As part of the LDN 2017 Conference we are proud to offer the recorded presentation as outlined below.
Cancer: Using the Latest Ideas in Immunotherapy to Improve Outcomes, Survival, and Quality of Life
30m Paul Anderson, NMD
Cancer is a pervasive and frightening condition the world over. Standard therapies have a place in treatment in many cases, but lack widespread efficacy and success in treatment. Dr. Anderson has spent the past three decades actively treating patients with cancer, and the past decade involved in cancer research using advanced oncology therapies. In this session, he will discuss how including the latest advances in immunotherapy advances the potential outcomes for patients with cancer.
Session Learning Objectives:
Discuss the limits of current standard cancer therapies
Discuss the use of integrative oncology agents
Discuss the latest immunotherapies able to support multiple aspects of cancer care and outcomes
Session Outline:
Why do we need to include advanced integrative therapies in modern cancer care
What are the limits of standard therapies in cancer care
What new immunologic therapies are available to improve therapy outcomes and quality of life in cancer care
Thyroid Disorders: Latest Advances in Help and Healing
30m Paul Anderson, NMD
Thyroid disorders are one of the most common hormonal conditions in humans. They can affect every aspect of health and quality of life in those who suffer from them. This session will look at the propensity of thyroid problems in humans, their immune connections and how modern immunologic therapies can assist in treatment and healing. Dr. Anderson will use his many years' experience and thousands of cases to inform this session discussion and detail.
Session Learning Objectives:
Describe the frequency and variety of thyroid disorders in humans
Discuss the immunologic basis for these conditions
Relate the manner in which thyroid therapy needs to be "more than hormonal" to achieve the best outcomes
Discuss latest immunologic agents available for these conditions
Session Outline:
Description of common thyroid conditions
Outline of immune effects aggravating these conditions
Effects in clinical practice of immune and hormonal therapies on thyroid conditions
Latest use and implementation of immunotherapies in thyroid conditions
Biography:
Paul Anderson, N.M.D., is CEO of the Anderson Medical Group which includes two clinics: Anderson Medical Specialty Associates (focusing on the care of patients with cancer and chronic disease) and Advanced Medical Therapies, a state of the art medical center providing fully compliant IV, Hyperbaric and Mild Hyperthermia therapies. He brings over two decades of medical training and experience together to allow his clinical and educational presence to grow and serve patients and physicians in the best way possible.
Dr. Anderson is former Chief of IV (intravenous therapy) Services for Bastyr Oncology Research Center and a past Professor at Bastyr University where he continues to serve as a full research Professor. He completed his medical degree at NUNM and trained at multiple sites in Portland, Oregon. He began instructing classes at medical schools in the early 1990s. Additionally, he is a medical author and speaks in many continuing medical education courses and events. He is extending his medical education mission through the Anderson Medical Group CE site "ConsultDrA.com," a web-based educational platform.
Nutritional Strategies for Managing Autoimmune Disorders
60m Jill Brook, M.A.
This presentation offers a practical guide to autoimmune diets, and explains how they each take different approaches to healing:
Anti-inflammatory basics
Paleo Autoimmune Protocol
Low FODMAP
Low Histamine
Low Sulphur
Specific Carbohydrate Diet
Other SIBO diets
LDN diet
It explains the latest research, provides information on who should consider implementing which approaches (and for how long), and offers tips for making restrictive plans less burdensome.
Session Learning Objectives:
Understand different ways that what and how we eat can affect:
Chronic inflammation
Gut bacteria
Mast cell degranulation and histamines
Other aspects of the immune system
Understand the latest findings about autoimmune dietary strategies, such as:
Anti-inflammatory basics
Paleo Autoimmune Protocol
Low FODMAP
Low Histamine
Low Sulphur
Specific Carbohydrate Diet
Other SIBO diets
LDN diet
And others.
Session Outline:
Explanation of the principles and research behind various autoimmune dietary approaches including:
Anti-inflammatory basics
Paleo Autoimmune Protocol
Low FODMAP
Low Histamine
Low Sulphur
Specific Carbohydrate Diet
Other SIBO Diets
LDN diet
And others
Jill will explain each nutritional approach, giving practical tips for implementing it and explain how it is believed to assist in managing various conditions.
Biography:
Jill Brook, M.A., is a nutritionist, researcher, and 25-year sufferer of severe POTS with MCAD (postural tachycardia syndrome with mast cell activation disorder). She earned degrees from Princeton University and UCLA, worked as a researcher/statistician at both universities and the Pritikin Longevity Center, then became a nutritionist in private practice in Pasadena, California. She counseled individuals and families, consulted for Caltech and Disney, appeared multiple times on NBC's Today Show and Good Morning America, wrote books, trained other nutritionists around the globe, and became increasingly debilitated by orthostatic intolerance. She eventually became homebound, despite treatment from top experts, but never stopped seeking better solutions. Some of her most successful solutions came from attending the 2016 LDN conference via livestream.
Thanks largely to LDN, IVIg, diet and SIBO treatment, Jill is again on her feet and feeling well. She is back to nutrition counseling, now with a much deeper understanding of specialized diets for those with special needs and chronic illness. She also volunteers as a researcher/statistician to several POTS experts investigating better treatment approaches. She serves on the boards of four patient advocacy groups and, with her ever-supportive husband, runs their non-profit organization, www.PatientsCount.org, which collaborates with university researchers to help them more easily collect data about POTS and related conditions. Jill is also the Research Advisor for the LDN Research Trust.
Treating Mental Health Issues Using Low Doses of Naltrexone as an Adjuvant to Psychotherapy and as a Stand-alone Pharmaceutical
30m Galyn Forster, MS, LPC
Treatment:
Case Studies
Case studies of patients with a variety of psychiatric disorders treated with low dose naltrexone. Treated symptoms include hyper vigilance, anxiety, pain, depressed mood, anger outbursts, sleep difficulties, nightmares, concentration difficulties, PMS symptoms and behavioural and substance addictions. The presentation will briefly review dosing and strategies for initiating treatment of mental health issues with low dose naltrexone.
Session Learning Objectives:
Participants will become familiar with the range of psychiatric disorders LDN can treat directly or as an adjuvant to psychotherapy.
Participants will learn about dosing strategies for using LDN to treat psychiatric disorders.
Participants will learn about patient profiles that respond well to LDN and patient profiles that might respond poorly to LDN or require greater caution.
Session Outline:
After a brief review of basic principles informing safe and effective treatment with LDN, 6 to 10 case studies will be presented illustrating how LDN has been used in the treatment of various psychiatric disorders. These studies will also include cases for which LDN did not work and explore why it was ineffective.
Treating PTSD in Military Veterans Using Low Doses of Naltrexone as an Adjuvant to Psychotherapy and as a Stand-alone Pharmaceutical
15m Galyn Forster, MS, LPC
Treatment:
Case Studies
A collection of case studies demonstrating how low dose naltrexone can be used to reduce PTSD-related symptoms in veterans, improving both their capacity to benefit from psychotherapy and their ability to adapt and function in the civilian world. These case studies will demonstrate how LDN significantly reduced disruptive symptoms of anxiety and depression, anger outbursts, nightmares, sleep problems, etc.
Learning Objectives:
Participants will become familiar with how LDN has been used in the treatment of veterans with PTSD, as an adjuvant to psychotherapy and as a stand-alone pharmaceutical therapy.
Participants will learn about a dosing strategy for treating PTSD-related issues.
Participants will learn a simple body-based strategy to disrupt dissociation.
Session Outline:
A series of four or five case studies.
An Introductory Review of the Research Exploring Opioid Antagonists as Treatment for Psychiatric Disorders
30m Galyn Forster, MS, LPC
This presentation will summarize the results of a number of studies that have explored treatment of various mental health issues with opioid antagonists. There will be a brief discussion of the shortcomings and strengths of these studies. It is suggested that one cannot assume LDN will work identically to high doses of naltrexone, but in light of what is being learned about the efficacy of LDN, these studies hold out the possibility these disorders might respond well to LDN or, in some cases, even better than to high doses of naltrexone or naloxone.
Learning Objectives:
Participants will become familiar with research exploring the use f opiate antagonists for treatment of psychiatric disorders.
Participants will recognize the need for additional research exploring the utility of both high dose and low dose naltrexone.
Session Outline:
Description of studies about high dose naltrexone and naloxone treatment of various psychiatric disorders. Topics of study will include kleptomania, OCD, self harm, borderline personality disorder and dissociation, depersonalization, PTSD, depression, behavioural addictions, etc.
NOTE: Apart from noting that research is needed to determine if LDN can sometimes be as effective as full dose naltrexone in the treatment of alcohol abuse, this talk will not address the treatment of alcohol and opiate addiction, because of the vast number of studies involved.
Speculation about how these studies might inform our understanding of the potential for LDN to be used as a treatment for mental health issues.
An Introduction to the Issue Phobia of Shared Positive Affect, How it Confounds Treatment, and How to Treat It
15m Galyn Forster, MS, LPC
This presentation will describe the etiology of the phobia of shared positive affect, how it disrupts relationships in the lives of patients, including the clinician-patient relationship, and how to both accommodate/navigate around and treat this issue. Simple principles and guidelines will be offered to reduce its disruptiveness and begin healing this daunting but relatively easily changed phobia.
Learning Objectives:
Participants will become familiar with the etiology of positive affect phobia and how it can disrupt the clinician-patient relationship.
Participants will learn about patient profiles that are suggestive this might be an issue.
Participants will learn strategies to more effectively accommodate this issue in clinical interviews.
Participants will learn simple exposure strategies to help patients begin to reduce and eventually eliminate this phobia.
Session Outline:
The etiology of positive affect phobia and how it can disrupt the clinician-patient relationship
Patient profiles that are suggestive affect phobia might be an issue
Strategies to effectively accommodate this issue in clinical interviews
Strategies to help patients reduce and eventually eliminate positive affect phobia
Biography:
Galyn Forster MS is a Licensed Professional Counselor practicing in Eugene Oregon since receiving an M.S. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Oregon in 1988. He works with adults, youth and couples with a wide range of issues including complex trauma, dissociation, anxiety, attachment issues, physical pain and unexplained somatic complaints. His clinical theoretical orientation is eclectic but central are the therapies of Eye Movement Desensitization (EMDR), Coherence Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Sensorimotor Therapy. He began working with patients prescribed low dose naltrexone (LDN) as an adjunct to psychotherapy in 2010. Since then, he has worked with over forty-five patients, facilitating their use of LDN to help manage psychiatric symptoms.
BROAD SPECTRUM, GENTLER ANTI-NEOPLASTICS: BREAKING THE CYCLE OF TOXIC THERAPY
30 Dr Akbar Khan
This presentation will cover the use of re-purposed drugs that have broad spectrum anti-cancer activity through various mechanisms, and are also non-toxic unlike conventional chemotherapy. Various therapies will be reviewed, with an emphasis on oral low dose naltrexone (other therapies include dichloroacetate and dimethylsulfoxide)
Session Learning Objectives:
Learn the rationale for using naltrexone as a cancer therapy, indications, dosing, side effects, combination with chemotherapy and contraindications.
Learn the rationale for using DCA as a cancer therapy, indications, dosing, side effects, contraindications.
Learn the rational for using DMSO as a cancer therapy, indications, dosing, side effects, contraindications.
Session Outline:
Rationale for non-toxic therapy
Naltrexone as cancer therapy
Naltrexone as chemo sensitizer
Naltrexone case reports
Naltrexone cancer publication
Dichloroacetate (DCA) as a cancer therapy
Dichloroacetate case reports
DMSO as a cancer therapy
DMSO care reports
Biography:
Dr. Khan is a graduate of the University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine (1992). After completion of his family medicine training in 1994, he joined a palliative home care team at his local hospital. This is how his focus on cancer patients began.
In 2006, Dr. Khan co-founded Medicor Cancer Centres, the first integrated private cancer clinic of its kind in Canada. Since 2007, Dr. Khan gained international recognition for his work with the non-chemo drug dichloroacetate (DCA). He is privileged to be the first doctor in the world to prescribe off-label DCA to treat cancer with positive results. As a result, he now has the most DCA experience of any physician in the world with over 2000 cancer patients. Dr. Khan also uses low dose naltrexone (LDN) in his cancer practice. He has published the world’s first paper showing complete remission of adenoid cystic carcinoma using just LDN and vitamin D: “Long-term remission of adenoid cystic tongue carcinoma with low dose naltrexone and vitamin D3 – a case report," Khan A, Oral Health Dent Manag. 2014 Sep;13(3):721-4.
Dr. Khan regularly publishes ground-breaking cancer papers in peer-reviewed medical journals.
Traumatic Stress and Dissociative Symptoms: Adjunctive Pharmacological Interventions
60m Ulrich Lanius, Ph.D.
Recent research on the use of opioid antagonists for traumatic stress syndromes and dissociative symptoms is discussed. Case studies are presented that describe the adjunctive use of opioid antagonists in treatment of dissociative symptoms. Further, case studies are presented where psychiatric overlay complicates the use of opioid antagonists in the management of pain and autoimmune disorders. A neurobiological rationale for adverse effects on emotional functioning in these cases and how to address these issues are presented. Specifically different dosing strategies and their integration with psychotherapeutic interventions are discussed.
Session Learning Objectives:
Participants will become familiar with recent research regarding the use of opioid antagonists in traumatic stress syndromes and dissociative disorders.
Participants will learn about the neurobiology of dissociation and how to use opioid antagonists to address dissociative symptoms.
Participants will learn how psychiatric overlay may predispose patients who take LDN for autoimmune disorders to adverse effects.
Participants will learn how to address these issues with patients through psychotherapeutic interventions and dosing adjustments.
Session Outline:
Presentation of recent research regarding the use of opioid antagonists in traumatic stress syndromes and dissociative disorders.
Discussion of the neurobiology of dissociation and how to use opioid antagonists to address dissociative symptoms.
Review of how psychiatric overlay may predispose patients who take LDN for autoimmune disorders to adverse effects.
Discussion of how to address these issues with patients through psychotherapeutic interventions and dosing adjustments.
Biography:
Dr. Ulrich F. Lanius is a Registered Psychologist in West Vancouver, BC, with a practice in Clinical and Neuropsychology. He has a particular interest in brain-behaviour relationships and the effects of acquired brain injury, as well as trauma and dissociation. He has worked with clients with psychiatric symptoms who have been prescribed opioid antagonists including naltrexone in a variety of doses including low dose naltrexone (LDN) since 1999 and has written multiple book chapters, and on the subject. Dr. Lanius specializes in therapeutic interventions for TBI/MTBI, as well as the treatment of trauma stress syndromes, dissociation and attachment related issues. Dr. Lanius has presented both in North America, as well as internationally, and he has authored a recent book on trauma and dissociation.
Alternative Strategies for Alleviating Fibromyalgia Pain: Tips, Tricks, and Case Studies from a Specialty Practice
60m Dr. Ginevra Liptan
Fibromyalgia is a common condition of widespread pain reflecting central nervous system sensitization. To understand how to direct treatment of this complex illness, one needs to understand the pathophysiology leading to abnormal spinal cord amplification of pain signals, so we'll start with a brief tour of our scientific understanding of fibromyalgia. With this data, it will be clear why fibromyalgia pain has been notoriously resistant to standard treatments.
Fortunately, there are some newer alternative pain relief treatments that specifically target the central nervous system sensitization. One of the best-studied is low-dose naltrexone (LDN), which calms activated glial cells and lowers the volume of pain signals transmitted to the brain.
Several case studies of fibromyalgia patients using LDN in a specialty practice will be reviewed, each highlighting one important aspect of prescribing LDN for this specific population. One challenge to prescribing LDN to patients with fibromyalgia is that many utilize opiate-based medications to manage their symptoms. There are ways to overcome this, including using ultra low-dose naltrexone along with separating dosage times adequately to lessen any interactions.
Session Learning Objectives:
Describe the central nervous system desensitization that occurs in fibromyalgia
Review how low dose naltrexone can lessen fibromyalgia pain
Identify ways to avoid interactions between opiate-based pain medications and LDN
Biography:
Ginevra Liptan, M.D., is a graduate of Tufts University School of Medicine and board-certified in internal medicine. Formerly an associate professor at Oregon Health and Science University, she is now medical director of The Frida Center for Fibromyalgia, a fibromyalgia specialty clinic (www.fridacenter.com). Dr. Liptan is the author of The FibroManual: A Complete Fibromyalgia Treatment Guide for You and Your Doctor (www.fibromanual.com), in addition to several published articles in peer-reviewed medical journals.
The Role of Enkephalins in the Pathophysiology of Multiple Sclerosis: What We Can Learn From Mouse Models
60 Michael Ludwig, M.S.
Enkephalins are endogenous compounds secreted as prohormones, post-translationally modified into small neuropeptides, and widely distributed. There are multiple enkephalins, but methionine-enkephalin, also termed opioid growth factor (OGF) is highlighted as a neurotransmitter and ubiquitous inhibitory growth factor. The latter function is mediated by a nuclear-associated receptor termed OGFr. The OGF-OGFr regulatory pathway is prominent in most mammalian tissues, playing a significant role in mediating cellular homeostasis. If dysregulated by disease, the OGF-OGFr pathway becomes a target pathway for treatment. To bring new drugs and therapies to the clinic, preclinical studies must establish the efficacy and possible mechanism of action. With regard to multiple sclerosis, the primary animal model is experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), and can be established to mimic both chronic progressive or relapsing-remitting forms of MS. induction of chronic progressive EAE by immunization with myelin oligodendrocytic glycoprotein (MOG35-55) is the most consistent animal model, whereas the relapsing-remitting form of EAE can be induced by immunization with proteolipid protein (PLP139-151). The pro-inflammatory components of both EAE and MS are similar, as the levels of IFN-γ , IL-1β, and TNF-α are upregulated, thus validating the models for study of the pathophysiology of disease. Our research has focused on the role of enkelphalins, specifically OGF, in both the onset of disease and the response to therapy. We have demonstrated that both exogenous and endogenous upregulation of OGF reduces clinical signs of disease and decreases resulting pathology (activated astrocytes, demyelination, and neuronal damage). The role of OGF as an inhibitor of cell replication has been validated with in vitro studies of activated lymphocytes. The finding of low serum enkephalin levels in both humans and animals has substantiated our hypothesis that MS/EAE is associated with a dysregulated OGF-OGFr pathway, and that enkephalins serve as biomarkers for disease progression and response to therapy.
Session Learning Objective:
To understand the role of endogenous peptide interactions with receptors, specifically opioid growth factor and the opioid growth factor receptor axis in the onset of MS disease and response to therapy.
Session Outline:
Establishment of animal models
Chronic progressive experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (Ch-EAE)
OGF and Ch-EAE
Duration of opioid receptor blockade and Ch-EAE
Relapsing-remitting EAE (RR-EAE)
OGF and RR-EAE
Duration of opioid receptor blockade and RR-EAE
Role of enkephalins and immune system modulation
Role of enkephalins and disease onset and response to therapy
Biography:
Michael Ludwig is a graduate student from Grantville, PA. He received his Bachelor's of Science in Biology from Lycoming College in Williamsport, PA in 2013. He then went to Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine for his Master's of Science in Anatomy. After completing his Master's in 2015, he remained at PSUCOM to complete his Doctorate in Anatomy. His research for both his Master's and Ph.D. was centered on the role of endogenous opioids and their use as a therapy for Multiple Sclerosis.
Fire in the Hole--Intestinal Permeability, The Development of Autoimmune Disease, and a Comprehensive Approach to Healing the Gut
60m Dr. Tom O'Bryan
Autoimmune diseases are a primary cause of morbidity and mortality in the industrialized world. That means it's in our offices every day. The number of people diagnosed with an autoimmune disease is increasing exponentially in our country. Estimates are that anywhere from three to seven out of every ten new patients coming into your office are suffering from an autoimmune mechanism (whether it has been recognized and diagnosed or not). The volume of information now of the underlying mechanisms that set the stage and contribute to the development of autoimmune disease is overwhelming.
Session Learning Objectives:
Participants will learn the underlying mechanisms taxing the immune system
Participants will learn the main environmental triggers that negatively affect the immune system
Participants will learn the mechanisms in the development of the autoimmune spectrum
Participants will learn which tests help to identify autoimmune conditions
By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to outline the trilogy in the development of autoimmune disease
Session Outline:
Underlying mechanisms taxing the immune system
Main environmental triggers that negatively affect the immune system
Mechanisms in the development of the autoimmune spectrum
Tests which help identify autoimmune conditions
Trilogy in the development of autoimmune disease
Biography:
Dr O'Bryan is a world expert on gluten and its impact on your health. He is an internationally recognized and sought after speaker and workshop leader specializing in the complications of Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity, Celiac Disease, and the development of Autoimmune Diseases as they occur inside and outside of the intestines.
He is the founder of www.theDr.com and the visionary behind "The Gluten Summit--A Grain of Truth," bringing together 29 of the world's experts on the Gluten connection to diseases, disorders, and a wide-range of symptoms. You can find this information at www.theglutensummit.com.
Dr. O'Bryan treats chronic disease and metabolic disorders from a Functional Medicine Perspective. he holds adjunct Faculty positions with the Institute for Functional Medicine and the National university of Health Sciences. He has trained thousands of practitioners around the world in advanced understanding of the impact of food-related disorders and the development of individual autoimmune diseases. He is the author of the 2016 critically-acclaimed ground-breaking book The Autoimmune Fix, outlining the step-by-step development of degenerative diseases and providing tools to identify our dis-ease process years before the symptoms are obvious.
Dissociative Symptoms in Trauma-Related Disorders: A Closer Look at the Possibilities of a New Medication
60m Dr. Wiebke Pape
Dissociative symptoms (like derealisation, emotional numbing, 'losing time,' the lack of self-awareness) occur in most of the cases of trauma-related disorders. Psychotherapeutic treatment is difficult and slow-moving and there is hardly any pharmacologic strategy that is recommended.
First experiences with the use of LDN as a supportive medication showed that it can be a very helpful element in the treatment on the whole. Compared to previously used drugs in treating dissociation and complex PTSD there is 'something new' about the effects that occur with patients who profit by being treated with LDN. It is not only the fact that a worrying symptomatic declines, but it seems as if a new connection is arising between cognitive thinking and emotional perception which may lead to an improvement of self-awareness, and deepened self-reflection, and a growth of self-empathy.
A first conclusion with respect to 6 years of using LDN may be that it is a 'psychotherapeutic drug' as it helps to get in touch with inner life, and 'the suffering that one had to bear.' It can be a support considering the effort of psychotherapy to develop strategies of self-care and a benevolent attitude toward oneself.
Session Learning Objectives
To get to know different clinical cases of patients with dissociative symptoms in trauma-related disorders and particular considerations about treatment with LDN
To look closely at the various effects that may occur due to medication with LDN
To understand different strategies of self-protection and the double bind that can emerge with treating dissociative symptoms
To understand what is 'new' about treatment with LDN compared to other medications
Session Outline:
Review of different clinical cases of patients with dissociative symptoms in trauma-related disorders and particular considerations about treatment with LDN
Exploration of the various effects that may occur due to medication with LDN
Discussion of different strategies of self-protection and the double bind that can emerge with treating dissociative symptoms
Discussion of what is 'new' about treatment with LDN compared to other medications
Biography:
Dr. Wiebke Pape, MD, is a senior physician in the department of trauma-related disorders at the 'Rhein-Klinik‘ in Bad Honnef, Germany, since 2007 (a Clinic for psychosomatic diseases offering in-patient treatment).
She studied Medicine at the Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Germany. She specialized in Psychiatry, Psychosomatic medicine and Psychotherapy after spending her medical education in the fields of Neurology, Internal Medicine and Psychiatry. She absolved her psychotherapeutic education in psychodynamic and systemic therapy and is a certified EMDR-therapist.
She is especially interested in the treatment of patients with complex PTSD and severe dissociative symptoms.
Publication: Pape W, Wöller W (2015) Low dose naltrexone in the treatment of dissociative symptoms. Der Nervenarzt 86: 346-352 (in German)
Thyroid Disease: Optimizing Metabolism Through Comprehensive Hormonal Treatment
60m Dr. John A. Robinson, N.M.D.
Thyroid hormone affects the overall metabolism of every cell within the human body. Therefore, thyroid disorders are metabolic disorders. Therapeutic interventions for thyroid disease realize their best outcomes when seen through the lens of optimizing metabolic rate. This lecture will expound on this concept demonstrating direct therapeutic strategies and tools for measuring and enhancing metabolic rate. The physician will learn how to accurately measure metabolic rate clinically and how to alter this rate with optimal thyroid hormone interventions. Additionally, this lecture will demonstrate the biological interrelationships with various hormonal systems including sex hormones, insulin and blood sugar regulation, adrenal dysfunction, and gastro-endocrine implications. The entire hormonal milieu will considered in the context of its influence on thyroid hormone metabolism and function and the resultant benefits to metabolic rate and patient symptomatic improvement.
Session Learning Objective:
To understand and learn the clinical potential of a comprehensive endocrinological and hormonal treatment protocol for thyroid disease with the central therapeutic goal of improving metabolism through optimal thyroid hormone dosing.
Session Outline:
Introduction
Thyroid Disease as a Metabolic Disorder
The Two Problems with Conventional Thyroid Hormone Treatment: Type & Dose
LDN (Low Dose Naltrexone) and Autoimmune Thyroid Disease
Sex Hormone Balance and Thyroid Disease
Insulin Regulation and Thyroid Disease
Gastrointestinal Immunomarkers and Thyroid Disease
Adrenal Dysfunction and Thyroid Disease
Biography:
Dr. John A. Robinson is a Board Certified Naturopathic Medical Doctor practicing medicine in Scottsdale, Arizona. He specializes in endocrinology and age management medicine including sex hormone management, thyroid disease and autoimmunity, insulin resistance and diabetes, adrenal disorders and stress management, and gastrointestinal issues. Since 2006 he has served thousands of patients with his unique and comprehensive approach to Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy utilizing subcutaneous hormone pellets within the context of a comprehensive hormonal approach. He has developed a unique approach to thyroid disease diagnosis and management called ThyroZone, that includes the use of Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) as a therapeutic tool for autoimmune management. He is the author of the book The Hormone Zone: Navigating Metabolism Through Whole Health Transformation, where he explores a comprehensive hormonal approach to health and metabolism. His newest book, ThyroZone(tm), explores his unique thyroid approach in more detail.
Symptoms, Modern Laboratory Tests and New Therapy Options in Chronic Lyme Disease and Coinfections
60m Dr Armin Schwarzbach
The laboratory diagnosis of tick-borne diseases and other symptom-related chronic infections is based on indirect and direct laboratory tests for different kinds of bacteria and viruses. In each bacterial and viral infection there should be an immune response based on antibodies and/or T-cells. There is a lack of confidence in falsely established laboratory tests for antibodies like the Borrelia ELISA, which are not standardized and often false negative.
Diagnosing doctors need better and improved laboratory tests, such as new microarray SeraSpot (modern Borrelia-Westernblot) and testing for T-cellular immune responses by the Elispot and CD57 cells. Many patients with tick-borne diseases have multiple infections, and most symptoms of all tick-borne diseases are not high-specific for Lyme disease or one of the other tick-borne diseases. Ticks are contaminated with Borrelia burgdorferi and other bacteria like Ehrlichia/Anaplasma, Rickettsia, Babesia and Bartonella. There are many evidence-based studies about Borrelia burgdorferi and Chlamydia pneumoniae as the causing agents in patients with inflammatory arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis or Alzheimer's disease. This presentation provides guidance to assist clinicians in obtaining an individual clinical “ranking” of possible bacterial and viral infections, and discusses laboratory tests with the highest sensitivity and specificity for each possible bacterial and viral infection according to the “ranking” of the coinfections-checklist. This should be done before starting any antibiotic or other therapy. According individual laboratory test findings therapy options can be antibiotics, virostatics or complementary therapies. There are different herbal protocols and immune supporting therapies aiming bacterial and viral infections used by naturopaths.
This presentation shows the clinical “grading” and “ranking” of symptoms according the digitalized coinfections-checklist and the laboratory “staging” processes in diagnosing tick-borne diseases and other infections by the help of modern laboratory tests, shown by several case-reports and evidence-based literature for optimized therapy decisions in the complexity of multiple chronic infections.
Session Learning Objectives:
Identify symptoms consistent with diagnosis of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses
Learn how to stage and grade symptoms to identify possible infectious agents
Learn which new and improved laboratory tests can reliably identify Lyme disease
Learn how to optimize therapy decisions for complex multiple chronic infections
Session Outline:
The array of symptoms that can be caused by Lyme disease and how to grade and rank symptoms
Problems with established laboratory tests
New and improved tests available to confirm diagnosis of Lyme disease and co-infections
New therapy options for treating tick-borne diseases
Biography:
Dr. Armin Schwarzbach, MD, PhD is a MD and a specialist for laboratory medicine from the laboratory ArminLabs, Augsburg, Germany.
Dr. Schwarzbach developed the worldwide first Radioimmunoassay (RIA) for human Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide (hGIP) from 1986 – 1991, getting his PhD in 1992.
Dr. Schwarzbach worked as a medical assistant at Limburg hospital in internal medicine, oncology, cardiology, gastroenterology, nephrology and infectiology afterwards for several years. By 1993 Dr. Schwarzbach started specializing in laboratory medicine in infectiology, microbiology, immunology, hematology, clinical chemistry, endocrinology and gynecological endocrinology.
Dr. Schwarzbach was appointed in March 2013 as the International expert for the Chief Medical Officer's Clinical Advisory Committee on Lyme Disease in Australia (CACLD) of the Australian Government, Department of Health and Ageing, Canberra, Australia. In November 2013 Dr. Schwarzbach was appointed as the European expert for Lyme disease in Ireland by the Irish Parliament, Joint Committee on Health and Children, Dublin, Ireland. He was member of the working groups for Lyme disease of the Haut Conseil de la sante publique, Paris, France and the Complex Chronic Diseases Program BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, B.C., Canada.
Dr. Schwarzbach took part as a key-speaker at the Lyme disease Parliamentary Meeting, House of Commons, 19th January 2015 in London, England.
Dr. Schwarzbach is working at his new and autonomous laboratory ArminLabs in Augsburg, Germany (www.arminlabs.com)
Low Dose Naltrexone and Autism Spectrum Disorder
60m Dr. Brian Udell
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex, multi-system condition, now of epidemic numbers, leading to behavioral and developmental signs and symptoms. However, many of the signs and symptoms represent treatable conditions. A combination of therapies and medical intervention at earliest stages provides the best chance for recovery.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the safety and efficacy of low dose naltrexone
Understand how the protocol fits into helping patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Session Outline:
Describe ASD and Epidemic numbers
Understand the Diagnosis--new DSM 5.0 criteria
Treatment options: Traditional Therapies, Medical Therapies, Biomedical Therapies
LDN protocols
Conclusions
Biography:
Dr. Udell is a leader in the healthcare industry with over thirty-six years of experience. Presently, he practices Special Needs Pediatric Medicine in Davie, FL, focusing on children with developmental disabilities including ADHD and Autism.
Dr. Udell is involved in several professional healthcare and charitable organizations, and has received numerous honors and awards. He holds a BA degree from Temple University, a Doctor of Medicine from Thomas Jefferson University, and an MBA from the University of Miami.
Dr. Udell was the first pediatrician to publish medical research regarding the use of computers to calculate and document infant intravenous nutritional support. With his partners in Pediatrix Medical Group, they were able to expand treatment to infants throughout the United States, providing a new, improved level of in-hospital care for high risk newborns.
This newly emerging epidemic of Attention Deficit and Autism Spectrum Disorders has inspired Dr. Udell to focus his training and practice on problems with childhood development. Because there has been such an explosion of families who are affected by these challenges, he is in a unique position to help evaluate all of the available research and treatments, and to provide a combination of all of the proposed therapies so that his patients have the best chance to achieve their highest potential.
Dr. Udell publishes information about his unique practice at his popular website TheAutismDoctor.com.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease – Standard and New Approaches to Therapy
45m Dr. Leonard Weinstock, MD
The two primary inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). The pathophysiology is complex and overlaps with each other. Genetic predisposition, immune disorders and environmental triggers are thought to be the initial basis for the diseases. Autoimmune factors are involved. Treatment of Crohn’s disease includes a variety of compounds designed to reduce the inflammatory response. Although 5-ASA compounds are very safe and remain the mainstay of therapy in UC, these agents used as monotherapy often do not maintain remission in UC and do not work well in ileal Crohn’s disease. During acute attacks or flare-ups, corticosteroids augment various therapies, but these agents cannot be used for long-term maintenance due to systemic toxicity. For decades, thiopurines (azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine) have been used to maintain remission in both CD and UC, and the availability of therapeutic blood levels facilitates the management and decreases toxicity associated with these agents. Monoclonal antibodies specific for molecules expressed by the T cell population or antibodies specific for cytokines known to be central to the pathogenesis of mucosal inflammation (i.e., anti-tumor necrosis factor, anti-TNF) are important. Unfortunately, treatment with many of these agents often leads to serious side effects and the overall, long-term success is less than 50%. Among the serious adverse events are the development of serious opportunistic infections and neoplasms, and in children or young adults a fatal condition called hepatosplenic lymphoma has been reported when these drugs are combined. When combination therapy is not satisfactory, there are several concerns and a few options that remain. Adjunctive therapies include antibiotics, probiotics, and restricted diets (elemental liquids, gluten-free, FODMAP-free, and, rarely, total parenteral nutrition). Because of the toxicity and inadequate efficacy of the immunosuppressive and biologic medications used for IBD, novel strategies that are safer are desirable.
Session Learning Objectives
Understand the basic pathophysiology of IBD (CD and UC)
Understand the standard medicines that are used to treat IBS
Review studies that demonstrate alternative medical and dietary therapies can be helpful in IBD
Session Outline
Pathophysiology of IBD
Photographic images to demonstrate the difference between UC and CD
Review the standard medicines that are used to treat IBD
Review studies that demonstrate alternative medical and dietary therapies can be helpful in IBD
Celiac Disease-Associated Autoimmune, Inflammatory, and Gastrointestinal Disorders: Mechanisms and Treatment
15m Dr. Leonard Weinstock
It is critical to diagnose celiac disease to improve quality of life and prevent autoimmune diseases that are associated with it. These conditions may be avoidable if it is recognized, so that the patient does not have to suffer from thyroid diseases, Addison's disease, a variety of neurological and dermatological diseases, and diabetes. Osteoporosis may be an autoimmune disease as opposed to simple malabsorption of calcium and vitamin D in the setting of enteropathy. Along with the autoimmune phenomenon comes inflammation. This can be associated with fatigue and depression. Even after treating celiac disease with a gluten free diet, it can take 2 years before the mucosa can normalize and during this time inflammation is present. Finally, even after the mucosa is normalized, chronic GI symptoms can persist including bloating and gas. This may be due to a change in the microbiome due to a prior history of active celiac disease. Antibiotic therapy for potential small intestinal bacterial overgrowth has been disappointing. Additional therapy needs further evaluation.
Session Learning Objectives:
Understand the autoimmune and inflammatory nature of celiac disease
Learn which autoimmune disorders are associated with celiac disease
Learn the prevalence of celiac associated-autoimmune disorders
Learn from actual case studies of autoimmune, inflammatory, and GI disorders associated with celiac disease
Session Outline:
Overview of the autoimmune and inflammatory nature of celiac disease
Review of associated-autoimmune disorders
Case studies of autoimmune, inflammatory, and GI disorders associated with celiac disease
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS): Pathophysiology, Gastrointestinal Involvement, and New Therapy with LDN and IV Immune Globulin
15m Dr. Leonard Weinstock
It is critical to diagnose POTS to improve quality of life and prevent severe disability associated with it. This disease is now felt to be an autonomic autoimmune disease and it affects most body systems with widespread symptomatology. This can be associated with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.
Session Learning Objectives:
Understand the autoimmune and inflammatory nature of POTS
Learn which symptoms are associated with POTS
Learn the prevalence of POTS
Learn from actual case studies
Session Outline:
Overview of the autoimmune and inflammatory nature of POTS
Review of symptoms of POTS
Case studies of POTS
Biography:
Dr. Leonard Weinstock is Board Certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine. He is president of Specialists in Gastroenterology and the Advanced Endoscopy Center. He teaches at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and is an Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine and Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine. Dr. Weinstock received a BA Magna Cum Laude from University of Vermont and the medical degree from University of Rochester School of Medicine. He completed his postgraduate training and was chief resident in Internal Medicine at Rochester General Hospital. His Gastroenterology Fellowship was performed at Washington University School of Medicine.
Dr. Weinstock is an active lecturer and has published more than 70 articles, abstracts, editorials and book chapters. He is an investigator at the Sundance Research Center and has participated over 30 research studies. He is currently researching the role and treatment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in restless legs syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome and rosacea. Low dose naltrexone as treatment for a variety of inflammatory conditions is a topic of clinical research. He is very interested in colon cancer prevention and has expertise in colon cancer screening and advanced polypectomy techniques. A complete CV is available at www.gidoctor.net.
Lupus: A Misunderstood Disease
30m Dr. Deanna Windham
Explores the science behind the contributory factors for development of lupus then moves into new and novel therapies to approach integrative treatment.
Session Learning Objective:
To understand the cause of disease as we understand it today and how to explore contributory factors to improve quality of life and disease outcomes in patients.
Session Outline:
Introduction of science of lupus
Current treatments overview
Triggers for disease--Why do people get lupus? What does research tell us to date?
Discovering the cause--individualized therapies and treatment
New and evolving therapies
Case Studies
Bipolar Disorder: Difficulties in Diagnosis and Treatment
30m Dr. Deanna Windham
Discusses the many disease processes that can mimic or destabilize bipolar disorder, how to identify and manage them.
Learning Objective:
Be able to evaluate the factors the affect bipolar disorder and help patients to remain more stable.
Session Outline:
Introduction of science of bipolar disorder, what we know so far
Evolving theory of disease
Testing for impostors, triggers, exacerbating factors
New and revolutionary therapies
Case Studies
Biography:
Dr. Windham earned her D.O. at Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She worked at the country's largest Integrative Medicine treatment facility for 12 years and served as the Director of Quality Assurance for the last five years of her career there. She lectures around the country and has been published in medical books and journals, focusing on an Integrative Medical approach.
She recently moved to Regenerative Medical Group, the country's premier treatment center for amniotic stem cell therapy, autologous immunotherapy and other cutting-edge scientific methods to restore health and wellness.
Rebooting the Immune System: Putting the Brake on Cancer Progression
30m Dr. Nasha Winters
This discussion will highlight three cases of advanced disease responding favorably to the introduction of LDN therapy.
Session Learning Objective:
Students will understand circumstances where the application of LDN can be useful
Session Outline:
Terminal GBM with long history of allergies/eczema/asthma no longer responding to standard of care given a second chance with LDN and ketogenic diet
Metastatic Melanoma in a recovering alcoholic and self-professed workaholic no longer responding to check point inhibitors and the reawakening of his immune system
Anxiety-riddled, chronic insomnia Stage IV OVCA that has not resumed treatment in four years for her recurrence and is stable, happy and healthy in combination with mistletoe therapy
Biography:
Nasha Winters, N.D., L.Ac., Dipl. O.M., FABNO completed her training in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the International Institute of Chinese Medicine in Albuquerque, NM, in 2000, and her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences in Tempe, AZ, in 2003, and is board certified and licensed in both. Dr. Winters loves educating the masses with particular focus on mitochondrial health and function from the abstract to the concrete by blending ancient wisdom with modern science to bring individuals back to optimal health in mind, body, and spirit.
Dr. Winters continues to develop programs for online access to integrative oncology expertise, and has been facilitating Soulful Living Retreats geared to folks with cancer, recovering from cancer, preventing recurrence or lowering their risk of getting cancer in those with a genetic predisposition as well as educating health care providers interested in this approach for themselves, loved ones or their own patient population since 2005, and the demand continue to grow with retreats in Mexico, and multiple times in Colorado and California in 2016. For more information about Optimal Terrain consultations, memberships, public speaking opportunities and retreats visit www.optimalterrainconsulting.com.