Science-Based Briefs

Heart Health Supplements – Insights for Clinicians

The heart is the most energy demanding organ in the body, pumping approximately 2000 gallons of blood per day and beating an estimated 2.5 billion times in an average lifetime. It’s one of the most important organs in terms of keeping the human body alive.

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Skin from Within: Analyzing the Link Between Skin & Gut Health

Over the last decade, the human gastrointestinal microbiome and its role in health and disease has risen as a research hotspot. In addition to its undeniable connection to the brain and immunity, emerging studies have uncovered the link between gut health and skin health, aptly referred to as the gut-skin axis. Researchers have found that gut dysbiosis, or an imbalance of microorganisms in the intestines, not only alters the skin microbiome, but may also contribute to a variety of skin disorders and diseases.1 This includes acne, psoriasis, rosacea, and atopic dermatitis.  To provide patient education on ways to improve skin health through the gut, it’s important for healthcare professionals to understand the role of the skin microbiome, how it is affected by the gut and science-based recommendations that could be beneficial for both areas of the body.

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Men’s Health: Addressing Barriers to a Healthy Lifestyle and Preventative Care

Over the last century, life expectancy has slowly and steadily increased, which has been attributed to the evolution of medicine and changes in the American lifestyle, with an emphasis on healthier habits and regular exercise.  However, one thing that remains the same is the gender gap.   According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), women tend to live an average of 5 years longer than men.1  While this gender gap in life expectancy is not a new phenomenon, researchers suggest there are many reasons that contribute to this ratio shift that favors women. This includes biological factors such as hormonal influences on physiology and behavior, and environmental factors, such as cultural influences on gender differences in health behaviors.  As a result of perceived vulnerability, denial and traditional macho views on masculinity, men tend to underuse primary and mental health care services and are less likely to seek medical attention early and adhere to medical treatment, if diagnosed.2      

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Nutrition, Hormones & Health – Achieving Balance Naturally

Hormones are essential for life as they help to optimize all aspects of health and performance.  From growth development and reproduction to metabolism, mood and sleep cycles, hormones play a crucial role in many different processes in the body. While men and women have the same basic hormones, the levels of two of the major sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone, are generally higher for women with a vastly different pattern of production that changes over time and throughout their lifespan.  This makes hormonal balance especially critical for women’s health.  While this balance can be disrupted in many ways, including the natural fluctuations that occur during puberty and menopause, simple dietary and lifestyle changes can help restore proper levels of hormones.

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