FOCUS
Allergy Research Group ® Newsletter | Spring 2022
A Resinous Extract for Liver Health Convolvulus arvensis: A Weed That’s Worthwhile The Glandular Corner: Thyroid With Linda Isaacs, MD
New Approaches to GI Dysfunction A B Vitamin for Mental Health and More An Interview with Michael Joseph, DFM, PhD, MS
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CONTENTS 4
A Resinous Extract for Liver Health A look at the etiology and mechanisms involved in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the applications of one unique resin for liver support
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Convolvulus arvensis: A Weed That’s Worthwhile
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The Glandular Corner: Thyroid Linda Isaacs, MD, discusses glandular thyroid extracts, their history, and current applications
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New Approaches to GI Dysfunction We discuss the gut-supporting benefits of several lesser-known natural remedies, including mastic gum, ox bile, marshmallow, and deglycyrrhizinated licorice root
A quick review of common bindweed and the immune-modulating properties of its unique proteoglycan mixture
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A B Vitamin for Mental Health and More An interview with Michael Joseph, DFM, PhD, MS on the historical and present-day use of niacin and how it supports multiple biochemical processes
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Allergy Research Group®
From the Editor Spring is typically a time when most of us think of rejuvenation. Plants are budding, the bulbs are starting to sprout, and some animals are coming out of hibernation (maybe even some humans). It’s also a time when many individuals consider improving their health, particularly gastrointestinal (GI) and mental health. Respecting Mother Nature’s theme, we decided to take an updated look at the panacea which is mastic gum (mastiha). Given that we only have so many pages to discuss this wonderful plant, we decided to focus on mastiha’s anti-inflammatory properties, highlighting its usefulness in certain health conditions. Other areas of interest in this area led us to dive into the use of other herbal GI anti-inflammatories and demulcents, which may not only be calming, but restorative as well. In this issue of the Glandular Corner, Linda Isaacs, MD discusses thyroid glandular extracts, their history, and current applications. Part of the reason we write Focus four times a year, is to also shed scientific light on lesser-known uses of nutrients and botanicals. For this issue we interviewed Michael Joseph, DFM, PhD, MS on the historical and present-day use of niacin (both nicotinic acid and niacinamide), and how it supports multiple biochemical processes. Second, is on Convolvulus arvensis (bindweed), which many areas of the US consider to be a noxious and invasive weed, but we know it better for its medicinal properties. We hope you enjoy it. Yours in Health, Dr. Todd A. Born, ND, CNS
Editor-in-Chief
Editor-in-Chief Todd A. Born, ND, CNS
Executive Editor Meagan Purdy, ND
Copy Editor Katie Van Amburg
Graphic Designer Matt Ivan
Want more educational resources? Visit our blog at www.allergyresearchgroup.com/blog for more articles, including these related articles.
Fatty Liver Disease: Thyroid Function and Gut Health as Disease Risk Factors
The Magic of an Ancient Gum: Mastic Gum for Ulcers, Oral Health, and More
Chios Mastiha: Prized by the Greeks Since Antiquity
NAD+: Health or Hype?
FOCUS Newsletter | Spring 2022
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