Dr. Ruscio Radio, DC: Health, Nutrition and Functional Healthcare

Sometimes the limbic brain can become stuck in a negative cycle conditioned by trauma or stress. When this happens, mysterious conditions like chronic illness and gut imbalances can take hold in the body. Symptoms can include, but are not limited to, bloating, headaches, and an inability to relax, but also more severe symptoms like chronic fatigue, IBS, inflammation, or chronic pain. To break the cycle and restore homeostasis, extended meditation is highly recommended. As well, an anti-inflammatory diet, restorative sleep, and exercise can help. Guided protocols and tools are available for more severe circumstances. https://drruscio.com/?p=29416 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

The recent DIETFITS study explored how well people would do on a low-carb vs. a low-fat diet, based on genotype or the way they secrete insulin. The results of the study didn’t reveal a link with genotype pattern or insulin. But they showed roughly equal weight-loss success for participants on both diets. Notably, the study forbid participants in both diets to eat added sugar or refined grain, and encouraged both groups to eat copious vegetables. More than whether your diet is high-fat or low-fat, it seems that high-quality whole foods are a critical factor in healthy weight loss. https://drruscio.com/?p=29414 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

The GA-map test looks for signs of gut dysbiosis (or imbalance of your gut microbiome). This test is closest, clinically, to mapping the gut microbiota. European researchers sequenced the gut bacteria from healthy individuals and bacterial profiles from individuals with IBS and IBD. Then they compared the two, identifying bacterial “targets” that varied between healthy and IBS/IBD populations. If you were to take the test, you could get a dysbiosis index (or rating) from one to five, indicating how healthy or out of balance your gut was. One study used the GA-map to analyze the effects of diet on the microbiota. They noted that the low FODMAP diet markedly impacts the microbiome. In the future, your functional medicine doctor might use your dysbiosis index score to assess what treatments or diets to recommend. In the present, following a gut health algorithm and looking for symptomatic improvement is still a great option. https://drruscio.com/?p=29065 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

A handful of studies studying the effects of probiotics may be taken out of context. One study on Align probiotic (a Bifidobacterium infantis strain) showed that a few healthy people who took it for several weeks tested positive for methane on a SIBO lactulose breath test. No significant change in symptoms was noted, most likely indicating only that the probiotics had transiently built up in their digestive systems. The vast majority of evidence indicates that probiotics crowd out harmful bacteria without colonizing your gut. They are worth seriously considering to fight SIBO, fungal overgrowth, and leaky gut, and lessen many digestive symptoms. https://drruscio.com/?p=29064 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

The thoughts we have can help shape our health and even our career success. Running one’s own business can be a rollercoaster. It can also teach important life lessons about values, beliefs, and persistence. Having (or adopting) a growth mindset can be a key element of learning and ultimately succeeding. Consider the impact of your identity and use your drives to your advantage. Tap into virtual mentors. Everyone’s entrepreneurial journey is different, but you may learn useful lessons about what it takes—especially in the health field—in today’s podcast. https://drruscio.com/?p=29050 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (or similar degenerative neurological conditions) is devastating, as so far no cure exists. However, recent studies into the condition show that the amyloid plaque responsible for Alzheimer’s symptoms may form as a protective mechanism against other threats to the body. Promising research into the disease shows the possibility of prevention and even reversal of cognitive decline. There may be multiple risk factors for Alzheimer’s, such as chronic inflammation, chronic infections, tick-borne illnesses, the presence of the ApoE4 gene, mold or heavy metals toxicity, hormone changes, and others. Getting a “cognoscopy” at age 45 could give early warning indicators. Prevention protocols may vary widely amongst individuals. Some foundational tips include inducing mild ketosis, sleeping well, reducing stress, exercising, and treating underlying conditions. https://drruscio.com/?p=29048 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

The ketogenic (or keto) diet emphasizes high fat, low carbohydrates, and medium protein intake. In some studies, the keto diet has been shown to benefit sufferers of epilepsy, insulin regulation, polycystic ovary syndrome, infertility, glioblastoma, and more. One common misconception is that you must be on the diet forever for it to be valuable. Beginners to the diet may want to start slow, replacing some of their carb intake with healthy fats. Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine have lessons to offer about the value of herbs, synergistic effects, and the overall body environment. On any diet, whether paleo, keto, Mediterranean, or another type, it’s important to emphasize high-quality whole foods. https://drruscio.com/?p=28843 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at: https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Symptoms from Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) can be a challenging part of many women’s monthly cycles. Two recent studies on adolescents show that vitamin D can be a safe and effective method for reducing these symptoms, lessening anxiety, irritability, sadness, cramps, and other associated issues. These benefits were not gained by the placebo group. Gut health and non-hormonal herbal supplements are other avenues to consider if your vitamin D levels are already optimal. https://drruscio.com/?p=28840 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

When considering your options for anti-aging treatments for skin or hair loss therapy, know that individuals respond differently to different treatments. Together with your doctor, you’ll want to consider the possible causes of your hair loss or skin health to determine the best course of action. Some of the main drugs on the market like Rogaine (minoxidil), which stimulates blood flow to hair follicles, and Propecia (finasteride), an oral dihydrotestosterone (DHT) blocker, are designed to treat the most common cause of hair loss in men and women, androgenetic alopecia. However, causes may not be as clear-cut for all women. PRP injections, dermarolling, low-level light therapy and stem cells offer fairly natural ways to stimulate your body’s own healing responses, for skin rejuvenation and hair loss reversal. No magic bullet exists, but these therapies may also be used in combination, potentially yielding synergistic, better results. https://drruscio.com/?p=28622 My book is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Artificial light and electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are an inescapable reality of city environments. Rather than sleeping when the sunlight tells us to, we alter our circadian rhythms with electric light, sometimes at the expense of our immune system and sleep quality. Artificial lights that mimic the sun may provide a more natural environment for our bodies. EMFs emanating from our devices may generate heat, disrupt melatonin and even cause mechanical vibration of cell membranes. Ways to lessen EMF exposure include putting your phone into airplane mode while sleeping, keeping it away from your body, and avoiding the use of your laptop on your lap. Checking your home with an EMF detector may also reveal external sources, which you can block while you sleep using some forms of shielding. https://drruscio.com/?p=28620 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out  https://drruscio.com/resources