Functional Medicine Research with Dr. Nikolas Hedberg, DC

By: Dr. Nikolas Hedberg DC - Functional Medicine Researcher
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  • Summary

  • Functional Medicine Research with Dr. Nikolas Hedberg, DC covers cutting-edge research on Functional Medicine. Dr. Hedberg covers the latest research on thyroid disorders, gut health, autoimmune disease, nutrition, hormones and much more. If you’re tired of long-winded podcasts without useful information that actually works, then this show is definitely for you.
    © Dr. Nikolas Hedberg, DC
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Hygiene & Healthy Living
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Episodes
  • PEA (palmitoylethanolamide) and Upper Respiratory Viruses

    PEA (palmitoylethanolamide) and Upper Respiratory Viruses
    Feb 9 2024
    A new study entitled, “The Efficacy of Palmitoylethanolamide (Levagen+) on the Incidence and Symptoms of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection-A Double Blind, Randomised, Placebo-Controlled Trial” aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a signaling lipid called Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) in reducing the occurrence, duration, and severity of upper respiratory tract infections(URTIs). The results showed that participants who took PEA experienced fewer URTI episodes and had reduced symptoms compared to those who took a placebo, suggesting that PEA may be a safe and effective treatment option for URTIs. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a lipid compound that belongs to the N-acylethanolamine (NAE) family and has similar properties to endocannabinoids. In the context of cold and flu infections, PEA is suggested to regulate interleukins and inhibit mast cell production, thereby reducing inflammation. PEA activates NF-κB pathways through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR), particularly PPAR-α, and concentration-dependent mechanisms to decrease NLRP3 and inflammasome activation, ultimately leading to a decrease in the expression of cytokines and alleviation of upper respiratory tract infection symptoms. It is worth noting that the natural levels of PEA in the body and the use of PEA supplements have been found to be ineffective in producing significant clinical results due to poor absorption, resulting in low levels of PEA in the bloodstream. However, when PEA is combined with dispersion technology, such as Levagen+, the absorption of PEA is greatly improved, leading to higher concentrations in the bloodstream, which may enable a therapeutic effect. This study was conducted over a period of 12 weeks. It was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, where participants were divided into two groups: an active group receiving 300 mg of Levagen+ PEA twice a day and a placebo group receiving maltodextrin. The purpose of the study was to investigate the efficacy of Levagen+ PEA compared to the placebo in terms of the incidence, severity, and duration of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI).   During the study, 87 participants out of the total enrolled experienced at least one URTI, resulting in a total of 103 URTI episodes. The group receiving Levagen+ PEA reported significantly fewer URTI episodes (39) compared to the placebo group (64), and a lower number of participants who fell sick at least once during the study (32 vs. 55) when compared to the placebo group. Participants in the Levagen+ PEA group reported a significantly lower severity score for scratchy throat and cough. Overall, compliance with the study was high for both groups in terms of capsule consumption. The findings of the study indicate that individuals in the Levagen+ PEA group had a significantly lower number of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) episodes compared to the placebo group. The study suggests that Levagen+ PEA could be a viable treatment for preventing upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) and alleviating symptoms of cold and flu. The findings indicate that Levagen+ PEA is safe and effective in reducing the frequency of URTI episodes and relieving scratchy throats and coughing in individuals with URTI symptoms. I use PEA Luteolin Select from Moss Nutrition, which contains 300 mg of Levagen+ PEA and 50 mg of the flavonoid luteolin per capsule. PEA and luteolin have been shown to work synergistically in COVID-19-related illnesses such as Long COVID. I have patients take 1 capsule twice a day with meals of PEA Luteolin Select during COVID-19, cold, and flu season for prevention and then increase to 2 capsules three times a day when they feel like they’re coming down with something. Hedberg Institute Members can download my latest upper respiratory tract infection protocols by logging in. Click here to learn more about the Hedberg Institute Membership.
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    8 mins
  • Mold Toxicity and Ginkgo Biloba

    Mold Toxicity and Ginkgo Biloba
    Feb 1 2024
    A new paper entitled “Isorhamnetin protects porcine oocytes from zearalenone-induced reproductive toxicity through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway” investigated the effects of a natural flavonoid called isorhamnetin on the damage caused by a toxin called Zearalenone (ZEA) to pig oocytes (immature egg cells). Zearalenone (ZEA) is a harmful mycotoxin found in moldy grain like corn, oats, and millet that can cause irreversible damage to the reproductive system of animals and humans. It can cause reproductive disorders by binding to estrogen receptors and has been shown to impair the development of sperm and oocytes in humans and animals. ZEA can cause oxidative stress that leads to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can be harmful and contribute to cell death. ZEA can also disrupt pregnancy, inhibit the meiosis of oocytes, and induce mitochondrial damage and stress in the maturation of oocytes. Since ZEA is heat-stable and cannot be completely eliminated from the food chain, it is important to explore potential compounds that can protect against ZEA-induced damage to oocytes. In recent years, natural substances called flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties, have gained attention for their ability to support the development of oocytes. For example, quercetin has been found to increase the proportion of porcine oocytes developing into blastocysts, while kaempferol has shown potential in reducing the negative effects of aging on the development of porcine oocytes by improving mitochondrial function and reducing oxidative stress. Isorhamnetin is a compound found in the herb ginkgo biloba and in foods like pears, onions, and peanuts. It has various pharmacological activities, such as being an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral.     Isorhamnetin acts as an antioxidant by decreasing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increasing the expression of SOD2 protein, which helps protect against oxidative stress. This study found that isorhamnetin can protect the oocytes from ZEA-induced damage by improving their development, reducing oxidative stress, preventing mitochondrial dysfunction, and inhibiting apoptosis. This research provides a potential solution for reproductive toxicity caused by ZEA and treating female infertility. Mold Toxicity and Ginkgo Biloba Clinical Applications Ginkgo biloba is rich in isorhamnetin as well as other powerful flavonoids like quercetin, kaempferol, and luteolin which makes it the perfect herb for patients with mold toxicity. Ginkgo biloba has many benefits including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, anticoagulant, anti-obesity, hypolipidemic, hypotensive, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, adaptogenic, and it protects the brain, eye, inner ear, heart, liver, cardiovascular system, reproductive system, lungs, and kidneys. Patients with mold toxicity tend to have reactivated herpes viruses like EBV, CMV, and HHV-6 and ginkgo biloba is effective against these types of viruses as explained in this article. I use VascuSelect from Moss Nutrition which contains 120 mg of standardized ginkgo biloba extract along with grape seed extract and mango extract to further support microcirculation. 120 mg of ginkgo biloba twice a day is the usual dose for this versatile herbal medicine. If you’re a practitioner who sees patients with mold toxicity and/or infertility, then VascuSelect should be considered an important part of your protocol. Click here to learn more about the Hedberg Institute Membership to take your functional medicine practice to the next level.
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    8 mins
  • Long COVID, Thromboinflammation and Immune Dysregulation

    Long COVID, Thromboinflammation and Immune Dysregulation
    Jan 25 2024
    A new paper published in the journal Science entitled, “Persistent complement dysregulation with signs of thromboinflammation in active Long Covid” sheds light on the causes of Long COVID. The authors begin by pointing out the current hypotheses about the causes of Long COVID, including persistent inflammation, autoimmunity, tissue damage, and viral reservoirs. In this study, researchers followed 39 healthy individuals and 113 COVID-19 patients for up to a year to identify biomarkers associated with Long COVID. At the 6-month follow-up, 40 patients still experienced Long COVID symptoms. They collected blood samples and measured over 6500 proteins to identify potential biomarkers using computational tools and experimental evaluation. In patients with Long COVID, there was an increased activation of the complement system, which is a part of the immune system that helps fight pathogens and damaged cells. This activation persists even after the acute phase of the disease. The complement system can cause damage to cell membranes, and in Long COVID patients, there is an imbalance in the formation of a complex called the terminal complement complex (TCC), also known as the membrane attack complex (MAC), which contributes to tissue damage. Long COVID patients experienced increased markers of tissue injury in their blood, along with a thromboinflammatory signature. This means that there are signs of damage to tissues and an abnormal immune response involving the activation of endothelial cells and the breakdown of red blood cells. These findings suggest that Long COVID is associated with ongoing inflammation and potential blood clotting issues. In patients with Long COVID, there are lower levels of antithrombin III, a protein that helps regulate blood clotting. This leads to increased cleavage by thrombin, which is a key factor in the formation of terminal complement complexes (TCCs). Additionally, Long COVID patients show elevated markers of platelet activation and the presence of monocyte-platelet aggregates, particularly in cases where Long COVID symptoms persist for 12 months or more. These patients also exhibit signs of antibody-mediated activation of the classical complement pathway, which is associated with increased levels of antibodies against cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). In this study, the researchers also used a sensitive test to measure antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in patients with Long COVID. They found that patients with Long COVID had a higher prevalence of positive ANA results compared to those without Long COVID. Positive ANA tests can indicate autoimmunity. Based on the data presented, it is suggested that Long COVID patients should undergo early cardiovascular assessment due to potential cardiovascular complications. Additionally, antiviral medications targeting SARS-CoV-2 or herpesviruses may help reduce inflammation and blood clotting in Long COVID patients. Therapies that target the terminal complement pathway could also be explored as potential treatment strategies for Long COVID and other post-infection syndromes. Long COVID Clinical Applications This paper confirms that inflammation of the blood vessels is common in Long COVID. Supporting microcirculation with herbs like ginkgo biloba, grape seed extract, and mango fruit powder can help reduce this inflammation and repair damaged blood vessels. These three herbs also are effective anti-viral agents against viruses like Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and Cytomegalovirus (CMV). Ginkgo biloba has been shown to help improve the symptoms of Long COVID. I use VascuSelect from Moss Nutrition which contains standardized forms of ginkgo biloba, grape seed extract, and mango fruit powder. I also use palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) combined with luteolin to reduce inflammation and fight chronic viruses. Both of these are found in PEA Luteolin Select from Moss Nutrition.
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    10 mins

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