Why Otoliths Are Powerful:

1. Direct Connection to Primitive Brain Centers:
   • The vestibular system, including the otoliths, has a direct connection to the brainstem, cerebellum, and autonomic nervous system. These are essential for survival functions like balance, posture, and spatial orientation.
   • Information from the otoliths integrates with the visual and proprioceptive systems to maintain equilibrium.
2. Gravity and Acceleration Detection:
   • The otoliths are unique in their ability to detect static gravitational forces and linear accelerations, which are critical for orienting the body in space.
   • This is vital for maintaining upright posture, navigating the environment, and even processing sensory input for higher brain functions like spatial awareness.
3. Impact on Cognitive and Emotional States:
   • The vestibular system, influenced by the otoliths, contributes to the brain’s perception of body orientation. Dysfunction in this system can cause disorientation, anxiety, and even depression, underscoring the otoliths’ wide-ranging impact.
4. High Sensory Integration:
   • The vestibular input from the otoliths interacts with visual and somatosensory inputs in the parietal lobe, thalamus, and cortex, making them key players in multisensory integration.

Comparison to Other Receptors:

• Visual Receptors: The eyes provide most sensory information to the brain for activities like navigation, but they depend on stable input from the vestibular system, including otoliths.
• Auditory Receptors: The ears’ cochlear system detects sound, which is essential for communication but doesn’t directly influence posture or balance.
• Proprioceptors: These receptors in muscles and joints provide feedback about body position but rely on otolith information to complement spatial orientation.
• Pain and Touch Receptors: These are critical for survival and immediate threat detection but don’t provide spatial or orientation data.

Functional Superiority:

In contexts requiring balance, spatial awareness, or understanding of motion and gravitational pull, the otoliths can be considered among the brain’s most influential and powerful sensory systems.

Since the otoliths provide so much information to the brain, the relationship between the otoliths, gravity, eyes, and brain must always be appropriately integrated to function correctly.  The impact on many diverse symptoms is profound and can not be ignored.  It can impact posture, chronic pain, neuropathy, spinal stenosis, anxiety, dysautonomia, POTS, migraines, and even brain fog.

We test this on all of our patients, and when we incorporate this into our treatment, we achieve faster and longer results in challenging complex chronic conditions.

Neurofeedback has been increasingly explored as a potential therapeutic tool for various neurological conditions, including concussion, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and dementia. Here’s an overview of the current evidence and studies on the use of neurofeedback for these conditions:

1. Concussion and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI)

Concussions and mTBI are forms of brain injuries that can lead to cognitive, emotional, and physical symptoms. Neurofeedback has been studied as a potential intervention to address these symptoms by promoting neural reorganization and improving brain function.

• Study Example: Thornton and Carmody (2009) explored the efficacy of neurofeedback in individuals with mild traumatic brain injury. The study showed significant improvement in cognitive functioning, including attention and working memory, following neurofeedback sessions. It also noted reductions in headaches, sleep disturbances, and mood instability, which are common post-concussion symptoms.

Reference: Thornton, K., & Carmody, D. P. (2009). Efficacy of Neurofeedback for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 90(2), 258-265.

• Study Example: Tinius (2003) investigated neurofeedback’s impact on attentional deficits in individuals with TBI. Results indicated that neurofeedback could significantly improve attention and reduce impulsivity in this population.

Reference: Tinius, T. P. (2003). The integrated visual and auditory continuous performance test as a neuropsychological measure. Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology, 18(4), 439-454.

2. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

For more severe TBI, neurofeedback is used to help manage a range of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral symptoms. The idea is that by training the brain to regulate its activity more effectively, symptoms can be alleviated.

• Study Example: A pilot study by Binsch et al. (2016) evaluated the use of neurofeedback in veterans with TBI. The results suggested that neurofeedback training led to improvements in both executive function and mood symptoms (such as anxiety and depression) over a 6-month period.

Reference: Binsch, O., van Dijk, H., Meyer, T., & Timmerman, M. E. (2016). Neurofeedback in Veterans with TBI and PTSD: A Pilot Study. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 41(1), 33-41.

• Study Example: Another study by Schoenberger et al. (2001) indicated that patients with TBI who underwent neurofeedback training demonstrated improved self-regulation skills and decreased emotional distress. This study emphasized the importance of personalized neurofeedback protocols for optimal outcomes.

Reference: Schoenberger, N. E., Shiflett, S. C., Esty, M. L., Ochs, L., & Matheis, R. J. (2001). Flexyx Neurotherapy System in the treatment of traumatic brain injury: An initial evaluation. The Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, 16(3), 260-274.

3. Dementia

Neurofeedback’s role in dementia, particularly in Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of cognitive impairment, is currently being explored. The premise is that neurofeedback might help improve cognitive functions by enhancing brain activity in areas affected by dementia.

• Study Example: A study by Surmeli et al. (2010) evaluated the effects of QEEG-guided neurofeedback on patients with early to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. The study reported that patients exhibited improvements in memory, language, attention, and overall cognitive functioning after neurofeedback training.

Reference: Surmeli, T., Ertem, A., Eralp, E., & Kos, I. H. (2010). Schizophrenia and the Efficacy of QEEG-Guided Neurofeedback Treatment: A Clinical Case Series. Clinical EEG and Neuroscience, 41(2), 167-176.

• Study Example: Kwak et al. (2019) studied the use of neurofeedback combined with cognitive training in elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition often considered a precursor to dementia. The findings suggested that participants showed significant improvement in cognitive performance and memory.

Reference: Kwak, S. C., Jang, K. M., Lee, J., & Lee, S. (2019). Effects of Neurofeedback Training Combined with Cognitive Training on Cognitive Performance in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Geriatrics & Gerontology International, 19(6), 509-514.

Conclusion

Neurofeedback shows promise as a non-invasive therapeutic approach for conditions like concussion, TBI, and dementia. Current studies suggest that neurofeedback can potentially improve cognitive function and alleviate symptoms associated with these conditions.

Understanding the Gut-Brain Axis

The gut-brain axis is the complex communication network linking your gut and brain. The vagus nerve facilitates this connection. This major nerve runs from the brainstem to the abdomen and by biochemical signals from the gut microbiota—the trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms in your digestive tract.

Here’s how the gut-brain axis influences mental health:

• Neurotransmitter Production: The gut produces several neurotransmitters, including serotonin, often called the “feel-good” chemical. About 90% of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gut. Imbalances in gut health can affect the production and regulation of these neurotransmitters, leading to mood disturbances.
• Immune System Regulation: The gut is critical to immune function. Dysregulation of the immune system, often triggered by gut inflammation, can lead to chronic inflammation that affects the brain and contributes to mental health issues like depression.
• Stress Response: The gut microbiota influences the body’s stress response by interacting with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. An unhealthy gut can lead to an exaggerated stress response, increasing anxiety and stress-related disorders.

How Gut Health Issues Can Impact Mood

Several common gut health issues can directly impact your mood and mental health. Here are a few examples:

1. Dysbiosis
   • Dysbiosis refers to an imbalance in the gut microbiota, where harmful bacteria outnumber beneficial bacteria. This imbalance can lead to symptoms such as bloating, gas, and digestive discomfort, but it can also contribute to anxiety, depression, and cognitive issues.
2. Leaky Gut Syndrome
   • Leaky gut syndrome occurs when the gut lining becomes permeable, allowing undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria to enter the bloodstream. This can trigger an immune response and systemic inflammation, affecting brain function and mood.
3. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD)
   • Conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis involve chronic gut inflammation. People with IBD often experience higher rates of depression and anxiety, likely due to the ongoing inflammation and the gut-brain connection.
4. Food Sensitivities and Allergies
   • Food sensitivities, such as those to gluten or dairy, can cause gut inflammation and discomfort. These reactions can also affect the brain, leading to mood swings, irritability, and fatigue.

Improving Gut Health for Better Mental Health

Supporting your gut health is a powerful way to improve your mood and overall mental well-being. Here are some key strategies to consider:

1. Probiotics and Prebiotics
   • Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help restore balance to the gut microbiota. Foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi are rich in probiotics. You can also consider taking a high-quality probiotic supplement.
   • Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that feed the good bacteria in your gut. Foods high in prebiotics include garlic, onions, asparagus, bananas, and whole grains.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Diet
   • An anti-inflammatory diet focuses on whole, unprocessed foods that reduce inflammation in the gut and body. This includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, fatty fish like salmon, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. Avoiding processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats is also crucial.
3. Manage Stress
   • Chronic stress negatively impacts gut health, leading to an imbalance in the gut microbiota and increased gut permeability. Incorporating stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises can help reduce the impact of stress on your gut.
4. Identify and Eliminate Food Sensitivities
   • If you suspect that certain foods are contributing to your gut and mental health issues, consider working with a healthcare provider to identify and eliminate these foods from your diet. Common culprits include gluten, dairy, soy, and artificial additives.
5. Stay Hydrated
   • Proper hydration is essential for maintaining a healthy gut lining and promoting the movement of food and waste through the digestive tract. Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
6. Regular Physical Activity
   • Exercise has been shown to positively influence the gut microbiota and reduce inflammation. Regular physical activity can also boost mood, reduce anxiety, and improve overall mental health.

Taking a Holistic Approach to Mental Health

Improving gut health is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to managing mental health naturally. A holistic approach that includes proper nutrition, regular exercise, stress management, and, if necessary, professional guidance from a healthcare provider can make a significant difference in how you feel both physically and emotionally.

At Moxie Psychiatric Group,  we specialize in addressing the whole body to support mental health. We offer a range of services, including functional medicine, functional neurology, and holistic therapies, to help you achieve optimal gut and brain health. If you’re struggling with mood issues and suspect that your gut health might be playing a role, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Together, we can create a personalized plan to support your mental well-being from the inside out.

Final Thoughts

The gut-brain connection is a powerful reminder that mental health is closely tied to physical health. By taking steps to support your digestive system, you can positively impact your mood, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improve your overall quality of life. If you’re ready to explore a holistic approach to mental health that includes gut health, reach out to us today and start your journey toward better well-being.

Understanding the Role of Psychiatric Medications

Psychiatric medications, such as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) for depression and stimulants for ADHD, can be incredibly effective in managing symptoms. However, they often do not address the underlying issues contributing to these conditions. As a result, many individuals find themselves reliant on these medications indefinitely, which can lead to concerns about side effects, long-term health impacts, and the desire for a more natural approach to mental health.

Why Consider a Natural Approach?

The goal of reducing or even eliminating psychiatric medications is not just about moving away from pharmaceuticals. It’s about taking a more comprehensive, integrative approach to mental health that focuses on healing the whole body-mind, body, and spirit. This can lead to a more sustainable and empowering path to wellness.

Some of the key benefits of a natural approach include:

• Addressing Root Causes: Instead of simply managing symptoms, natural approaches aim to uncover and treat the underlying causes of mental health conditions, such as hormonal imbalances, gut health issues, or nutritional deficiencies.
• Reducing Side Effects: Many psychiatric medications come with side effects, such as weight gain, fatigue, or cognitive changes. Natural approaches often have fewer side effects and can improve overall health.
• Empowerment: Taking charge of your health and wellness through natural methods can empower and lead to long-lasting positive changes.

Steps to Reducing Psychiatric Medications Naturally

If you’re considering reducing your reliance on psychiatric medications, it’s essential to do so safely and under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider. Here are some critical steps to consider:

1. Consult with Your Healthcare Provider
   • Before making any changes to your medication regimen, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider. They can help you create a personalized plan that considers your unique health needs and the medications you are currently taking.
2. Adopt a Functional Medicine Approach
   • Functional medicine focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of health issues. This approach may include comprehensive testing to assess hormone levels, gut health, nutritional status, etc. By addressing these underlying factors, you can support your mental health more effectively and potentially reduce your need for medication.
3. Improve Your Gut Health
   • The gut-brain connection is well-established, with research showing that gut health can significantly impact mental health. Incorporating probiotics, prebiotics, and a diet rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables can support a healthy gut microbiome, which in turn can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
4. Balance Your Hormones
   • Hormonal imbalances, such as those related to thyroid function, adrenal health, or sex hormones, can contribute to mental health issues. Working with a healthcare provider to balance your hormones naturally—through diet, supplements, and lifestyle changes—can improve your mood and reduce the need for psychiatric medications.
5. Incorporate Mind-Body Practices
   • Mind-body practices such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness have been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being. Regularly incorporating these practices into your routine can support your mental health naturally and help reduce reliance on medications.
6. Nutritional Support
   • Certain nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and B vitamins, play a crucial role in brain health. Ensuring you get enough of these nutrients through your diet or supplements can support your mental health and reduce the need for medication.
7. Gradual Tapering
   • If your healthcare provider agrees that reducing or discontinuing medication is appropriate, they will guide you through a gradual tapering process. This slow and steady approach helps minimize withdrawal symptoms and allows your body to adjust naturally.

A Personalized Path to Wellness

Every individual’s journey to reducing psychiatric medications naturally is unique. By taking a holistic approach that considers your entire body and mind, you can create a personalized path to wellness that addresses your specific needs and goals.

At Moscie Psychiatric Group in Westlake Village, we specialize in helping individuals take a whole-body approach to mental health, combining functional medicine, functional neurology, and holistic therapies to create a treatment plan that empowers you to reduce your reliance on medication and achieve lasting well-being.

Final Thoughts

Reducing psychiatric medications naturally is a journey that requires patience, support, and a comprehensive approach to health. By addressing the root causes of your mental health concerns and incorporating natural therapies, you can take meaningful steps towards greater health, wellness, and freedom from long-term medication use.

If you’re ready to explore a holistic approach to mental health, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Together, we can create a plan that helps you achieve your health goals and live a more balanced, fulfilling life.

Studies have shown that gut health imbalances, such as leaky gut syndrome and dysbiosis, can lead to mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. This is because the gut produces neurotransmitters such as serotonin and GABA, essential for regulating mood and emotional well-being. When gut health is compromised, it can affect the production and balance of these neurotransmitters, leading to mood imbalances.

This is where functional medicine comes in. Functional medicine practitioners like Dr. Michael Veselak can help identify and address the underlying factors that contribute to gut health imbalances and mental health issues by focusing on the whole person and their unique genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environment.

One of the key tools in functional medicine is comprehensive lab testing to identify gut health imbalances, food sensitivities, and nutrient deficiencies contributing to mental health issues. By addressing these underlying issues, patients can improve their gut health, reduce inflammation, and alleviate their mood disorders.

Another critical aspect of managing mental health issues with functional medicine is diet and nutrition. Functional medicine practitioners may recommend dietary changes such as eliminating inflammatory foods, adding in gut-healing foods, and supplementing with targeted nutrients to support gut health and reduce inflammation.

A patient-centered approach at the core of functional medicine focuses on listening to the patient and understanding their unique needs and concerns. By getting to know each patient and their health history, Dr. Veselak and other functional medicine practitioners can create a personalized health plan that empowers patients to take control of their health and improve their quality of life.

n conclusion, the gut-brain connection is an essential link that plays a significant role in our overall well-being. Functional medicine can help manage mental health issues and improve overall health and well-being by addressing gut health imbalances, reducing inflammation, and supporting nutrient deficiencies. If you’re struggling with mood disorders or gut health issues, consider consulting with a functional medicine practitioner like Dr. Michael Veselak at Moxie Psychiatric Group to explore your options for improving your health and well-being.

The ANS has two branches: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). The SNS is responsible for the body’s “fight or flight” response, while the PNS is responsible for the body’s “rest and digest” response. In individuals with dysautonomia, there may be an imbalance in the activity of these two branches, leading to symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, and shortness of breath.

These physical symptoms can trigger anxiety in individuals with dysautonomia. Additionally, the chronic nature of dysautonomia can lead to chronic stress and anxiety, further exacerbating symptoms.

Furthermore, dysautonomia can impact the production and balance of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and GABA, which are essential for regulating mood and emotional well-being. Dysautonomia can also contribute to inflammation in the brain, which has been linked to mood disorders such as anxiety.

Managing dysautonomia with a functional medicine approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying factors that contribute to dysautonomia, such as gut health imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, and lifestyle factors, can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety. By addressing these underlying issues and reducing inflammation, functional medicine practitioners like Dr. Michael Veselak can help support optimal autonomic nervous system function and promote optimal mental health.

HEALTHY AGING: HOW CAN WE PROMOTE LONGEVITY?

Now that I have entered my 6^th decade of life I have given more thought on how to promote longevity. My concerns are not only memory and balance but actually how does my body look on the inside. Generally labs have been pretty good and so far have avoided medications. But my questions of will I be healthy enough to do all the things that I enjoy and how will the aging process treat me.

TELOMERES A PREDICTOR OF AGING

For me it all starts at the cellular level, telomeres, mitochondria and methylation. So how do we measure how healthy we really are? Lets begin with telomeres, the cells biological aging clock. These are found at the end of chromosomes and are protective caps that protect them from deterioration. They protect the DNA from damage. When we are born our telomeres are longer but, when they become damaged or shorter the cell ages and reduce its ability to function properly. Stress, poor dietary habits, smoking, chemical exposure and lack of exercise help to accelerate this process of ageing in the cell and the shortening of the telomeres.

Scientific Research has provided answers and a simple testing kit to measure and predict longevity by measuring their telomeres.

The Telomere test, which we are now recommending to our patients in our Healthy Aging Program that actually measures their telomeres so we can begin to predict the aging process. The good news is when this is objectively measured we can implement certain nutritional and lifestyle modifications that can lengthen the telomere.

METHYLATION: GENE EXPRESSION AND TURNING GENES ON AND OFF

Methylation is also very important to address. It is a process where our body needs one carbon and three hydrogen molecules called a methyl group to facilitate several enzyme processes that are extremely important for neurotransmitters, detoxification, immune, and hormone function. Methylation can actually turn genes on or off which can directly affect their expression. The gene that probably gets the most attention is the MTHFR gene, but I like to look at the entire methylation process which helps me analyze those difficult chronic patients that are having difficulty with sleep, fatigue, detoxification anxiety and depression.

Testing through  ancestry.com can provide information as to how the body is methylating and to analyze if the gene has expressed or not. Given the fact that as we age our regulation of genes becomes impacted we want to provide specific nutritional needs based on our genetic profile. Nutrigenonics if done properly can help alter their expression of a gene and enhance immune function, detoxification and neurotransmitter production.

Similar to telomeres, methylation will be affected by diet and lifestyle. Our coaching program emphasizes these diet and lifestyle modifications to enhance the quality of your life and improve the aging process.

There are a whole list of illnesses that can occur without proper methylation including heart disease, stroke, depression, anxiety, dementia, autism, cancer and infertility to name a few.

MITOCHONDRIA: THE POWERHOUSE AND FORCE FIELD OF OUR CELL

The final part of the equation we like to address in our Healthy Aging program is the mitochondria. This is commonly known as the powerhouse of the cell. It is where we produce a majority of energy called ATP. A normal by product of producing this energy are free radicals. Healthy mitochondria can effectively deal with these free radicals and oxidative stress. Unfortunately again as we get older this process becomes less effective.

There are several factors that affect healthy mitochondria. There has to be proper glucose, oxygen, stimulation and the ability to handle oxidative stress. This impacts the neuronal health of the mitochondria and allows normal production of ATP providing good endurance and p well functioning Sodium/Potassium pump.

During the aging process and the fact that so much inflammation and environmental toxins bombard us poor circulation, high blood sugar, inflammation and even environmental toxins can affect our mitochondria. This will cause unhealthy mitochondria, which affect energy production and creates difficult in expelling intracellular sodium.

Some signs of mitochondria ineffectiveness and dysfunction are fatigue, fibromyalgia symptoms, sensitivity to sound and light and even conditions like Tinnitus.

When we begin to age our mitochondria can have difficulty protecting us from free radicals and our good metabolism and high energy begins to slowly fade.

However, this does not have to be the case. There are several ways to stimulate the mitochondria and keep them healthy. Of course we must implement proper diet and lifestyle changes. Our foundational needs of breathing, drinking enough water, moderating our glucose levels, reducing stress levels and getting enough sleep are critical in a healthy functioning mitochondria.

HEALTHY AGING PROGRAM:

In our healthy aging program we address the foundational needs by objectively testing Telomeres, Methylation and Mitochondrial Function.

We then devise a personalized plan incorporating nutrition and lifestyle modifications to improve these three factors.

Benefits of Program:

1. More Energy
2. Less Brain Fog
3. Improved Balance
4. Less Muscle Aches and Pains

DURATION:

Personally I have chose to do this for the rest of my life. It is my hope that people will commit to being healthy and make this a priority as I have seen far too often our own health gets put on the back burner.

It is never too late to make a change but definitely the longer you wait the more difficult it becomes.

We offer 3 month, 6 months and annual plans. Please call our office for a complimentary consultation so we can begin to develop a personalized plan for you.

DISTANCE PATIENTS:

We receive a lot or requests for individuals nationally and internationally for our services.

We offer Intensives where we will treat you 2-3 times per days for a week to two weeks depending on the severity of your condition. This is common for our neuropathy, spinal stenosis, and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Patients.

We have made arrangements with a few of our local hotels to proved a discounted rate.

Please call the office 805 482-0723 as prices will vary depending on the condition and the length of time needed to treat. Or email me at dr.veselak@gmail.com if you have any questions.

ONLINE CONSULTS:

We provide online consults if you are looking for a second opinion on Genetic Testing, Organic Acids Testing and Functional Medicine or Neurology Questions. We specialize in chronic pain and chronic health conditions.

It is not about labels, but rather identifying the underlying causes of the dysfunction and not utilizing natural solutions to assist the patient with their health challenges.

Everyday we see more and more patients with chronic issues. The reason is our current model is excellent for acute care but lacks significantly in the management of chronic care. We rely too much on the single bullet or one medicine approach to help all conditions, which often times neglects the actual causes that have created the symptoms.

For years, we were taught that genetics was the reason. However, the Human Genome Project clearly stated that lifestyle and diet were the two most important factors in causing genes to express themselves. More importantly, through diet and lifestyle we have the ability to silence or turn off these genes.

In our office, we focus on restoring the body’s natural ability to restore optimal health. Sometimes it takes supporting the body with supplements or good nutrition to achieve this state. Other times, it requires the removal of something to allow the body to return to its normal physiology.

The first and most important step is a thorough history. This will provide clues to identify the significant imbalances. Second, a comprehensive exam is required to further identify more insight and provide a working diagnosis.

Finally, our office uses advanced lab testing. This testing is cutting edge technology to allow us to properly and accurately determine the system or imbalance that has impaired the physiological balance.

Lab tests such as genetics, organic acids, heavy metal toxicity, cyrex tests for leaky gut or autoimmune issues, kryptopyrroles and SIBO.

Once the underlying cause is established, the treatment becomes more effective and the patients symptoms begin to diminish in severity with an increase in overall health and vitality.

Everyday we hear how the solutions we provided has changed our patients lives.

Traditional Medicine is excellent at addressing the acute care needs but falls way short with chronic health issues.  The whole body approach is necessary with chronic health illnesses.  It must also incorporate diet and lifestyle issues necessary to significantly impact the patients health.

Proper testing is necessary to discover the cause.  Most of our patients have shared their frustration that the labs they have taken have come back normal, but they still don’t feel well.  We recommend specific labs like Cyrex, Dutch Hormone, GI MAP, Heavy Metal or Chemical Toxicity testing to help us achieve our treatment goals.

We also incorporate DNA testing so we can personalize the treatment and care to the individuals specific blueprint.

This is why we get results with patient’s suffering from chronic health issues.

We are accustomed to consulting with patients all over the world utilizing telemedicine.  Call for a consultation 805 482-0723.

The basic reason for bone loss is an uncoordinated bone remodeling process. It is a signaling mechanism between the bone forming cells called osteoblasts and the osteoclasts, which are responsible for absorbing bone tissue during growth and healing.

This interaction is a fine balance but as we get older our bones develop more micro fractures so this signaling gets ramped up and it increases osteoclastic activity.

As the skeletal structure continues to weaken the body is always attempting to strengthen it.

As our bodies generally become more inflamed when we get older creating more cytokines or inflammatory messengers this will increase the osteoclast activity. During this inflammatory phase they also become much more aggressive and they begin to break down bone even more.

Therefore when addressing osteoporosis it is imperative that a Functional Medicine approach be taken to evaluate the whole body and identify the imbalances. This would include the gut, thyroid, pancreas, and reproductive organs. The goal is to minimize inflammation and reduce these pro-inflammatory cytokines.

The inflammatory state as stated accelerates the production of osteoclasts causing more bone absorption.

Within a standard blood test we can look at a few markers such as the red blood cell count. With individuals that have osteoporosis this count is generally below 4. This is because instead of increasing osteoblastic activity the body will switch to a more fat producing mode within the bone marrow affecting stem cell production of the red blood cells. Also, the mean platelet volume (MPV), can suggest an inflammatory process.

This process of more inflammation within the body, increasing bone resorption and decreasing the production of more bone growth will continue unless the inflammatory process is corrected.

It is not quite as simple as providing calcium or exercising but rather improving the communication between the bone forming cells and bone resorption cells.

Genetics plays a part due to the fact the genes control vitamin D production and Collagen. However, what we have learned about genetics is they can be turned on and off or supported to assist them in their function. When I address a patient I tend to look at genetics and markers for vitamin D such as the VDR.

The other component we want to measure is bone quantity and bone quality.

We evaluate DEXA and T scores and look at the numbers. For example if a person has a -3.5 I begin to get a bit more nervous and realize the time to improve this is much more narrow than perhaps a -2.0. I am not opposed to the bisphosphonates; I just believe they are over prescribed and not addressing the root of the problem.

Also, I like a urine test call N-teleopeptide to look a bit closer at bone resorption and to establish a base line to make sure the treatment protocols recommended are actually working. The reference range is 15-60, which is a huge range. Ideally, we would want a patient to be around 30-45. If it were too low there would be no bone remodeling and have a higher risk for fracture.

If the marker is high our goal is too get this down below 50 in 3-6 months with proper nutrition. If this does not work we recommend working with you Doctor and discuss the use of medications.

With some patients their numbers on their DEXA scan are so bad they need to be on medications immediately.

Nutrition will work but sometimes the benefits to risk ratio must be assessed and determine if the slower process of proper nutrition is suitable for this patient given all the factors.

Some of the drugs like Forteo will actually build bone and tissue. At times I will recommend this with a bisphosphonate and then after a period of time eliminate the bisphosphonate and just provide the nutrition.

Of course we are constantly monitoring the bone resorption markers.

Our nutrition program consists of Vitamin D. I like to see their numbers around 50-70. I also recommend K2, MK4 and MK7. Minerals such as calcium, magnesium, as well as trace minerals. For remodeling I utilize alpha lipoic acid and NAC. Berberine helps to decrease osteoclastic activity and increase osteoblastic activity. Taurine has been proven to stimulate osteoblast activity. Lastly, I recommend medium chain triglycerides like Coconut Oil.

Often times these individuals are protein deficient so I recommend increasing protein intake or even an amino acid supplement.

When dealing with Osteoporosis we must keep in mind that it is important to have a whole body approach. Just taking calcium and exercising is not going to have that great of an impact on your results. Also, the labs to help monitor your progress are important to measure success. If conservative treatment does not work there are medications that can be effective.