May

Case Study

• Importance of Dietary Expansion After GI Treatment

Research Briefs

• Can restrictive diets for improving gut health lead to psychological harm?
• Can a cognitive behavioral therapy app improve GI symptoms and reduce fear of food?

Practitioner Question

• How can I help my patients expand their diet?

April 2023

Case Study

• Overlooked Mercury Toxicity Results in Inappropriate Treatment and Harm to Patient

Clinical Review

• Do patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) have higher rates of miscarriage compared to euthyroid patients?

Practitioner Question

• “Why would you give probiotics to a patient with SIBO, won’t this worsen their overgrowth?”

March 2023

Case Study

• Microscopic Colitis Nearly Resolved After Basic GI Support

Research Briefs

• Does pelvic floor biofeedback therapy improve bloating?
• Does rotating antimicrobials lead to better outcomes in SIBO patients?
• Does a simple exercise intervention improve bloating?

February 2023

Case Study

• Inappropriate SIBO diagnosis worsens GI symptoms

Research Briefs

• Is the low FODMAP diet more effective than medication for improving IBS?
• Are probiotics better than medications for IBS?

Practitioner Question

• Who Benefits from Limbic Retraining?

January 2023

Case Study:

• Commonly Used Medication Delays GI Healing

Research Briefs:

• Does exercise or sauna lead to better detoxification of heavy metals?
• Does N-acetylcysteine reduce airway reactivity to air pollution?

Practitioner Tip:

• Don’t Get Greedy!

December 2022

Case Study:

• Dysbiosis Treatment Improves GI Symptoms Despite Normal GI Test Results

Research Briefs:

• Best Dietary Treatments for Eosinophilic Esophagitis
• Is exercise helpful for improving post-COVID fatigue?

Practitioner Tip:

• Prioritize Your Fitness Routine

November 2022

Case Study:

• Improving GI Symptoms WITHOUT Lab Testing or Strict Dietary Adherence

Research:

• Are Probiotics Useful for Improving Body Composition?
• Exercise Interventions and Body Composition
• Dietary Interventions and Body Composition

Listener Question:

• How will Elemental Heal affect insulin resistance?

October 2022

Case Study:

• Resolution of Rosacea with Gut-Targeted Therapies

Research:

• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in rosacea: clinical effectiveness of its eradication

Practitioner Question:

• What should one do when probiotics seem to make things worse in an IBS patient?

September 2022

Case Study:

• Improving Severe Histamine Intolerance with GI Support (Maddison)

Clinical Review:

• Are Prebiotics Clinically Useful for IBS, Functional Constipation, or SIBO?

Practitioner Question:

• Is it okay to take antimicrobials with probiotics at the same time?

August 2022

Case Studies:

• Simple gut care addresses significant food reactivity and colitis (Julianna)
• SIBO patient with food reactions resolved symptoms without antimicrobials (Karen)

Research:

• 4 Studies on the “Weekend Warrior”
  • Physical Activity Patterns and Mortality: The Weekend Warrior and Activity Bouts
  • Association of “Weekend Warrior” and Other Leisure Time Physical Activity Patterns With Risks for All-Cause, Cardiovascular Disease, and Cancer Mortality
  • The “Weekend Warrior” and Risk of Mortality
  • Leisure time physical activity and mortality: a detailed pooled analysis of the dose-response relationship

July 2022

Case Studies:

• Microscopic Lymphocytic Colitis Resolved with Foundational Gut Support (Vickie)
• PTSD, Eating Disorders, and IBS (Jane)

Research:

• Connection between adverse childhood experiences, anxiety, and IBS

June 2022

Case Studies:

• Benefits of a Supplement Holiday (Karen)
• $40,000 – $50,000 in supplements and tests (Noah)

Research:

• Probiotics’ ability to degrade aflatoxin
• Probiotic protects against zearalenone induced damage during pregnancy

Practitioner Tip:

• Setting up a system for continuing education

May 2022

Clinical Review:

• An Update on Thyroglobulin Antibodies

Case Studies:

• Mold illness as the cause of non-responsive fibromyalgia symptoms (Mary)
• Functional Medicine Gone Wrong: A faulty diagnosis of hypothyroidism led to unnecessary medication

April 2022

Case Study:

• Addressing Bile Acid Malabsorption and Mold Toxicity (William)

Clinical Review:

• Blastocystis Hominis – Friend or Foe?

Research Review:

• Use of Fecal Calprotectin in your IBD patients
• Rapid-Fire Research Reviews:
  • Is Sauna Safe in Pregnancy?
  • Probiotics for preventing acute upper respiratory tract infections
  • Variability of fecal calprotectin in healthy patients without colonic inflammation or neoplasm
  • Bile acid binding affinity of raw foods
  • Bile acid binding of steam cooked foods

March 2022

Case Studies:

• Iterative Care: Limbic Retraining and Supplementation for Mast Cell Activation Provide Remarkable Benefits (Ashley)
• Avoiding the Hormone Replacement, Over-Testing, and Off-Label Medication Traps (Paul)

Research:

• Is Metformin An Effective Treatment for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?
• Can Vitamin D and Omega 3 Fats Prevent the Development of Symptomatic Autoimmune Disease?

Practitioner Question:

• What Do You Do With Patient Provided Lab Results You Do Not Normally Run?

February 2022

Case Studies:

• Sleep disordered breathing interventions improve insomnia and fatigue (Mark)
• Questionable case of polymyalgia rheumatica resolved with basic GI-focused care (Jim)

Research:

• Can subclinical hypothyroidism correct on its own?
• What’s better: Generic or Brand Levothyroxine?

Practice Tip:

• How aggressive should you be with your treatment recommendations?

January 2022

Case Studies:

• Basic, Conservative Functional Medicine Improves Insomnia, Depression, and GI Health (Ashley)
• Severe IBD Addressed Rapidly With Diet and GI Supportive Therapies (Steve)

Research:

• Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Safe for Women with a Previous Diagnosis of Breast Cancer?
• How Do I Treat Subclinical Hypothyroidism?

Practice Tip:

• Assume Your Patient Knows Something You Don’t

December 2021

Case Study:

• Identifying Mold Toxicity and Prioritizing Avoidance (James)

Research:

• Herbal Treatment for Post Menopausal Symptoms
• Distribution and relevance of Dientamoeba fragilis and Blastocystis species in gastroenteritis: results from a case-control study
• AGA Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Gastrointestinal Evaluation of Iron Deficiency Anemia
• Rapid-Fire Research – Ultra-concise summaries of noteworthy studies.
  • Proton Pump Inhibitors Do Not Reduce the Risk of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma in Patients with Barrett’s Esophagus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
  • Highly bioavailable curcumin derivative ameliorates Crohn’s disease symptoms: A randomized, double-blind, multicenter study
  • Clinical efficacy of Saccharomyces boulardii or metronidazole in symptomatic children with Blastocystis hominis infection
  • Association between Sauna Bathing and Fatal Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality

Practitioner Question:

• How to guide patients who are NOT following up on recommendations?

Practice Tip:

• Schedule time to reflect on every case

November 2021

Case Study:

• Symptoms of Overtreatment Improve After GI Therapies and Medication Reduction (Sarah)

Research:

• Effect of synbiotics and probiotics supplementation on autoimmune diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials
• Igg Food Antibody Guided Elimination-Rotation Diet Was More Effective than FODMAP Diet and Control Diet in the Treatment of Women with Mixed IBS—Results from an Open Label Study
• Rapid-Fire Research – Ultra-concise summaries of noteworthy studies.
  • A Low-FODMAP Diet Improves the Global Symptoms and Bowel Habits of Adult IBS Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
  • Excretion of Heavy Metals and Glyphosate in Urine and Hair Before and After Long-Term Fasting in Humans
  • Diagnostic yield of endoscopy in irritable bowel syndrome: A nationwide prevalence study 1987-2016

Practice Development:

• The Better Nutrition Program (BNP)

October 2021

Case Study:

• Resolving 11 years of chronic hives with GI support (Catie)

Research:

• Impact of the Swank and Wahls elimination dietary interventions on fatigue and quality of life in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: The WAVES randomized parallel-arm clinical trial
• Prebiotics and probiotics for depression and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials
• Rapid-Fire Research – Ultra-concise summaries of noteworthy studies.
  • Chronic spontaneous urticaria and internal parasites–a systematic review
  • Effects of Quercetin on Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
  • The role of probiotic bacteria in managing periodontal disease: a systematic review

Practice Tip:

• Visit Time Management

September 2021

Case Study:

• Resolution of bloating and constipation through reduction of a hiatal hernia (Brian)

Research:

• Diagnosis of mast cell activation syndrome: a global “consensus-2”
• Effect of a Single High Dose of Vitamin D3 on Hospital Length of Stay in Patients With Moderate to Severe COVID-19
• Report on Absorption of magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts) across the skin
• Blood, Urine, and Sweat (BUS) Study: Monitoring and Elimination of Bioaccumulated Toxic Elements
• Rapid-Fire Research – Ultra-concise summaries of noteworthy studies.
  • Dietary Flaxseed as a Strategy for Improving Human Health
  • Prevention of Influenza Episodes With Colostrum Compared With Vaccination in Healthy and High-Risk Cardiovascular Subjects: The Epidemiologic Study in San Valentino
  • Mixed mold mycotoxicosis: Immunological changes in humans following exposure in water-damaged buildings

Practitioner Question:

• What Is a Root Cause?

Practice Tip:

• Set firm boundaries with your patients

August 2021

Case Study:

• Using GI Treatments to Significantly Improve Menstrual Symptoms (Jill)

Research:

• Clinical Review: The Validity and Role of IgG “Food Sensitivity” Testing In Clinical Practice

Practitioner Question:

• How do you attract new clients? How do you expand a functional medicine practice?

July 2021

Case Study:

• A Young Female with Chronic Diarrhea Responds Well to Basic Gut Support (Susan)

Research:

• Clinical Review: The Role of Fungal-Based Testing in GI Conditions
• Rapid-Fire Research – Ultra-concise summaries of noteworthy studies.
  • Effects of select dietary supplements on the prevention and treatment of viral respiratory tract infections: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials
  • Preventing Respiratory Tract Infections by Synbiotic Interventions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trial

Practitioner Tip:

• How to Help Frustrated Patients

June 2021

Case Study:

• Resolution of Psoriatic Arthritis Pain in One Month (Carolyn)

Research:

• A Review of the Mechanism of Injury and Treatment Approaches for Illness Resulting from Exposure to Water-Damaged Buildings, Mold, and Mycotoxins
• Rapid-Fire Research – Ultra-concise summaries of noteworthy studies.
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Atrial Fibrillation
  • Insufficient Sleep Undermines Dietary Efforts to Reduce Adiposity
  • Sleep duration affects risk for ulcerative colitis: A prospective cohort study
  • Extended-Release Lovastatin Does not improve spontaneous bowel movements in patients with IBS-C – Phase 2b study results

Practitioner Tip:

• “Think That You Might Be Wrong”

May 2021

Case Study:

• Thyroid and Overall Health Improved Through Gut-Based Therapies Despite Nutritional Labs NOT improving (Rebecca)

Research:

• Important Updates to the Thyroid Treatment Algorithm – Clinical History, Screening, and Treatment
• Rapid-Fire Research – Ultra-concise summaries of noteworthy studies.
  • Clinical Outcomes After Discontinuation of Thyroid Hormone Replacement: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
  • The effects of synbiotic supplementation on thyroid function and inflammation in hypothyroid patients: A randomized, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled trial

April 2021

Case Study:

• Reading the Symptoms: A 71 yo Male Who Responded Extremely Well to HCl – Don’t Miss This Symptomatic Clue (Nathan)

Research:

• Thyroid Algorithm Updates (Dr. Ruscio’s Updates & Review)
• Non-gastrointestinal symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome: An office-based clinical survey
• Rapid-Fire Research – Ultra-concise summaries of noteworthy studies
  • Short-course Rifaximin therapy efficacy and lactulose hydrogen breath test in Chinese patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome
  • Insufficient evidence to support the clinical efficacy of selenium supplementation for patients with chronic autoimmune thyroiditis

March 2021

Case Study:

• Intractable Anaphylaxis and Eczema in a 21-month-old Child (John Michael)

Research:

• The Role of Modified Citrus Pectin as an Effective Chelator of Lead in Children Hospitalized with Toxic Lead Levels
• The Effect of Modified Citrus Pectin on Urinary Excretion of Toxic Elements
• Binding Rather Than Metabolism May Explain the Interaction of Two Food-Grade Lactobacillus Strains with Zearalenone and Its Derivative a-Zearalenol
• Rapid-Fire Research – ultra-concise summaries of noteworthy studies.
  • Ability of dairy strains of lactic acid bacteria to bind a common food carcinogen, aflatoxin B1
  • Exogenous melatonin as a treatment for secondary sleep disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis
  • Evidence for the efficacy of melatonin in the treatment of primary adult sleep disorders
  • The use of exogenous melatonin in delayed sleep phase disorder: a meta-analysis

Practitioner Question:

• Would you consider a different selection of HAbx with the addition of artemisinin?

February 2021

Case Study:

• Conservative Functional Medicine and the Appropriate Use of Oral Antibiotics for a Perimenopausal Woman (Stacy)

Research:

• Exploration of Recent Medscape Article (MTHFR & Folic Acid): Online Misinformation Fuels a Fight Over Folic Acid

January 2021

Case Study:

• Brain-Gut Connection, An Example of When Limbic Retraining Can Yield Substantial Improvements. (Rebecca)

Research:

• GI-MAP: To Use or Not to Use? A Review of a recent study on and the evidence for the GI-MAP stool test & functional medicine stool pathogen testing in general
• Rapid-Fire Research – Ultra-concise summaries of noteworthy studies.
  • Effects of a Paleolithic Diet on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
  • Exercise and gut immune function: evidence of alterations in colon immune cell homeostasis and microbiome characteristics with exercise training

December 2020

Case Study

• Patient responds to gut-directed therapy and no longer needs thyroid medication after suspicious hypothyroid diagnosis, Guest Case Study by Gavin Guard, PA-C (Sally)

Research

• Clinical Review: Combination T4/T3 Therapy: Does the Ratio Matter?
• Rapid-Fire Research – ultra concise summaries of noteworthy studies
  • Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial
  • Effects of a Fermented Dairy Drink Containing Lacticaseibacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei CNCM I-1518 (Lactobacillus casei CNCM I-1518) and the Standard Yogurt Cultures on the Incidence, Duration, and Severity of Common Infectious Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Practitioner Tip

• Patient Self Assessments

November 2020

Case Study

• Probiotics As a Monotherapy for H. pylori (Nathan)

Research

• Clinical Summary: Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
• Rapid-Fire Research – ultra concise summaries of noteworthy studies
  • Does a glucose-based hydrogen and methane breath test detect bacterial overgrowth in the jejunum?
  • Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Fecal Microbiota: A Randomized Clinical Trial
  • The effects of high doses of vitamin D on the composition of the gut microbiome of adolescent girls

Practitioner Question

• What is the most tenable conclusion regarding vitamin D and the microbiota?

October 2020

Case Study

• Improvement of mental health, metabolic health, and normalization of fecal calprotectin in 4 months. (Ashley)

Research

• Biochemical Markers in the Urine Associated with Gastrointestinal Mold-Overgrowth are Linked with Elevated Urinary Mycotoxins in Patients with Suspected Mold Illness
• A distinct gut microbiota composition in patients with ankylosing spondylitis is associated with increased levels of fecal calprotectin
• Small intestinal microbial dysbiosis underlies symptoms associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders
• Rapid-Fire Research – ultra concise summaries of noteworthy studies
  • Low Dose Naltrexone: Side Effects and Efficacy in Gastrointestinal Disorders
  • Association of Healthy Lifestyle with Years Lived Without Major Chronic Diseases
  • Separating “good” from “bad” fecal dysbiosis – Evidence from two cross-sectional studies.
  • Severe intestinal dysbiosis is prevalent in primary Sjögren’s syndrome and is associated with systemic disease activity
  • Short-term diet change alters microbial diversity and triggers GI symptoms

Practitioner Tip

• You can’t change what you don’t track.

September 2020

Case Study

• Pediatric Hypothyroidism and Gut Dysfunction: Combining Traditional and Functional Approaches. (Kyle)

Research

• Health Coaching: An Evidence-Based Review: Part I
• Rapid-Fire Research – ultra concise summaries of noteworthy studies
  • Perioperative Probiotics or Synbiotics in Adults Undergoing Elective Abdominal Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
  • Randomized Trial of Lactin-V to Prevent Recurrence of Bacterial Vaginosis
  • Association of Daily Step Count and Step Intensity With Mortality Among US Adults

Practitioner Tip

• Building a Functional Differential Diagnosis and Treatment Hierarchy

August 2020

Case Study:

• Hypothyroid Case Did Not Respond to Levothyroxine, Did NOT Require Combination Therapy, GI Support Resolved Symptoms. (Monica)

Research:

• 8 False Claims 60 Minutes Made About Probiotics
• Rapid-Fire Research – ultra concise summaries of noteworthy studies
  • Effect of Probiotic Supplementation on Migraine Prophylaxis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
  • Associations Between Migraine, Celiac Disease, Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity and Activity of Diamine Oxidase
  • Association Between Levothyroxine Treatment and Thyroid-Related Symptoms Among Adults Aged 80 Years and Older With Subclinical Hypothyroidism | Endocrinology

Practitioner Question:

• Organic Acid Testing

July 2020

Case Study:

• Recovery from Herbal Antimicrobials After Misguided Functional Medicine Gives a Patient C. difficile, Guest Case Study by Dr. Robert Abbott (Chris)

Research:

• A Lifestyle (Dietary) Intervention Reduces Tiredness in Children with Subclinical Hypothyroidism, a Randomized Controlled Trial
• Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis: Fecal Calprotectin as a Surrogate Marker for Predicting Relapse in Adults with Ulcerative Colitis
• Efficacy of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome in a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
• Rapid-Fire Research – ultra concise summaries of noteworthy studies
  • The Autoimmune Protocol Diet Modifies Intestinal RNA Expression in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  • Thyroid Disease in Pregnancy: ACOG Practice Bulletin, Number 223
  • Ultra-Processed Diets Cause Excess Calorie Intake and Weight Gain: An Inpatient Randomized Controlled Trial of Ad Libitum Food Intake

Practice Tip

• How to Efficiently Personalize Your Treatments

June 2020

Case Study:

• Hydrogen Sulfide SIBO and Improvement in Interstitial Cystitis by Treating the Basics, Guest Case Study by Dr. Joe Mather (Kathy)

Research:

• Association of Frequency of Organic Food Consumption with Cancer Risk
• Efficacy of the Autoimmune Protocol Diet for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Eating Disorders in Adolescents with Chronic Gastrointestinal and Endocrine Diseases
• Rapid-Fire Research – ultra concise summaries of noteworthy studies
  • Effect of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Clinical Features of Migraine: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
  • Association Between Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and Celiac Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
  • Safety and Feasibility of Various Fasting-Mimicking Diets Among People with Multiple Sclerosis

Practitioner Question of the Month

• “Is it a bad idea to recommend the elemental diet to a patient with diabetes?”

May 2020

Case Study:

• Over-testing and Incorrect Hypothyroid Diagnosis Leads to Needless Patient Suffering – FFMR Model Saves the Day Again, Guest Case Study by Dr. Robert Abbott (Susan)

Research:

• Significance of Anti-TPO as an Early Predictive Marker in Thyroid Disease
• Human helminth therapy to treat inflammatory disorders – where do we stand?
• Weight-loss interventions and gut microbiota changes in overweight and obese patients: A systematic review.
• Rapid-Fire Research – ultra concise summaries of noteworthy studies
  • Role of Probiotics in Prophylaxis of Helicobacter pylori Infection.

April 2020

Case Study:

• Overtesting & Overuse of Supplement Protocols in Functional Medicine, Guest Case Study by Dr. Robert Abbott (Michael)

Research:

• Probiotics Protect Against Cold, Flu, and Respiratory Tract Infection
• Vitamin D therapy in inflammatory bowel diseases: who, in what form, and how much?
• Treatment of refractory and severe hypothyroidism with sublingual levothyroxine in a liquid formulation.
• Rapid-Fire Research – ultra concise summaries of noteworthy studies
  • Effect of probiotic supplementation in pregnant women: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

March 2020

Case Study:

• Histamine Intolerance, Medication Reduction & Lifestyle Changes Resolve a ‘Chronic & Complex’ Case, Guest Case Study by Dr. Ronit Mor (Ellen)

Research:

• Systematic review: Quality of trials on the symptomatic effects of the low FODMAP diet for irritable bowel syndrome.
• Microbiota and Thyroid Interaction in Health and Disease.
• Personalized Nutrition by Prediction of Glycemic Responses.
• Rapid-Fire Research – ultra concise summaries of noteworthy studies
  • Systematic review with meta-analysis: the prevalence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in inflammatory bowel disease.
  • The Convergence of Bacterial Overgrowth, Systemic Inflammatory Biomarkers, and Anti-Vinculin Antibodies in Determining the Response to Rifaximin Treatment in Diarrhea-Predominant IBS (D-IBS) Subjects

February 2020

Case Study:

• Incorrect Hypothyroid Diagnosis; Gut Health Was the Cause of Symptoms (Amy)

Research:

• American College of Gastroenterology: monograph on the management of irritable bowel syndrome and chronic idiopathic constipation
• Effects of regulating intestinal microbiota on anxiety symptoms: A systematic review
• Brain fogginess, gas and bloating: A link between SIBO, probiotics and metabolic acidosis
• Rapid-Fire Research – Ultra concise summaries of noteworthy studies
  • The administration of probiotics and synbiotics in immune-compromised adults: is it safe?
  • Effect of probiotics on depressive symptoms: A meta-analysis of human studies

January 2020

Case Study

• Severe IBD with SIBO and anemia, Guest Case Study by Dr. Ilana Gurevich (Emily)

Research

• Bacillus spp. Spores – A Promising Treatment Option for Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Investigation of iron deficiency anemia
• SYMPOSIUM REPORT: An Evidence-Based Approach to IBS and CIC: Applying New Advances to Daily Practice: A Review of an Adjunct Clinical Symposium of the American College of Gastroenterology Meeting October 16, 2016 • Las Vegas, Nevada.
• Rapid-Fire Research: Ultra-Concise Summaries of Noteworthy Studies
  • Memory and Brain Amyloid and Tau Effects of a Bioavailable Form of Curcumin in Non-Demented Adults: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled 18-Month Trial.
  • Gluten-induced symptoms in diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome are associated with increased myosin light chain kinase activity and claudin-15 expression.

December 2019

Case Study

• SIBO Labs & Symptoms Improved, But GI-Map Become Worse… Atrantil vs Antimicrobials For SIBO And Dysbiosis; Habx More Effective.

Research

• Mood Disorders and Gluten: It’s Not All in Your Mind! A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
• Is SIBO A Real Condition?
• Production and Use of Hymenolepis diminuta Cysticercoids as Anti-Inflammatory Therapeutics.
• Rapid-Fire Research – Ultra-concise summaries of noteworthy studies
  • Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with probiotics. An etiopathogenic approach at last?

Practitioner Question of the Month

• The reason why T4/T3 combination therapy studies don’t show benefit is that some don’t use the correct ration.

November 2019

Case Study

• Sixteen-year-old Female with Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Research

• Dysbiosis or Adaptation: How Stable is the Gut Microbiome?
• Current evidence for the treatment of hypothyroidism with levothyroxine/levotriiodothyronine combination therapy versus levothyroxine monotherapy
• Pesticide exposure and risk of Alzheimer’s disease a systematic review and meta-analysis
• Rapid-Fire Research – ultra concise summaries of noteworthy studies
  • Breath tests for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth diagnosis: a systematic review with meta-analysis

October 2019

Case Study

• GI Retesting Looked Worse In A Case Where Symptoms Cleared, & Blood Markers Improved After Clearing GI Symptoms

Research

• Ileocecal Valve & SIBO: Dr. Ruscio’s Mini-review
• Lead and cadmium exposure, higher thyroid antibodies and thyroid dysfunction in Chinese women
• Mast cells at the crossroads of microbiota and IBD
• Rapid-Fire Research – ultra concise summaries of noteworthy studies
  • Perspective: Fundamental Limitations of the Randomized Controlled Trial Method in Nutritional Research: The Example of Probiotics
  • Serum Thyroglobulin-A Sensitive Biomarker of Iodine Nutrition Status and Affected by Thyroid Abnormalities and Disease in Adult Populations

September 2019

Case Study

• Supplemental Prebiotics and Fiber Substantially Improve a SIBO Case, Patient Has Autoimmune Thyroid and Responded Well to HCl Supplementation & is Likely Incorrectly Diagnosed as Hypothyroid.

Research

• Dietary carbohydrate intake and mortality: A prospective cohort study and meta-analysis.
• Efficacy of the Autoimmune Protocol Diet as Part of a Multi-Disciplinary, Supported Lifestyle Intervention for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.
• Iron deficiency without anemia – a clinical challenge.

August 2019

Case study

• Fickleness of Labs: Calprotectin & H. Pylori False Positives on GI-Map, Formerly Subclinical Hypothyroid & Retested Normal with Dialysis-LC/MS and Non-responsiveness to Treatment

Research

• Small intestinal microbial dysbiosis underlies symptoms associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders
• Neurological Dysfunction in Coeliac Disease and Non-Coeliac Gluten Sensitivity.
• Rapid-Fire Research – ultra concise summaries of noteworthy studies
  • Urinary Iodine Concentration Is Inversely Associated With Thyroglobulin Antibodies.
  • Selenium Supplementation In Patients With Subclinical Hypothyroidism Affected By Autoimmune Thyroiditis: Results Of The SETI Study.
  • Epithelial Response To Butyrate Diminished In Active IBD

Practice Tip

• Do You Really Need To Do That?

July 2019

Case Study

• Renal Impairment and Dysbiosis Responding to a Low Oxalate & Low Histamine Diet

Research

• Dr. Ruscio’s Thyroid Medication Review: T4 Versus Combination Therapy (T4+T3)
• The Gut-Thyroid Connection, Profound but Underappreciated: Dr. Ruscio’s presentation at the LDN conference in June 2019.
• Rapid-Fire Research – ultra concise summaries of noteworthy studies
  • Randomized placebo-controlled trial of dietary glutamine supplements for post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome
  • Effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on blood pressure in adults: An updated meta-analysis
  • Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) serum levels and risk of spontaneous abortion: A prospective population-based cohort study.

June 2019

Case Study

• Optimizing Thyroid Medication Is Impossible If There Is An Active Issue in the Gut. Powerful Case Study By Dr. Joe Mather
  

Research

• H. pylori & Thyroid Function – Dr. Ruscio’s Mini Review
  

Practice Bonus

• Gut Dysbiosis, Immune Activation and Histamine Intolerance – Untangling the Web

May 2019

Case Study

• Fantastic Guest Case Study. A Patient Suffering from Incorrect Hypothyroid Diagnosis and Treatment. Thankfully, One of Our Docs Identified This and Achieved Marked Improvements Via Focusing on the GI.

Research

• Effects of Prebiotics vs a Diet Low in FODMAPs in Patients With Functional Gut Disorders.
• Treatment of hypothyroidism with levothyroxine plus liothyronine: a randomized, double-blind, crossover study.
• Mediterranean Diet and Other Dietary Patterns in Primary Prevention of Heart Failure and Changes in Cardiac Function Markers: A Systematic Review.
• Rapid-Fire Research – ultra-concise summaries of noteworthy studies.
  • The relationship between iron status and thyroid hormone concentration in iron-deficient adolescent Iranian girls.
  • Serum Ferritin as a Marker of Thyroid Hormone Action on Peripheral Tissues.
  • Association between serum ferritin and thyroid hormone profile in hypothyroidism.

Practitioner Question of the Month

• Clinical trouble shooting questions.

Practice Tip

• Reminder, take time to step away from the minutia and think about your practice.

April 2019

Case Study

• From Diarrhea, Gas, Rashes, and Amenorrhea to Symptom-Free and Pregnant In Just Over 6 Months. The Power of Gut & Female Hormone Support and No Need to Directly Treat Low T3.
  

Research

• Dr. Rusico’s Comparison of Two Popular DNA-based Stool Tests
  
• Secretome of Intestinal Bacilli: A Natural Guard against Pathologies
  
• Why Is Working Memory Performance Unstable? A Review of 21 Factors
  
• Rapid-Fire Research – Ultra-Concise Summaries of Noteworthy Studies
  • Guidelines for the investigation of chronic diarrhea in adults: British Society of Gastroenterology, 3rd edition

Practitioner Question of the Month & Practice Tip

• An announcement regarding practice tips and questions

March 2019

Case Study

• A Challenging Case of Acne and Elevated Prolactin in a Young Female. After Referring Her Out She Returned to Me Because Her Naturopath Put Her on 18 Supplements.

Research

• Effect of Low-Fat vs Low-Carbohydrate Diet on 12-Month Weight Loss in Overweight Adults and the Association with Genotype Pattern or Insulin Secretion: The DIETFITS Randomized Clinical Trial
• Assessment of Anti-Vinculin and Anti-Cytolethal Distending Toxin B Antibodies in Subtypes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Ferritin & Hypothyroid – Multiple nutritional factors and thyroid disease, with particular reference to autoimmune thyroid disease.
• Thyroid Algorithm Update

Practitioner Question of the Month

• Do I Have a Favorite Meditation App?

Practice Tip

• Consider Specializing

February 2019

Case Study

• A SIBO, Autoimmune Thyroid and Female Hormone Imbalance Case Which Became Completely Asymptomatic in Spite of Still Having a Positive SIBO Breath Test

Research

• Vitamin D Treatment in Patients with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis may Decrease the Development of Hypothyroidism.
• Effects of Long-Term Combination LT4 and LT3 Therapy for Improving Hypothyroidism and Overall Quality of Life.
• Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity: All Wheat Attack is Not Celiac
• Rapid-Fire Research – Ultra-Concise Summaries of Noteworthy Studies
  • The role of low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyol diet in nonceliac gluten sensitivity.
  • A low FODMAP diet is associated with changes in the microbiota and reduction in breath hydrogen but not colonic volume in healthy subjects.
  • Recommendations for treatment of hypothyroidism with levothyroxine and levotriiodothyronine: A 2016 position statement of the Italian Society of Endocrinology and the Italian Thyroid Association.
  • Effectiveness and safety of calcium and vitamin D treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Practitioner Question of the Month

• What Virtual Assistance/Assistants Do I use?

Practice Tip

• Reader Challenge: Take A 4-Hour Reflection Break

January 2019

Case Study

• Questionable Diagnosis of Hypothyroid by “Famous Thyroid Doctor” Results in Harming Patient Only to Later See Great Results by… Starting With The Gut.

Research

• Dr. Ruscio’s Review of Zonulin Testing for Leaky Gut
• Re-Challenging FODMAPs: The low FODMAP diet phase two
• Rapid-Fire Research – Ultra-concise summaries of noteworthy studies.
  • Autologous stem-cell transplantation in treatment-refractory Crohn’s disease: An analysis of pooled data from the ASTIC trial
  • Selective expression of histamine receptors H1R, H2R, and H4R, but not H3R, in the human intestinal tract.
  • Using Hashimoto thyroiditis as the gold standard to determine the upper limit value of thyroid stimulating hormone in a Chinese cohort.
  • Blocking nocturnal blue light for insomnia: A randomized controlled trial

Practitioner Question of the Month

• Should I Use Zonulin Testing in My Practice?

Practice Tip

• Helminth Therapy – Is It Effective?

December 2018

Case Study

• Remission of Ulcerative Proctitis Using Simple Therapies, and Not Requiring Treatment of Lab Findings

Research

• Mechanism, Clinical Studies and Distinctive Nutritional Requirement of Oral Immunoglobulins in IBS-D and SIBO
• The Effect of Gluten-Free Diet on Thyroid Autoimmunity in Drug-Naïve Women with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: A Pilot Study
• Fluctuation of zonulin levels in blood vs. stability of antibodies
• Rapid-Fire Research – Ultra-concise summaries of noteworthy studies
  • A low FODMAP gluten-free diet improves functional gastrointestinal disorders
  • Overall Mental Health of Celiac Disease Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Evaluation of serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin protein isolate in subjects with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome
  • Association of thyroid hormone therapy with quality of life and thyroid-related symptoms in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism: A systematic review and meta-analysis
  • Thyroxine and triiodothyronine content in commercially available thyroid health supplements

Practitioner Question of the Month

• Using Pregnenolone and DHEA Without Lab Testing

Practice Tip

• Don’t Rush During Your Charting – Take Time to Reflect and Learn

November 2018

Case Study

• Anxiety, Fatigue, Migraines & Insomnia – Resolved AND Less Thyroid Medication Needed After Improving Gut Health

Research

• Re-Challenge Studies in Non-celiac Gluten Sensitivity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
• To Treat or Not To Treat H. pylori – Dr. Ruscio’s Review of H. pylori Treatment Consensus Data
• Clinical experience with the use of anti-CdtB and anti-vinculin antibodies in patients with diarrhea in Mexico
• Rapid-Fire Research – Ultra-concise summaries of noteworthy studies.
  • Update on dietary therapy for eosinophilic esophagitis in children and adults
  • Prucalopride succinate for the treatment of constipation: An update
  • Parity and 11-Year Serum Thyrotropin and Thyroid Autoantibody Change: A Longitudinal Population-Based Study
  • Effects of probiotics consumption on lowering lipids and CVD risk factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
  • Meta-Analysis: Effects of Probiotic Supplementation on Lipid Profiles in Normal to Mildly Hypercholesterolemic Individuals

Practitioner Question of the Month

• What testing am I no longer using?

Practice Tip

• Leverage automation to make your practice run smoothly.

October 2018

Case Study

• Knowing When To Refer Out, A Mold & Lyme Case Study

Research

• Histamine-reduced diet and increase of serum diamine oxidase correlating to diet compliance in histamine intolerance.
• Mast cell activation disease: a concise practical guide for diagnostic workup and therapeutic options.
• Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth and Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Bridge between Functional Organic Dichotomy.
• Rapid-Fire Research – Ultra-concise summaries of noteworthy studies
  • Serum zonulin in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A pilot study
  • Trichuris suis ova therapy in inflammatory bowel disease: A meta-analysis
  • Type of fish consumed and thyroid autoimmunity in pregnancy and postpartum.
  • Helicobacter pylori CagA antibodies and thyroid function in latent autoimmune diabetes in adults.
  • Blocking nocturnal blue light for insomnia: A randomized controlled trial

Practitioner Question of the Month

• Why didn’t I treat blasto and H. pylori in September’s case study

Practice Tip

• Avoid a Single Point of Failure In Your Office.

September 2018

Case Study

• Low Histamine, Less Vegetables, More Carbs & Probiotics Fix Chronic, Recalcitrant Loose Stools, Eczema, Insomnia and Brain Fog

Research

• Non-celiac gluten sensitivity: people without celiac disease avoiding gluten—is it due to histamine intolerance?
• Serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin/protein isolate therapy for patients with refractory irritable bowel syndrome
• A review of the use of biotin for hair loss
• Rapid-Fire Research – Ultra-concise summaries of noteworthy studies
  • Serial Frozen Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in the Treatment of Chronic Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction: A Preliminary Study
  • Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 in Ulcerative Colitis Treatment: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
  • Selenium Supplementation Significantly Reduces Thyroid Autoantibody Levels in Patients with Chronic Autoimmune Thyroiditis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
  • Iodine Nutrition Status and Thyroid Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study from the Xinjiang Autonomous Region of China

Practitioner Question of the Month

• Can probiotics cause SIBO?

Practice Tip

• Is your practice legally defensible?

August 2018

Case Study

• Fatigue, Rashes, Brain Fog & Bloating Resolved in 2 Months by Ignoring and NOT Treating Contradictory Stool Test Results nor Treating Positive SIBO Breath Test Results.

Research

• A concise, practical guide to diagnostic assessment for mast cell activation disease
• A Paleolithic-type diet results in iodine deficiency: A 2-year randomized trial in postmenopausal obese women
• Exercise Modifies the Gut Microbiota with Positive Health Effects
• Rapid-Fire Research – Ultra-concise summaries of noteworthy studies
  • Functional 13C-urea and glucose hydrogen/methane breath tests reveal a significant association of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in individuals with active Helicobacter pylori infection.
  • Differences of microbiota in small bowel and feces between irritable bowel syndrome patients and healthy subjects.
  • Unfavorable Course of Subclinical Hypothyroidism in Children with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Compared to Those with Isolated Non-Autoimmune Hyperthyrotropinemia.
  • Tablet and oral liquid L-thyroxine formulation in the treatment of naïve hypothyroid patients with Helicobacter pylori infection.
  • Retrospective Study of Patients Switched from Tablet Formulations to a Gel Cap Formulation of Levothyroxine: Results of the CONTROL Switch Study

Practitioner Question of the Month

• Elemental Diet Tips & Troubleshooting

Practice Tip

• Periodically do something you ask your patients to do

July 2018

Case Study

• Natural Medicine Outperfomms Cutting Edge Medical Treatment with Leading Expert in SIBO

Research

• The prevalence, incidence and natural course of positive antithyroperoxidase antibodies in a population-based study: Tehran Thyroid Study
• A concise review of Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) and the importance of iodine, selenium, vitamin D and gluten on the autoimmunity and dietary management of HT patients. Points that need more investigation
• Effect of free triiodothyronine concentration on the quality of life of patients treated with levothyroxine
• Rapid-Fire Research – Ultra-concise summaries of noteworthy studies
  • N-acetylcysteine as a powerful molecule to destroy bacterial biofilms. A systematic review
  • Female hormones influence the vaginal microbiota
  • Functional 13C-urea and glucose hydrogen/methane breath tests reveal a significant association of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in individuals with active Helicobacter pylori infection.

Practitioner Question of the Month

• Do heavy metals cause illness?

Practice Tip

• Spend time on the floor

June 2018

Case Study

• Doing less and feeling better – An example of the harm done by functional medicine, and how deprogramming fear can lead to marked improvements for some patients.

Research

• Combination L-T3 and L-T4 Therapy for Hypothyroidism
• A Critical Appraisal of the Recent Reports on Sunbeds from the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Health, Environmental and Emerging Risks and from the World Health Organization
• Elemental Diet and the Nutritional Treatment of Crohn’s Disease
• Rapid-Fire Research – Ultra-Concise Summaries of Noteworthy Studies
  • Positive effects of resistant starch supplementation on bowel function in healthy adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
  • Lubiprostone accelerates intestinal transit and alleviates small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in patients with chronic constipation.
  • Is thyroid autoimmunity itself associated with psychological well-being in euthyroid Hashimoto’s thyroiditis?
  • Selenium supplementation could restore euthyroidism in subclinical hypothyroid patients with autoimmune thyroiditis.
  • Effects of eight weeks of time-restricted feeding (16/8) on basal metabolism, maximal strength, body composition, inflammation, and cardiovascular risk factors in resistance-trained males.

Practitioner Question of the Month

• “I understand probiotics can improve digestive function, but which one is the best to start with?”

Practice Tip

• Periodically audit your office systems.

May 2018

Case Study

• Medical resident, Dr. Robert Abbott, shares an excellent case study which illustrates how we can obtain clinical outcomes with digestive and female hormone imbalances with minimal testing.

Research

• Low FODMAP in 2017: Lessons Learned From Clinical Trials and Mechanistic Studies
• Effect of a Preparation of Four Probiotics on Symptoms of Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Association with Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
• 25-Hydroxyvitamin-D3 Serum Modulation After Use of Sunbeds Compliant with European Union Standards: A Randomized Open Observational Controlled Trial
• Rapid-Fire Research – Ultra-Concise Summaries of Noteworthy Studies
  • Follow-Up of Patients with Functional Bowel Symptoms Treated with a Low FODMAP Diet
  • Aberrant Motility in Unaffected Small Bowel is Linked to Inflammatory Burden and Patient Symptoms in Crohn’s Disease
  • A Proof-of-Concept Study Showing Antibiotics to be More Effective in Irritable Bowel Syndrome With than Without Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
  • Prevalence of Thyroid Dysfunction and Autoimmunity in the Older Population and Implications of Age-Specific Reference Ranges
  • Subclinical Thyroid Dysfunction and the Risk of Cognitive Decline: A Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies
  • Factors Affecting Gastrointestinal Absorption of Levothyroxine: A Review

Practitioner Question of the Month

• My Thoughts on the Product Called Restore

Practice Tip

• Are You Putting Yourself First, Ever?

April 2018

Case Study

• Menopause, Libido, Depression, Constipation, and Reflux Improved with Dietary Changes and HRT – Guest Case Study by Dr. Anna Cabeca

Research

• Methodology and Indications of H2-Breath Testing in Gastrointestinal Diseases: the Rome Consensus Conference
• A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Interval Training Versus Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training on Body Adiposity.
• Measurement of Hydrogen Sulfide During Breath Testing Correlates to Patient Symptoms

Practitioner Question of the Month

• Setting Up an Online Store

Practice Tip

• Don’t Try to be Something You Are Not

March 2018

Case Study

• Digestive Enzyme Causing What Looked Like SIBO, Complete Resolution After Avoiding Enzymes and Using Iodine and Female Hormone Support

Research

• Leptin in Autoimmune Diseases
• Clinical Trial: the Combination of Rifaximin With Partially Hydrolysed Guar Gum Is More Effective Than Rifaximin Alone in Eradicating Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
• Autoimmunity Affects Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients With Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
• Bacillus as Potential Probiotics: Status, Concerns, and Future Perspectives

Practitioner Question of the Month

• When to Treat the Thyroid Instead of the Gut

Practice Tip

• Voxer – A Free, Simple Tool That Can Greatly Enhance Communication

February 2018

Case Study

• A Case Of SIBO, Blastocystis, and Low T4 Which Resolved With a Simple GI Plan and Female Hormone Support.

Research

• DIAGNOSIS OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: How Reliable Are Free Thyroid and Total T3 Hormone Assays?
• The Omega-3 Index: A New Risk Factor for Death From Coronary Heart Disease.
• An Italian Prospective Multicenter Survey on Patients Suspected of Having Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity.
• Screening for Thyroid Cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement.

Practitioner Question of the Month

• How to Handle Patients Who Are Unwilling to Spend Money on Testing?

Practice Tip

• Is Your Cloud HIPAA Compliant?

January 2018

Case Study

• Bile reflux, Babesia, low growth hormone, and fungal dysbiosis

Research

• Abnormal breath testing in IBS: a meta-analysis
• Therapy options in irritable bowel syndrome
• Effect of rifaximin treatment on anti-vinculin antibodies in IBS with diarrhea
• A meta-analysis of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and papillary thyroid carcinoma risk

Practitioner Question of the Month

• Candida antibodies – what do they tell us clinically?

Practice Tip

• Using fewer supplements – a key to success and compliance

December 2017

Case Study

• SIBO that relapsed quickly after Rifaximin, was non-responsive to herbal antimicrobials but responded very well to 2 weeks on the elemental diet.

Research

• The risks and benefits of sun exposure 2016, Review
• What is the clinical role of oral liquid preparations in the treatment of patients with hypothyroidism?
• The effect of the apolipoprotein E genotype on response to personalized dietary advice intervention: Findings from the Food4Me randomized controlled trial
• The low FODMAP diet: Recent advances in understanding its mechanisms and efficacy in IBS

Practitioner Question of the Month

• H. pylori retesting, anti-parietal cell antibodies, gastritis and blood sugar levels in a 58 year-old female.

Practice Tip

• Reprimand or helping hand – how to get the most out of your staff.

November 2017

Case Study

• SIBO with gastritis, acid-reducing treatment was the key factor for success.

Research

• Adrenal fatigue does not exist: A systematic review
• Intestinal dysbiosis and probiotic applications in autoimmune diseases.
• Diet’s (low FODMAP) effect on intestinal endocrine cells in IBS.
• Coffee and autoimmunity: More than a mere hot beverage!

Practitioner Question of the Month

• Histamine, SIBO, leaky gut, and more….

Practice Tip

• Make sure you verify a “hypothyroid” diagnosis.

October 2017

Case Study

• High histamine and D/L-lactate in a 5-year-old. A well-intentioned mother making her daughter feel worse from a high fermented food diet

Research

• Thyroid Antibody Interpretation, Selenium Supplementation, and the Gut-Thyroid Connection
• Folic Acid Reduces Stroke in Those with High Cholesterol and MTHFR
• Folic Acid Reduces Stroke in Those with High Homocysteine and MTHFR
• Helminth Therapy to Stabilize Mast Cells

Practitioner Question of the Month

• Tips for the what and when of using anti-biofilm agents

Practice Tip

• The importance of having the frequency and severity of symptoms in your intake paperwork

September 2017

Case Study

• Age-associated subclinical hypothyroid, candida, and false positive parasitology.

Research

• Vaccination and thyroid autoimmunity
• A blood test for IBS & SIBO. Vinculin and CdtB antibodies, are they helpful?
• Is TSH alone adequate to assess thyroid function?
• Is using hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash carcinogenic?

Practitioner Question of the Month

• Why I recommend ‘have a snack before bed and when waking and see if this helps you sleep more soundly’ to patients

Practice Tip

• When to kindly refer volatile patients elsewhere

August 2017

Case Study

• Semi-elemental diet produces a dramatic reduction in methane but doesn’t affect H. pylori.

Research

• Probiotics causing brain fog in SIBO patients.
• Non-celiac gluten sensitivity and rheumatic diseases.
• Iodine and thyroid function.
• Resistant starch supplementation and bowel function

Practitioner Question of the Month

• “Should we be using parathyroid hormone to guide vitamin D dosing?”

Practice Tip

• Why you should be staggering the initiation of your interventions?

July 2017

Case study

• Insurance lab outperformed a popular FM lab in GI testing.

Research

• Histamine intolerance and dietary management, a review.
• Hypothyroid and levothyroxine use, the strongest contributors to SIBO.
• Thyroid autoimmunity and psychological well-being.
• Hydrogen sulfide SIBO, validation for IBS and testing methods.
• Selenium for subclinical hypothyroidism.

Practitioner Question of the Month

• Using HCl and treating H. pylori in someone with a history of ulcers and reflux and a family history of stomach cancer.

Practice Tip

• How I screen patient applications in my office and what my medical records system looks like.

June 2017

Case Study

• A hypothyroid-yeast case that required treatment of the person, not the labs

Research

• A review of functional foods for cardiovascular health.
• SIBO breath testing – updates according to the North American consensus.
• Does microbiota composition affect thyroid homeostasis?
• Can sun or UV exposure reduce mortality?
• Do antibacterial personal care products impact the microbiota or metabolism?

Practitioner Question of the Month

• What are the best stool tests to use and why?

Practice Tip

• HIPAA compliant video consult platform.

May 2017

Case Study

• Co-managing Graves’ hyperthyroidism

Research

• Carbohydrate malabsorption and histamine intolerance
• Mast cells, histamine, and IBS
• H. pylori and autoimmunity
• Medical cannabis (marijuana) and autoimmune disease

Practitioner Question of the Month

• Should we use enzymes in all dysbiotic patients?

Practice Tip

• How to Make Hiring EASY

April 2017

Case Study

• Simple solutions for thyroid nodules or eosinophilic esophagitis

Research

• Use of probiotics to correct dysbiosis of normal microbiota following disease or disruptive events: a systematic review.
• The Unintended Consequences of a Gluten-Free Diet.
• Repeat Treatment With Rifaximin is Safe and Effective in Patients With Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
• Vitamin D improves thyroid autoimmunity in women already on levothyroxine
• Plant-animal subsistence ratios and macronutrient energy estimations in worldwide hunter-gatherer diets.

Practitioner Question of the Month

• Herbal antimicrobials when SIBO breath testing is negative. Using HCl long term and weaning off.

Practice Tip

• When it’s better to say less during patient communications

March 2017

Case Study

• Successful management of and referral for abdominal adhesions co-presenting with SIBO

Research

• Vitamin B12 arrests stomach autoimmunity
• Treating SIBO: an evidence-based approach
• H. pylori and thyroid autoimmunity
• Sun exposure and invasive cancers

Practitioner Question of the Month

• Multivitamins for those with digestive conditions

Practice Tip

• The importance of asking your staff for feedback

February 2017

Case Study

• Hypothyroid, Hashimoto’s, H. pylori and Epstein-Barr virus – when to treat and more importantly when not to treat

Research

• Low carbohydrate diets improve thyroid autoimmunity.
• Insufficient documentation for clinical efficacy of selenium supplementation in chronic autoimmune thyroiditis.
• Berberine successful for IBS, but there is a twist.
• Probiotics in IBS, a review of the literature.

Practitioner Question of the Month

• “I understand that FODMAPs should be avoided in IBS, but what about resistant starch?””

Practice Tip

• At home, smartphone base calprotectin testing

January 2017

Case Study

• Histamine overload that initially presented as what looked like a SIBO relapse.

Research

• Low FODMAP versus prebiotics in IBS, a head-to-head-trial.
• Anti-Thyroperoxidase Antibody Levels >500 IU/ml Indicate a Moderately Increased Risk for Developing Hypothyroidism in Autoimmune Thyroiditis.
• Gut-to-brain or brain-to-gut, which pathway is more important?
• Using SIBO breath testing to predict response to antibiotics in patients with IBS.
• An evidence based thyroid questionnaire.

Practitioner Question of the Month

• Do anti-microbial herbs treat SIFO (small intestinal fungal overgrowth)

Practice Tip

• An easy tool for creating HIPAA compliant online forms