Written by Emily Stokes. 

Men hoping for a boost in energy levels or a more robust immune system may be inclined to consider taking multivitamins. And especially as men age, the quest for improved health starts to become top of mind. If you’re a provider, you’ll want to be ready with accurate information to answer questions and help men make the right choice given their current health considerations, diet, and bloodwork. 

In this article, we’ll unpack the best practices you can use to counsel male patients as they weigh the benefits of adding multivitamins to their regimen. Ultimately, using simple and direct language is best to help patients make informed decisions. 

Screen Patients First

Whether you’re a primary care provider or a nutritionist, you’ll want to start your interaction with a male patient the same way. Begin with a screening where you gather information about their current diet, lifestyle habits, medications, and health priorities. 

You can ask your male patient to map out a normal day of eating. Are they consuming well-balanced meals and snacks? Are they adhering to a vegan diet or pursuing other types of unique nutritional choices? Ask about their alcohol intake, too, and inquire about smoking or vaping habits. When you have a clear picture of their nutritional habits, you’ll be able to identify lapses or fine-tune your suggestions. 

Ask whether your patient is taking medications, including both prescription and OTC drugs. Maybe they’re managing a chronic health condition or stress through medications, for example. And if they’re already taking specific vitamins, it’s important for you to know about those. Lastly, work to understand their goals with multivitamins. They may be eager to enhance energy levels or support their immune system. Make sure you write down all of their answers so you have them in your records. 

Consider Using Labs to Inform Guidance

A low-dose vitamin regimen is simple enough for most men to add to their diet. But labs can also be a useful resource when you’re trying to advise on multivitamin supplements. While labs might not be necessary for everyone, there are certain scenarios where they can make sense. 

Blood tests can involve comprehensive panels or specific tests targeting certain vitamins. In either case, tests can spot deficiencies and offer a better understanding of a patient’s nutritional status. For instance, labs might confirm suspected anemia by showing low iron levels and red blood cell counts. Or, if the initial interview with a patient indicated that they’re eating a poor diet, labs can reveal deficiencies of vitamin B12 or D. Labs also can make sense for individuals considering higher-dose regimens for iron or vitamin A. Similarly, older patients should have labs to help spot vitamin levels that could be adjusted. 

Ordering labs can establish a baseline against which providers can compare future results once a patient has started a multivitamin regimen. It’s wise to clarify to patients that vitamin deficiencies and surpluses both can be problematic. Over time, labs can offer a factual indication of whether adding multivitamins is a helpful decision. The benefits of taking multivitamins for men can be great, but it’s always good to check progress. 

Understand Your Patient’s Goals

Interacting effectively with patients is key to building a positive rapport and helping patients trust your guidance. Plan on prioritizing the patient by asking clear yet open-ended questions that encourage them to talk. Start by asking them to share what their goals are with adding a multivitamin to their diet. Confirm what they’re saying by repeating it to them before moving to follow-up questions. This step ensures that you fully grasp what they’re reporting to you. 

Some male patients may enter this conversation having done personal research on multivitamins. In other cases, they may have heard about multivitamins through conversations with a friend, but know very little about them. Use questions to figure out what your patient knows and thinks. And share honest, fact-based research to demonstrate the efficacy of multivitamins. While multivitamins don’t lower the risk of cancer or heart disease, they can help individuals with certain vitamin deficiencies or dietary issues. It can be helpful to create and practice a script prior to a patient’s appointment. For example, tell a patient your plan for them, given their existing condition, lab results, and other information. Then explain that you’ll follow up within a few months to see if the multivitamins are helping. 

Tailor Your Plan to the Patient’s Needs

Does your patient want to improve their immune system’s resiliency? Are they feeling tired and eager to increase their energy levels each day? Use your patient’s goals to help guide your advice. 

If a patient wants stronger immune support, inform them that multivitamins are only one small part of a care plan. Your patient will need to focus on rounding out their diet and getting more sleep to see real results. Further, if a patient wants to feel less fatigued, do bloodwork first to check for problems like low vitamin D or anemia, as well as thyroid issues. If lab results reveal a specific deficiency, it may be best to target it with a specific vitamin. 

Some patients may want to take multivitamins to manage prostate health. In those instances, it’s critical to help your patient understand that supplements with one ingredient can actually have a negative impact and won’t prevent prostate cancer. Some men may enter an appointment assuming any sort of supplement is good. Present research-based information and resources to back up your statements. Focus on helping patients set reasonable expectations for how multivitamins can play a role in their daily health.

Avoid Over-Supplementing

In general, providers can follow a few key guidelines when working with male patients to determine a multivitamin dosage plan. For starters, in most cases, it’s best to recommend low-dose multivitamins over more concentrated vitamins that contain only single nutrients. And help your patient steer clear of iron in their chosen multivitamins. While many women deal with iron deficiencies, it’s not as common a problem in men. If men have too much iron, they could suffer from gastrointestinal discomfort, like stomach pain or constipation. More severe problems like diabetes and organ damage are possible, as well. And does your patient smoke? Too much beta-carotenene in a multivitamin can contribute to a rising risk of lung cancer. 

Make sure your patient targets only high-quality vitamin brands, as well. Seals from USP or ConsumerLab add credibility, indicating that products have been verified by third-party testing. Vague or misleading labels should be avoided. Make sure to provide information about independent reviews or proper dosage, too. 

Offer Reasonable Dosing Suggestions

It’s not enough to simply recommend a type of multivitamin. Your patients will need clear advice regarding how often to take multivitamins and in what context. One of the best options for patients is a one-a-day formula. With these, patients will only need to remember to take a pill consistently each day.

Communicate specific instructions or drawbacks connected to different options. For instance, some multivitamins may need to be taken with food. Caution your patients that failing to do so could result in an upset stomach or poor nutrient absorption. Olive oil and other fats can help facilitate better absorption. And while gummies may sound more convenient to take, they can come with added sugar or a smaller list of nutrients. 

Older patients who require more specific nutrient quantities may be better off opting for tablets, capsules, or softgels. Additionally, advise patients currently taking other medications to space out their doses. Medications could impact absorption, and patients will need to be aware of potential drug interactions. Multivitamins with too much vitamin K or fish oil could contribute to bleeding if the patient is already on blood thinners, for instance. Calcium and iron can harm the effectiveness of some thyroid medications if taken too close to the medication dosage. Be sure to gather a comprehensive list of your patient’s medications to help determine their best path forward. And encourage your patient to go over dosage instructions with their pharmacist. 

Create Thorough Documentation and a Follow-Up Plan 

Ultimately, it’s wise to document everything when you’re working with patients and trying to address a problem. With proper documentation, it’s easier to determine whether a care plan is effective and where changes can be made. This documentation can be your point of departure as you look toward follow-up visits. 

Create a chart that outlines the patient’s current status, including their baseline labs and dietary practices. Write down the goals that they’re hoping to achieve, such as improved immunity or prostate health. Indicate that you’ve talked through potential risks that come with adding a multivitamin, including drug interactions, and provided them with educational handouts.

The chart also should include details like the name of the recommended multivitamin and its dosage. And indicate when the patient will have his next appointment. Six months or even a year can be a reasonable timeframe before meeting to reassess. You’ll help ensure compliance and audit standards, and ensure that you’re offering the best care possible when you commit to thorough documentation. 

Help Patients Make the Right Decisions

Counseling male patients effectively boils down to creating a detailed plan that considers their current health status, goals, and drug interactions. Begin with an interview and, in some cases, labs, to determine what their diet looks like and where the patient may have deficiencies. Explain what the best multivitamin options are for men and offer fact sheets from trusted sources to help guide their understanding. Caution your patient about drug interactions and dosages to help ensure a healthy integration of multivitamins into their lifestyle. And set up a follow-up appointment to check results. With a targeted, organized approach, you’ll help patients feel confident about their plan going forward.

Author’s Biography

Emily Stokes is a Midwest-based writer. Her writing explores a range of topics, including fine arts, real estate, and wellness practices. With experience in academic and blog writing, she can tailor her style to fit a variety of needs. 

Please also review AIHCP’s Meditation Holistic Nursing Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  These programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification

Written by Elissa Capelle Vaughn,

As the evolving outlook on cannabis continues to shape conversations on the topic, how do clinicians approach the subject of cannabis safety for patients? 

Creating a safe and educational space for these crucial discussions is critical to patient care. Medical professionals need a comprehensive tool set, from screening tools like questionnaires to education on product labeling, to ensure patient conversations are effective and focused on safe management of alternative treatments and harm reduction.

1. Strategies for Screening and Assessments for Cannabis Safety

The more information clinicians and nurses have, the more effective the patient communication process will be. Before asking about cannabis use specifically, you should have the patient’s medical history available. This history may include both physical and mental conditions, as well as any current medications. 

Clinicians must use validated screening tools when asking questions. A consistent, evidence-based framework is needed to accurately identify signs of problematic use, which may prompt necessary conversations for intervention.

2. How to Ask Questions

When inquiring about cannabis use, ensure questions are relevant to the patient’s location and medical history. 

For example, if a patient lives in a location where recreational cannabis is legal, asking whether they use “street drugs” wouldn’t yield a relevant answer. The patient would most likely say “no” since they’re less likely to view their cannabis use in this way.

Instead, you would ask if they use recreational or medical cannabis; this question accurately reflects the legal and social landscape of the patient’s location. Framing the question this way opens the door to a more substantive conversation between clinician and patient. 

The next set of questions can focus on cannabis use itself, including the amount, frequency, type, and preferred methods of use. 

In addition to patients’ medical histories and cannabis use habits, it’s important to understand the distinction between various strains. For example, reviewing this article on cannabis types and strains can help medical professionals develop more specific questions that yield valuable information relevant to patient health.

3. Cannabis Use Screening Tests

If you want to ascertain marijuana abuse patterns in patients, you can run a Cannabis Abuse Screening Test, also known as a CAST test. 

This screening test identifies use patterns that can (or have) resulted in possible negative impacts on social, mental, and physical wellness. CAST tests can be effective when screening cannabis use in adolescents and young adults, providing necessary information for intervention planning. 

Identifying potential cannabis abuse patterns is critical for an age group with ongoing development of the prefrontal cortex.

The Cannabis Use Disorders Identification Test-Revised, or the CUDIT-R, is a multi-item screening tool for adults that assesses cannabis use disorder. A CUDIT-R test produces a score; if that score meets or is higher than a certain threshold, there may be a need for more in-depth screening. 

Additional screening may be necessary to understand the impact of cannabis use on a patient’s health. Conducting a Timeline Followback (TLFB) test can reveal more insight into cannabis consumption patterns. A TLFB is a calendar-based screening method that better visualizes (and quantifies) frequency, including the amount consumed, during specific time frames.

4. Risk Assessments for Interactions and Comorbidities

The next set of inquiries can reveal a deeper understanding of the impact of a patient’s cannabis use on current medications, both OTC and prescribed. The assessment should also be relevant to any pre-existing conditions the patient may have. This information is vital to preventing any adverse reactions. 

The cannabinoids in Cannabis, THC and CBD, can potentially impact the effectiveness of patient medication or trigger side effects. Interactions may occur if both cannabis and medication are metabolized by the same cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzyme system. 

At this stage of the assessment, gather information about possible high-risk combinations and counsel patients if necessary. For example, patients who have prescriptions for sedative-hypnotics like benzodiazepines should be aware of the risks of cannabis use. Possible side effects may include: 

• Depression of the central nervous system 
• Heightened risk of impairment
• Dizziness
• Heightened risk of falls or accidents 

Include questions about anticoagulants in your risk assessment. Patients who take blood thinners should be aware of the impact cannabinoids can have on their prescription drugs’ metabolism. Interaction could potentially affect the potency, increasing the risk of bleeding. 

Patients taking prescription medications for a cardiovascular disease should know that cannabis can temporarily increase heart rate and blood pressure. Additional physiological stress from cannabis could also potentially increase the risk of a cardiac event.

Psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, comorbid mood disorder, and any known psychiatric disorders, should be assessed for risk during a cannabis use screening. The THC in cannabis can potentially intensify symptoms of these, even heightening the risk of psychosis.

5. Harm Reduction Strategies for Cannabis Use 

The harm reduction approach requires clinicians to take a more compassionate and realistic angle. When it comes to discussing the risks of cannabis use, meeting patients where they are can make a positive difference, especially when it comes to discussing strategies for minimizing or ceasing cannabis use. 

Harm reduction is about reducing any adverse impacts on patients. Clinicians, especially those in the alternative treatment space, can discuss safe cannabis consumption through a harm reduction lens. 

For example, advising a patient to start with low doses of cannabis at a slower frequency can lower the risk of potential side effects. This advice should be tailored toward specific use; medical-grade edibles, for instance, have a delayed onset for several hours, producing stronger effects which can heighten side effects like anxiety, rapid heart rate, or dizziness. 

An assessment may lead to a recommendation about a consumption method. For example, a patient with documented respiratory issues should be advised to switch from smoking medical cannabis to consuming it as an edible in gummy form.

It’s important to warn patients against using any kind of synthetic cannabinoids on the market. 

6. Product Safety

Regardless of assessment results, all patients should be advised never to drive a car or operate any kind of machinery while under the influence of cannabis. Safety discussions should also extend to best practices for purchasing; for example, patients should only buy products that are regulated and tested for safe consumption.

7. Safe Consumption Advice for Specific Populations

Since the impact of cannabis use varies across age groups, conversations on harm reduction and safe consumption must be tailored to address the unique variables of different segments. 

For example, when addressing cannabis use in adolescents and young adults, patients must understand that their brains are still developing. Therefore, continued use can impact learning, memory recall, and mental health, such as anxiety.

It’s essential to adopt an empathetic tone with this age group and all segments. However, since this age bracket is particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of cannabis use on brain development, creating a non-judgmental space where young patients feel comfortable discussing the roots of their cannabis use can pave the way toward harm reduction strategies. 

Use visual aids to convey the science behind THC and how it can interfere with the brain development of adolescents. Highlight studies and statistics about the increased risk of mental health challenges (and even addiction) later in life.

The success of these conversations relies on trust. Assure patients of the confidentiality of these assessments. 

Adults of all ages must also be aware of the risks of cannabis use, especially as metabolism changes with age. There are also age-related health issues to consider. For example, older adults who are taking medical cannabis, or considering it, should be counseled on fall risks; this is an opportunity for a safe consumption conversation, especially if an older adult is taking cannabis or CBD for pain. 

The harm reduction approach may also advocate the use of cannabis products with low THC levels and higher CBD content. THC is the psychoactive compound, while CBD can help manage issues with sleep disturbances or pain management. CBD products carry much lower risks for side effects.   

8. Product Labels 

As a clinician, you also assume the role of educator. Therefore, a complete cannabis use screening should include education on cannabis product labeling and marketing. These conversations may involve clarifying the differences in consumption methods, including how long the effects last. When describing CBD topicals, you could explain how the product provides localized relief for joint pain without the psychoactive effects of THC. 

Always focus on real data when counseling patients. Use visual aids to discuss what product label data means. For example, the percentage of THC and CBD is a critical data point to discuss; this data helps patients understand the potency of the product. This discussion can help guide patients toward safer products with higher CBD percentages versus THC. 

Follow up with patients and update assessments accordingly with new information as it arises. 

Incorporate Cannabis Safety Conversations Into Your Methodology

Remember to prioritize harm reduction, safe consumption, risk assessments, and proper education in your cannabis use screenings moving forward. Leverage all available (and valid) cannabis use tests, including CAST, CUDIT-R, and TLFB, to determine intervention strategies, especially for adolescent patients. Integrate engaging visual aids and practice empathy to empower patients to regulate (or even lower) their consumption, opening the door to a healthier future.

Author bio:

Elissa Capelle Vaughn is a New York-based content writer who covers trending topics in health and wellness. She also brings a diverse background in sales and marketing to her work when discussing communication strategies in the health field.

Please also review AIHCP’s Holistic Nursing Certification program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  These programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification

Written by Nadine Westwood

Misinformation spreads like wildfire in the age of TikTok and pseudoscience. Sadly, health myths, especially myths about digestive health, seem to have the most traction, leading to harmful practices or neglected conditions.

As people on the front lines, healthcare professionals are the first to witness the harm misinformation can cause. Therefore, it’s our responsibility to address and debunk these myths with clear, factual education.

This is what we’ll try to do in today’s piece, where we’ll analyze and debunk 10 of the most popular digestive health myths.

1. Colon Cleansing is Necessary for Good Health

Some complementary health practitioners assert that the body stores toxins in the colon, necessitating a “detox procedure.” To “cleanse the colon,” they advise using enemas or laxatives (among other methods). Advocates maintain that this process eliminates accumulated waste, leaving you feeling more energetic.

However, studies show no scientific evidence supporting routine colon cleanses to remove toxins. The human body already has an effective detox system (the liver and kidneys) and filters harmful substances without external help.

Following this myth can harm more than help. Frequent cleanses may disrupt gut flora, leading to digestive imbalance and weakened immunity. Overuse can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or damage to intestinal walls.

Instead of cleanses, it’s best to focus on a fiber-rich diet and hydration, the natural ways the body stays healthy internally.

2. Probiotics Are a Cure-All for Digestive Issues

Probiotics, often found in supplements and fermented foods, have reached superfood status (they are on a similar level of fame with kale and dark chocolate).

Due to this undeserved fame, a growing percentage of the population seems to believe probiotics can cure all digestive problems, including bloating, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). They are marketed as a one-size-fits-all solution for gut health.

Science tells a different story, though. While some studies show probiotics may benefit specific conditions (such as antibiotic-associated diarrhea or certain IBS symptoms), their effects vary widely by strain and individual.

In-depth studies show that probiotics aren’t universally effective and can even delay microbiome recovery after antibiotics in some cases. Therefore, the best way to benefit from probiotics is to get a recommendation from a dedicated gastroenterologist, who can use advanced diagnostic methods to determine which strains may help a specific individual.

This myth may not seem dangerous, but misleading marketing campaigns can convince people to ignore or delay more effective treatments. Additionally, probiotic supplements aren’t cheap, and there’s always the risk of introducing unnecessary strains into the body.

Sustainable gut health relies on personalized care through dietary adjustments, hydration, exercise, and consulting experienced healthcare providers.

3. You Should Have a Bowel Movement Every Day

Some individuals feel uneasy if they don’t have daily bowel movements. According to this myth, a lack of bowel movements in a day is a sign of digestive health problems.

Bowel habits vary from person to person. Research shows that a normal frequency ranges from three times a day to three times a week. Factors like diet, hydration, activity levels, and stress all influence regularity.

Believing this myth can lead to the overuse of laxatives or unnecessary worry about irregularity. This may harm the natural rhythm of your gut and create dependency on stimulants for bowel movements. Self-treating can also mask underlying conditions that genuinely need medical evaluation.

4. Juice Cleanses Detoxify your Digestive System

Juicing for detox is a trend that started somewhere in the 1970s as a means of absorbing healthy nutrients. Fueled by marketing efforts, the trend reached its peak in the 2000s and 2010, leading to a projected $75 billion market by 2026.

These cleanses involve consuming only fruit and vegetable juices for a designated period. According to claims, this is an effective way to cleanse the body of toxins, lose weight, and improve energy levels.

Science disproves these perceived benefits through studies that found no evidence supporting juice cleanses as necessary or effective. According to these studies, juice-only diets lack essential nutrients like protein, fats, and fiber for energy and gut health. Extended use of these methods may cause blood sugar spikes, muscle loss, fatigue, or electrolyte imbalances.

5. Stress Causes IBD

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) manifests through symptoms like chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramping, rectal bleeding, fatigue, and unintended weight loss. People may also experience urgent bowel movements and reduced appetite.

Alternative healthcare practitioners promote the idea that IBD is caused by stress. According to them, stress management (with the associated supplements) and emotional control should be enough to alleviate symptoms and even treat the problem.

However, research shows IBD is caused by a combination of genetic predisposition, immune system dysfunction, and environmental triggers – not stress. A 2019 study confirms stress may exacerbate symptoms but does not initiate the condition.

In conclusion, while managing stress can improve symptom management and overall well-being, treating IBD requires a comprehensive approach led by healthcare professionals.

6. Everyone Should Follow a Gluten-Free Diet

Some believe that avoiding gluten leads to better digestion and overall health. A gluten-free diet is also marketed as a way to lose weight in a “healthy” way. Add to this the endorsement from high-profile celebrities and influencers, and it’s easy to see why so many people still believe gluten is harmful.

Scientific evidence doesn’t support this trend. Gluten-free diets are essential for individuals with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, but no data supports health benefits for the general population.

In reality, unnecessary gluten restriction may reduce nutrient intake because those who follow it adopt restrictive eating habits. Gluten-free products often lack fiber and key vitamins like B12 or iron, increasing the risk of deficiencies. It may also divert attention from other dietary issues which should be addressed correctly.

Unless you are diagnosed with a specific condition requiring it, there is no reason to avoid gluten. For balanced nutrition, focus on a diet rich in whole grains (like wheat or barley), fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.

7. Apple Cider Vinegar Cures Digestive Problems

Due to its antimicrobial properties, useful digestive enzymes, and anti-inflammatory properties, apple cider vinegar (ACV) is often perceived as a natural and safe alternative to conventional medicines.

ACV has a long history of use in traditional medicine, which has seeped into modern practices through homeopathic teachings and marketing. Some people believe it can cure digestive problems such as bloating, acid reflux, or indigestion.

While ACV may provide some digestive aid for individuals with low stomach acid, studies have shown that it offers no universal benefits for most digestive problems. In fact, excessive use could irritate the esophagus or erode tooth enamel.

Overconsumption can also disrupt the body’s natural pH balance and cause gastrointestinal discomfort rather than relieve it.

8. All Fiber is Good for Digestion

Fiber promotes healthy digestion by supporting regular bowel movements, nourishing beneficial gut bacteria, and regulating blood sugar and cholesterol levels. This is a well-known fact within the scientific community.

However, we can’t assume that all fibers benefit digestion equally, regardless of type or source.

In reality, there are two types of fiber (soluble and insoluble), and their effects differ:

• Soluble fiber (found in oats, beans, and fruits) helps regulate blood sugar and soften stools.
• Insoluble fiber (in whole grains and vegetables) adds bulk to stool for regularity. Too much of this fiber can worsen bloating or diarrhea in sensitive individuals like those with IBS.

So, overloading on high-fiber foods indiscriminately is not the solution to healthy digestion. Fiber needs vary by person, and the wrong balance can upset your gut rather than help it.

9. You Should Avoid All Fatty Foods

The “fat is bad” myth stems from dietary guidelines in the 1970s and 1980s when fat was incorrectly blamed as the primary cause of heart disease and obesity.

Influential studies, like the Seven Countries Study by Ancel Keys, linked saturated fats to cardiovascular issues. However, this research oversimplified complex nutrition science.

In response, both health-responsible agencies and the media started heavily promoting low-fat diets. Food manufacturers replaced fats with sugars and refined carbohydrates in processed foods to meet the demand for low-fat products. Ironically, this shift contributed to rising rates of obesity and metabolic disorders.

Today’s research recognizes that not all fats are harmful. Some fats, like those in avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, are essential for nutrient absorption (especially vitamins A, D, and E), energy production, and supporting cell membranes.

While excessive intake of trans or saturated fats may cause issues like bloating or sluggish digestion in some cases, balanced fat consumption is vital for gut health and hormone regulation.

10. All Probiotics are the Same

Probiotics gained popularity as more people became aware of gut health linked to overall well-being. Aggressive marketing amplified claims of benefits for digestion, immunity, and more. Modern trends favoring so-called natural wellness solutions further drove demand for probiotic-rich products like supplements, yogurt, and fermented foods.

While it’s not a bad thing to consume more foods perceived as being rich in probiotics, it’s important to understand the difference in strains.

Different strains serve specific purposes. For instance, Lactobacillus acidophilus helps with lactose digestion, while Saccharomyces boulardii targets antibiotic-associated diarrhea or IBS symptoms.

In conclusion, generic supplements may not address specific concerns. It also risks overlooking more effective dietary adjustments or treatments for digestive problems. For best results, it’s essential to choose probiotic products with clinically validated strains tailored to an individual’s unique condition.

Wrap Up

Misinformation is running rampant these days and can mislead patients, causing harm or delaying proper care. As health specialists, we must prioritize evidence-based guidance to counter harmful myths that keep people away from adequate treatments.

Author bio:

Nadine Westwood is a health coach and writer who helps her clients achieve phenomenal and sustainable results by combining nutrition, fitness, education and fun!

References:

Natural colon Cleansing & Detox: Is it necessary? (n.d.). WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/balance/natural-colon-cleansing-is-it-necessary

Debunking Detox: Your colon doesn’t need cleaning! (n.d.). Office for Science and Society. https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/medical-critical-thinking-you-asked/debunking-detox-your-colon-doesnt-need-cleaning

Day, R. L., Harper, A. J., Woods, R. M., Davies, O. G., & Heaney, L. M. (2019). Probiotics: current landscape and future horizons. Future science OA, 5(4), FSO391. https://doi.org/10.4155/fsoa-2019-0004

Ciorba M. A. (2012). A gastroenterologist’s guide to probiotics. Clinical gastroenterology and hepatology: the official clinical practice journal of the American Gastroenterological Association, 10(9), 960–968. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cgh.2012.03.024

Heaton, K. W., Radvan, J., Cripps, H., Mountford, R. A., Braddon, F. E., & Hughes, A. O. (1992). Defecation frequency and timing, and stool form in the general population: a prospective study. Gut, 33(6), 818–824. https://doi.org/10.1136/gut.33.6.818

Bóna, E., Forgács, A., & Túry, F. (2018). A léböjtkúrák és az atípusos evészavarok lehetséges kapcsolata. Kvalitatív előtanulmány [Potential relationship between juice cleanse diets and eating disorders. A qualitative pilot study]. Orvosi hetilap, 159(28), 1153–1157.

Sun, Y., Li, L., Xie, R., Wang, B., Jiang, K., & Cao, H. (2019). Stress Triggers Flare of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Children and Adults. Frontiers in pediatrics, 7, 432. https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2019.00432

Gluten-free diet gains popularity, despite no rise in celiac disease. (2016, September 6). Medical News Today.

Hadi, A., Pourmasoumi, M., Najafgholizadeh, A., Clark, C. C. T., & Esmaillzadeh, A. (2021). The effect of apple cider vinegar on lipid profiles and glycemic parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. BMC complementary medicine and therapies, 21(1), 179. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-021-03351-w

Lattimer, J. M., & Haub, M. D. (2010). Effects of dietary fiber and its components on metabolic health. Nutrients, 2(12), 1266–1289. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu2121266

Please also review AIHCP’s Holistic Nursing Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  These programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification