Mushrooms and fungi have been used in medicine for thousands of years. They have been used traditionally to treat and prevent infections, protect the liver and offset the negative effects of stress. There are many different varieties of mushrooms that have demonstrated beneficial effects against boosting the immune system. Mushrooms contain specific compounds including polysaccharides; in particular β-glucans, polysaccharopeptides (PSP), polysaccharide proteins, and proteins.  The various glucans, and especially β-glucans, have become the focus of a great deal of research into immune system modulation and infection prevention. β-glucans are large polysacharrides, which means that they are formed from a large

As any good builder can attest, creating a strong foundation is imperative. Likewise, in health, we want to ensure that we are providing each bodily system with the key structures for proper physiology. See the thing is our bodies are very good at knowing what to do in the right circumstances. So, when we talk about health optimization, we are really talking about creating those “right” circumstances.  Of course, we all have different needs depending on our dietary habits, current health status, environment, and genetic predispositions. That being said there are some universal principles we all need to take stock

February is heart health month so of course we start to see more posts on heart-healthy recipes and natural ingredients. One thing you might notice is that many of these natural compounds fall into the category of antioxidants. This is a broad term that includes any substance that that can prevent or slow damage to cells caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that are produced in our bodies as results of normal cell energy production or from external damaging influences (i.e. UV radiation, chemicals etc.). The cardiovascular system is especially sensitive to the effects of free radicals.

By Dr. Traj Nibber The endocannabinoidome (eCBome) is a broader and more appropriate term than the old endocannabinoid system (ECS), and incorporates the more recent research into this fascinating area. What is the eCBome Briefly, eCBome is a protective, and communication network that exists all over the body, and interacts with hormonal, nervous, immune, endocrine, microbiome, and other systems of the body. The eCBome plays a major role in the health of many organs of the body including; the reproductive system in both males and females, hormonal system, kidneys, liver, gut microbiome, heart and circulatory system, nervous system, skin among

By Dr. Sarah Zadek ND The inability to lose weight from diet and exercise alone can be extremely frustrating. There are many factors that affect weight management, and for those who struggle with this it may be worth investigating other causes of this “stubborn metabolism.” One such cause is the functioning of the thyroid gland and its respective hormones. Thyroid hormones play crucial roles in how the body uses energy and regulates appetite. Additionally, fat cells, also called adipose tissue, contains their own messengers and hormones that affect energy stores and usage. The interaction between these cells, their messengers and

By: Dr. Robyn Murphy, ND Your genes are the same throughout life, so genetic testing could technically be done from the point of conception; however, this seems somewhat invasive. Joking aside, this question comes up frequently from savvy parents looking to make the best lifestyle and dietary choices for their kids for prevention as well as optimizing their potential. Some key information is available to parents using genetic testing. 1.  Dietary restrictions Genetic testing is exceptionally helpful for parents who want to know if their child is at risk for Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. It is especially helpful if a

By: Dr. Robyn Murphy, ND The verdict is in, your genes are not your destiny. Advances in genetics and epigenetics have evolved through observations that environmental factors influence genetic expression to directly impact an individual’s health. Epigenetic changes are reversible while effects of genetic variations are modifiable. 1,2 Today, in the midst of personalized medicine, understanding an individual’s genetic blueprint provides simple yet powerful strategies to significantly make a difference in one’s health. While science reveals how general lifestyle strategies in diet, exercise and stress reduction significantly impacts epigenetic modifications and thus gene expression and risk for disease; it is

By: Dr. Robyn Murphy, ND Are your genes your destiny? This common question is top of mind for most, especially for those who are considering genetic testing. Questioning whether or not you really want to know, in fear that nothing can be done. Well, the simple answer is, NO, your genes are not your destiny. While this may be due to a number of factors, such as the impact of the gene, the main topic of this article is discussing how epigenetics and particular lifestyle strategies can positively influence health, and that knowing your genes may just be the missing

Finding the perfect, unique, and appropriate gift for your loved ones can be a stressful task. Luckily, we came up some gift recommendations for you. Maybe these ideas will remind you of someone on your list. Your ex-professional golfing dad (at least he thought he was pro) is having a hard time getting out of bed in the morning with stiff joints and rickety knees. He dislikes taking medication is willing to try natural supplements. Gift recommendation: P.E.A.k Endocannabinoid Support Why: Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) has widespread activity in supporting and sustaining the endocannabinoid system. PEA is scientifically shown to help reduce

Throughout our lives our weight will change. In fact, throughout the day it will change. Sometimes we will be 10 pounds up and sometimes we may be 10 pounds down. As the culture of wellness evolves and matures, so too does the concept of “weight management”. The simple formula of calories out>calories in=SKINNY=HAPPY is laughably reductionist, but it is also quite harmful. The reality is that every BODY has its own ideal form. By this I mean you may have a genetic predisposition to an optimal body shape and your environment, nutrition, hormone function, activity, stress, and sleep all correspond

It seems that as the days get shorter, the To-Do lists get longer. As the holiday season approaches, it seems there is never enough time to get everything done. Increased workload, travel or trying to find that perfect gift can contribute to rising levels of stress. As a result, maybe you aren’t getting sufficient sleep, which can lead to even higher levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. Both stress and insomnia can lead to a suppressed immune system, which can in turn lead to increased susceptibility to any colds and flu being passed around the office or brought home by

Information is not intended to diagnose treat or cure any condition. Please see a qualified healthcare practitioner for information and assessment if you suspect you may be suffering from PCOS. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a hormone disorder affecting 5-10% of childbearing women and the most significant cause of infertility amongst women of all nationalities. Its classification as a syndrome means that there is a systemic nature and a constellation of signs and symptoms that result from disordered endocrine function. This means no two individuals with ovaries will experience it the same. Symptoms vary greatly from weight gain, acne, excessive hair growth,

When it comes to our cardiovascular health, many of us don’t have a high awareness of the prevalence and risks of developing blood clots. There is a tendency to focus on the health issues we can see, not on those we can’t. When plaques build up on the walls of an artery it can become blocked, and eventually rupture. The resultant blood clot can deprive vital tissues – the heart, brain, or peripheral arteries – of vital oxygen. Some signs of blood clots are chest pain, light headedness, being out of breath, leg tenderness and leg swelling. Risk Factors for

Delving into the world of nutritional supplements can seem like a daunting task. With so many options available, knowing where to begin can be difficult. The reality is that supplementation is not a one size fits all, and like anything we must assess our needs before jumping into a regime of nutrients, and vitamins, and adaptogens. So how do you create the best supplement routine for yourself? These ABC’s of supplementation can help you get started. Assessment: It’s best to work with a qualified health care practitioner for a thorough assessment. Ideally, we would be getting most nutrients from our

By Dr. Sarah Zadek ND We’ve all seen media claims that supplements can be a “waste of money” while other reports illustrate the dangers of “natural products”. So how valid are these claims? It’s all in the fine print. A catchy fear-inducing headline is sure to make waves, but it’s time to break down the science – and the actual text – of this information. When are supplements actually not worth it, and when can they actually make a difference in your health? What outcomes are we looking for? The first thing you need to ask yourself is “What am I

Definitions PEA (N-palmitoylethanolamide): an endogenous fatty acid amide synthesized and metabolized by cells that bind to cell receptors. It influences a multitude of physiological functions and has potent effects for a healthy inflammatory response and helps to relieve minor discomfort. Endocannabinoid System: A lipid communication network that has critical physiological functions and serves a vital purpose for our health and well-being through signaling processes, homeostasis and hormone regulation. Lipids and the ECS In 1929, scientists George Oswald Burr and his wife, Mildred Burr, discovered that omega 6 fatty acids were essential for health. This kicked off science’s interest into lipids, and

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is another level of security, a defence system that the body layers onto the existing security organization that is keeping us safe, whilst making sure checks and balances are in place. The ECS is a vast signalling network that communicates with other well-known systems including the nervous, immune, hormonal or the endocrine, and other networks, but also some that are rather more obscure, like the lymphatic or the enteric nervous system sometimes called the “second brain”. The ECS’s job is relaying important and timely information between these systems, but it also primes and prepares the body

Laura Harris is a 42-year-old woman living in London, UK who was diagnosed with osteoporosis in her lumbar spine. Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue, which can lead to increased risk of fracture. In January of 2018, Laura’s bone mass test revealed a sobering result; her T- Score was -2.5, the borderline for osteoporosis. Worried about the potential for a compression fracture in her spine that could lead to extreme pain and curvature of her spine, Laura began religiously taking AOR supplements, including Lactoferrin and Bone Dynamics. A little over a year

When you buy supplements, you are often are faced with a decision to make – which form should you take? Supplements might come in softgels, capsules or tablets. What exactly are the differences among them, and which is right for you? What Are Capsules? Capsules are formed plant or animal material that hold dry or oil supplement ingredients inside of them. The capsules fit together and are usually bonded in so they don’t break apart in the bottle. Most capsules are in the shape of a cylinder, but the size of the cylinder can vary, depending on how much dry

After the relaxing fun of summer, back-to-school season is here again. Although every school year offers its share of gratification, it’s typically also a balancing act, for both parents and kids. Trying to juggle a busy schedule and the many demands of parenting while keeping the kids healthy and ready to learn can be a challenge. For kids, the return to bedtime and homework routines and new academic and social challenges can result in increased stress, which may lead to weakened immunity. These factors, combined with the increased exposure to flu bugs and other infections, can spell sick days for