The Office of Dr. Brad Shook

12/30/2024

How are you going to improve your health for 2025?
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09/25/2024

Those in England, Wales and Scotland ...

Revealed: Far higher pesticide residues allowed on food since Brexit

Exclusive: Unlike the EU, Great Britain has slashed protections for scores of food types

09/15/2024

Is Your Sleeping Position Affecting Your Brain Health?

A new study presented at the 2024 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference suggests that sleeping on your back could be linked to a higher risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Researchers found that individuals with cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's spent significantly more time sleeping on their backs compared to healthy individuals.

Why is this important?

Experts believe that sleeping on your back may interfere with the brain's ability to clear out harmful waste products, a process known as neurotoxic flushing.

This flushing works most efficiently when we sleep on our sides, helping to protect cognitive health.

It’s important to note that while the research highlights a strong connection, it doesn’t confirm that sleeping on your back causes Alzheimer’s. Further research is needed to explore the exact relationship between sleep position and brain health.

In the meantime, here are a few tips to improve sleep and potentially protect your brain health:

Try side sleeping: A well-chosen pillow can help maintain comfort and proper spine alignment.

Focus on sleep quality: Establish a consistent bedtime routine and good sleep habits.

Address sleep disorders: Conditions like sleep apnea tend to worsen when sleeping on your back.

Adopt a healthy lifestyle: A balanced diet, regular exercise, and mental stimulation are essential for long-term brain health.

Remember, your sleep habits might play a bigger role in your overall health than you think! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about brain health or improving your sleep.

Best regards,
Brad Shook, DC

09/15/2024

New Advances in Alzheimer's Disease Diagnosis

Hey everyone,

I wanted to share some important news about Alzheimer's disease (AD) that could change how we detect and understand it. The Alzheimer's Association has updated their guidelines for diagnosing Alzheimer's, introducing new blood tests that can help identify the disease early on.

Simpler Tests for Early DetectionIn the past, diagnosing Alzheimer's meant going through various tests and imaging to rule out other causes of dementia.

Now, thanks to new research, we have blood tests that can detect specific proteins like amyloid beta and tau, which are associated with Alzheimer's. This means a simple blood test could help catch the disease in its early stages.

Why This Matters

Catching Alzheimer's early is crucial for managing it effectively. With these new tests, we can develop personalized care plans sooner, which can make a significant difference in quality of life.

My Commitment to Your Health
As a ReCODE 2.0 Certified Clinician, I'm staying up-to-date with these advancements. The ReCODE protocol focuses on reversing cognitive decline through a personalized, holistic approach to brain health. These new diagnostic tools enhance our ability to tailor interventions specifically for you.

Learn More

If you're interested, check out the recent Medscape article that explains these updates in more detail.

If you or someone you know is concerned about memory or cognitive issues, feel free to reach out.

Take care and stay informed!

Best regards,
Brad Shook, DC

07/30/2024

🌟 Join My Healing Psoriasis Challenge! 🌟

Hello everyone,

I’m excited to invite you to join my Healing Psoriasis Challenge! As someone who has battled with psoriasis and thyroid autoimmunity, I know firsthand how challenging and frustrating these conditions can be. After years of research and experimentation, I’ve managed to keep my psoriasis in remission, and now I want to share my journey and insights with you.

This challenge is designed to provide you with the latest science and functional medicine approaches to help manage and even overcome psoriasis. The information I cover also directly applies to eczema and rosacea, so if you or someone you know is struggling with these skin conditions, this challenge is for you!

Here’s what you can expect from the Healing Psoriasis Challenge:
✅ In-depth understanding of psoriasis, which largely applies to eczema and rosacea too.
✅ Evidence-based information
✅ Functional medicine insights and practical tips

I’ve put a lot of time and energy into this educational program because I want to help others experience the relief and confidence that comes with healthier skin. I have significant skin damage due to all of the medications and light therapies I tried that didn't address the internal factors behind my psoriasis. You don't have to risk damaging your skin to improve psoriasis!

Ready to take the first step towards healing? You can register to start here: https://howtohelppsoriasis.com/healing-psoriasis-challenge-functional-medicine

Best,
Brad Shook, DC, CFMC

(Optional but highly recommended) Select Your Country Code and Enter Your Mobile Phone Number To Receive a Text Alert Reminder When The Next Module Starts

07/21/2024

In this video, Dr. Shook discusses the critical need to address the autoimmune process in Hashimoto's disease through a Functional Medicine approach. Learn why relying solely on thyroid hormone replacement therapy is insufficient and discover the importance of calming the immune system. Dr. Shook explains the consequences of untreated autoimmunity, including advanced degeneration, depression, elevated cholesterol, and neurological issues.

Explore the interconnected systems affected by Hashimoto's, such as the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. Dr. Shook provides actionable steps for improving immune function through lifestyle and dietary changes. Whether you're dealing with Hashimoto's or supporting someone who is, this video offers valuable insights and practical tips for better managing the condition.

Key topics and timestamps:

0:00-0:05: Introduction to the importance of calming the immune system in Hashimoto's disease.
0:05-0:20: Commonly overlooked autoimmune process in Hashimoto’s treatment.
0:20-0:37: Symptoms persist despite thyroid hormone replacement.
0:37-0:52: Initial improvement followed by the return of symptoms.
0:52-1:08: Lack of diagnosis and testing for thyroid antibodies.
1:08-1:19: Consequences of untreated autoimmune processes.
1:19-1:50: Advanced degeneration and poor quality of life due to untreated Hashimoto's.
1:50-2:18: Treatment of symptoms with other medications.
2:18-2:42: Importance of addressing the autoimmune process.
2:42-3:00: Inflammatory model of depression.
3:00-3:33: Elevated cholesterol and other symptoms.
3:33-3:56: Expansion of autoimmunity to other tissues, including the brain.
3:56-5:21: Understanding the interconnected systems in Hashimoto's and the thyroid.
5:21-9:00: The gastrointestinal tract’s influence on Hashimoto's.
9:00-12:00: Leaky gut and its role in autoimmunity.
12:00-18:00: Detailed explanation of food proteins and autoimmunity.
18:00-24:00: Impact of systemic inflammation and neuroinflammation.
24:00-30:00: Blood-brain barrier breakdown and neurological autoimmunity.
30:00-33:00: Hashimoto's and cross-reactivity with other tissues.
33:00-35:00: Leaky lung and sinus issues.
35:00-39:00: Chemical sensitivity and immune dysfunction.
39:00-43:00: Immune cell imbalance and infections.
43:00-49:00: Functional immunology and addressing autoimmune triggers.
49:00-53:00: Lifestyle and dietary changes.
53:00-55:00: Proactive steps and consultation options.

Unlock your path to better health with our free Hashimoto's Reset Protocol. This comprehensive approach is designed by Dr. Shook, a Certified Functional Medicine Clinician, who combines diet, lifestyle, and optional supplementation to support thyroid health. Get started today and access everything you need through our easy-to-use app. Click here to begin your journey to better health! https://l.bttr.to/Gga9s

Would you like one-on-one help from Dr. Shook anywhere in the world via telemedicine and the option to order immune-based testing to identify your specific immune triggers? You can learn more on our website here https://drbradshook.com/new-patient-center-2/

Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your physician or a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new treatment or protocol. Dr. Shook is a Board Certified Chiropractic Physician with extensive training and qualifications in functional medicine. He is a Certified Functional Medicine Clinician through the Kharrazian Institute and is eligible for certification as a Functional Medicine Practitioner by the Institute for Functional Medicine. Additionally, Dr. Shook is eligible for a fellowship in Anti-Aging and Metabolic Medicine from the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. He is also an Apollo Health Certified Practitioner, having completed ReCODE 2.0 training in the Bredesen Protocol for Cognitive Decline and Alzheimer’s.

07/19/2024

Could the SARS-CoV-2 virus trigger Hashimoto's and autoimmune disease? Is Long-COVID really an early-stage autoimmune disease that hasn't been detected?

In this episode of The Hashimoto's Doctor Functional Medicine Podcast, Dr. Shook explores the potential link between COVID-19 and the onset of Hashimoto's and other autoimmune diseases. Could the lingering effects of Long COVID be an early indicator of autoimmune conditions?

Dr. Shook delves into the latest research, discusses possible mechanisms, and offers insights into how understanding these connections can aid in better managing and preventing autoimmune diseases.

Read the research article mentioned in this episode here:
Reaction of Human Monoclonal Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 Proteins With Tissue Antigens: Implications for Autoimmune Diseases by Aristo Vojdani, Elroy Vojdani, and Datis Kharrazian.

Here’s a summary of the specific tissues that showed cross-reactivity with COVID-19 protein antibodies and the potential autoimmune diseases that might be triggered:

- Mitochondrial antigen (M2): Primary biliary cirrhosis, other liver diseases, scleroderma.

- Actin: Autoimmune diseases affecting muscles, such as polymyositis.

- Extractable Nuclear Antigen (ENA): Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), mixed connective tissue disease.

- Nuclear Antigen (NA): Autoimmune diseases like SLE.

- Histone: SLE and other autoimmune diseases affecting the nucleus.

- S100B: Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis.

- Myelin Basic Protein (MBP): Multiple sclerosis, other demyelinating diseases.

- Neurofilament Protein (NFP): Neurodegenerative diseases like ALS, Alzheimer's.

- Synapsin: Neurological disorders such as epilepsy, schizophrenia.

- Beta-amyloid Protein: Alzheimer's disease.

- Tau Protein: Alzheimer's, other tauopathies.

- Collagen: Rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma.

- Alpha-myosin: Autoimmune myocarditis, other heart diseases.

- Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO): Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves' disease.

- Liver Microsome: Autoimmune hepatitis.

- Pyruvate Dehydrogenase (PDH) peptide: Primary biliary cirrhosis.

- Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase 65 (GAD-65): Type 1 diabetes, stiff-person syndrome.

- Insulin Receptor (Insulin-R): Type 1 diabetes.

- Phospholipid: Antiphospholipid syndrome.

- Transglutaminase-6 (tTG-6): Gluten ataxia.

- Transglutaminase-3 (tTG-3): Dermatitis herpetiformis.

- Transglutaminase-2 (tTG-2): Celiac disease.

- Intestinal Epithelial Cells: Celiac disease, other gastrointestinal disorders.

- Beta-catenin: Cancer, certain autoimmune diseases.

- Occludin and Zonulin (Occ + zon): Increased gut permeability, various autoimmune diseases.

- Claudin: Increased gut permeability, associated autoimmune diseases.

- Aquaporin-4 (AQP4): Neuromyelitis optica.

- Presenilin: Alzheimer's disease.

These findings highlight the potential for COVID-19 to trigger a variety of autoimmune conditions by causing the immune system to attack these tissues.

Unlock your path to better health with our free Hashimoto's Reset Protocol. This comprehensive approach is designed by Dr. Shook, a Certified Functional Medicine Clinician, who combines diet, lifestyle, and optional supplementation to support your thyroid health. Get started today and access everything you need through our easy-to-use app. Click here to begin your journey to better health! https://l.bttr.to/Gga9s

Would you like one-on-one help from Dr. Shook anywhere in the world via telemedicine and the option to order immune-based testing to identify your specific immune triggers? You can learn more on our website here https://drbradshook.com/new-patient-center-2/

Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your physician or a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new treatment or protocol. Dr. Shook is a Board Certified Chiropractic Physician with extensive training and qualifications in functional medicine. He is a Certified Functional Medicine Clinician through the Kharrazian Institute and is eligible for certification as a Functional Medicine Practitioner by the Institute for Functional Medicine. Additionally, Dr. Shook is eligible for a fellowship in Anti-Aging and Metabolic Medicine from the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. He is also an Apollo Health Certified Practitioner, having completed ReCODE 2.0 training in the Bredesen Protocol for Cognitive Decline and Alzheimer’s.

07/18/2024

In this video, we delve into the top clinical priority in managing Hashimoto’s Disease from a functional medicine perspective. Learn why stabilizing thyroid function is key to recovery. Whether you're a healthcare provider or a patient, this video offers valuable insights into optimizing thyroid health.

Unlock your path to better health with our free Hashimoto's Reset Protocol! Designed by Dr. Shook, a Certified Functional Medicine Clinician, this comprehensive approach combines diet, lifestyle, and optional supplementation to support your thyroid health. Get started today and access everything you need through our easy-to-use app. Click here to begin your journey to better health! https://l.bttr.to/Gga9s

Would you like one-on-one help from Dr. Shook anywhere in the world via telemedicine and the option to order immune-based testing to identify your specific immune triggers? If you can learn more on our website here: https://drbradshook.com/new-patient-center-2/

Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your physician or a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new treatment or protocol. Dr. Shook is a Board Certified Chiropractic Physician with extensive training and qualifications in functional and integrative medicine. He is a Certified Functional Medicine Clinician through the Kharrazian Institute and is eligible for certification as a Functional Medicine Practitioner by the Institute for Functional Medicine. Additionally, Dr. Shook is eligible for a fellowship in Anti-Aging and Metabolic Medicine from the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. He is also an Apollo Health Certified Practitioner, having completed ReCODE 2.0 training in the Bredesen Protocol for Cognitive Decline and Alzheimer’s.

07/17/2024

In this video, we delve into the top 5 clinical priorities in managing Hashimoto’s Disease from a functional medicine perspective. Learn about stabilizing thyroid function, appropriate hormone replacement, identifying triggers, nutritional strategies to reduce thyroiditis, and mechanisms impacting immune tolerance. This guide will help you understand how lifestyle, food proteins, dysglycemia, antigens, and pollutants play a role in Hashimoto's management. Whether you're a healthcare provider or a patient, this video offers valuable insights into optimizing thyroid health.

Unlock your path to better health with our free Hashimoto's Reset Protocol designed by Dr. Shook, a Certified Functional Medicine Clinician. This comprehensive approach combines diet, lifestyle, and optional supplementation to support your thyroid health. Get started today and access everything you need through our easy-to-use app. Click here to begin your journey to better health! https://l.bttr.to/Gga9s

Would you like one-on-one help from Dr. Shook anywhere in the world via telemedicine and the option to order immune-based testing to identify your specific immune triggers? If you can learn more on our website here: https://drbradshook.com/new-patient-center-2/

Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your physician or a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new treatment or protocol. Dr. Shook is a Board Certified Chiropractic Physician with extensive training and qualifications in functional and integrative medicine. He is a Certified Functional Medicine Clinician through the Kharrazian Institute and is eligible for certification as a Functional Medicine Practitioner by the Institute for Functional Medicine. Additionally, Dr. Shook is eligible for a fellowship in Anti-Aging and Metabolic Medicine from the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. He is also an Apollo Health Certified Practitioner, having completed ReCODE 2.0 training in the Bredesen Protocol for Cognitive Decline and Alzheimer’s.

06/18/2024

New Podcast Episode that everyone with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's should listen to.
I cover the Environmentally Induced Model of Autoimmunity and how it can be used as a roadmap for determining your unique triggers, helping dampen the autoimmune process that causes hypothyroidism.
I discuss the dietary strategies and testing considerations.
Hope this helps. Have a great day!

In this episode of our podcast, we delve into the surprising truth behind over 90% of low thyroid cases. Discover how autoimmune factors play a pivotal role and why traditional approaches often fall short. We explore the Environmentally Induced Model of Autoimmunity, providing a comprehensive roadma...

05/25/2024

https://www.mamavation.com/food/sea-salt-himalayan-salt-heavy-metals-lead.html

Are you concerned about the amount of heavy metals like lead, inorganic arsenic, cadmium, mercury, & microplastics in your salt? We tested!

04/23/2024

Maria Teresa Benson Rozo, Lisa Van Zyl, Tammy Lowman

04/19/2024

🎉 Big News! 🌿

I'm thrilled to announce that I have officially become a Certified Functional Medicine Clinician™ (CFMC)! After extensive study and dedication, I’ve completed the CFMC program through the prestigious Kharrazian Institute. This certification is recognized by the United States Department of Education and represents a significant achievement in my ongoing commitment to providing the highest standard of care in functional medicine.

What does this mean for you?

It means that I'm now even better equipped to identify and address the unique factors affecting your health, offering personalized care strategies to help you achieve better health with thyroid conditions like Hashimoto's Disease and hypothyroidism, many GI conditions, and autoimmune diseases using a science-based functional medicine approach.

A special thanks to Dr. Datis Kharrazian and everyone at the Kharrazian Institute for this incredible learning journey. And most importantly, thank you to all my patients and supporters for trusting me with your health needs.

Stay tuned for more updates and health tips from our practice. And remember, your journey is always a collaborative one with us!

To your health,

Dr. Brad Shook

03/24/2024

Pollen, Pets, and Proteins: Navigating the Complex World of Allergies

Hello, everyone. Today, we're delving deep into a topic that touches many of us but is often shrouded in mystery: the intricate world of allergies. But not just any allergies - we're exploring how airborne allergens connect to unexpected food reactions. 🤧

As spring blossoms and the air fills with pollen, many of us find ourselves grappling with sneezes, itches, and watery eyes. But did you know these same environmental triggers can influence our food responses? 🌼🥗

The Invisible Thread Between Aeroallergens and Food

Aeroallergens, those pesky particles from trees, grasses, and weeds, don't just stop at causing seasonal allergies. Research shows they can also play a significant role in food sensitivities.

When your immune system battles pollen, it sometimes mistakes similar proteins in certain foods as enemies, leading to food sensitivities. This phenomenon, known as cross-reactivity, can transform a harmless apple or a slice of melon into a trigger for allergic reactions.

How to Navigate This Problem

1. Stay Informed: Know which pollens you're sensitive to and the related foods that might cause reactions. (You can do testing to help evaluate)
2. Monitor Pollen Counts: Keep an eye on daily pollen forecasts and plan your outdoor activities accordingly.
3. Dietary Adjustments: If certain foods cause mild reactions during allergy season, consider adjusting your diet temporarily.
4. Seek Expertise: A functional medicine practitioner can offer personalized advice, helping you understand your body's unique responses.

By embracing these strategies, you can reduce the impact of seasonal allergies on your diet and enjoy a more comfortable spring.

Remember, understanding the connection between aeroallergens and food reactions empowers you to take control of your health journey.

For my best resources and telemedicine information, please visit 👉 https://drbradshook.com/resources/