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Clinical Handbooks

NFH Clinical Handbook Series

Nutritional Fundamentals for Health Inc. is bringing the total number of Handbooks in the series to 22, these Handbooks are intended to serve as handy reference tools for active practitioners seeking the latest evidence-based guidance on the prevention and management of specific health issues. Each handbook has been crafted by scientific and clinical experts in the field.

Practitioners interested in obtaining copies of individual Handbooks are asked to contact us with their request. Happy reading!

2020 Clinical Handbook Series
 
Clinical management of womens health handbook

Clinical Management of Women’s Health

By Dr Tori Hudson, ND

Diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of women’s health issues exists as a high priority for healthcare professionals. This priority is shared by our team at Nutritional Fundamentals for Health where we offer a cluster of products aimed at providing natural medicine healthcare to women.

As such, this guide was designed to serve as a practical reference guide for practitioners interested in up-to-date contemporary approaches to treat and manage health concerns specific to serving women.
Written by Dr Tori Hudson, a leading-naturopathic doctor globally in women’s health, readers can be assured that they are being provided the most comprehensive, informed recommendations available. It is our hope at NFH that this topic, along with the others in our ongoing Handbook series, will be well received by practitioners in natural medicine.

 

 
Handbook MITOCHONDRIA

Mitochondria: The Power to Energize Healing of Chronic, Degenerative Diseases, and Aging

By Dr Neil McKinney, BSc, ND

Mitochondrial are increasingly understood as being linked to several health conditions. Optimizing mitochondrial status is a goal shared by our team at Nutritional Fundamentals for Health where we offer a cluster of products aimed at optimization of biological systems aligned with mitochondrial function.

As such, this Handbook was designed to serve as a practical reference guide for practitioners interested in the latest approaches to treat and manage health concerns specific to mitochondria. Written by Dr Neil McKinney, a world renowned naturopathic doctor in this domain, readers can be assured that they are being provided the most comprehensive, informed evidence-based perspective and clinical recommendations available. It is our hope at NFH that this topic, along with the others in our ongoing Handbook series, will be well received by practitioners in the natural health product arena.

 
handbook-mockup-Small-Intestinal-Bacterial-Overgrowth

SMALL INTESTINAL BACTERIAL OVERGROWTH: Clinical Presentation, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, and Treatment

By Dr Michael Traub, ND, DHANP, FABNO, and Dr Maxwell Hunter Crispo, ND

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a common disorder, yet poorly recognized even within the conventional gastroenterology community.

There is growing awareness of SIBO in North America since the 2000, yet SIBO tends to recur after initial treatment and successful ongoing management requires an understanding of risk factors, appropriate testing, and treatment strategies. The purpose of this Handbook is to provide a current evidence-based review of SIBO, predisposing factors, diagnostic tests, and therapies to educate physicians in its clinical management. The intention is to present the totality of the published data available, with a consideration of relative merits and limitations of available studies. Interventions should always be individualized to each patient’s risk factors, history, goals, and current health status. Written by leading world authority in this field Dr Michael Traub, this Handbook is an important contribution to clinical management of SIBO.

 
Handbook CHEMOTHERAPY

CHEMOTHERAPY-INDUCED PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY

By Dr Sarah Soles, MSc, ND
Edited by Dr Gurdev Parmar, ND, FABNO

Several common chemotherapeutic drugs can accumulate to levels that are neurotoxic and result in the development of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). The symptoms of CIPN include numbness, burning, tingling, reduced sensation, decreased strength and movement, and pain; and they occur in extremities including the fingers, hands, toes, and feet.

It is estimated that 2 out of 3 patients who undergo neurotoxic chemotherapy develop CIPN, and of these, half maintain symptoms for at least 6 months after discontinuing treatment. Moderate to severe CIPN can result in a significantly decreased quality of life and negatively impact daily activities.

In addition, the development of CIPN can lead to the delay or discontinuation of treatment, as well as dose reduction, which may ultimately affect patient response and survival. For these reasons natural agents that prevent or treat CIPN are of considerable importance. Accordingly, practitioners should be aware that preliminary, and in some cases rather extensive research, does exist for using nutraceuticals for both the prevention and treatment of CIPN. Knowledge of this research allows doctors to make the best clinical decisions for each individual patient. The following handbook written by world leaders Drs Soles and Parmar reviews the current evidence for the use of natural agents or physical modalities to prevent or treat CIPN.

 
Handbook Inflammation and Pain

INFLAMMATION AND PAIN

By Dr David W Lescheid, BSc, PhD, ND

The inflammation process in its broader context is being increasingly recognized as having important links to several health conditions, and particularly pain. Understanding inflammation and identifying natural health products that address and control that process represents a priority for our science team at Nutritional Fundamentals for Health, where we offer a cluster of products aimed at optimizing this system.

Accordingly, the present Handbook was designed to serve as a practical reference guide for practitioners interested in the latest approaches to treat and manage health concerns specific to inflammation and pain. Written by Dr David W Lescheid, an internationally leading naturopathic doctor in this arena, readers of this Handbook can be assured they are being provided the most comprehensive, informed clinical recommendations available. It is our hope at NFH that this topic, along with the others in our ongoing Handbook series, will be well received by healthcare practitioners within the natural health product area.

 
Anxiety

ANXIETY

By Dr Philip Rouchotas, MSc, ND, and Dr Heidi Fritz, MA, ND

A common comorbidity encountered in outpatient naturopathic practice is the presentation of a patient with complaints of depression, anxiety, and insomnia. These three common mental health concerns typically cluster together. Yet when faced with the task of compiling this clinical handbook, it simply seemed too much to tackle in one piece of work.

This Handbook focuses on anxiety, and with a hope for the opportunity to do the same for depression and insomnia in the future. There is tremendous overlap between natural product based prevention strategies employed in anxiety and depression, yet our focus for assimilation of human intervention trials will remain focused on anxiety. As such, discussion of existing pillars of integrative mental health management are addressed in this contribution. Likewise, although commonly used conventionally for anxiety management, discussion of SSRI, SNRI, TCA, and other antidepressant classes of medications will not be addressed. The focus of this Handbook is on clinical management of anxiety, and on how to co-manage and wean patients off of benzodiazepine medications. The Handbook is written by Drs Rouchotas and Fritz, both widely recongnized clinical experts in the arena of anxiety.

2021 Clinical Handbook Series
 
Common Complaints of Pregnancy

COMMON COMPLAINTS OF PREGNANCY

By Dr Tori Hudson, ND, and Dr Rachel Surprenant, ND

Pregnancy is an exhilarating, exciting phase of the life cycle; however, it also presents challenges as a product of changing metabolic and hormonal balances. Naturopathic science has made substantial inroads in evidence-based effective and safe approaches to dealing with some of the very normal but potentially distressing health changes that go along with pregnancy.

The purpose of this Clinical Handbook is to review common complaints occurring during pregnancy and offer practical approaches for clinical management using natural health products as well as lifestyle approaches and select pharmaceuticals when needed. Written by Dr Tori Hudson, a global leader in womens’ health and natural and integrative medicine, and Dr Rachel Suprenant, her able resident of two years, readers can be assured that they are being provided the most comprehensive, informed findings and recommendations available.

 
Handbook Probiotics

PROBIOTICS

By Dr A. Venketeshwer Rao, MSc, PhD

It is becoming increasingly clear that the microbial ecology of the gastrointestinal tract has a significant role to play in the management of overall human health. Although the intestinal tract of humans harbours several thousand species of beneficial and harmful bacteria, it is the predominance of the beneficial bacteria that is considered essential for good health.

Research is now being carried out to understand the nature of beneficial microbial populations termed probiotics, their mechanisms of action, and role in human health. In view of these developments, it was felt that the time is right for a Clinical Handbook on probiotics that brings together existing knowledge about probiotics, and more importantly, provide a practical reference guide on this topic to practicing professionals. Dr Venket Rao devoted his academic career to undertaking research on the role of diet and health with particular emphasis on the role of intestinal microflora. He has been instrumental in authoring this Handbook which provides up to date information to health practitioners, including results and recommendations from clinical research to the bedside.

 
Handbook Ketogenic Diet

KETOGENIC DIETS AND KETOSIS SUPPLEMENTS METABOLIC THERAPEUTICS IN PRIMARY CARE

By Dr Neil McKinney, BSc, ND, and Dr Peter Jones, PhD

Ketones are produced naturally in the human body, in the liver from fats, and in the gut by our friendly bacteria biome acting on dietary fibre. We can also ingest them as supplements. We can through diet achieve a state where ketones become the primary fuel, or at least on par with glucose.

A ketogenic diet must start with caloric restriction to trigger the ketosis adaptation to low carbohydrate intake. An induced state of ketosis turns out to have many significantly positive medical applications. For instance, ketogenic states benefit epilepsy significantly. This brain-fueling ketogenic strategy is now being employed to assist in care of traumatic brain injury and neurodegenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s dementia. The recent recognition of cancer as a metabolic disease has led to significant research in the ketogenic diet in oncology. In this handbook written by Drs Neil McKinney and Peter Jones, health practitioners will find the evidence-based information to use the ketogenic diet in clinical practice.

 
Handbook mushrooms in womens health

MUSHROOMS IN WOMENS’ HEALTH

By Dr Tori Hudson, ND

Diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of women’s health issues is a high priority for health care professionals. Medicinal mushrooms exist as a cornerstone for the prevention and treatment of a variety of health issues pertaining to women. As such, this guide was designed to serve as a practical reference guide for practitioners interested in up-to-date contemporary approaches to treat and manage health concerns specific to women with an emphasis on mushrooms.

Specific mushroom types covered include Shiitake (Lentinula edodes), White Button (Agaricus bisporus), Cordyceps (Cordyceps Sinensis), Coriolus Versicolor (Trametes Versicolor), Lion’s mane (Hericium Erinaceus), Maitake (Grifola frondosa), Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) as well as Chaga (Inonotus obliquus). Topics covered include breast cancer, polycystic ovary syndrome, HPV and cervical dysplasia, oral HPV, chronic fatigue syndrome, cognitive function as well as sexual dysfunction. Written by Dr Tori Hudson, considered to be the leading naturopathic doctor in the area of womens’ health, readers can be assured that they are being provided the most comprehensive, informed recommendations available.

 
Handbook Natural Agents for Treatment of Endocrine Therapy Side Effects in Breast Cancer

NATURAL AGENTS FOR TREATMENT OF ENDOCRINE THERAPY SIDE EFFECTS IN BREAST CANCER

By Dr Emma Lee, ND, and Dr Gurdev Parmar, ND, FABNO

Modern treatment approaches increasingly enable improved clinical management of breast cancer. However, pharmaceutical treatments are unfortunately often accompanied by substantial side effects.

Fortunately, both testimonial and anecdotal evidence, as well as more modern clinical trial data, demonstrate efficacy and safety of use of natural products in mitigation of such side effects. Presently a series of nutraceutical products are available aimed at alleviating side effects associated with endocrine therapy for breast cancer. Accordingly, this Handbook was designed to serve as a practical reference guide for practitioners interested in the latest approaches to manage these health concerns. Topics include use of natural products for management of fatigue, hot flashes, musculoskeletal pain, and other consideration. Written by Drs Emma Lee and Gurdev Parmar, leading naturopathic doctors in this domain, this Handbook assures that readers are being provided the most comprehensive, informed clinical recommendations available.

 
The Importance of Long Chain Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Optimal Health and Disease Prevention

THE IMPORTANCE OF LONG-CHAIN OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS FOR OPTIMAL HEALTH AND DISEASE PREVENTION MANAGEMENT THROUGHOUT THE HUMAN LIFE CYCLE

By Dr Bruce Holub, MSc, PhD

Considerable published research presently supports the health enhancing and disease preventing/ managing effects of the long chain omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) throughout the human life cycle.

Both EPA and DHA are consumed at very low intake levels within North America due to our low consumption of fish and seafood. Consequently, nutritional supplementation has provided the ability of much higher daily intakes of EPA and DHA than is commonly consumed. As documented in the scientific and medical literature, higher intakes of EPA and DHA can provide a wide range of health benefits. The present Handbook, written by Dr Bruce Holub, a global leader in omega-3 fat nutrition, intends to provide coverage of these many health benefits resulting from supplementation with EPA and DHA, along with recommended doses required and the durations required to produce the reported results. Recommended target intakes of these long chain omega-3 fatty acids are provided based on published studies, review articles, and advisories from expert committees worldwide.

2022 Clinical Handbook Series
 
Handbook Adolescent Gynecology

ADOLESCENT GYNECOLOGY

By Dr Tori Hudson, ND and Dr Erin Conlon, ND

Diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of female adolescent health issues is a high priority for many healthcare professionals. This priority is shared by Nutritional Fundamentals for Health where we offer a cluster of products aimed at this sector of the natural health product arena.

As such, the present Clinical Handbook was designed to serve as a practical reference guide for practitioners interested in up-to-date contemporary approaches to treat and manage health concerns specific to the female gender, particularly during adolescence. Written by Dr Tori Hudson, the leading naturopathic doctor in the women’s health space, readers can be assured that they are being provided the most comprehensive, informed, and up-to-date recommendations available. It is our hope at NFH that this topic, along with the others in our ongoing Handbook series, will be well received by practitioners in the natural health product discipline.

 
Handbook Epilepsy

EPILEPSY WITH A FOCUS ON CHILDHOOD ABSCENCE EPILEPSY

By Dr Jonathan Prousky, ND, MSc, MA, RP

Epilepsy is a common health disorder with a prevalence as high as 1% of the general population across North America. The recurrent seizures and anxiety caused by this disorder represent a significant impact on patients’ quality of life.

Childhood absence epilepsy usually begins at less than ten years of age and is often responsive to treatment such that seizures disappear by late childhood or mid-adolescence. Understanding epilepsy and childhood absence epilepsy, as well as naturopathic solutions to management of these conditions, is the objective of this NFH Clinical Handbook. Accordingly, this Handbook was designed to serve as a practical reference guide for health care professionals seeking to manage these disorders using natural health products. Written by leading worldwide expert in this area Dr Jonathan Prousky, this Handbook offers the most comprehensive and informed clinical recommendation available. We hope at NFH that this topic matter, along with others in our ongoing series of Handbooks for 2022, will be well received by health care professionals within the natural product arena.

 
Handbook Leaky Gut Endotoxemia

LEAKY GUT/ ENDOTOXEMIA

By Dr David W Lescheid, BSc, PhD, ND

‘All disease begins in the gut’ is a quote attributed to Hippocrates of Kos, a famous Greek physician who lived over 2,500 years ago and who is often considered the Father of Medicine. Since the time of this quote, many scientific discoveries and much clinical evidence corroborate the view that dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract is indeed a major cause of disease.

In particular, the loss of normal permeability of the gut barrier, commonly named ‘leaky gut’ has emerged as a major driver of many diseases including those associated with chronic inflammation and autoimmunity. A recent review suggests that ‘all disease begins in the (leaky) gut’.

This handbook briefly reviews current scientific information on the causes and consequences of a leaky gut/ endotoxemia.

Emphasis is placed on clinical translation of scientific evidence including currently available diagnostic tools as well as natural health products (NHPs) with the strongest evidence base for treatment. A detailed discussion of additional therapies foundational for long term healing such as dietary therapy, support for the parasympathetic nervous system, including maintaining optimal vagus nerve activity, stress management techniques using mind/ body medicine, and acupuncture is not included in this document.

The intent of this publication is to summarize the current evidence base for the treatment of leaky gut/ endotoxemia outside the scope of mainstream medical pharmaceutical drugs. This document functions as a clinical reference tool for health care professionals to use during treatment of patients with leaky gut/ endotoxemia. Interventions should be individualized to each patient’s risk factors, medical history, treatment goals, and current health status.

 
Handbook Viruses

VIRUSES

By Dr Carissa Doherty, ND

Viruses and the infections they are associated with have been the subject of increased interest and scrutiny over the recent past. As a result of this heightened interest, several natural health products have been explored as preventative and as treatment for virus-related illnesses. Understanding the processes through which viruses cause infections and prioritizing what nutritional and natural health products can be used to manage virus infections is a key focus of our science team at Nutritional Fundamentals for Health.

As such, the present Handbook is designed to serve as a practical reference guide for health care professionals interested in latest natural approaches to prevent and treat virus-related conditions. Written by global expert in the domain Dr Carissa Doherty, this Handbook provides the most comprehensive, informed clinical recommendations available. It is our hope that this topic matter, as well as others in our continuing series of Clinical Handbooks for 2022, will be well received by healthcare practitioners within the natural product arena.

 
Handbook Ergogenic Aids for Optimal Physical Performance

ERGOGENIC AIDS FOR OPTIMAL PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE

By Dr Sylvia Santosa, PhD and Dr Amira Kassis, PhD

Human physical performance can be optimized by both lifestyle and nutritional factors. The role of supplements in enhancing both acute and longer-term physical performance remains controversial, however, testimonial and anecdotal evidence, as well as emerging clinical trial data, demonstrate efficacy and safety of use of natural products for enhancement of athletic capability.

Maximizing performance is a goal shared by our team at Nutritional Fundamentals for Health Inc, where we offer a suite of products aimed at improving short term and endurance performance. As such, this Handbook was designed to serve as a practical reference guide for practitioners interested in the latest ergogenic aid approaches for their patients. Written by Drs Sylvia Santosa and Amira Kassis, leading authorities in this domain, readers can be assured that they are being provided the most comprehensive, informed clinical recommendations available. It is our hope at NFH that this topic, along with the others in our ongoing Handbook series, will be well received by practitioners in the natural health product area.

2023 Clinical Handbook Series
 
Insomnia

INSOMNIA

By Dr Jonathan Prousky, ND, MSc, MA, RP

Sleep is a crucial cornerstone of health that can be disrupted due to various circumstances such as travel, work stress, and disease states. Addressing sleep related issues and insomnia is a crucial topic for healthcare professionals and a goal shared by our team at Nutritional Fundamentals for Health Inc, where we offer a suite of products aimed at managing this disorder.

As such, this Handbook was designed to serve as a practical learning and reference guide for practitioners interested in up-to-date contemporary approaches in the management of Insomnia. Written by Dr Jonathan Prousky, a leading naturopathic doctor in this domain, readers can be assured that they are being provided the most comprehensive, informed clinical recommendations available. It is our hope at NFH that this topic, along with the others in our ongoing Handbook series, will be well received by practitioners in the natural health product area.

 
Handbook Natural Agents for Treatment of Endocrine Therapy Side Effects in Breast Cancer

CANCER METABOLICS AND EPIGENETIC REPROGRAMMING – OVERCOMING FERMENTATION AND ONCOGENES

By Dr Neil McKinney, ND (non-practicing)

The dominant theory of cancer for the last century has been a view that random mutations happen to unlucky people, and the mutant cells must be removed or killed. Cytotoxic therapies including radiation, chemotherapy drugs, and other standards of oncology care have cured some cases and have extended life in many others.

Unfortunately, many suffer under the treatments, live in fear of relapse, endure the ravages of advancing illness, and people still die of the disease. Naturopathic and nutritional practitioners have made important contributions to ease the harms of therapy, and of the disease itself. This handbook will explore the impact of diet on the nutrient-sensing systems of the human cell.

Clinical Management of Female Infertility

by Dr Zeynep Uraz & Dr Alan Vu, ND

Infertility is a medical concern worldwide, affecting 15% of couples of reproductive age. Diagnosis, prevention and management of fertility-related concerns are high-priority topics for healthcare professionals. This priority is shared by our team at Nutritional Fundamentals for Health which focuses on healthcare education as well as offers a cluster of products aimed at supporting a couples’ journey in managing fertility and in improving their chances of success.

As such, this Handbook was designed to serve as a practical learning and reference guide for practitioners interested in up-to-date contemporary approaches to best support their patients with infertility. Written by Drs Zeynep Uraz and Alan Vu, leading naturopathic doctors in the fertility management health space, readers can be assured that they are being provided with the most comprehensive, informed and up-to-date recommendations available. It is our hope at NFH that this topic, along with the others in our ongoing Handbook series, will be well received by practitioners in the natural health product area.

2024 Clinical Handbook Series
 
By Dr Jonathan Prousky, ND, MSc, MA, RP

Stress is an unavoidable force to which humans are constantly exposed in both short-term bursts and over extended periods of time. Excessive and prolonged stress can impair quality of life. Stress management is a crucial topic for healthcare professionals and a goal shared by our team at Nutritional Fundamentals for Health Inc. As such, this Handbook was designed to serve as a practical learning and reference guide for practitioners interested in up-to-date contemporary approaches in the management of stress.

Written by Dr Jonathan Prousky, a leading naturopathic doctor in this domain, readers can be assured that they are being provided the most comprehensive, informed clinical recommendations available. It is our hope at NFH that this topic, along with the others in our ongoing Handbook series, will be well received by practitioners in the natural health product area.