006). Treatment of ADHD with French maritime pine bark extract, Pycnogenol. European child & adolescent psychiatry, 15(6), 329335. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-006-0538-3

20 Dave, U. P., Dingankar, S. R., Saxena, V. S., Joseph, J. A., Bethapudi, B., Agarwal, A., & Kudiganti, V. (2014). An open-label study to elucidate the effects of standardized Bacopa monnieri extract in the management of symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children. Advances in mind-body medicine, 28(2), 1015.

21 Katz, M., Levine, A. A., Kol-Degani, H., & Kav-Venaki, L. (2010). A compound herbal preparation (CHP) in the treatment of children with ADHD: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of attention disorders, 14(3), 281291. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054709356388

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What Is Integrative Medicine for ADHD? A Holistic Health & Wellness Guide - ADDitude

Morning exercise has very different effects on metabolism than the same workout later in the day, according to an ambitious new animal study of exercise timing. The study, which involved healthy lab mice jogging on tiny treadmills, mapped hundreds of disparities in the numbers and activities of molecules and genes throughout the rodents bodies, depending on whether they ran first thing in the morning or deeper in the evening.

Many of these changes related to fat burning and other aspects of the animals metabolisms. Over time, such changes could substantially influence their disease risks and well-being. And though the study featured rodents, its findings likely have relevance for any of us who wonder if it is better to work out before work, or if we might get as much or more health benefit from after-hours exercise.

As anyone with a body knows, our internal operations and those of almost all living creatures follow a well-orchestrated and pervasive 24-hour circadian rhythm. Recent studies in animals and people show that almost every cell in our bodies contains a version of a molecular clock that coordinates with a broader, full-body timing system to direct most biological operations. Thanks to these internal clocks, our body temperature, blood sugar, blood pressure, hunger, heart rate, hormone levels, sleepiness, cell division, energy expenditure and many other processes surge and slow in repeated patterns throughout the day.

These internal rhythms, while predictable, are also malleable. Our internal clocks can recalibrate themselves, research shows, based on complex cues from inside and outside of us. In particular, they respond to light and dark but are likewise affected by our sleep habits and when we eat.

Recent research suggests that the time of day that we exercise also tunes our internal clocks. In past studies in mice, running at different hours affected the animals body temperatures, cardiac function and energy expenditure throughout the day and altered the activity of genes related to circadian rhythm and aging.

Results in people have been inconsistent, though. In a small 2019 study of men who joined an exercise program to lose weight, for instance, those who worked out in the morning shed more pounds than those exercising later in the day, even though everyone completed the same exercise routine. But in a 2020 study, men at high risk for Type 2 diabetes who began exercising three times a week developed better insulin sensitivity and blood-sugar control if they worked out in the afternoon than in the morning. Those results echoed similar findings from 2019, in which men with Type 2 diabetes who worked out intensely first thing in the morning showed unexpected and undesirable spikes in their blood-sugar levels following the exercise, while the same workouts in the afternoon improved their blood-sugar control.

Few of these studies ventured deep beneath the surface, though, to look into the molecular changes driving the health and circadian outcomes, which might help to explain some of the discrepancies from one study to the next. Those experiments that did examine exercises effects on a microscopic level, usually in mice, tended to concentrate on a single tissue, such as blood or muscle. But scientists who study physical activity, metabolism and chronobiology suspected the impacts of exercise timing would extend to many other parts of the body and involve intricate interplay between multiple cells and organs.

So, for the new study, published this month as the cover article in Cell Metabolism, an international consortium of researchers decided to try quantifying almost every molecular change related to metabolism that occurs during exercise at different times of day. Using healthy, male mice, they had some jog moderately on wheels for an hour early in the day and others run the same amount in the evening. An additional group of mice sat on locked wheels for an hour during these same times and served as a sedentary control group.

Beginning about an hour after the workouts, researchers took repeated samples from each animals muscle, liver, heart, hypothalamus, white fat, brown fat and blood and used sophisticated machinery to identify and enumerate almost every molecule in those tissues related to energy usage. They also checked markers of activity from genes related to metabolism. Then they tabulated totals between the tissues and between the groups of mice.

Interesting patterns emerged. Since mice are nocturnal, they wake and grow active in the evening and prepare to sleep in the morning, a schedule opposite of ours (unless we are vampires or teenagers). When the mice jogged at the start of their active time equivalent to morning for us the researchers counted hundreds of molecules that increased or dropped in number after the exercise, and that differed from levels seen in mice running closer to their bedtimes or not exercising at all.

Furthermore, some of these changes occurred almost identically in different parts of the body, suggesting to the researchers that various organs and tissues were, in effect, communicating with one another. The rodents muscles and livers, for instance, shared many molecular changes when the animals ran in their morning, but fewer when they jogged soon before bed.

It was quite remarkable to see how extensively exercise timing affected the levels and activities of so many molecules throughout the animals bodies, said Juleen Zierath, a professor of clinical integrative physiology at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, and executive director of the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research at the University of Copenhagen, who oversaw the new study.

Overall, the differences in molecular profiles between morning workouts (in mouse terms) and those later in their days tended to signal greater reliance on fat than blood sugar to fuel the early exercise. The opposite occurred when the mice ran in their evening. If those patterns held true in people, it might suggest morning exercise contributes more to fat loss, whereas late-day workouts might be better for blood-sugar control.

But mice are not people, and we do not know yet if the molecular patterns hold true in us. The studys researchers are working on a comparable experiment involving people, Dr. Zierath said.

This study was also limited in scope, examining a single session of moderate aerobic exercise in male mice. It does not show how other kinds of exercise in the morning or evening affect the inner workings of mice or people. Nor does it tell us if what we eat or the time of day we eat, and whether chronotypes whether we tend to be morning or evening people play into these effects, or if being female matters.

But even with its limitations, this is a very important study, said Dr. Lisa Chow, a professor of medicine and endocrinology at the University of Minnesota, who was not involved in this research. It underscores the potency of exercise at any time of day.

It also suggests that, as additional studies build on this ones results, we may become better able to time our workouts to achieve specific health goals. Follow-up studies likely will tell us, for instance, if an evening bike ride or run might stave off diabetes more effectively than a morning brisk walk or swim.

But for now, Dr. Chow said, the best time for people to exercise would be whenever they can get a chance to exercise.

See more here:
When Is the Best Time to Exercise? - The New York Times

When youre in the midst of a health crisis, you may feel scared, overwhelmed or in pain. You need more than tests, surgeries and medication; you need healing touch, a listening ear and inspiration to create a renewed sense of your own health. You may have a health condition that isn't easily diagnosed or treated with Western medicine alone, and want to add new tools to help you regain physical, mental, emotional and spiritual balance and resilience.

Our holistic and integrative medicine practitioners provide just that. Sutters Institute for Health & Healing, founded in 1994 and the first integrative medicine clinic certified by the State of California, is a nationally recognized pioneer in integrative health. At locations across Northern California, we provide evidence-based care that combines modern medical approaches with proven, personalized integrative medicine therapies. Whether you want physician oversight to manage a serious illness or are seeking acupuncture treatment or a therapeutic massage, our goal is to provide the partnership and resources you need to optimize your overall health and well-being.

Understanding Integrative Medicine

Integrative medicine expands the traditional focus on disease and symptoms to incorporate your full potential for wellness. It shifts the emphasis from establishing whats wrong to finding out how to live better through deep and enduring health practices.

Integrative medicine also expands the treatment landscape to include options that reflect amind-body-spirit perspective. For any given clinical concern or need, an integrative approach may incorporate ancient traditions such asChinese medicine and acupuncture as well as modern forms of restoring balance such as functional medicine,mindfulness training andnutrition.

You may come to us with a condition for which conventional medicine may not have all the answers. You may want to enhance the care you are already receiving. Or you may simply be interested in exploring different approaches to wellness and prevention. Whatever your state of health, we can guide you to holistic changes and support you as you put those into practice.

Our staff are all board-certified, Western-trained doctors and clinicians specially trained in integrative practices. Across our Northern California locations, we offer in-depth integrative medicine consultations, focused integrative medicine treatments such as acupuncture and chiropractic services. In San Francisco, we also offer integrative primary care services.

Conditions We Treat

We help children and adults with a variety of health conditions. We offer expertise in areas including:

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Holistic and Integrative Medicine | Sutter Health

Obesity is a problem in the U.S. that continues to grow. While there's no definite answer as to why we have a chronic weight problem, obesity can cause significant health problems such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 42.4 percent of adult Americans are obese. "From 1999 2000 through 2017 2018, US obesity prevalence increased from 30.5% to 42.4%. During the same time, the prevalence of severe obesity increased from 4.7% to 9.2%." Eat This, Not That! Health talked to medical experts who share their insights on obesity and signs that you're overweight. Read onand to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID.

Dr. Mir Ali, MD, bariatric surgeon and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA explains, "What we look at to determine if somebody is obese, is the Body Mass Index; normal range for BMI is 18 to 25; if somebody has a BMI over 30, that is considered obese and they are at risk for developing health problems due to their weight.

Some of the symptoms patient may experience are:

If a patient has any of the above symptoms or has a BMI approaching 30, then they should seek lifestyle changes or medical help with their weight."

Dr. Shadi Vahdat, MD, assistant clinical professor and hospital physician at UCLA and medical director at LiveWell Integrative Medicine. states: "Stretch marks that commonly develop on the abdomen, breasts, buttocks or thighs are a common occurrence with sudden and rapid weight gain . During pregnancy this skin sign is quite normal and common but in its absence may be a sign that you are too overweight. While some people have a greater family history for this condition, the mechanical stress on the skin and hormonal factors are thought to be some of the reasons why it develops in the first place. While this condition is usually harmless and non life threatening, there are rare cases where there are additional systemic signs or symptoms that may require a visit with the doctor to rule out an underlying serious medical condition."

RELATED: Things to Never Do After Age 40, Say Health Experts

"Having a rash in skin folds and creases such as the armpits and groin or any other place where two skin surfaces come into contact can be a sign of being too overweight," Dr. Vahdat explains. "While the appearance of the rash and list of reasons for it can be broad and include a lot of genetic, inflammatory, infectious and other conditions it is always best to see your dermatologists for further evaluation. Treatment may involve anything from topical treatments to a more systemic approach if related to an underlying medical condition."

Dr. Vahdat says, "If people are always commenting about your loud snoring, gasping or worse yet having brief episodes where you stop breathing during your sleep there is a good chance you may be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea; a potentially dangerous sleep disorder that occurs from the throat muscles relaxing and obstructing the airway. Unfortunately the risk of this condition increases six fold for every 10% increase in weight and if untreated can result in a higher risk for heart disease, memory loss, daytime fatigue, and type 2 diabetes."

RELATED: The #1 Cause of Your Obesity, Says Science

Christina Mamada MSc Nutrition, BSc Biology, and Nutrition Associate at Vitl states, "Recurring gastroesophageal reflux (acid reflux), may be an indicator of increased abdominal weight, that structurally pushes the stomach and its content towards the esophagus. Of course, there are a number of other causes of acid reflux, so if you are suffering from those, please talk to your doctor or healthcare professional to help you identify the exact cause."

According to Mamada, "Having some amount of fat throughout our body is absolutely normal and necessary, as fat provides us with essential fatty acids that the body cannot produce on its own. It also helps us absorb and store fat soluble vitamins like A, K, E and D. However, there is a big difference between our fat on our thighs, legs and arms with that around our belly. Excess abdominal fat (at our waist area), can be an indicator of increased visceral fat, which is the fat that is deposited around vital organs, like our heart, pancreas and liver. Increased deposition of fat tissue around these organs, increases the risk of developing metabolic disease, heart disease, diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia and many other severe health conditions. Although a scale can be a good indicator to check your entire's body weight, it is your waist circumference that is positively correlated with your visceral fat, and therefore, can provide insights of the risk of developing certain cardiometabolic diseases. The cut offs of a healthy waist circumference and the risk for metabolic disease, varies with age, sex, and lifestyle factors like diet, smoking and exercise, so make sure to have an expert or medical health professional examine you before jumping into any conclusion."

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"Sweating from walking up a flight of stairs is not normal. Try exercising at least 15 minutes three times a week to see if this helps," says Dr. Pri Hennis, M.D. Family Physician | Functional Nutrition Coach.And to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don't miss these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.

See more here:
Signs You Have "Too Much Fat," Say Experts Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

Dr. Mitsie Vargas| Ledger columnist

The Integrative medicine approach can save lives or at least offer an alternative to managing chronic conditions while maintaining a high quality of life. In some cancer cases, it provides a way to provide comfort and hospice care. In my practice, I try to get the pet owners to understand that a cancer diagnosis does not necessarily mean you need to euthanize your pet right then.

Cancer is a rising concern and we keep diagnosing all sorts of cancerous processes in dogs, catsand exotics. Western medicine offers certain options like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy that will eradicate the tumors or at least attempt to. There is a lot of research regarding vaccines to protect pets against certain kinds of cancer. We are lucky to have the University of Florida involved in several clinical trials and advancing many of these options.

In my opinion, an integrative approach offers the best quality of life for the affected pets. In some cases, getting rid of the tumor surgically then following up with herbals, food therapy, and acupuncture will raise the immune system and relieve pain resulting in a longer lifespan.

What happens when the tumor is inoperable or there are no Western options? Well, then we focus on the Traditional Chinese Veterinary medicine approach and discover the underlying pattern in hopes that addressing that will result in minimizing the cancer process. This is the most remunerating aspect for me as a practitioner; when I can offer hope to pets in dim situations.

I wanted to share a successful case of a kitty named Peaches that came to us with a diagnosis of suspected Lymphoma. He had been vomiting daily, would not eat, and was rapidly declining. His mom was referred to us by her veterinarian. He had been through some Western treatment options and had an ultrasound confirming the infiltrative nature of the lymphoma in his gastroenteric tract

I told the owner that Peaches did not know about his diagnosis so he was living in the present moment and could fully enjoy life if we could help move the gut in the right wayand improve his appetite. It would be our job to provide as much love and support while using Vitamin B12 aquapuncture, food therapy, and herbal medicines to care for him.

A diagnosis of Spleen Qi/Yin deficiency was made. He was put on the herbal formula Happy earth and given some food recommendations. Some supplements like probiotics and bentonite clay were prescribed.

The best thing about this story is that Peaches is currently doing well oneyear post-diagnosis and continues receiving herbal therapy and biweekly aquapuncture treatments. His latest Lymphoma test blood panel confirms his diagnosis and although we know the cancer is there, we are pleased it is not causing disease. He has stopped vomiting and has gained almost 2 poundssince we started therapy. This case exemplifies how TCVM for palliative care can extend the longevity and quality of life and perhaps keep a cancerous, invasive tumor from proliferating.

Dr. Mitsie Vargas is at Orchid Springs Animal Hospital in Winter Haven. She can be reached at drv@osahvets

Original post:
Additional methods of treating cancer in pets - The Ledger

Complementary Therapies for Managing Cancer Symptoms

At Memorial Sloan Kettering, we believe in caring for the whole person not just the disease or symptom. Integrative medicine weaves natural treatments such as acupuncture, massage, and yoga into your overall care plan. All of our holistic health services and programs are based on the latest scientific evidence.

Integrative Medicine at Home

Learn about our array of mind-body wellness classes, available to enjoy from home.

VIDEO | 12:00

Breast medical oncologist and acupuncturist Ting Bao discusses the role of integrative therapies in the cancer setting.

From boosting your overall sense of well-being to managing your pain, we offer specialized advice and programs that can help you:

Integrative Medicine care plans highlight the therapies and services that will help you heal. When you schedule a physician consultation, our skilled doctors will come up with a customized treatment approach and put together a team to help you achieve your specific goals. To make your appointment, please call 646-608-8550.

Information Session: Wellness at Home

On February 18, 2021, a panel of MSK experts answered yourquestions on nutrition, exercise, pain management, and more.

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Integrative Medicine | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Age is really just a number. While everyone ages differently, healthy habits, outlook on life and attitude varies from person to person which means how old someone is doesn't always match up how someone looks and feels. Staying young at heart can be a positive way to go through life and Eat This, Not That! Health talked to experts who revealed how to stay youthful no matter your age and look young. Read onand to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID.

Dr. Scott Kaiser, MD, a board certified geriatrician and Director of Geriatric Cognitive Health for the Pacific Neuroscience Institute at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA says, "To many, it may seem like commonsense at this point, but it can never be emphasized enough: Exercise is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. The benefits of regular physical activity are so numerousespecially for our brain healththat, in a sense, exercise is the closest thing we have to a miracle drug. To achieve one's daily recommended level of exercise you do NOT need to do it all at once. Your activity can be spread throughout the day and, in fact, there may even be unique benefits to short bursts of vigorous activityhigh-intensity intervals. When it comes to brain-healthy exercise, evidence suggests that there is an added boost when you combine aerobic and cognitive challenges. Studies conducted at the Motion Picture & Television Fund (MPTF) sought ways to optimize brain function in healthy older participants. While the positive effects of both regular physical exercise and memory training activities on cognitive function and brain health are well established, the investigators explored the impact of combining exercise and memory training in novel ways. Because exercisinggetting into a healthy aerobic zone promotes healthy brain metabolism and growth, the investigators hypothesized that the effects of memory training could be potentiated if performed while participating in heart-rate monitored exercise regimens. After testing a variety of ways to combine exercise and memory training the investigators identified positive impacts of combined physical exercise and memory training on cognitive performance and developed several insights about ways we might harness these tools to enhance our brain health. For starters, if you were to learn a new dance routine you would not only reap the benefits from getting up and getting your blood pumping but also from the mental challenge involved in learning the steps and keeping yourself coordinated (especially if, like me, you have two left feet!). When you consider the opportunity for creative expression, the joy of connection, and that smile you've just put on your face (all brain health boosting factors) the benefits really start to add up."

According to Dr. Kaiser, "A robust and rapidly expanding body of research captures the numerous benefits of meditation. While there are many forms of meditation and contemplative practices that one can spend a lifetime cultivating, the brain health benefits can come with simple first steps. For example, just taking some mindful breathssimply bringing your attention to your breathing and taking a moment to notice this automatic function with some sense of curiositycan initiate a very positive cascade of events in our mind and body. For one, this simple practice can actually help you curb 'stress' while initiating a physiologic 'relaxation response' in your body resulting in a slowing of the heart rate, change in blood vessel tone with reduced blood pressure, boosting of immune factors, lowering of blood sugar, improved mood, and on and on. As you bring your attention to your breath, you may even be filled with a sense of wonder and appreciationmarveling at the many ways our body keeps us moving through life and noticing seemingly simple things we may take for granted. With mounting evidence supporting the many benefits of 'gratitude,' you may have just unlocked another brain-health boosting bonus."

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Dr. Thomas Berk, Medical Director at Neura Health and a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Department of Neurology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, explains: "Sleep is crucial at any age, but especially as we get older. Sleep is one of the most important things that your brain does. Your brain spends a third of its life in the sleeping state, and it is the time when your brain is most coordinated. It allows not just rest, but also the ability to consolidate memories. People who have migraines are very sensitive to many different kinds of changes, some external to them, and some changes related to their own bodies. Your body thrives on predictability, and the same goes for sleep. The more predictably you sleep, the better your migraines tend to be."

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Nutrition Expert, Author, and Celebrity Chef Mareya Ibrahim explains, "Protein, aka essential amino acids or EAAs are boldly referred to as the building blocks of life because they're that important. Bodybuilders have known about EAAs for years and manipulated them for optimal performance. The truth is, they're critical to your ability to thrive. As humans, nine amino acids are considered essential, but as adults, our bodies require eight of them to function properlyand I mean they're mandatoryand our only sources of these essential eight are from food. It would make sense that if these amino acids are at the core of building life, our meals should be based around them, right? According to the UC Davis Integrative Medicine blog, amino acids account for 75 percent of dry body weight, 95 percent of muscle (including your heart), and 100 percent of hormones, neurotransmitters, and neuropeptides (the pilots and air traffic controllers of your nervous system that keep you from crashing or ending up in Cuba when you were headed for Miami). They're also important for building muscle and stoking your metabolism so you don't end up with that dreaded 'menopot' but what's great about proteins like turkey and chicken is they're also high in tryptophan, which helps to mellow you out and also gives you the sustained energy you need to keep your mental and physical acuity going. We need all the energy we can get! Natural collagen sources are also important for keeping connective tissue healthy to avoid injury, which becomes crucial after 40 especially since we considerably slow down production after 35. Try to avoid meats that have nitrates or nitrates, as they can cause headaches and other side effects, and added salt, as that encourages water retention. If you don't eat meat, other amino acid-rich, plant-based foods include quinoa, beans and rice, soy and coconut amino acids."

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Ibrahim says, "After 40, our hormones begin changing and adapting to all kinds of changes. In order to help facilitate perimenopause and menopause, for example, healthy fats are required to help keep the body from going haywire not to mention, supporting brain function and metabolic health. Nuts, avocado, olives, fatty seafood and Omega 3-rich plant-based foods like chia seeds and flaxseed can play a very important role in helping to prevent Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease while also helping to prevent diabetes and other blood sugar-related conditions. Replacing carbohydrates and saturated fats with healthy fats, such as polyunsaturated fats, lowers blood sugar levels and improves insulin control." And to protect your life and the lives of others, don't visit any of these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.

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Everyday Ways to Never Get Old, According to Science Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

Alcohol is ingrained in our society and socially acceptable at most events. During the holidays, drinking is almost a given. Theres the Christmas cocktails, coquito, spiked hot chocolate and the popping of champagne for the new year.

A 2019 Denver Public Health survey showed that more than one in four Denver adults, about 27%, binge drinks. In 2018, about 30,000 people came to Denver Health emergency rooms for a substance-abuse issue and about 36% were due to alcohol abuse. Also in 2018, 38% of fatal crashes in Denver involved alcohol.

So, during that holiday party, what happens if youre practicing sobriety? In recovery? What happens if youre just sober-curious?

Awake, a coffee shop by day and an alcohol-free bar at night at 2240 Clay St. Unit 100 in Jefferson Park, encourages sobriety, one zero-proof cocktail at a time.

The bar is owned by Christy and Billy Wynne. Bohemian eyes line the back wall, which is filled with bottles of spirits and wines, all zero-proof. The couple decided that alcohol no longer served them, so instead of treating it as a loss, they opened the bar.

Theres an underlying assumption that somethings wrong or that its this sad thing when someone quits drinking, Billy said.

Our deep conditioning in our society is that we need to have alcohol to somehow up level experiences, Christy said. Theres a huge spectrum of people who are reevaluating their relationship with alcohol. I think its just important to have spaces like this to start the conversation and normalize the choice to not drink alcoholSo that its not such a weird thing in our society, where obviously you must have a problem if you quit drinking. It shouldnt be like this.

In 2019, the Wynnes realized that their relationship with alcohol was no longer viable. Billy said after 25 years of drinking he had seen and felt it all and was tired of the routine.

It was taking up a lot of mental space, he said. Even if I wasnt drinking or drinking a lot, I was thinking about drinking. Id be thinking about how I was avoiding it or thinking about what would be on the menu that night. It was taking up a lot of mental energy to participate in alcohol.

Christy said shed been drinking for about 32 years and got good at it because we get good at what we practice. But at one point, she just didnt feel well.

It was interfering with how I felt, she said. You dont have to say you have a drinking problem for drinking to be a problem. We really dont have to wait around for some sort of rock bottom. Some people are like well, I havent gotten a DUI or havent had this, so they justify that their drinking is fine because they havent had those big things happen but what are you waiting for? Are you waiting for a rock bottom? Were allowed to exit out early before we hit those rock bottom places.

The Wynnes noticed that more and more non-alcoholic products were being released and offered in stores.

I feel like for a lot of people, the reason they choose to drink is because nothing else is offered to them, Christy said. Its either you have this glass of wine or you can have a soda or a water. Its like, well, I dont want to be at the kids table, drinking a Shirley Temple. I want the wine. I think if other things were offered and accessible, I believe people would be more open to choosing the alcohol-free option.

The bar had a slow start due to the pandemic. The Wynnes officially opened Awake in November 2020, but mainly focused on the coffee and bottle shop portion of the business.

In May 2021, they officially opened the bar, becoming Denvers first and only sober bar.

The Wynnes said some of their products, such as their tequilas and wine, mimic the taste of their alcoholic counterparts, while some of their drinks are herbal based.

The current winter mocktails on rotation include, gingerbread house nog with vegan eggnog, nutmeg, ginger snaps and a choice of Rum-ish or Lyres American Malt, two zero-proof spirits. Christy said their most popular drink is the smoked sage honey bee. Bartenders smoke sage in a glass before pouring Mockingbird Tequila and lemon juice in it.

During the day, Awake serves coffee from Queen City Collective Coffee, baked goods from Aspen Baking Company and, of course, breakfast burritos.

Christy said some patrons have told her they havent stepped foot in a bar in years because they werent comfortable, but they feel safe in Awake.

The Wynnes said more bars around Denver have started to add zero-proof drinks to their menus, and they hope the trend continues.

Christy is an integrative medicine physician assistant and certified sobriety coach and has two main tips: mindfulness and good planning.

Wynne says be mindful of your physical and mental health. How have you been eating? Have you been drinking enough water? How have you been nourishing yourself?

If it doesnt go as plan, dont beat yourself up for it, Wynne said.

Billy added, My little bit of advice is be proud. Youre making a choice that is healthy and empowering. Maybe you have a rum alternative or a microbrewed IPA from Denver that you can whip out at a party and its something new and different that you can talk about if people are interested.

Christy will be hosting some dry January workshops next year. She said Awake plans to host meetings to help those who are interested in sobriety.

If youre struggling with alcohol abuse, call Denver CARES Detoxification and Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation at 303-436-3500.

You can also call the Denver Area Central Committee of Alcoholics Anonymous at 303-322-4440. Both are open 24 hours a day.

Visit link:
Awake, the first 'sober' bar in Denver, is all about partying without drinking - Denverite

(The Daily Dish) Dr. Russell Osguthorpe, Chief Medical Officer with Prime Meridian Healthcare and a pediatric infectious diseases doctor joined Nicea today to talk about how and why Prime Meridian Healthcare became involved with doTERRA.

Both Prime Meridian Healthcare and doTERRA are focused on integrative healthcare and treating lifestyle diseases. Each year, Trillions of dollars are spent on healthcare and everyone is better when they look at treating the outcomes of lifestyle disease, not the causes.

As Dr. Osguthorpe says tis the season for gym memberships. He suggests looking for options for your family and friends that will help create lifestyle changes rather than treats and sweets.

Prime Meridian Healthcareis an onsite medical clinic that offers primary healthcare services to doTERRAs employees and families, along with surrounding businesses, and nearby residents. They also provide virtual care to residents throughout Utah. They have developed an innovative health technology platform to enable better virtual care for the treatment and reversal of metabolic disease.

Their mission is to change an individuals health trajectory. Remember, Lifestyle diseases require lifestyle changes.

Their mission is a simple one:

Prime Meridian Healthcare focuses on a persons overall vitality and lifespan vs. healthspan. They are focused on extending their patients years, but not the life within the years. Their goal is to intervene early to provide patients with a greater vitality to be able to increase the years of GOOD health in a persons life.

People often focus on weight loss as a measure of getting healthy. This isnt true.

Prime Meridian Healthcare focuses on a holistic approach to your life: in your relationships, stress reduction, your cardiorespiratory fitness, the foods you eat, and those things that lead to a vital life. They surround patients with a team of people who take care of the patients whole health, not just the symptoms. Often people dont think about relationships as a contributor to their health, but we all need to take a look at these connections and see how theyre impacting us.

Patients often say Its in my genes or ask if it could be related to their genes. From a medical perspective, of course, your genes matter, but what makes a bigger difference is the choices each of us makes each day. At Primary Meridian Healthcare theyre focused on lifestyle changes. Understanding your genes can guide you and your physician in helping guide you in your lifestyle choices but our genes do not define us; our lifestyle choices can have a bigger impact than our genes. One area of research for Prime Meridian is to focus on metabolic protocols, and integrative medicine to reduce the side effects of many prescription drugs.

For more information about Prime Meridian Healthcare, you can visit their website.

*Sponsored Content.

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Lifespan VS Healthspan. Know the difference? If not, its time to check it out! - ABC 4