Moodle at CCNM

This presentation provides an overview of human genetics and how the intricacies of the human genome are amazing dynamic with delicate intricacies that allow us to adapt to our changing environment; yet also put us at great peril due to epigenetic factors both within our control and external factors that trend towards disruption of homeostasis.  The Clinical impact of stress, pharmaceuticals, environmental pollutants, sleep, etc is also discussed.

The Human microbiome is a dense network of microbes that live in and on our skin. Their discovery was only beginning to become well known after we were able to identify and see those who didn't require oxygen. Since this development and over the last 10 years of research we’ve not only come to find out who is there, but what they are making. The microbial metabolites may be the future of ecosystem restoration in the gut and if that’s true, then implications for mental health are vast. These metabolites communicate directly with the brain and having impacts on not only brain development, but immune system development. We’ll explore the microbiome, fecal transplant, and a few case studies to exemplify the potential of this 12th organ system.

The role and function of the liver; clinical diagnosis of underlying liver disease. The importance of the intestinal microbiome (IM) on the gut liver axis and the impact of dysbiosis on chronic liver disease. Pathogenesis and causative factors leading to disease progression: gut dysbiosis, bile acid metabolism chronic inflammation , intestinal permeability, and immune system activation. The impact of these factors on development or progression of chronic liver disease with a particular focus on fatty liver disease and cirrhosis/hepatic encephalopathy. Highlighting the role of IM manipulation in a an attempt to reverse or slow down liver disease through diet, use of studied herbals supplements, prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics and fecal transplantation. Briefly conclude with practical pearls for the naturopathic clinician to fully understand full scope and benefits of adjunctive therapies available to treat their patient’s with chronic liver disease.

The prevalence of anxiety & depression in patients with functional gastrointestinal distress is significantly higher than compared to healthy controls. These numbers shed light on the need for mental health intervention for people suffering from functional digestive distress. This presentation offers a review of current literature on the effect of stress-reduction techniques, specifically mediation, on the microbiome and how to implement beneficial stress-reduction techniques into treatment plans for patients with gastrointestinal distress.

A review of the histological variation of the GI tract with special consideration of the microbiome, immune function and neurotransmitter use and creation. Specifically, the interaction of the goblet cells, glutamate and Akkermansia muciniphila.

This will be an overview/update on the impact nutrition has on the human microbiota. I will review specific nutrients and the roles they play as well as a wholistic perspective on what a healthy microbiome diet might look like.I will demonstrate the use of a relatively simple applied kinesiology technique that I use to investigate the presence of significant dental health issues in my GI patients.

I will use a case of a 62 yo female with intestinal methanogen overgrowth and chronic unresolved dental infections to illustrate the importance of oral abscess as a source of GI microbiome issues. Her endodontist had told her that there was no remaining infection. I had treated her for over a year with some moderate-good responses to treatment before further investigating the oral issues. The investigation was prompted by a relapse of her symptoms despite significant improvement in breath test results. On referring her for a second dental opinion, 5 areas of infection were found along with a stray bone fragment from a previous dental extraction. After just a few injections of ozone into the infected areas and removal of the bone fragment, she had total normalization of her GI and systemic symptoms.I will demonstrate the use of a relatively simple applied kinesiology technique that I use to investigate the presence of significant dental health issues in my GI patients.

Over the last 20 years, probiotic research has increased exponentially. This has been mirrored by an explosion of probiotic products in the marketplace. With the sheer choice of probiotic supplements and foods available on the market today, it can be challenging for health professionals to sort through each manufacturers’ claims of superiority. In this presentation, Dr Hawrelak will examine the concept of probiotic strain specificity and discuss the shifting paradigm in probiotic prescribing from “re-seeding” to choosing the strain with the desired action for treating specific conditions. He will also share some tips to help clinicians navigate through probiotic marketing claims.

The Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) was created approximately 100 years ago and has been used to improve IBD symptoms and to induce IBD clinical remission for nearly 100 years. It is just now (in the last 6 years, mostly) starting to gain interest in conventional GI circles, which has lead to more research being conducted. The research has included several studies on how SCD shifts and changes the microbiome. In addition to the research, in my clinical practice I have seen immediate and tangible evidence of these microbial shifts including inhibition of dental caries, skin healing, IBS symptom resolution, mucosal healing (IBD remission), mood and blood sugar regulation and more. Studies have also been conducted on how SCD helps the gut-­‐ brain axis in Autism Spectrum Disorders. My presentation will give enough background on SCD to help participants who are unfamiliar have basic knowledge to build on and also is a deep enough dive that is should satisfy participants who are SCD knowledgeable as well. My presentation will include resources for implementing SCD in your practice and deeper dive into the current body of research on how SCD affects the microbiome. I am open to presenting both in pre-­‐con as well as at the main conference.

This presentation will provide an overview of active research activities within the Helfgott Research Institute related to spirituality in health and medicine. Research described will include: qualitative research related to experiences with psilocybin; Yoga Nidra for anxiety and sleep; trauma-informed yoga for stress; and student health and spirituality at NUNM.

The principles of naturopathic medicine can be applied to explore disordered eating and the ethical implications of dietary recommendations. What is 'normal' eating and does that definition apply to everyone? Are healthcare practitioners screening patients for eating disorders or disordered eating patterns? Learn to assess and protect patients from the harms brought on by inadvertent food and body shaming.

Integrative medicine providers, including naturopathic physicians, routinely employ new and emerging science to inform their clinical practice. This practice of early adoption, along with growing interest from the public, has contributed to the explosion in affordable gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome testing marketed to integrative medical practices. These tests are often described as clinically useful tools that can be used to inform treatment of chronic medical conditions, as well as strategies for optimizing general wellness. While these interventions can often be of great benefit to patients, their implementation is not always informed by a nuanced understanding of the limitations of this testing. Commercial microbiome testing in its current form cannot truly nor completely describe an individuals GI microbiome health, except possibly when identifying specific infectious pathogens, nor inform specific interventions (probiotics, prebiotics, etc.) with the accuracy often claimed by the tests themselves, or the physicians employing them. As early adopters, it is our responsibility to not only understand the usefulness of GI microbiome testing, but also its limitations, and ensure that our care is informed by this knowledge. This presentation will review the technology employed in current commercially available microbiome testing and what practitioners should know regarding the limitations of utilizing this technology in clinical practice.NOTE: This talk is not intended to dissuade providers from using GI microbiome tests, but rather encourage thoughtfulness and transparency when utilizing these technologies. I believe that highlighting this discussion in a separate talk (vs combining with a more in-depth review of the technology) will help participants better retain information essential to their PARQ discussions.

This is a discussion of the connection between how both SIBO and parasitic infections affect the Microbiome and how one is often misdiagnosed as another. This will be a deeper look on how we currently understand how parasitic infections change the microbiome presentation and how patients will often suffer from and be diagnosed with one but the underlying cause is the other one.  Alinia is briefly discussed as a use for treatment of parasitic infections.

The field of nutrition science is complicated. While research in this field is fast-growing, contradictions in the literature challenge our clinical and personal decision-making regarding dietary behaviors. This presentation will include a review of the current research in nutrition, with a focus on whole foods dietary approaches.