Dr. Ruscio Radio, DC: Health, Nutrition and Functional Healthcare

An important contributing factor to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a food poisoning incident (and subsequent antibodies to a toxin called cytolethal distending toxin B, or CdtB). CdtB looks like a protein made by the body and can trigger autoimmunity that disrupts motility in the intestines. Dr. Mark Pimentel and his colleagues developed a blood...

The connection between the gut and brain is powerful, and often not realized by the general public. When Dr. Aleksandra Gioe was faced with severe anxiety, she tried natural solutions like chamomile tea and holy basil. But these supplements didn't address the more profound roots of her condition: gut inflammation. She also was suffering from bloating and chronic hives but didn't link these with he...

Intermittent fasting (or time-restricted feeding) is a method of limiting the time window you eat each day to a consistent number of hours and a consistent time each day. Between 8-10 hours of eating window is considered optimal in humans, which leaves 14-16 hours for your body to fast. This period allows your organs a break from digesting so they can heal. This can reduce leaky gut and improve bl...

In recent times, some types of genetic testing, like both diagnostic and predictive testing, have become more popular. These tests offer the potential to identify whether a current health condition might be affected by your genes, or whether you have a higher likelihood of developing certain conditions. Although these tests can offer some insights—such as whether your genes are processing glutamat...

Mitochondria are organelles, or "small bodies", within your cells responsible for producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of the body. If mitochondria aren't functioning properly, your cells aren't fed. Some contributors to mitochondrial damage include environmental toxins like Roundup in food, poor diet that includes refined carbohydrates and added sugars, and even too many nu...

A 25,000 person study shows that vitamin D supplementation does not reduce the incidence of cancer or cardiovascular disease versus a placebo. However, sun exposure has been tightly correlated with reduction in certain cancers as well as cardiovascular disease. Aim to get outside for 15 minutes with no sunblock, at least three times a week, to reap these benefits. See Healthy Gut, Healthy You for...

Sometimes the limbic brain can become stuck in a negative cycle conditioned by trauma or stress. When this happens, mysterious conditions like chronic illness and gut imbalances can take hold in the body. Symptoms can include, but are not limited to, bloating, headaches, and an inability to relax, but also more severe symptoms like chronic fatigue, IBS, inflammation, or chronic pain. To break the...

The recent DIETFITS study explored how well people would do on a low-carb vs. a low-fat diet, based on genotype or the way they secrete insulin. The results of the study didn't reveal a link with genotype pattern or insulin. But they showed roughly equal weight-loss success for participants on both diets. Notably, the study forbid participants in both diets to eat added sugar or refined grain, and...

The GA-map test looks for signs of gut dysbiosis (or imbalance of your gut microbiome). This test is closest, clinically, to mapping the gut microbiota. European researchers sequenced the gut bacteria from healthy individuals and bacterial profiles from individuals with IBS and IBD. Then they compared the two, identifying bacterial "targets" that varied between healthy and IBS/IBD populations. If...

A handful of studies studying the effects of probiotics may be taken out of context. One study on Align probiotic (a Bifidobacterium infantis strain) showed that a few healthy people who took it for several weeks tested positive for methane on a SIBO lactulose breath test. No significant change in symptoms was noted, most likely indicating only that the probiotics had transiently built up in their...

The thoughts we have can help shape our health and even our career success. Running one's own business can be a rollercoaster. It can also teach important life lessons about values, beliefs, and persistence. Having (or adopting) a growth mindset can be a key element of learning and ultimately succeeding. Consider the impact of your identity and use your drives to your advantage. Tap into virtual m...

A diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (or similar degenerative neurological conditions) is devastating, as so far no cure exists. However, recent studies into the condition show that the amyloid plaque responsible for Alzheimer's symptoms may form as a protective mechanism against other threats to the body. Promising research into the disease shows the possibility of prevention and even reversal of c...

The ketogenic (or keto) diet emphasizes high fat, low carbohydrates, and medium protein intake. In some studies, the keto diet has been shown to benefit sufferers of epilepsy, insulin regulation, polycystic ovary syndrome, infertility, glioblastoma, and more. One common misconception is that you must be on the diet forever for it to be valuable. Beginners to the diet may want to start slow, replac...

Symptoms from Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) can be a challenging part of many women's monthly cycles. Two recent studies on adolescents show that vitamin D can be a safe and effective method for reducing these symptoms, lessening anxiety, irritability, sadness, cramps, and other associated issues. These benefits were not gained by the placebo group. Gut health and non-hormonal herbal supplements are...

When considering your options for anti-aging treatments for skin or hair loss therapy, know that individuals respond differently to different treatments. Together with your doctor, you'll want to consider the possible causes of your hair loss or skin health to determine the best course of action. Some of the main drugs on the market like Rogaine (minoxidil), which stimulates blood flow to hair fol...

Artificial light and electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are an inescapable reality of city environments. Rather than sleeping when the sunlight tells us to, we alter our circadian rhythms with electric light, sometimes at the expense of our immune system and sleep quality. Artificial lights that mimic the sun may provide a more natural environment for our bodies. EMFs emanating from our devices may gen...

When women enter perimenopause and menopause, estrogen declines and other female hormonal cycles shift. Even younger women can experience female hormone imbalances. Managing gut health differently can be one foundational piece to restoring balance. Gluconeogenesis (using glucose for fuel) is an estrogen-dependent process, so a diet that uses ketones can be beneficial in the midst of hormonal chang...

It can be frustrating if you've followed all the right advice on being healthy, and your gut and hormones are still acting up. Daffnee was in great physical shape, with several exercise classes a week, on the paleo diet, sleeping well, and taking birth control. Her existing IBS and celiac were under control. But her gut health was mysteriously declining, giving her bloating, brain fog, fatigue and...

Parasites were once a trendy topic to discuss in gut health, now small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a buzzword. Both still play a real role and should be considered if you are struggling with dysbiosis, inflammation, or other chronic conditions. Parasites may fuel changes in the microbiome, but can also take advantage of an already compromised gut. Holistic solutions and supporting th...

Today we will cover listener questions, which include: Nigella Sativa for Hashimoto's; Can inflammation interfere with synthetic hormone absorption; Can eliminating reactive foods cause withdrawal symptoms; Alkalized Water; Is there a correlation between diet and predominant microbes; and Probiotics for SIBO.  https://drruscio.com/?p=28271 My new book is finally available: Healthy Gut, Healthy You...

Some debates about small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) can take information out of context. A nuanced examination of relapse rates after Rifaximin, or breath test intervals, may spur a conclusion that SIBO treatments and tests just don't work. Research disagrees over the extent to which antibiotics, herbal antimicrobials, probiotics, the low FODMAP diet, and other treatments impact SIBO. S...

The gut and the liver may be more connected than you expect: probiotics can reduce liver enzymes from non-alcoholic fatty liver. A recent meta-analysis showed that two liver enzymes, ALT and AST, a byproduct of liver damage, were significantly reduced in test patients when taking lactobacillus-bifidobacterium blends of probiotics. Insulin resistance also improved. If you're struggling with a liver...

In the last several years, medical specialists have started using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to address both skin rejuvenation and hair loss for men and women. Hair loss can often be associated with loss of blood flow to the scalp. PRP, which is "spun up" from your own blood, is a relatively safe and natural way to stimulate hair growth or collagen production in the skin. Results vary,...

New scientific findings show that natural light, and light bulbs which closely mimic natural light, are closely tied to optimal memory formation. Light anchors the timing of our circadian rhythms, impacting sleep. The better you sleep, the better you encode memory. Indoor light bulbs which have less natural tones and brightness can have a detrimental effect on memory. Even if you optimize your ind...

Regenerative injection therapies like Prolotherapy, PRP, and Stem Cell therapy are becoming more widely known as treatments for joint pain. While Stem Cell therapy has grown in popularity, it's older counterparts - prolotherapy and PRP still serve a great deal of purpose when it comes to treating joint pain. When it comes to cost, risk, and invasiveness, Prolotherapy is the least, followed by PRP...