ADHD ADHD Symptoms in Women: A Comprehensive Guide Key Highlights * Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often presents with more inattentive and emotional symptoms in women than men. * Many adult women with ADHD develop "masking" strategies to hide their struggles, which can delay a diagnosis. * Gender bias in diagnostic criteria historically made it harder to get an Read
Clinical Insight The Pharmacist’s Role: Integrating PGx Data into Medication Therapy Management As the most accessible healthcare providers and the undisputed medication experts, pharmacists are at the center of modern patient care. The goal of Medication Therapy Management (MTM) is to fulfill this role to its highest potential: optimizing drug therapy, improving adherence, and preventing adverse events. In practice, this often means Read
Nutrigenomics MTHFR Gene Mutation Symptoms: What To Watch Out For Key Highlights * An MTHFR gene mutation is a common gene variant that can affect your body's ability to process folate. * This mutation can impact crucial methylation processes, which are vital for numerous bodily functions. * Many people with this gene variation have no MTHFR symptoms, while others may experience Read
Clinical Insight Beyond Metabolism: Understanding a Patient's Individual Metabolic Capacity Before Prescribing For decades, the standard of care for prescribing new medication, especially in mental health, has been "start low, go slow." A patient presents with anxiety, and the provider prescribes a first-line SSRI. Then comes the waiting game of four to six weeks of hoping for relief, all while Read
Depression Male Loneliness: An Epidemic in Today's Society Key Highlights * The male loneliness epidemic is a significant topic today, but evidence suggests it may be an age old struggle rather than a new issue. * Recent surveys show high rates of loneliness among men, with many reporting having fewer close friends than in previous decades. * Societal roles, changing communication Read
ADHD Fidgeting: Understanding the Risks and Benefits Key Highlights * Fidgeting involves small, repetitive body movements that often happen unconsciously. * These fidgeting behaviors can be a natural response to stress, anxiety, or the need to concentrate. * Fidgeting serves as a coping mechanism for stress relief by providing a temporary mental break. * While common for many, excessive fidgeting can Read
ADHD How to Focus With ADHD: 4 Techniques and Tips That Work Key Highlights Here is a quick overview of what we'll cover to help you improve your focus with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). * Understanding how your unique brain chemistry affects your ability to concentrate. * Exploring simple focus techniques that you can integrate into your daily life. * Breaking down Read
Medication Medication in Pregnancy: A Guide to Risk, Safety, and the Role of Genetics Key Takeaways * No medication is 100% risk-free during pregnancy. Every decision requires a careful risk-benefit conversation with your healthcare provider. * Your personal risk from a medication is not universal. It is heavily influenced by your unique genetic makeup, specifically the genes that control how your body metabolizes drugs. * Pharmacogenetic (PGx) Read
Nutrigenomics 5 Foods That Naturally Decrease Cortisol for Better Health Key Highlights * A balanced diet is a powerful tool for stress management and can help naturally lower your cortisol levels. * Fatty fish like salmon provide healthy fats, specifically omega-3s, that support brain function and reduce stress. * Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants that fight cellular damage and help buffer your Read
Nutrigenomics GLP1 Supplement: Natural Ways to Trim Down Key Highlights * Natural GLP-1 supplements aim to support your body's own appetite regulation for weight loss. * These supplements utilize natural ingredients to regulate blood sugar and refine metabolic health. * They work by promoting feelings of fullness, helping you consume fewer calories. * Unlike synthetic GLP-1 receptor agonists, natural options Read
Nutrigenomics GAPS Diet for Autism: What You Need to Know Key Highlights * The Gut and Psychology Syndrome (GAPS) diet is a nutritional protocol designed to improve gut health. * It's based on the theory that healing the gut can lessen behavioral conditions linked to neurological function. * The diet is highly restrictive, eliminating grains, starchy vegetables, and processed foods. * There Read
Medication The Tylenol Autism Link: The Genetic Factor No One Is Talking About Key Takeaways * Recent studies have suggested a correlation between frequent acetaminophen (Tylenol) use during pregnancy and a higher risk of ADHD and autism in children, causing understandable concern for parents. * The key takeaway from this news is not that Tylenol is universally dangerous, but that an individual's risk Read
Clinical Insight Integrating PGx Testing to Enhance Clinical Confidence and Reduce Patient Risk In modern medicine, the pressure on clinicians has never been greater. Patient complexity is increasing, time is always limited, and the demand for evidence-based, personalized care is the new benchmark. While we have more therapeutic options than ever, the fundamental challenge of prescribing remains: how can we be confident that Read
Clinical Insight The MTHFR Question: An Evidence-Based Guide for Clinicians on Folate Metabolism and Medication Response It’s a question more clinicians are hearing in their practice: “I think I have the MTHFR mutation. What does that mean for my health?” Driven by direct-to-consumer genetic testing and online health forums, patients are increasingly aware of the MTHFR gene. While this awareness can lead to confusion, it Read
Nutrigenomics Liquid Collagen: Does It Live Up To The Hype? Key Highlights * Liquid collagen is a convenient, ready-to-drink supplement that could offer numerous health benefits. * It primarily contains hydrolyzed collagen peptides, which are easily absorbed by the body. * Key benefits include improved skin elasticity, hydration, and a reduction in fine lines. * Beyond beauty, it can also support joint health, potentially Read
Clinical Insight Precision in Pediatrics: Using Pharmacogenetics to Safely Navigate Psychiatric Prescribing for Children & Adolescents Prescribing psychiatric medication for a child or adolescent is one of the most considered decisions a clinician can make. The responsibility is immense, and the process is often fraught with uncertainty for providers, parents, and the young patients themselves. Unlike in adult medicine, you are working with a developing system Read
Clinical Insight Navigating Polypharmacy: How Genetic Testing Can De-Risk Prescribing for Patients on Multiple Medications For any clinician managing patients with co-morbid conditions, polypharmacy is the norm. It’s a delicate balancing act of therapeutic goals, but each new prescription added to the regimen increases the risk of a cascade of negative outcomes: drug-drug interactions, adverse drug reactions (ADRs), and therapeutic failures. Standard interaction checkers Read
Clinical Insight Poor Metabolizer vs. Ultra-Rapid: A Clinician's Guide to PGx-Informed Dosing Strategies The clinical mantra of "start low, go slow" has long guided prescribing, but it's an approach born from necessity, not precision. It’s a tacit acknowledgment that patients metabolize medications at vastly different rates. What if you could know a patient's metabolic capacity before Read
Nutrigenomics Water Fasting: Discover Its Benefits and Potential Risks Key Highlights * Water fasting is a practice where you consume only water for a set period, typically 24–72 hours. * Potential health benefits include promoting cellular cleanup (autophagy), supporting heart health, and improving insulin sensitivity. * This type of fast can aid in quick weight loss, though much of it may Read
Health Awareness Self Care Awareness Month: Prioritize Your Mental Health Key Highlights * September is Self Care Awareness Month, a dedicated time to focus on your personal needs and mental wellness. * The goal is to remind you that prioritizing self care is essential for your overall health, not selfish. * Practicing self care can directly benefit your mental and physical health by Read
Conditions Brain Fog Symptoms: What to Look For Key Highlights * Brain fog involves a range of symptoms, including memory problems and mental fatigue, that significantly impact daily life. * It is often linked to health conditions like long COVID, sleep apnea, and inflammatory arthritis. * Brain fog is distinct from normal tiredness and more severe issues like dementia, though symptoms Read
Nutrigenomics How to Avoid Microplastics Hidden in Your Home Key Highlights * Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that have entered our food chain, posing potential health risks. * You can reduce exposure by making simple changes in your kitchen, like avoiding plastic packaging and containers. * Microplastic pollution is found in both tap and bottled water; however, using a water filter can Read
Nutrigenomics Vitamins for Energy: 14 Supplements to Boost Your Vitality Key Highlights * To function properly, your body needs a steady supply of energy derived from the foods you eat. * Vitamins like B12, C, and D, and minerals such as magnesium, are crucial for helping your body produce this energy and prevent fatigue. * Specific supplements like creatine, CoQ10, and phosphatidylcholine can Read