Latest news with #functionalmedicine
Vogue Arabia
3 days ago
- Health
- Vogue Arabia
The Hormone Gap: Why Women Are Turning to Holistic Healing for Answers
When I first attended a womb retreat, it didn't make sense to me. As a chronically stressed out lawyer the idea of slowing down, embracing my cycle, or practices like womb steaming were nonsensical. I wanted real solutions. I didn't understand that the root cause wasn't an unhealthy body, but an unhealthy system that was dysregulating my body. In a world where systems are designed in the masculine, being healthy looked like restrictive dieting, over exercising and discipline, whereas the feminine is cyclical and in flow. And it's not just 'woowoo.' When you consider the fact that most medical research only included men until the early 90's, you begin to understand the root of this imbalance, and why so many women are turning elsewhere for healthcare. While it could seem like cortisol face or lymphatic drainage are nothing more than social media trends, they've risen in popularity because there's a need. And for women, it starts with the nervous system. The importance of nervous system regulation 'A dysregulated nervous system doesn't always look like anxiety or panic,' says Dr. Mariana Riveros, a functional medicine doctor at SHA Wellness. 'Often, it hides in plain sight, disguised as gut issues, hormonal imbalances, chronic fatigue, skin flare-ups, or even autoimmune conditions. That's because the nervous system isn't just in the brain, it's in the body. It communicates with your gut, your adrenals, your ovaries, your immune cells.' According to Dr. Riveros, women are often turning to holistic medicine for hormonal health, because it works in tandem with the nervous system. Instead of treating ailments, like hypothyroidism, infertility or PCOS with medication, practitioners will take a step back and look at quality of sleep, stress levels, and diet. Oftentimes, the root cause is an overactive sympathetic nervous system, which leads to dysregulation, depletion of nutrients and an imbalance in hormonal health. 'When the nervous system is stuck in survival mode, fight, flight, freeze, your digestion slows down, because your body doesn't prioritise breaking down food when it thinks you're in danger,' she says. 'This can lead to bloating, IBS symptoms, food sensitivities, or that constant discomfort in your belly you can't quite name.' Here's the challenging part. The cure? It's not a pill, a day at the spa (althought we love those), or even a month-long retreat. It's a lifestyle change that allows you to slow down and be present consistently. The best way to regulate a nervous system is quality sleep, limiting screen times, and healing the gut through foods rich in pre and probiotics. Dr. Riveros recommends products like Seed, Milamend, and Cymbiotokia's Liver Health+ to help your body rebalance and replenish. Other practices like breathwork, infrared saunas and spending time in nature can also help your body activate its parasympathetic response. Seed DS-01® Daily Synbiotic AED184 Milamend Heat Healer Energy Sauna: With Triple Threat Technology AED8,700
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Fifty 1 Labs, Inc. (FITY) Sparks AI Breakthrough in Drug Repurposing: Subsidiary Fifty1 AI Labs Announces Strategic Partnership with Intent to Acquire BioSpark AI Technologies
SEATTLE, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via IBN -- Fifty1 AI Labs, LLC, an innovative subsidiary of Fifty 1 Labs, Inc. (OTC: FITY), is thrilled to announce a strategic partnership with an intent to acquire BioSpark AI Technologies Inc., a Vancouver-based pioneer in advanced AI and large language model (LLM) technologies. Revealed today, this alliance is set to transform drug repurposing by leveraging cutting-edge AI to unlock transformative therapeutic insights from vast volumes of medical literature, advancing functional medicine and preventative care. Unleashing Hidden Insights with AI-Powered Precision This collaboration integrates BioSpark's proprietary AI and LLM platform with Fifty1 AI Labs' advanced predictive modeling to explore and organize extensive case-based medical literature. BioSpark's system automates the extraction, structuring, and indexing of real-world clinical data—covering patient journeys, treatment sequences, and outcomes—eliminating the inefficiencies of manual analysis. This empowers Fifty1 AI Labs to identify overlooked therapeutic patterns in longitudinal medical narratives, case series, and observational reports with unprecedented efficiency and scale. "Combining BioSpark's sophisticated insight engine with our predictive AI platform unlocks a wealth of untapped clinical knowledge," said Paul Arora, CEO of Fifty1 AI Labs. "This partnership, with our intent to acquire BioSpark, accelerates our ability to identify promising drug repurposing candidates, delivering innovative treatments to patients faster and solidifying our leadership in AI-powered functional medicine." A Synergistic Leap Toward Next-Generation Drug Repurposing By merging BioSpark's expertise in converting unstructured clinical data into structured, queryable formats with Fifty1 AI Labs' proprietary Bayesian inference and polypharmacy modeling, this partnership pioneers an advanced approach to drug repurposing, grounded in real-world clinical experiences and enhanced by AI-driven analytics. Fifty1 AI Labs will process, prioritize, and evaluate BioSpark-generated insights to streamline the transition from literature discoveries to clinical trials, focusing on high-potential sectors like performance health, chronic disease prevention, and wellness enhancement. This strategic alliance, with the intent to fully acquire BioSpark, strengthens Fifty1 AI Labs' visionary approach to dominating preventative healthcare through personalized, data-driven strategies and rapid candidate identification. It will fuel the development of repurposed formulations, incorporating proprietary transdermal and sublingual delivery systems optimized for superior patient outcomes. BioSpark's scalable literature mining capabilities will serve as a cornerstone in Fifty1's discovery and formulation processes. A Shared Vision for Human-AI Collaboration Bound by a shared commitment to enhancing human expertise with ethical, transparent AI tools, Fifty1 AI Labs and BioSpark AI Technologies aim to tap into the vast, often-overlooked potential within functional medicine that traditional clinical trials may miss. Through modern AI solutions, this partnership seeks to harness these opportunities securely, effectively, and at scale, while preserving researchers' intuitive judgment. "BioSpark's platform transforms complex clinical data into actionable knowledge for experts," said a BioSpark AI spokesperson. "Partnering with Fifty1 AI Labs, with their intent to acquire our technology, amplifies this impact, driving progress in functional medicine and drug repurposing through our shared vision for human-AI collaboration." About BioSpark AI Technologies Inc. Founded in 2022 in Vancouver, Canada, BioSpark AI Technologies Inc. specializes in organizing and integrating real-world clinical data using proprietary AI and LLM technologies. Holding a U.S. patent (US 20250029734 A1) for its AI system that automates patient journey extraction and structuring from unstructured medical literature, BioSpark enables scalable, precise automation for clinical development, outcomes research, and medical advancements. Learn more at About Fifty1 AI Labs, LLC Based in Seattle, Washington, Fifty1 AI Labs, LLC—a subsidiary of Fifty 1 Labs, Inc. (OTC: FITY)—is at the forefront of AI-driven functional medicine. Dedicated to transforming preventative healthcare and wellness, the company combines predictive AI with deep clinical insights to innovate in drug repurposing and formulation, addressing critical needs in performance health, chronic disease prevention, and personalized medicine. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the company's future financial and operating performance, business strategy, plans, objectives, expectations regarding future events or performance, and the potential acquisition of BioSpark AI Technologies Inc. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. The company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except as required by law. For additional details, refer to the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Contact: Investor Relations Fifty 1 Labs, Inc. Email: ir@ Phone: (877) 505-5006 Website: Wire Service Contact: IBN Austin, Texas 512.354.7000 Office Editor@
Forbes
02-07-2025
- Health
- Forbes
MCT Oil: Science Backed Health Benefits And Uses
Medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil is a dietary supplement gaining attention for its potential health benefits, which may include supporting weight loss and enhancing metabolism, as well as brain health. In this article, we dive into MCT oil, including how it's sourced, potential benefits and drawbacks, and expert advice about product quality and dosing. Whether you're hearing about MCT oil for the first time or considering adding it to your wellness routine, we've got you covered. Dietary supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and ingredients and their amounts may vary. Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any supplement. MCT oil is a concentrated form of medium-chain triglycerides, a type of fatty acid. It is available on its own or found in natural sources. '[MCTs] are fatty acids your body absorbs really fast,' says Jessica Peatross, M.D., a board-certified internist and functional medicine practitioner based in St. Petersburg, Florida. Compared to long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) found in most dietary fat sources—think avocadoes, meat, cheese, olive oil and nuts—MCTs are more easily digested and metabolized. MCTs head straight from your bloodstream to your liver, where they're converted into ketones (acids produced by the liver when fat is broken down for energy) or used as an immediate energy source, explains Dr. Peatross. Thanks to this quick conversion to energy, MCT oil is popular among individuals following ketogenic and low-carb diets , as it helps maintain ketosis—a metabolic state where the body burns fat instead of carbohydrates for energy. Fatty acids consist of a long chain of carbon atoms. The fundamental difference between MCTs and LCTs (both saturated fats) is their molecular structure. MCTs have a shorter fatty acid chain length: MCTs contain six to 12 carbon atoms, whereas LCTs contain more than 12 carbon atoms. Because LCTs have a longer chain length, they require bile salts and pancreatic enzymes for digestion, meaning they take longer to metabolize, says Dr. Peatross. Sources of MCT Oil Primary sources of MCT oil include coconuts, palm kernels and milk fat products like butter and ghee. Coconuts contain the highest concentration of MCTs among these sources (65%).. According to Dr. Peatross, MCT oil is a concentrate of the carbon atoms that are most efficient at turning into energy and ketones, including: Caproic acid (contains six carbon atoms) Caprylic acid (contains eight carbon atoms) Capric acid (contains 10 carbon atoms) Lauric acid (contains 12 carbon atoms) Coconut oil is often compared to MCT oil due to its high MCT content. However, MCT oil is a more concentrated source and can provide the benefits of MCTs without the additional calories and long-chain fatty acids found in coconut oil. Among the purported benefits of MCT oil, the following are backed by research. May Assist With Weight Loss The rapid metabolism of MCTs can increase how your body burns calories and how full you feel after eating, potentially leading to reduced calorie intake throughout the day. Numerous studies suggest that MCT oil may aid in weight loss. A 2024 meta-analysis in Clinical Nutrition concluded that among individuals with overweight and obesity, diets enriched with MCTs are more effective in achieving weight loss than diets that did not include MCTs. May Prevent Muscle Loss MCT oil may help maintain muscles by providing a readily available energy source, which is crucial for stimulating protein synthesis, says Angela Graham, a registered dietitian nutritionist and owner of The Dispersed Dietitian, a platform that combines nutrition coaching with the outdoors. This type of oil may be particularly helpful in preventing sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength. A 2019 clinical trial in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming MCT oil improved muscle strength and function in older adults. Enhances Metabolism Because MCT oil is rapidly absorbed and converted to energy, it has a thermogenic effect (increased metabolic rate after eating) that can help maintain lean muscle mass during weight loss, explains Dr. Peatross. A 2023 study in the Journal of Translational Medicine examined the effects of MCT oil supplementation (20 grams daily for 45 days) among women with overweight or obesity on a very-low-calorie ketogenic diet. The supplemented group experienced significant decreases in body weight, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. Supports Cognition Ketones, a byproduct of MCT oil breakdown, easily cross the blood-brain barrier and can be used as an alternative fuel source to glucose. 'The keto (high-fat) diet is great for overall brain health or brain-specific conditions,' notes Dr. Peatross. For example, ketogenic diets rich in MCTs may support cognitive function in people with mild Alzheimer's disease , says Graham, as the condition impairs the body's ability to break down glucose for energy in the brain. Additional large-scale studies are needed to confirm the ways in which MCT oil can support cognition , according to researchers in the field. May Help Fight Infections MCTs possess natural antimicrobial and antifungal properties, says Dr. Peatross. Capric and caprylic acid, in particular, have shown efficacy against various pathogens, including Candida albicans, a common yeast that can cause infections. While MCT oil may have additional anti-inflammatory effects, more research is needed. Prevents Malnutrition in Digestive Disorders 'MCTs don't require bile acids for digestion, which makes them easier to absorb for people with digestive disorders like Crohn's, celiac disease or pancreatic insufficiency (where the pancreas doesn't produce enough enzymes to digest food),' says Graham. She adds that they're often used in clinical nutrition for patients who need extra calories in an easy-to-digest form. Fuel Your Day with Onnit MCT Oil! Unlock your potential with Onnit MCT Oil, the perfect addition to your daily routine. Packed with medium-chain triglycerides, Onnit's premium oil provides a quick source of energy and supports cognitive function. Shop Now On Onnit's Website While MCT oil has promising benefits, it's not without drawbacks. Excessive consumption of MCT oil can lead to fat accumulation in the liver, potentially increasing the risk of developing fatty liver disease. While most people feel less hungry when consuming MCTs, these fatty acids may increase ghrelin (a hunger hormone), especially when fasting, notes Dr. Peatross. MCT oils contain saturated fats, and high saturated fat intake may raise levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as 'bad' cholesterol, causing plaque buildup in the arteries and potentially impairing cardiovascular health. MCT Oil Side Effects MCT oil is usually well-tolerated, but research suggests consuming too much may cause the following side effects: Nausea Vomiting Stomach and intestinal cramping Diarrhea Bloating MCT Oil Dosages No dosage recommendations exist for MCT oil, and working with a dietitian or health care professional can help you decide what may suit your unique needs. To minimize side effects, Graham recommends starting with a daily dose of one teaspoon and gradually increasing your intake to one to two tablespoons per day. 'You can blend [MCT oil] into smoothies [and] coffee , or drizzle it over oatmeal or veggies,' she says, adding that it's best not to heat the oil, which can cause it to break down and lose its beneficial properties. How to Choose the Best MCT Oil To choose a high-quality MCT oil, Dr. Peatross recommends considering the following: Source . Look for oils derived from organic, non-GMO and sustainably sourced coconut or palm kernel oil. . Look for oils derived from organic, non-GMO and sustainably sourced coconut or palm kernel oil. Purity . Choose a product free from additives, fillers and artificial ingredients that's packaged in glass or BPA-free bottles. . Choose a product free from additives, fillers and artificial ingredients that's packaged in glass or BPA-free bottles. Type of MCTs . Opt for oils that contain a higher concentration of caprylic acid and capric acid, as these are the most beneficial for energy production. . Opt for oils that contain a higher concentration of caprylic acid and capric acid, as these are the most beneficial for production. Third-Party Testing. Select products that undergo third-party laboratory testing for quality and potency to ensure you get a reliable product.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Longevity expert Dr Mark Hyman's daily routine: the key to long living? A simple routine
I wake up and usually journal for a while, taking some meditative time. Then I'll work out in the gym — weight training and cardio — and then have a protein shake. I put a bunch of stuff in there including creatine, which is shown to be really helpful not only with muscle building but also cognitive health. Other nutritional supplements I think are important are omega 3, vitamin D, curcumin and oral nicotinamide mononucleotide. Then I have a sauna and a cold plunge most days. I have a wellness studio in my garage, with a hyperbaric chamber, a Pulsed Electromagnetic Fieldmat, laser robotherapy and a HYPOXI machine, so I play around with those. There are lots of interesting developments in longevity. There has been a lot of research around Klotho, which is emerging as a potential therapeutic gene therapy, stem cells, plasmapheresis and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. You can reverse your biological age just through the basics, however. I reversed mine by four years in two years. The last time I checked my biological age was 39, through a methylation test. Right now, most people could probably live to 100 if they applied all the science. Most of the medicines today focus on symptom-based treatment. If you have a disease, they give you a drug and you have surgery. Functional medicine, by contrast, is a framework of scientific wellness. In order to have a healthy lifespan, a number of things are necessary: it's what you eat, it's exercise, it's getting adequate sleep, it's managing stress — and then there's a whole set of other additional therapies that can help activate the body's own healing system. There are built-in longevity switches, I call them, in the body. There are many ways to activate them that most people don't understand. You go to your regular doctor and ask them to help you get healthier and they reply: come back when you have a disease. That's really unfortunate because what we're now learning is that the human body has this immense capacity for healing and repair. We live in a coddled environment. Temperatures are always 16 degrees, we always have an abundance of food, we don't have to move our bodies and we don't have any stresses — historically humans had to deal with all kinds of physiological stresses, hot and cold and hunger. If you fast for a few days you activate a longevity switch. It's called autophagy — it's a bit like a self-cleaning oven. You have these Pac-man like lysosomes that chew up all the old proteins and recycle them. I do not eat a very inflammatory diet. Three things I always pick up at the grocery store are olive oil, small fish like sardines, herring and mackerel, and cruciferous vegetables. I've found a diet of nuts and seeds and vegetables and fruit and protein and olive oil really helps with the microbiome and resets your insulin signalling. Elevated insulin levels drive most ageing; they cause cancer, heart disease, dementia, diabetes, infertility and mental health issues. When you cut out all the crap and ultra-processed food, you increase longevity. I definitely don't drink. I might have a tequila once a month, but there's no safe amount of alcohol. Sleep is critical. It's repair time. I try to get eight hours of sleep and go to bed and wake up at the same time, but it's not easy. I have a lot of relationships, a lot of community. Your close friends — not social media — are a key part of longevity. Dr Mark Hyman leads the RoseBar Longevity Clinic at Six Senses Ibiza. A one-night stay starts at £552 based on two sharing, breakfast included,
Daily Mail
13-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson reveals shocking battle with years-long health issue
For a guy who's known for his impressive physique, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson has always seemed indestructible. But behind the tough-guy acting and countless WWE appearances, the 53-year-old star was privately dealing with a gut health issue that stumped doctors and disrupted his daily life for years. In a conversation on The Mark Hyman Show, Johnson recently revealed that he had been suffering in silence from an ongoing digestive problem with no clear diagnosis. 'I feel great - and that's the odd thing - but I just can't crack it,' he told host Dr. Mark Hyman about how he felt prior to connecting with him. Despite feeling physically strong, something in The Rock's system just wasn't working right. But the turning point came in late 2023 during a conversation with his longtime business partner and former agent, Ari Emanuel, who encouraged Johnson consider trying functional medicine. Functional medicine is a field focused on addressing root causes rather than just symptoms. Emanuel connected him with Dr. Hyman - a leader in the field - who took a deeper look into Johnson's health with a virtual consult. 'I had no idea what functional medicine was,' Johnson admitted. But after hearing Hyman's approach - going beyond surface-level symptoms to tackle the root of the issue - he was all in. What followed was a mix of tests, including blood panels and stool analysis, to find what traditional medicine had missed. They uncovered something surprising: Johnson's gut was still recovering from multiple rounds of antibiotics, which had wiped out a key bacteria called Akkermansia. This bacteria plays a major role in maintaining the lining of the intestines and keeping inflammation in check. Without it, Johnson had developed symptoms of what's commonly referred to as 'leaky gut.' 'I was just getting ready to launch into what would become a nine-month workload for me - nonstop work,' Johnson said. The workload was his packed 2024 schedule that consisted of WWE matches, promoting Moana 2 and Red One, and shooting his upcoming biopic The Smashing Machine. Part of the workload included regular WWE matches, promoting movies, and shooting his biopic 'And I was thinking, "Holy s**t, how am I going to get through this with my gut issues?"' With Dr. Hyman's help, Johnson began a targeted treatment plan at the start of 2024. The approach included personalized probiotics, plant-based compounds like cranberry and green tea, and a custom gut-healing shake filled with more than 10 different ingredients. Slowly but surely, his digestive health began to improve. 'We basically rehabbed your gut,' Dr. Hyman said during the podcast. 'And now you're thriving.' Johnson hasn't returned to the ring since WrestleMania 40, but he's stayed busy - and notably healthier - behind the scenes. And while he was the catalyst behind John Cena's major WWE storyline shift earlier this year, it's clear that the real transformation was happening off-camera. He told Dr. Hyman that he shared his story to remind others that healing sometimes means looking beyond the obvious and digging deep, even when you're The Rock.
