In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Elizabeth Steels to explore the alarming rise of metabolic syndrome, particularly its increasing prevalence among younger generations. Dr. Steels delves into the root causes of this concerning trend, emphasizing the critical role diet and lifestyle factors. She discusses optimal macro ratios and highlights how choosing the right types and amounts of carbohydrates is paramount for controlling metabolic dysfunction.

We also discuss the growing use of GLP-1 receptor agonists. Dr. Steels shares insights on how healthcare professionals can support patients using these medications through mitigating side effects and nutritional, and lifestyle interventions for optimal outcomes. She also shares her top herbs that act as natural GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Bio: Elizabeth is a clinical biochemist and nutritionist with over 30 years experience in clinical practice, research, clinical trials, formulation and regulatory affairs. She runs a consulting and research clinic in New Farm, Brisbane. She is also an Adjunct Senior Research Fellow, School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, and has a growing team of clinical naturopaths enrolled in MPHIL and PHD students, also becoming researchers to further support natural health research. The projects vary from metabolic disease and diabetes, pain and peripheral neuropathy, GIT health, candida overgrowth, to probiotics for bone health in menopause. She is well published and often speaks at academic and industry events.

In the second part of our series, we move from understanding the foundations of cognitive decline to actionable strategies for prevention and support. Building on our exploration of the pathogenesis and contributing factors of cognitive impairment, this episode focuses on practical interventions. Professor Kerry Bone discusses key herbs and discusses how targeting areas such as microcirculation and mitochondrial function can make a significant impact.

Bio: Professor Kerry Bone, as the Director of Research & Development at MediHerb drives innovation in Phytomedicinal Research, with prestigious recognition in the industry of Herbal Medicine.

From co-finding MediHerb in 1986, Kerry’s inspiration for high-quality herbal medicine has paved the way for Naturopathic practitioners in Australia and overseas, reflecting traditional practices, effective extraction techniques, phytochemical analyses, and scientific understanding utilising contemporary research.

In the first part of our two-part series, Professor Kerry Bone discusses the complexities of cognitive decline, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease, examining the pathogenesis and the various contributing factors that lead to cognitive impairment. From genetic predispositions to diet and lifestyle influences, we uncover the multifaceted causes behind these conditions. This episode lays the groundwork for understanding cognitive decline, setting the stage for actionable strategies and interventions in part two. Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of what underlies dementia and Alzheimer's disease and how we can begin to address it, understanding that prevention is key.

Bio: Professor Kerry Bone. Kerry is the co-founder and innovation driver at MediHerb as the Director of Research & Development; practicing Herbalist and Naturopath with 38 years of experience; a lecturer in Australia and overseas; a prolific author with 7 published Herbal Medicine texts and over 40 scientific papers on herbal research including original research and Systematic Reviews.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Simon Agger, a successful Chiropractor from the United States and a lecturer in nutrition, to explore his integrative approaches to treating pain and inflammation. Dr. Agger shares his unique blend of chiropractic adjustments, herbal medicine, nutrition, and lifestyle practices to address both acute and chronic pain.

Bio: Dr Simon Agger is a Chiropractor and Clinical Nutritionist who runs a highly successful chiropractic and nutritional practice in Portland. He has advanced training in Nutrition and Western Herbal Medicine.

Since 2013, Simon has been an Affiliate Faculty member in the ‘Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine’ Masters of Science program at University of Western States.

He is also part of the faculty at the Rocky Mountain University Osteopathic Medicine program as part of the Integrative Medical Nutrition Program.

A seasoned presenter armed with the latest research and 25 years of clinical experience, he highlights innovative evaluation and treatment approaches, to both common, and not so common health problems, to inspire practitioners to return to their clinics armed with whole food, physiologic, and herbal supports so their patients can flourish and lead fuller, more productive lives.

Agger Chiropractic Portland | Portland's Premier Chiropractic and Nutrition Clinic

Today Caroline guides us through the complexities of ADHD, offering insights into holistic approaches for enhancing mental and physical well-being. Drawing from her own experiences and professional expertise, she provides invaluable strategies for achieving a better quality of life for patients with ADHD.

Bio: Caroline Kennedy is a Naturopath who has been diagnosed with autism and ADHD. This diagnosis reshaped her understanding of herself and the world around her. Working in clinical practice as “The Neurodivergent Naturopath”, she advocates for the understanding of ADHD not as a disorder but as a unique adaptation of human neurological development. Caroline's clinical focus is on supporting neurodivergent individuals in achieving a better quality of life, addressing challenges in mental and physical regulation and all things in between. She sees people from all walks of life who often come to see her to connect with another neurodivergent person. As a mother to two teenage boys on the spectrum, Caroline is deeply empathetic to the struggles of neurodivergent individuals and their families.

Join us as we discuss the transformative power of lifestyle medicine with Dr. Darren Morton, a leading expert in the field. In this episode, Dr. Morton passionately discusses how many chronic diseases prevalent today are intricately linked to lifestyle choices. Through his extensive research, he reveals that common chronic conditions and mental health disorders can be prevented and even reversed through simple yet profound changes in our patient’s daily habits.

Dr. Morton emphasizes the pivotal role of diet, exercise, and reconnecting with nature in achieving optimal health. He explores how cultivating gratitude, discovering life purpose, and fostering meaningful connections with others contribute not only to physical well-being but also to mental and emotional resilience.

Tune in to discover how embracing lifestyle medicine can be a game-changer in our patient’s journey towards a healthier, more vibrant life.

Darren will be speaking at Integria Healthcare's upcoming Symposium: Systems Endocrinology: An Integrative Approach, in August. He will be discussing natural ways to enhance mental health and wellbeing, exploring developments from the fields of Lifestyle Medicine and Positive Psychology for affective disorders.

For more information about the Integria Healthcare Symposium, follow the link: Integria Practitioner Symposium 2024: Systems Endocrinology (eventsair.com)

For more information about The Lift Project, visit: The Lift Project

Bio: Dr. Darren Morton, is the Director of the Lifestyle Medicine and Health Research Centre at Avondale University, a fellow of the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine, and a distinguished author of four books, which have sold over 100 000 copies. With a keen focus on improving mental health and wellbeing through evidence-based research, using lifestyle medicine approaches and positive psychology, Darren has contributed greatly to the healthcare industry through publishing approximately 70 publications in Scientific and Medical Journals.

Today we welcome back David Casteleijn for an episode of herbal myth-busting. David clears up common misconceptions about antihypertensive herbs, Tribulus, Lemon Balm, Chaste Tree, Licorice, Korean Ginseng, Hemidesmus, and St. John’s Wort.  He stresses the importance of understanding our herbs as modulators and to not relate herbal actions to the actions of pharmaceutical medications. He also encourages all of us to advocate for our herbs and not allow those who are not trained in herbal medicine to speak for them.

David will be speaking at our upcoming Symposium in August: Systems Endocrinology: An Integrative Approach. For more information, please follow the link below:

practitioner.integria.com/events/systems-endocrinology-an-integrative-approach

David studied Behavioural Sciences at USQ then trained and worked as a Registered Nurse for many years. He is also a naturopath having been in clinical practice for over 30 years besides which he teaches and has served on the board of the NHAA for 5 years and been the Vice President of the WNF.

Having completed a Masters of Health Science (Herbal Medicine) at UNE in 2007 he is currently a Ph.D. candidate with UTS where he is studying the outcome for people with Anxiety or Depression consulting a Naturopath for an individualised herbal medicine prescription. 

Today we discuss depurative and lymphatic herbs with Naturopathic Physician Dr Marisa Marciano. Often put into a vague ‘detoxication’ category, or pigeon-holed into being used for skin conditions or inflamed lymph nodes, Marissa is going shed light on their myriad uses – including some you may not have considered.

Bio: Dr Marisa Marciano is a licenced Naturopathic Doctor, Registered Herbalist and Kinesiologist, with experience in Education and Clinical Applications of Therapeutic Phytotherapy, involved in the research, application and teaching of herbal therapeutics. Author of ‘Evidence-Informed Botanical Medicine’, Marisa is now Chair of the Botanical Medicine Department at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, as well as maintaining a private clinical practice providing customised herbal formulations, utilising primarily an evidence-based approach alongside diet, lifestyle and pharmaceutical interventions.

Angela shares invaluable insights and recommendations to address menopausal symptoms, focusing on adrenal depletion. Her expert strategies incorporate specific herbs to be utilised both day and night, offering comprehensive relief. Explore the crucial role of nutritional support in optimizing the HPO/HPA Axis, empowering health professionals with effective tools to guide their patients through this transformative phase.

Angela will be speaking at Integria Healthcare's upcoming Symposium: Systems Endocrinology: An Integrative Approach, in August. She will be unravelling complex women's health cases through the lifespan. For more information, follow the link: Integria Practitioner Symposium 2024: Systems Endocrinology (eventsair.com)

Bio: Angela Hywood is an experienced naturopathic clinician with over 26 years of clinical experience, specialising in integrative endocrinology, women’s health, fertility and pregnancy care. Angela is a well-known speaker at complementary and integrative medicine conferences in both Australia and internationally and has published articles in complementary medicine journals in Australia and USA.

Today, Kerry delves into his wealth of clinical experience and speaks with us about the traditional use, current research, and clinical applications of his favourite herb – Echinacea.

Bio: Professor Kerry Bone, as the Director of Research & Development at MediHerb drives innovation in Phytomedicinal Research, with prestigious recognition in the industry of Herbal Medicine.

From co-finding MediHerb in 1986, Kerry’s inspiration for high-quality herbal medicine has paved the way for Naturopathic practitioners in Australia and overseas, reflecting traditional practices, effective extraction techniques, phytochemical analyses, and scientific understanding utilising contemporary research.