Dr. Alicia Miller, ND

04/27/2022

LDN can be a game changer!

Off-label addiction drug shows promising results.

04/10/2022

Benefits of Vitamin K2

Most are familiar with vitamin K1 that regulates blood clotting and is primarily found in dark leafy greens, but do you know about Vitamin K2?

Vitamin K is a fat soluble vitamin that was discovered in 1936. Initially, vitamin K1 was identified first. Later, other structures of vitamin K were found, including K2 known as menaquinones.

Vitamin K2 benefits are antioxidant that protects cells from damage, prevents vascular calcification, improves bone quality (including strength of teeth), reduce risk of developing diabetes, may prevent growth and metastasis of cancer, modulate the immune system, protects neurons in the brain, support healthy weight, and reduce wrinkle formation!

Food sources of K2 are fermented foods, dairy, eggs, and meat. The highest source is natto, fermented soy beans. Hard and soft cheeses would be the second highest, followed by chicken, egg yolks, sauerkraut, beef, and salmon.

There are two main forms of Vitamin K2 supplementation: MK4 and MK7. MK4 is shorter acting and MK7 is longer acting in the body. It’s good to get a balanced Vitamin K2 supplement and it’s important to take with foods for best absorption. When focusing on bone health, studies support 350 micrograms per day of Vitamin K2 MK7. Know that Vitamin D3 alone does not support bone health. Vitamin D3 carries calcium to the bloodstream and Vitamin K2 will stimulate osteocalcin to take in the calcium to bones. You can ask your doctor to run an Osteocalcin blood test to predict risk of osteoporosis. If Osteocalcin is elevated, it can indicated a deficiency of Vitamin K2 and it would be recommended to follow up with a Bone or Dexa scan.

References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6413124/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6040265/
https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/vitamin-K

08/22/2021

I see this all the time where a patient is dismissed because they can’t figure out what’s wrong!

08/02/2021

CBD: Cannabidiol
There is a difference between H**p derived and Cannabis derived CBD.
H**p derived CBD has low resins, limited spectrum of therapeutic compounds, not regulated, and is supposed to contain less than 0.3% THC. H**p CBD can be purchased almost anywhere, but the quality can be questionable.
CBD derived from the cannabis plant has high resins, more therapeutics, is strictly regulated and tested and can have > 0.3% THC. It is usually found in Cannabis dispensaries which may require a medical ma*****na card if it’s not recreational in your state.
We all have an Endocannabinoid system is found in the brain, organs, connective tissue, glands, and immune cells-pretty much everywhere! CBD (and THC) interacts with this system,
helping to keep us balanced. CBD is known to stimulate CB2 receptors which is found outside the CNS (Central nervous system) and interacts with the immune system. CBD can block some of the psychoactive “high” of THC by inhibiting THC from binding to CB1 receptors in the brain.
Through these mechanisms, CBD may help with stress, anxiety, pain (neuropathic and inflammatory types), insomnia, seizures, and lessen the body’s need for opioids. When it comes to stress, anxiety, and insomnia, studies show between 50mg to 160mg to be effective. Research for seizures/ epilepsy, the doses are closer to 600mg, which could make anxiety worse.
CBD is actively being researched and I’m excited to see more health benefits identified. Try to obtain CBD that is tested and regulated. For more optimal health benefits, aim for full spectrum for the entourage effect.

If you are at a dispensary where it’s legal, CBD-Dominant strains with low THC are ACDC, Sour Tsunami, Remedy, and Harle-Tsu, according to Leafly.com. If you prefer a balanced blend that contains THC, known as Hybrids, then try Harlequin (gentle euphoric), Pennywise, MediHaze, Canna-Tsu. You can check your state for what’s legal .