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Practitioner Resources

Empower your practice with clinically relevant, science-backed insights that inspire positive, transformational outcomes with your patients.

Explore our content across a diverse range of health and nutrition-related topics, patient concerns, and common clinical presentations.

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Strategies for Motivating Patients Towards Optimal Health
About this Episode Strategies for Motivating Patients Towards Optimal Health In this enlightening episode, Dr. Sarah Clarke interviews Dr. Ryan Lazarus, author of The Essential Health Playbook and creator of The Lazarus Method. The conversation highlights Dr. Lazarus’  personal health journey and how it shaped his career and the work he’s developed over the past 20+ years. He offers inspiring and effective strategies for meeting patients where they are at; supporting their goals, values, and priorities; and offering tools to help them achieve optimal whole body health. Use the audio player above to listen now! And don’t forget to follow and like our podcast channel to stay up-to-date on upcoming podcast episodes. Highlights of the episode include: The four ways people change; finding what motivates each individual to make important health changes is the key to success Gamification as a useful wellness tool Defining priorities, values and goals Finding your true purpose and how it affects one’s health journey Unlocking greater potential with Biohacking Podcast Summary 1:20 Dr. Lazaraus describes his near death experience at 18 while playing indoor soccer that began his health journey and shaped the trajectory of his career 4:00 Digestive issues and type 1 diabetes diagnosis following the accident that destroyed his pancreas 5:30 10 years of frustration using conventional medicine to help with digestive issues and mental health support prompted him to take charge of his own health and find a better way to heal and live a healthy life 7:30 How Dr. Lazarus’ healing journey changed his career path and how he was drawn to Chiropractic Medicine 11:10 Common obstacles people face in finding healthcare; Dr. Lazarus’ role is to explain that there is a holistic evidence-based way to heal 13:20 The Lazarus Method – people change in four different ways; finding what motivates each individual to make important health changes is the key to success 19:00 Change takes time and Gamification is a useful tool– uses engaging athletic/sports language for motivational tools; sets fun micro challenges; individualized approach 25:20 Meeting people where they’re at – How to keep ourselves and patients motivated and engaged to continue to make positive changes towards better health and healthier overall lifestyle; defining priorities, values and goals 28:05 Nutrition and Diet – Ryan describes his EAT Plan (Essentials, Amount, Timing) 32:00 – Flow States, “in the zone” and the importance with long-term health 36:15 – Finding your true purpose and how it affects one’s health journey 41:00 Transition from 20-year clinical practice to writing books and focusing on The Lazarus Method 43:15 Dr. Lazaraus’ passion for Human potential – realizing what one is capable of on all levels 46:33 Supporting motivated people ready to unlock the next level of performance, achievement, and potential with Biohacking Strategies 50:00 thelazarusmethod.com offers free wellness tools; The Essential Health Playbook is his latest book This podcast is sponsored by Standard Process About Standard Process – Only at SP
healthy people exercising at park
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Essential Nutrients for Promoting Cardiovascular Health
The global prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is projected to reach an estimated 612 million individuals in 2025.1  In the U.S., heart disease is the leading cause of death with nearly 75% of cases being preventable with lifestyle modifications and nutritional support.2  These findings indicate the need for proper nutrition support for healthy cardiovascular functioning and a healthy heart.  Below are nutrients clinically demonstrated to be essential for promoting cardiovascular health. Vitamin C: Antioxidants for Heart Health Vitamin C is an important vitamin commonly used for its immune supporting properties. It has also been shown to support the cardiovascular system due to its antioxidant capacity.  More specifically, vitamin C has been shown to promote endothelial function, which is the lining of blood vessels.  This reduces the risk and development of atherosclerosis.  Vitamin C has been shown to lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.3 Some studies show that a deficiency of vitamin C is highly correlated to a higher risk of mortality for those with cardiovascular disease and for development of cardiovascular disease.4 Vitamin E: Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Protection against Cardiovascular Disease Similar to vitamin C, vitamin E has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that have demonstrated immense protection against, and the reduction of, cardiovascular disease.  Vitamin E is capable of scavenging lipid radicals, or inflammatory molecules, and terminating their oxidative chain reaction.  By scavenging these free radicals, vitamin E can provide support in reducing damage to the endothelial cells and arterial walls.5 Additionally, vitamin E has been shown to inhibit oxidation of LDL cholesterol and reduce high levels of LDL cholesterol, which is commonly attributed to cardiovascular disease.6 Some research demonstrates protective effects of vitamin E in preventing coronary artery disease because of its ability to slow the uptake of LDL cholesterol into the arterial lumen.7  While studies are still mixed in results, they demonstrate the importance of vitamin E as an antioxidant compound to reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Riboflavin (B2) Impacts on Blood Pressure and Homocysteine Riboflavin, or B2, has demonstrated specific benefit to improving cardiovascular health and reducing disease risk, specifically by lowering blood pressure and homocysteine levels.  Riboflavin has been linked to reduction of all-cause mortality for patients with cardiovascular disease, indicating that a deficiency could possibly be a root cause of CVD development.8 In addition to the benefits of riboflavin for reducing CVD risk, riboflavin is a precursor to flavin coenzymes, or flavine adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and flavin mononucleotide (FMN).  Essentially, these coenzymes influence energy production by supporting the breakdown and utilization of carbohydrates in the TCA cycle and influencing the electron transport chain.  Riboflavin can be considered a mitochondrial support nutrient, influencing the production of energy and supporting metabolism of nutrients.9 Niacin: Natural Ability to Reduce Lipid Levels Niacin has commonly been referred to as the antidyslipidemic drug; it has been one of the most prevalent nutrients to reduce lipid levels, even before the discovery of statins.  Nicotinamide, one of the forms of niacin, is the primary cardiac NAD+, or nicotinamide adenine dicnucleoide, as well as NADP+, or nicotinamide adenine dunucleotide phosphate.  Similar to riboflavin coenzymes, NAD+ and NADP+ are influential in the citric acid cycle which influences energy production. Additionally, niacin has been shown to be impactful in promoting cardiac healing after a myocardial infarction.10 While niacin on its own provides immense benefits to the cardiovascular system, riboflavin and niacin paired together has been shown to inhibit low HDL cholesterol levels.11 Pyridoxine (B6): Reducing Homocysteine and Cardiac Inflammation Vitamin B6, or Pyridoxine, is a well-known nutrient used to reduce homocysteine levels and reduce inflammation within the cardiovascular system.  By regulating the circulation and pathway of homocysteine, Vitamin B6 reduces the risk of arterial damage and myocardial infarction.  There have been studies conducted that show B6 consumption is directly linked to a decreased risk of stroke.12 There is a direct link between Vitamin B6 and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease states.13 Additionally, some studies demonstrate B6 inhibiting the inflammatory response within the cardiovascular system, thereby reducing risk of oxidative damage.14 Choline: Microbiome for Cardiovascular Health Choline provides unique benefits to the cardiovascular system.  Choline has been linked to cardiovascular protective effects by reversing or halting the progression of cardiovascular disease states, like hypertension or stroke. Choline interacts with gut bacteria to product trimethylene N-oxide (TMAO).  TMAO has been shown to protect heart proteins against stress and oxidative damage that can occur from genetic predisposition or lifestyle choices.15 Selenium Selenium is widely known as the thyroid supportive nutrient, providing important precursors to thyroid hormone synthesis.  Another important function of selenium is to act as an antioxidant.  As an antioxidant, selenium has been linked to reducing the risk of heart disease and heart attack by promoting the strength and health of arterial channels and reducing apoptosis.16 One study has highlighted selenium deficiency as a root cause of coronary heart disease, with almost 25% of the study showing reduction of risk with selenium supplementation.17  Additionally, studies have found low SELENOP levels have been associated with increased risk of mortality with acute heart failure and all-cause mortality.18 Clinical Takeaway While there are an abundance of factors influencing cardiovascular disease risk, there are certain nutrients that can be utilized to prevent deficiencies, reverse disease progression, and take a proactive approach to reducing disease risk to support those populations with cardiovascular disease concerns.    Did you know Wholistic Matters is powered by Standard Process? Learn more about Standard Process’ whole food-based nutrition philosophy.   Learn More
woman hiking with hands in shape of heart
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A Plant-Based Dietary Supplement Improves Measures of Metabolic Detoxification and Quality of Life
Consumption of a plant-based dietary supplement designed to support the body’s natural detoxification processes resulted in clinically meaningful and beneficial effects on quality of life and biomarkers of metabolic detoxification.
plant-based dietary supplements
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Pediatric and Maternal Wellness: Growing Healthy Children in all Ages and Stages
About this Episode Pediatric and Maternal Wellness: Growing Healthy Children in all Ages and Stages Host Dr. Sarah Clarke, DC, IFMCP, leads this informative episode, interviewing Dr. Brenda Holland, Chiropractic Physician who specializes in pediatric care and maternal wellness. Drs. Clarke and Holland take a deep dive into supporting mothers and children of all ages and stages from pre-conception through adolescence with nutrition, chiropractic care, and healthy movement.  Use the audio player above or the YouTube video below to listen now! And don’t forget to follow and like our podcast channel to stay up-to-date on upcoming podcast episodes. Highlights of the episode include: Nutrition recommendations for healthy growing children Establishing healthy habits with older children Nutrition for infants, babies and toddlers Pre-conception, Fertility and Prenatal care and nutrition recommendations Fourth Trimester Care for women and breastfeeding support Podcast Summary 1:00 Growing up on farm – health of cows and how to increase healthy milk by providing cows with alfalfa and fermented corn, and how soil health impacts crops and animals 3:15 Whole Body Health – connection between the Earth and what we put into our bodies 5:30 beginning Chiropractic Practice and earned Diplomate in Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics through ICA 7:00 Chiropractic Companies and Organizations for support network 10:10 Changes in the field of Chiropractic over past 20 years – more female chiropractors, and how it’s changing the workplace to support working Chiropractic mothers; more emphasis on specialties – pediatrics, functional medicine, etc. 17:45 Common conditions children come into the chiropractic office – sports injuries, back pain, obesity, skin conditions; when to refer out 20:00 Nutrition recommendations for healthy growing children 23:20 Risks of children becoming a one sport athlete at a young age, and the importance of a good nutritional foundation for young athletes 28:20 Nutrition for infants, babies and toddlers – breastfeeding if possible, good quality formulas, vitamin D3, healthy fats, solid food introduction at the right time 34:20 Making healthy foods look appealing for babies and toddlers – focus on eating colorful foods 36:38 Establishing healthy habits with older children – take them shopping, parents lead activities on growing foods and nutritional value; the 80/20 rule 38:48 Pre-conception, Fertility and Prenatal care and nutrition recommendations – fertility is not just about female health, 30-50% of fertility issues are due to male health, including inadequate folate intake, CoQ10, and selenium; common pregnancy concern is back pain, 45-50% of females experience low back pain in pregnancy and 65+% experience low pain within 12 months of delivery 42:30 Fourth Trimester Care for women – healthcare and society need to establish a foundational understanding of pelvic care prior to and after pregnancy; safe comfortable places to breastfeed 47:00 Chiropractic as patient-centered care – 49:44 – Simple changes to start with if patients are feeling overwhelmed on starting their wellness journey – adding good things in before taking away, healthy eating habits, and basic movement Other WholisticMatters Children’s Health Content Nurturing Gut Health for Kids Supporting Children’s Immune Health through the Microbiome How Much Protein do Children Need: Nutritional Requirements for Growing Kids This podcast is sponsored by Standard Process About Standard Process – Only at SP https://youtu.be/LWsINdQBN-0
kids playing soccer
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Exploring Naturopathic Medicine: A Patient-Centered Root-Cause Approach to Whole Person Health
Dr. Daina Parent, Naturopathic Physician and Clinical Educator at Standard Process, interviews Dr. Michelle Simon, Naturopathic Physician, PhD in Biomedical Engineering, and President and CEO of the Institute for Natural Medicine. Use the audio player above to listen now! And don’t forget to follow and like our podcast channel to stay up-to-date on upcoming podcast episodes.
naturopathic medicine
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Women’s Hormones through the Lifespan
In this episode Dr. Daina Parent, Clinical Educator at Standard Process, interviews Dr. Jaqueline Smeaton, Naturopathic Physician and founder of Hello Fertility.
four generations of women in nature connecting
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Bridging Nutritional Gaps in the Diet
Targeted nutrient supplementation plays a crucial role in addressing the common nutrient gaps seen with both the Standard American Diet and certain malabsorption conditions. With modern diets often lacking essential vitamins, minerals, and other key nutrients, supplementation provides an effective means to support overall health and well-being. Providing these key nutrients within a matrix of whole foods can help bridge this ever-growing nutrition gap and reduce the risk of deficiencies that contribute to chronic diseases.  
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Calming and Comforting Cats and Dogs
Like humans, animals (including dogs, cats, and horses) commonly experience situations that result in elevated stress-related behaviors and changes in physiological biomarkers. In these situations, behavior responses may be attenuated by the oral administration of compounds that modulate neurotransmitters, support healthy cortisol levels, and fill nutritional gaps.
happy and relaxed dog and cat
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Choosing an Omega-3 Supplement
Investigating the role of EPA and DHA in human health can be beneficial in picking the proper Omega-3 dietary supplement necessary for an individual.  The quality, manufacturing, and processing of an Omega-3 supplement influences the efficacy of the supplement to which it provides benefit for wellness.
foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids
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Immune Resilience with Nutrients and Botanicals
The immune system is a complex entity that functions like a fortress to keep the host safe. Building resiliency through diet, lifestyle, and herbs strengthens both the innate and adaptive immune response to infection, helping the individual avoid infection or recover more efficiently.
herbs and mushrooms for immune support
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Find detailed information on various herbs, their benefits, and how to effectively incorporate them into patient care.