Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is one of the most widely used medical imaging technologies today. Praised for its detailed images and non-invasive nature, MRI has become essential in diagnosing everything from brain tumors and spinal problems to ligament tears and heart conditions. But as with any medical procedure, it’s natural to wonder: Is your MRI safe? The short answer is:  Yes, MRIs are generally very safe – but like any medical tool, there are a few caveats worth knowing, especially when it comes to contrast agents like gadolinium. This article breaks down the facts, separating myth from medicine. MRI: A Radiation-Free Alternative One of the biggest safety advantages of MRI is that it does not use ionizing radiation. That’s a major difference compared to X-rays, CT scans, and…

Digestive health issues, such as bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort, are increasingly common. Many individuals suffer from these symptoms without understanding their causes or how to manage them effectively. One dietary approach that has gained significant attention in recent years is the low FODMAP diet, a structured eating plan designed to alleviate symptoms related to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other gastrointestinal disorders. What is the FODMAP Diet? The FODMAP diet focuses on reducing the intake of foods that contain FODMAPs, a group of short-chain carbohydrates that can be poorly absorbed in the small intestine. The acronym FODMAP stands for: Fermentable: These carbohydrates are broken down (fermented) by gut bacteria in the colon. Oligosaccharides:  A type of carbohydrate found in foods like wheat, rye, onions, and legumes (beans,…

For IV infusion, the preferred form is NAD⁺ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide in its oxidized form). Why is NAD⁺ Used for IV Therapy? Direct Bioavailability: NAD⁺ can be directly utilized by cells without requiring conversion from another form like NADH. Energy and Mitochondrial Support: Boosts ATP production, helping with energy metabolism, cognitive function, and cellular repair. Anti-Aging and Detoxification: Used in wellness clinics for potential benefits in aging, neuroprotection, and recovery from addiction or stress. Why Not NADH for IV? NADH is less stable and harder to administer effectively via IV. It must first be converted back into NAD⁺ before cells can efficiently use it in metabolic pathways. Potential Benefits of NAD⁺ IV Therapy Increased energy and reduced fatigue Improved mental clarity and cognitive function Enhanced cellular repair and…

NAD, NAD⁺, and NADH are essential molecules in cellular metabolism, particularly in energy production and redox reactions. Here’s a breakdown of each: NAD (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) NAD is a coenzyme found in all living cells. It plays a key role in redox (oxidation-reduction) reactions, transferring electrons between molecules. NAD exists in two forms: NAD⁺ (oxidized form) and NADH (reduced form). NAD⁺ (Oxidized Form of NAD) NAD⁺ is the electron-accepting form of NAD. It is crucial for energy metabolism, particularly in cellular respiration (glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation). In metabolism, NAD⁺ accepts electrons from food molecules and becomes NADH. NAD⁺ levels decline with age, and increasing NAD⁺ has been linked to potential benefits for aging, energy production, and cellular repair. NADH (Reduced Form of NAD) NADH…

Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound derived from the cannabis plant, has garnered significant attention for its potential therapeutic benefits. While traditionally consumed orally or via inhalation, intravenous (IV) administration of CBD is emerging as a method to enhance its efficacy and bioavailability. This article explores the known benefits of IV CBD infusions, supported by current research and clinical observations.​ Enhanced Bioavailability and Rapid Onset One of the primary advantages of IV CBD infusion is the direct delivery of CBD into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. This method ensures nearly 100% bioavailability, allowing for higher concentrations of CBD to reach target tissues more efficiently than oral administration. Consequently, patients may experience therapeutic effects more rapidly, which is particularly beneficial for acute symptom management. ​ Pain Relief and Anti-Inflammatory…

Carbohydrates are one of the three main macronutrients, alongside proteins and fats, that provide energy and are essential for the body’s proper function. While many people associate carbohydrates with weight gain and sugar-related health issues, they are actually a vital part of a balanced diet. Carbohydrates serve as the body’s primary and preferred source of energy. Understanding the different types of carbohydrates, their functions, sources, and how they affect the body can help you make better dietary choices. What Are Carbohydrates? Carbohydrates are organic compounds made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. They occur naturally in many foods and are broken down into glucose (a form of sugar) by the digestive system. Glucose is used by the body for energy, especially for the brain, muscles, and other…

The goal of anti-aging is to slow, stop, or even reverse many of the changes associated with aging.  This means staying healthy, active, and vibrant of body and mind, while avoiding the common diseases and infirmities of aging.  One cornerstone of anti-aging strategy is to replace the hormones that naturally decline with aging, including the sex hormones estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, as well as a few adrenal hormones. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) The science of aging reveals we are designed for two things – to reproduce and to survive.  Once accomplished, by about middle age our genetic replication starts increasing in mistakes, enzymes slow in catalyzing chemical reactions, and hormones decline. Aging begins … HRT is really about preventing disease and maintaining quality of life. It’s about keeping…

Wellness is quite more than the absence of disease. Similarly, to be “well” does not automatically mean one is fit. Rather, there is a spectrum that improves from sickness, to wellness, to fitness. Fitness can be thought of as “super-wellness.” Fitness keeps us at the top of our game whether in sport or in health. But what does fitness mean? What traits make one fit? Many things can be correlated to determine fitness. For example, a body fat of 40 percent is unhealthy, while 20 percent is healthy, and 10 percent is fit. Blood pressure of 160/90 is unhealthy, 120/70 is healthy, and 110/60 found in the fit athlete. Similar comparisons can be made with many traits such as cholesterol, heart rate, and so on. When I speak…

Yoga, an ancient practice dating back thousands of years, has experienced a remarkable surge in popularity across the globe. While its roots lie in spiritual and philosophical traditions, modern research continues to validate yoga’s numerous benefits for physical, mental, and emotional well-being. At its core, yoga combines physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation to create a comprehensive approach to health.  I highly recommend yoga to my patients, both as a wellness activity and to help with various medical conditions.  It can be done in a social setting via classes or in the privacy of home. Physical Benefits of Yoga One of yoga’s most significant physical benefits is its ability to improve flexibility and strength simultaneously. Unlike traditional exercises that may focus on one aspect of fitness,…

The frustration of not losing weight despite eating right and exercising is often related to hormone imbalances.  Last week I wrote about hormones that cause weight gain.  Now let’s consider several hormones that take off the pounds!  With weight loss, some of them increase metabolism, some build muscle, while others lower appetite and cravings plus stimulate the breakdown of fat. Hormones That Increase Metabolism Thyroid hormone is our main metabolic hormone, directly increasing the burning of calories.  It increases the body temperature and overall energy.  Thyroid helps our fuel (food) burn more efficiently and will improve cholesterol metabolism.  Thyroid sensitizes other hormone receptors so they operate better.  Optimizing thyroid is similar to turning up the furnace or tuning an engine – the body simply operates better. Glucagon, from…

In the struggle to maintain a healthy weight many of us find there seems to be some hidden roadblock to our progress. Despite eating well and exercising regularly, sometimes weight loss seems impossible.  Rest assured there are often underlying hormone issues that conspire to “pack on the pounds”.  Understanding these hormones is an essential step in helping with weight loss. The Hormone Weight Promoters Cortisol is the first troublemaker. As our main “stress” hormone cortisol is made by the adrenal gland and readies the body for battle, by increasing our blood pressure and blood sugar, and controlling inflammation. It helps the body react to our “fight or flight” hormone adrenaline. These are good things cortisol does to help us adapt to stressful situations. Chronic stress, however, allows cortisol…

A Food Combination Diet The basic idea of a food combination diet is that certain foods do not digest optimally if eaten together, while others mix well.  It’s true, some foods require a more acidic environment and take longer to digest, while others need less acid and digest quicker.  The thought is that mixing the two creates an inefficient breakdown process, leading to stress for the digestive system, poor metabolism or undigested food fermenting in the stomach.  By combining certain foods it may lead to better metabolism, weight loss and overall health.  Let’s take a closer look at this theory. The common food combination diet guidelines suggest eating fruit only on an empty stomach, avoiding combinations of proteins and starch, acidic foods and starch, and different types of…

In recent years, a growing body of nutritional science and ancestral wisdom has cast doubt on the healthfulness of a ubiquitous component of the modern diet: seed oils. Once promoted as heart-healthy alternatives to saturated fats, oils like soybean, corn, canola, sunflower, and safflower are now under scrutiny for their potential role in chronic disease. Seed oils may represent a slippery slope for health, silently contributing to inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and other degenerative conditions. The Origin of Seed Oils Seed oils, also called vegetable oils, are industrial products. Unlike olive oil or coconut oil, which can be mechanically pressed with minimal processing, seed oils require intense refinement. This process includes high-heat extraction, chemical solvents like hexane, deodorization, and bleaching. The result is a highly processed oil that is…

Imagine being so tired that you can’t function.  I’m not talking about being pooped at the end of a long day at work or exhausted after a big hike.  I mean the kind of tired that prevents working a normal job or the kind of tired that only allows doing a few hours of chores before having to go back to bed from being so wiped out.  Normally exercise gives one a bit of energy but not this type of tired – if not careful exercise just makes it worse. Now consider having this type of fatigue all the time, for months to years on end without relief, and even rest won’t help.  To make matters worse insomnia is usually present as well, so although one may be…

Multidrug Resistance Multidrug Resistance (MDR) refers to the ability of cancer cells to resist multiple chemotherapy drugs. This resistance is often caused by mutations or overexpression of genes such as ABCB1 (P-glycoprotein, also called MDR1), ABCC1 (MRP1), and ABCG2 (BCRP). These genes encode transporter proteins that pump chemotherapy drugs out of cancer cells, reducing their effectiveness. Mutations in MDR-related genes can increase drug resistance by increasing the removal, or efllux, of drugs from within cancer cells.  They can also work to our benefit by causing cancer cells to be more sensitive to treatment. Natural Treatments for MDR Mutations in Cancer Some natural compounds have the ability to inhibit MDR genes or enhance chemotherapy effectiveness. These natural treatments work by blocking drug efflux pumps, sensitizing cancer cells to treatment,…

Nitric oxide (NO) is truly a miraculous compound that you need to know about since it plays a huge role in human health.  I routinely recommend a product that increases NO, called N1O1 for help with blood pressure, artery health, and healthy aging in general – read on to understand why. History of Nitric Oxide Nitric oxide was first identified as a gas by Joseph Priestly in 1772 and is a simple molecule consisting of just one atom of oxygen and one atom of nitrogen.  In 1977 Ferid Murad was investigating how nitroglycerin works and discovered that it can release nitric oxide which in turn was able to cause relaxation of smooth muscle cells.   In 1980 Robert Furchgott discovered that arteries would not relax without the presence of…