The world’s best Integrative Medicine professionals are here to answer your questions. Learn about a wide range of topics spanning from nutritional supplements, acupuncture and more from the top verified experts in the field. Whether you’re looking to learn about performance nutrition from Lisa Spencer, or plant-based bodybuilding tips from Dr. John E. Lewis, find all of your integrative medicine answers on AnyQuestion.

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Dr. Moghazy is one of only a handful of professionals in the world that has the expertise and experience to integrate a variety of healthcare disciplines together, including:
* Doctor of Integrative Medicine
* Quantum Medical Hypnosis Founder
* Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist / Handwriting Analyst 
* Mind Mapping Instructor 
* Native American Medicine Instructor
* The Sound of Medicine Founder
* Former Physical Therapist / CT6 Kinesio Tapping Founder
* Reiki Master Teacher since 1999

Dr. Sean Burkhardt is a Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner, a Board-Certified Functional Neurologist, a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner, and a triple-certified Strength and Conditioning Coach with the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He serves as a mentor and coach for an NGO helping prepare active and future military for special operations.  He has dedicated his postgraduate education to increasing his breadth and depth of knowledge in clinical neuroscience, concussion management, neurochemistry & nutrition, strength & conditioning, functional medicine, and neurological rehabilitation to help you achieve optimal health of optimal human performance. 

Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, is a board-certified internist in integrative medicine and a nationally known expert in CFS, fibromyalgia, sleep and pain. He has published 10 health & wellness books and numerous research studies on their treatments. He's been quoted in print media and appeared on Good Morning America, CNN, Fox News, the Dr. Oz Show, and Oprah & Friends. He maintains a website and blog at Vitality101.com with advice in his fields of expertise. He and his wife Laurie live in Kona, Hawaii.

My name is Dr. Mary and I am a trained Médica Intuitive specializing in empowering women over 40 to overcome burnout and achieve health, happiness, and purpose, utilizing the tools of energy medicine, chiropractic, meditation, and positive psychology.

I am also the host of the podcast Energy Medicine: Align Your Mind, Body, and Spirit.

Jennifer Douglass is a Certified Professional Midwife with Neonatal Resuscitation and CPR Certifications, as well as a Certified Otoacoustic Hearing Tester for the State of Vermont. She holds a Doctorate in Holistic Health and Natural Medicine, and is certified as a Lactation Counselor, Prenatal Yoga Instructor, Labor Doula, Childbirth Educator, Holistic Life Coach, Herbalist, Hypnotherapist, and CFT Therapist. She is the owner of Circle of Life, mother of 6 children, and Ima (EE-Ma) to 5 grandbabies. She has supported, counseled & educated over 1200 families & individuals since 1992, and is a professional member of NARM, MANA, DONA, CfM, NACPM, MMA, and IMTA.

Dr. Mary Pardee, ND, IFMCP is a Functional Medicine doctor specializing in gut-brain health. She works to uncover the underlying causes of her patients' health concerns, delving deep into each individual's unique circumstances. She also specializes in longevity and metabolic health, conducting thorough laboratory assessments to evaluate organ systems. Her office in Sherman Oaks, CA offers a comprehensive longevity physical exam. Driven by her own experience of resolving IBS, she believes everyone can improve their gut health. She strives to empower her patients to transform their health and experience the fullness of life.

Dr. Violette is a chiropractor and functional medicine physician at Cincinnati Health Institute. She earned her B.S. in exercise science from Pfeiffer University in 2008 and her Doctorate in Chiropractic medicine from Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida in 2011. She has received significant education in acupuncture, weight loss, and sports therapy and is currently working towards a full functional medicine certification through the Institute of Functional Medicine.

Lisa Spencer helps people reach their full potential through interactive sessions on performance nutrition. As a young athlete, she studied physiology and nutrition to enhance performance. She then led a career in fitness and nutrition, becoming a high school track coach and certifying as a fitness trainer. To further her knowledge, she earned her Masters and Doctorate in Education and became a Certified Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner. She works to support the body with the demands we place on it, helping people to optimize performance.

Hi there. This is a great question, what nutrients or supplements can help with depression? And when we talk about depression, we're talking about small-d depression, the mood state that most of us experience on a fairly regular basis where we're just not feeling as happy or as motivated or as engaged as we want to be. We're not talking about treating major depressive disorder, which is a disease state, and we don't want to do that with supplements and nutrients. But if we want to improve our mood, there's all kinds of ways that we can do it, and one of the ways that I love to do that is through the gut-brain axis, how we can modulate what's happening in the second brain, our gut, and especially our microbiome, to send signals to the brain in our head, our first brain, so that we can improve how we feel. So one of the ways that we can do that is with a specific strain of bacteria called Lactobacillus helveticus 52. That 52 strain we know will raise serotonin levels, and that can help us be happier. It's not like the serotonin goes from the gut and leaks out into the bloodstream and leaks into the brain. We know it doesn't work that way because serotonin from the gut cannot pass the blood-brain barrier. But having more serotonin signaling in the gut does send a signal, probably through the vagus nerve, maybe through your cytokines, maybe through your immune system, to signal well-being in the brain. As a result of that, you feel happier, so we can consider helveticus 52 to be an anti-depression strain in certain ways. There's another strain called Bifidobacterium longum 175 that can help increase the production of GABA, the body's primary relaxing neurotransmitter, and when you're anxious and stressed, that can lower that anxious feeling and make you feel calmer. We also have a strain called Lactobacillus rhamnosus 11. That 11 strain we know can lower cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone, so in a lot of ways, we consider Lactobacillus rhamnosus 11 to be an antistress strain that can help us feel calmer. So helveticus 52 for depression, longum 175 for anxiety, and rhamnosus 11 for cortisol are all different ways that we can help ourselves feel better in terms of overall mood, overall calmness, overall stress levels. Check them out, you guys. Thanks. Bye-bye.

Taking specific strains of probiotics, such as Lactobacillus helveticus 52, Bifidobacterium longum 175, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus 11, can help improve your mood by raising serotonin levels, increasing production of GABA, and lowering cortisol respectively.

What nutrients or supplements can help with depression?

Unlocking the Gut-Brain Connection: Probiotics for Mood Enhancement

When it comes to improving mood, there are nutrients and supplements that can help. However, it's important to note that we're discussing small-d depression, the common mood state, and not major depressive disorder, which requires professional treatment.

One effective approach is focusing on the gut-brain axis, which involves modulating the gut microbiome to influence the signals sent to the brain. One strain of bacteria called Lactobacillus helveticus 52 has been found to raise serotonin levels, contributing to a happier mood. While serotonin from the gut cannot directly affect the brain, increased serotonin signaling in the gut can send signals, possibly through the vagus nerve or immune system, to promote well-being in the brain.

Another strain, Bifidobacterium longum 175, can help increase the production of GABA, the body's primary relaxing neurotransmitter. This can lower feelings of anxiety and promote a sense of calmness.

Additionally, Lactobacillus rhamnosus 11 has been shown to lower cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone. This strain can help reduce stress levels and contribute to a calmer state of mind.

Considering these strains, helveticus 52 for depression, longum 175 for anxiety, and rhamnosus 11 for cortisol, can be beneficial for overall mood improvement and stress reduction.

It's worth exploring these options to support your well-being. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements or making significant changes to your diet.

Is it necessary to take nutritional supplements? Well, I think the answer is yes. As much as I'm a huge fan of getting all the nutrients you need from your food, the reason why I think it's important to add supplements to your life-- remember the word is supplement. It's not meal replacement. It's not replacing nutrients from food. But the reason why we should be consuming it is first of all, depending on your caloric intake needs, you may not be able to get all the nutrients that you need from your food every single day. And the other reason to consider supplements is adding on what I consider clinically relevant, or clinically significant levels of nutrients that are beneficial for maintaining health, for preventing certain diseases. And that is the main reason why I feel that supplementation is beneficial.

Yes, it is necessary to take nutritional supplements in order to get all the nutrients you need and to maintain good health.

Is it necessary to take nutritional supplements?

Supplementing: The Key to Optimal Nutrition

Is it necessary to take nutritional supplements? Yes, I believe it is. While I advocate for obtaining nutrients from food, supplements can play a valuable role. It's important to remember that supplements are meant to complement, not replace, nutrients from food.

Depending on your caloric intake needs, it may be challenging to obtain all the necessary nutrients solely from food every day. Supplements can help bridge that gap. Additionally, supplements can provide clinically relevant levels of nutrients that contribute to maintaining health and preventing certain diseases.

In summary, supplementation can be beneficial for ensuring adequate nutrient intake and supporting overall health.

The question is, "How many Americans are obese and how has this become such a problem in the last 50 years?" Well, let's first define what we normally refer to when we talk about body composition, and that is a quick and dirty measure called body mass index. Body mass index is your weight or your mass relative to your height. It's usually expressed in meters per kilogram squared. So it's not a perfect measure of body composition because if you are muscular or very fit, you might possibly be considered overweight or obese according to this metric. But if you look at someone who's very fit and very muscular, then you obviously know that person's not overweight. They're just very muscular. But nonetheless, it's defined as 30 and above, according to BMI. And from the early 1960s when the average American male was about 10% obese and the average American woman was about 12% or 15% obese, now, today, the latest figures are somewhere around 43% of men and 41%, 42% of women. This is just ridiculous, how this has occurred over the last 50 or so years. So why has this happened? Well, this perfectly correlates with the rise in fast food, number one, the change in the way we produce our food, the agricultural shift away from an agrarian economy over 100 years ago to now. Less than 1% of the population is involved in agriculture in any way. So we changed the way we produce our food. We have much more synthetic inputs. We have genetic modification of our plants and species, and all these other chemicals and contaminants. So these are certainly two of the biggest problems. You have all these endocrine-disrupting, hormone modulators or mimickers in our food supply today, in our water, in our soil, in our air. There are a whole host of reasons why we are now so obese, but to me the biggest one is that we are simply overeating and undernourished. We're eating too many macronutrients, not enough micronutrients, and this is the problem in the context of obesity today. This is the major problem. And to a lesser extent, we're much more sedentary, but you cannot exercise your way to weight loss. So that's much less part of the problem than the nutritional piece.

In the last 50 years, the percentage of Americans that are obese has skyrocketed from 10% (male) and 12-15% (female) to 43% (male) and 41-42% (female). This increase is mainly attributed to the increased availability of fast food, the shift in agriculture away from agrarian production, and the presence of endocrine disrupting chemicals in our food supply. Additionally, people are eating too many macronutrients and not enough micronutrients, and being much more sedentary.

How many Americans are obese and how has this become such a problem in the last 50 years?

Rise in Obesity: Fast Food, Synthetic Inputs, and Overeating - The Perfect Storm

When discussing obesity in America and how it has become such a problem in the last 50 years, it's important to first understand the measurement commonly used to assess body composition: body mass index (BMI). BMI is calculated by comparing a person's weight to their height. However, it's not a perfect measure as it may classify muscular individuals as overweight or obese.

In the early 1960s, the average American male had an obesity rate of around 10%, while the average American woman had a rate of 12-15%. Today, the latest figures show that approximately 43% of men and 41-42% of women are considered obese according to BMI. This significant increase over the past 50 years is concerning.

Several factors have contributed to this rise in obesity. One major factor is the prevalence of fast food and changes in food production. The shift away from an agrarian economy to a more industrialized approach has led to the use of synthetic inputs, genetic modification, and the presence of chemicals and contaminants in our food supply.

Additionally, our modern diet often consists of overeating and undernourishment. We consume excessive amounts of macronutrients while lacking sufficient micronutrients. This imbalance contributes to the obesity problem.

Sedentary lifestyles also play a role, although exercise alone is not enough to address weight loss effectively. While being less active is a contributing factor, it is not as significant as the nutritional aspect.

In summary, the rise in obesity in America can be attributed to factors such as the increased availability of fast food, changes in food production, overeating, undernourishment, and sedentary lifestyles. Addressing these issues is crucial in combating the obesity epidemic.

Unravel the mysteries of caffeine genetics, the surprising benefits within your coffee cup, and why breakfast timing is flexible in a riveting discussion between nutrition pros, Dr. Jonny Bowden and Kristin Kirkpatrick. Ever thought about bacon's place in a healthy diet? They dive deep into that too! Plus, for those 40 and above, they've got invaluable weight loss tips that emphasize muscle health. Dive in for a wealth of knowledge and tips to boost your nutritional savvy!

A conversation with Dr. Jonny Bowden and Kristin Kirkpatrick on caffeine, the breakfast debate, and more

Listen to a wide-ranging discussion between two of nutrition's top thought leaders

In this creator conversation, Dr. Jonny Bowden and Kristin Kirkpatrick discuss various topics related to nutrition and health. They begin by addressing the effects of caffeine on the body, explaining that its impact depends on an individual's genetics. They emphasize the importance of understanding one's genetic capabilities for metabolizing caffeine to avoid potential health problems. Kristin & Jonny also discuss the benefits of coffee as a delivery system for caffeine, highlighting the presence of phytonutrients and antioxidants. Moving on, they offer advice on a healthy balanced breakfast, emphasizing the importance of choosing protein-rich and low-carb options. They encourage people to listen to their bodies and eat breakfast only when they feel hungry, suggesting that breakfast does not necessarily have to be eaten in the morning. They then delve into a discussion about bacon, considering its potential health effects. While acknowledging that processed meats have their risks, they also point out that when consumed in moderation, bacon can be part of a healthy diet. Learn about the importance of choosing humanely raised, nitrate-free bacon and preparing it in a healthier way, such as baking instead of frying. Finally, Jonny and Kristin address weight loss for those over the age of 40, highlighting the significance of exercise and portion control. They also emphasize the importance of consuming adequate protein, particularly as people age, to support muscle health and prevent frailty. Tune in for valuable insights and tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and making informed choices regarding nutrition.

Brain spotting is a neuro experiential method that processes memories held in the conscious and the unconscious brain. It was developed by Dr. David Grant. It seems to work on neuroplasticity that is rewriting the neural pathways around the event. So when people come in with anxiety or panic attacks, phobias, depression, OCD, or addiction, we're able to find brain spots or neural networks around those targets, and process through the unconscious brain whatever it is that it is the root of those issues, which is often experiences that were stressful, overwhelming, painful physically or mentally, distressing in some way. And we process those memories until they go down to a neutral emotional charge. So if they were rated at a 9 out of 10, we keep going until we get down to a 0 or 1. And once we do that, the brain seems to no longer pay attention to those experiences, and the symptoms go away. This seems to be working through neuroplasticity. As you probably know, neuroscience has been exploding the last 20, 30 years. And we're always learning new things and revising our theories. But currently, our theory is based on the work of Dr. Peter Levine and Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, among others, as well as on fMRIs, which are MRIs that track the blood flow in the brain during, before, and after brain spotting, and from the descriptions people give us of what they experience during brain spotting, and how their life changes after brain spotting. This is a really simplified version of brain spotting because I have a limited time here. So please let me know if you have other questions. Thanks.

Brain spotting is a neuro experiential method that processes memories held in the conscious and unconscious brain. It works through neuroplasticity and has been researched using fMRIs. It was developed by Dr. David Grant, and is based on the work of Dr. Peter Levine and Dr. Bessel van der Kolk. People report changes in their symptoms after going through brain spotting sessions.

Unlocking the Unconscious: Brainspotting Rewrites Neural Pathways

Brainspotting is a neuro experiential method developed by Dr. David Grant. It involves processing memories held in both the conscious and unconscious brain. The technique works on neuroplasticity, rewiring neural pathways related to specific events or issues. It is commonly used to address anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, depression, OCD, and addiction.

During a brainspotting session, the therapist identifies brain spots or neural networks associated with the target issue. The goal is to process the memories connected to these spots until they reach a neutral emotional charge. For example, if the initial intensity is rated at 9 out of 10, the therapist continues the processing until it reaches 0 or 1. Once this is achieved, the brain no longer pays attention to those experiences, and the associated symptoms tend to diminish or disappear.

The approach is based on the principles of neuroplasticity and draws from the work of experts like Dr. Peter Levine and Dr. Bessel van der Kolk. It is supported by fMRI studies that track brain blood flow before, during, and after brainspotting sessions. Additionally, feedback from clients about their experiences during and after brainspotting contributes to our understanding of its effectiveness.

This explanation provides a simplified overview of brainspotting due to time constraints. If you have further questions, feel free to ask.

The question is, if all carbohydrates aren't sugars, what are the other groups useful for? So, yeah, a carbohydrate is your candy bar, your sugar sweetened beverage. That's all true. But carbohydrates also come in the form of starchy vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. And studies show that if we have more of these in an approach, such as a Mediterranean approach, we actually can help to prevent multiple different chronic conditions. We may live longer, we may be happier. There are studies looking at mental health. So let's not focus on carbohydrates all being in the same bucket, because they're not. Anything that has fiber attached to it, will have a little bit more benefit. Now, having said that, you can be moderate carbohydrate or even low carbohydrates, still get that fiber and still get that preventative aspect in. The key here is not to have things like sugar-sweetened beverages, sugar things that don't have fiber attached. So that's really the key message here.

Carbohydrates come in different forms, such as starchy vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Eating more of these can help to prevent chronic conditions, improve mental health, and lead to a longer and happier life. To get the most benefit, focus on carbohydrates that have fiber attached, and avoid sugar-sweetened beverages and other sugary items without fiber.

If all carbohydrates aren't sugars, what are the other groups useful for?

Unlocking the Benefits of Non-Sugar Carbohydrates: Prevent Chronic Conditions, Live Longer!

If all carbohydrates aren't sugars, what are the other groups useful for? While it's true that carbohydrates can be found in candy bars and sugar-sweetened beverages, they also exist in the form of starchy vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Research indicates that incorporating these types of carbohydrates into our diet, particularly in approaches like the Mediterranean diet, can help prevent various chronic conditions and potentially contribute to longevity and improved mental health.

It's important to recognize that not all carbohydrates should be lumped together. Carbohydrates that contain fiber offer additional benefits. It is possible to follow a moderate or even low carbohydrate approach while still obtaining fiber and reaping the preventive advantages. The key is to avoid consuming sugary items and beverages that lack fiber. That's the main message to take away here.