Dear Osher Center Community,

As we welcome the warmth and vibrancy of June, I am honored to share a special message dedicated to Juneteenth, a day of profound historical significance and celebration. Juneteenth, observed on June 19th, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in 1865. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing journey towards equality and justice for all.

At the Osher Center for Integrative Health, we are deeply committed to fostering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in all aspects of our work. Juneteenth resonates with our mission of integrative medicine, which seeks to provide holistic, compassionate, and culturally responsive care to everyone, regardless of background. Our efforts in DEI are not only about representation but also about creating a healthcare environment where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued.

Here are a few ways we are aligning our DEI work with the principles of integrative medicine:



1. Inclusive Care Practices: We strive to ensure that our care practices are inclusive and respectful of all cultural backgrounds. This includes understanding and integrating traditional healing practices and cultural beliefs into our treatment plans.
2. Education and Training: Our faculty and fellows receive ongoing education and training in DEI to better understand the unique healthcare needs of diverse populations. This training includes recognizing and addressing implicit biases and structural inequalities in healthcare.
3. Community Engagement: We are actively engaged with the communities we serve to understand their health challenges and needs. This engagement helps us tailor our programs and services to be more effective and relevant.
4. Research and Innovation: We are committed to conducting research that includes diverse populations and addresses health disparities. Our goal is to contribute to a more equitable healthcare system through evidence-based practices.

As we celebrate Juneteenth, let us reflect on the progress we have made and the work that still lies ahead. By embracing the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, we can move closer to a future where integrative medicine truly serves all people.

Wishing you all a reflective and empowering June,

Melinda Ring, MD

Executive Director

www.drmelindaring.com

We invite you to share in the opportunity for well-being by joining the Osher Center as a patient, colleague, or supporter. To learn more please visit our website.

On June 13th and 14th, our academic and clinical leadership teams will convene for an exciting strategic planning retreat to chart the future of the Osher Center for Integrative Health at Northwestern University. This two-day conference will bring together our core team, along with expert advisors, practitioners, and patient representatives, to provide invaluable insights and guidance as we set our sights on our most significant upcoming goals.

Osher Virtual Grand Rounds

Our grand rounds for this academic year have come to an end. We will resume in the fall on 10/17/24 at 12 pm CST.

If you have missed any of our previous rounds, you can view them here.

Dietary Changes Are More Effective at Treating IBS Symptoms Than a Pharmaceutical Approach

A new study published in The Lancet confirmed that dietary adjustments surpass current medications in effectively managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. In a four-week trial involving patients with moderate-to-severe IBS, researchers compared a low FODMAP diet to pharmaceutical interventions tailored to the predominant symptoms. The findings revealed that the low FODMAP diet was more effective in reducing symptom severity than the medications.

Presently, there are no medications available that will cure IBS. Pharmaceutical approaches for IBS are based on the patient’s symptom(s) and can include antispasmodics, intestinal secretagogues, 5-hydroxytryptamine type-3 receptor antagonists, opioid receptor agonists, antidepressants, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Unfortunately, many of these medications have side effects that may limit their tolerability. 

Tips:

• Explore the Low FODMAP Diet: The Low FODMAP diet was developed by researchers at Monash University. FODMAP stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. These carbohydrates are poorly absorbed in the small intestine, and can be fermented by bacteria in the gut.



• Start with the Elimination Phase: Swap high FODMAP foods for low FODMAP alternatives for 2-6 weeks to help control IBS symptoms. The Monash app can be a great help.

• Then Comes Reintroduction: Over 8-12 weeks reintroduce high-FODMAP foods one at a time, for 3 days per item. This helps pinpoint your specific triggers so you can determine your personalized, balanced long-term diet.

• Read Labels and Plan Meals: Always check food labels for hidden FODMAPs. Common culprits include certain sweeteners, additives, and ingredients. Also, create a meal plan featuring foods such as lean meats, fish, eggs, most vegetables, and certain fruits like berries, grapes, and oranges.

• Consider Working With a Dietician or Coach: If you need extra support, having a guide makes all the difference.

Apple Cider Vinegar Can Help Aid in Weight Loss New Study Finds

In the age of Ozempic, it's hard to know where to turn for information on more natural strategies that can help with weight loss. A recent study published in the journal BMJ Nutrition, found a daily spoonful of apple cider vinegar was associated with weight loss of 13 to 16 pounds over three months in young people who were overweight or had obesity.

In this investigation, the findings suggest that apple cider vinegar could be a promising anti-obesity supplement that causes little to no side effects. Apple cider vinegar (ACV), made from fermented apples, contains acetic acid as its active ingredient. Studies have shown that acetic acid inhibits the enzyme responsible for breaking down sugar, potentially preventing spikes in blood glucose levels after consuming carbohydrates. Additionally, some evidence suggests that apple cider vinegar can increase the duration food stays in the stomach, which may enhance feelings of fullness or satiety.

Tips:

• Start Slowly: After consulting with your physician, start with 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of ACV mixed with 8 oz. water in the morning to allow your body to adjust. If well-tolerated, you can gradually increase the amount to 2-3 tsp (10-15 ml). Make sure to choose organic, raw, and unfiltered ACV that contains the "mother" – a substance composed of beneficial bacteria and enzymes.

• Dilute Properly: Always dilute ACV in a glass of water (at least 8 ounces) to prevent potential damage to your teeth and throat. Drinking undiluted ACV can cause irritation and damage to your esophagus and enamel on your teeth.

• Timing Is Key: While other studies have looked at consumption before meals, this study protocol was once daily in the morning.

• Combine With Healthy Diet and Exercise: Pair ACV with a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains and complement your efforts with daily physical activity, like walking, for optimal weight loss results.

• Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies Are Not the Same: It’s important to note that the findings in this study were linked with drinking apple cider vinegar in water- not to taking apple cider vinegar gummies.

Discover: Saunas Are the Next Frontier in Fighting Depression

The preliminary results of a clinical trial that uses heat exposure to combat depression are in and are fueling optimism that "sauna-ing" could become a widely used treatment.

See what Dr. Ashley Mason, clinical psychologist at the UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Health, has to say in this Wired article that highlights the benefits of heat therapy.

Find out more, here.

Prevent: Plant-Based Diet Boosts Prostate Cancer Health Benefits

Men with prostate cancer could significantly reduce the chances of the disease worsening by eating more fruits, vegetables, nuts, and olive oil, according to Vivian N. Liu, lead clinical research coordinator at the UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Health and first author of the study in JAMA.

Learn more about how diet can help you or a loved one, here.

Dine: Food Trends for 2024: What We’re Looking for at the Dinner Table

Trends are shifting away from fad diets to more balanced eating.

Our very own Dr. Melinda Ring, who is featured in this Natural Awakenings article, says that personalized nutrition, plant-forward diets and longevity protocols are overtaking older trends.

Dig into the diet trends, here.