Sue M Coad Naturopath

28/04/2025

27/04/2025

New research suggests that current vitamin B12 guidelines might be outdated, as even “normal” levels could still risk optimal brain function, with scientists warning that a subtle cognitive decline linked to B12 insufficiency might affect more people than expected.

A study led by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) found that healthy older adults with lower B12 levels showed more signs of neurological and cognitive decline. These people had more damage to the brain’s white matter and performed worse on tests measuring cognitive and visual processing speeds, compared to those with higher B12 levels.

Senior study author Dr. Ari J. Green, from UCSF’s Departments of Neurology and Ophthalmology and the Weill Institute for Neurosciences, says the findings raise concerns about current B12 recommendations.

“Previous studies that defined healthy amounts of B12 may have missed subtle functional manifestations of high or low levels that can affect people without causing overt symptoms,” said Green. “Revisiting the definition of B12 deficiency to incorporate functional biomarkers could lead to earlier intervention and prevention of cognitive decline.”

In the study, researchers enrolled 231 healthy participants without dementia or mild cognitive impairment, whose average age was 71. They were recruited through the Brain Aging Network for Cognitive Health (BrANCH) study at UCSF. Their blood B12 amounts averaged 414.8 pmol/L, well above the accepted minimum of 148 pmol/L. Participants with lower active B12 were found to have slower processing speed, relating to subtle cognitive decline. Such impact was amplified by older age. They also showed significant delays responding to visual stimuli, indicating slower visual processing speeds and generally slower brain conductivity. MRI revealed a higher volume of lesions in the participants’ white matter, which may be associated with cognitive decline, dementia or stroke.

“In addition to redefining B12 deficiency, clinicians should consider supplementation in older patients with neurological symptoms even if their levels are within normal limits,” co-first author Alexandra Beaudry-Richard said. “Ultimately, we need to invest in more research about the underlying biology of B12 insufficiency, since it may be a preventable cause of cognitive decline.”

These days, many biomedical scientists are speaking the same language as natural therapists.

For more information see: https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-just-found-a-major-problem-with-vitamin-b12-guidelines-and-your-brain-might-be-at-risk/

24/04/2025

Bifidobacteria are often found in probiotics.

There is abundant research showing the numerous health benefits of specific strains of Bifidobacteria, and a general lack of these bacteria is linked to various disease states.

Follow us for more tips on using specific foods and whole food supplements to support good gut bacteria.

17/04/2025

Acute coronary syndromes such as heart attacks are the most dreadful manifestation of coronary artery disease, frequently involving the acute formation of a thrombus or clot within the coronary vessel. This leads to flow limitation and hence reduced blood supply to the heart muscle. Currently, we know of three key processes that can cause acute thrombus formation: plaque rupture, plaque erosion, and eruptive calcified nodules. Plaque rupture is the most common cause and occurs when thin-cap fibroatheroma (vulnerable) plaque breaks open, enabling direct contact between thrombogenic components of the plaque necrotic core and the flowing blood, leading to catastrophic thrombus formation.

Vulnerable plaque is prone to rupturing without warning, but what makes it doubly dangerous is that it does not always protrude into the vessel lumen. Instead, it can be buried in the arterial wall where it is harder to detect.

There are already clinical trials that show gotu kola extract (Centella asiatica) can help to stabilise vulnerable plaque. Now a clinical study from Italy aimed to evaluate the impact of this herbal intervention on the progression of atherosclerosis and occurrence of cardiovascular events. Trial patients were asymptomatic, with both atherosclerotic plaque (Class IV (stable plaque) and V (vulnerable plaque)) and intima-media thickening (IMT). IMT is a measure of the combined thickness of the intima and media layers of the artery wall. Increased IMT, particularly in the carotid arteries, is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including stroke and heart attack.

Progression of atherosclerotic lesions, oxidative stress and IMT were measured in this 3-year concept, pilot registry study. All patients received standard management (SM), including diet and exercise to control cardiovascular risk factors. Target measurements were the rate of progression of the atherosclerotic lesions (the passage of patients from one atherosclerotic class to the next class) and the occurrence of "hard" cardiovascular events (heart attacks or strokes; angina was not considered a "hard" event). The study included 3 groups: 1) SM): 2) aspirin (100 mg/day) and SM; 3) SM, aspirin and supplementation with pine bark extract (150 mg/day) and gotu kola extract (450 mg/day) (gotu kola (Centella asiatica) and pine bark (Pinus pinaster), GKPB).

The groups were comparable for age and baseline evaluations: 54 people completed the 3-year study with standard management only, 74 with SM and aspirin and 56 with SM, aspirin and GKPB. Plaque progression in the herbal group was observed in 5.3%, compared to a progression >20% in the other groups (P

15/04/2025

05/04/2025

20/03/2025

Bitter melon (Momordica charantia), a Cucurbitaceae family member, has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly for treating diabetes mellitus. Found primarily in tropical regions, this plant is rich in phytochemicals, including flavonoids and saponins, contributing to its numerous health benefits. It has been documented for a wide range of biological and pharmacological activities, including antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, as well as applications in treating various ailments like eczema and pneumonia. (https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/77462)

Readily available at most local Asian Grocers, with loads of recipes available on the internet, this is a must for inclusion in the kitchen.

“Bitter Melon” Common Name: Bitter Melon Botanical Name: Momordica charatia Family: Cucurbitaceae Part Used: Fruit Key Actions: Antidiabetic Antiobesity Hypocholesterolaemia Antibacteri…

05/03/2025

As a highly skilled nutrigenomic naturopath, I am dedicated to empowering you to unlock your fullest potential. With a comprehensive background in Naturopathy, Western Herbalism, and Clinical Nutrition, alongside expertise in Massage, Reiki, Dry Needling, and Orthobionomy, I offer a holistic approach tailored to your unique needs.
Together, we will embark on a transformative journey to help you become the best version of yourself. Your wellness is my priority, and I am here to guide and support you every step of the way.

With my extensive experience, I will identify key areas that will improve your health and well being.

As a dedicated natural health practitioner with many years of experience, I am passionate about empowering individuals to achieve optimal wellness through holistic approaches.

My journey in natural health began with a deep-rooted belief in the body’s innate ability to heal itself. This belief has been the cornerstone of my practice, guiding me as I explore and incorporate various modalities, such as nutrition, herbal medicine, and mindfulness techniques.

Throughout my career, I have successfully assisted clients in addressing a wide range of health challenges, from chronic pain and stress management to digestive issues and allergies. My personalized treatment plans are designed to meet the unique needs of each individual, ensuring a more tailored and effective approach to healing.

What sets my practice apart is not just my extensive knowledge and experience, but my commitment to creating a supportive and compassionate environment. I believe that every person deserves a safe space to explore their health journey, ask questions, and feel heard. In our sessions together, you can expect a collaborative atmosphere where your goals are prioritized, and your well-being is the focus.

By choosing to work with me, you are taking an important step towards a healthier and more vibrant life. Together, we will uncover the root causes of your health concerns and develop strategies to promote long-lasting wellness. Experience the transformative power of natural health, and let’s embark on this journey to vitality together.