Greetings,

DID YOU KNOW that probiotic supplementation decreased C-reactive protein levels by 21.3% compared with placebo in patients with depression?

An even larger effect was seen in those with metabolic syndrome or those using antidepressants, according to the study from Current Neuropharmacology.

The study was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in which participants consumed a two-strain probiotic capsule containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains daily or a matching placebo.

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Steve: For decades, researchers, clinicians, and policymakers have been working from dozens of different definitions of mental well-being, making it nearly impossible to compare studies, track population health, or design interventions that actually work. A new international consensus published in Nature Mental Health takes a meaningful step toward fixing that.

Using a structured expert survey process across 122 specialists in fields ranging from psychiatry and medicine to economics and philosophy, researchers identified 19 core dimensions of positive mental health. Six rose to near-unanimous agreement: meaning and purpose, life satisfaction, self-acceptance, connection, autonomy, and happiness. The remaining 13 including optimism, vitality, belonging, competence, calmness, and engagement, also met the threshold for inclusion.

The framework draws a clear line between what mental health is versus what influences it: physical health, income, housing, and coping strategies were classified as drivers rather than components, a distinction that matters enormously for how we measure and support well-being.

Two findings stand out as particularly important for everyday understanding. First, positive mental health is defined not as a single feeling but as the combination of how we feel emotionally, how we function psychologically, and how we connect with others, a framework designed to help people live a meaningful, manageable life, even when things might be hard.

Second, and perhaps most validating for many people: mental well-being is entirely distinct from the absence of mental illness. Someone living with depression or anxiety can still experience genuine well-being across multiple dimensions.

For clinicians, workplaces, and public health programs trying to move beyond symptom checklists, this offers a more complete and actionable picture of what it means to truly thrive.

A middle aged man came to see Steve presenting with overweight, high blood pressure, heart disease, asthma, and sleep dysfunction. Many of his blood levels were not only out of optimal ranges, but out of lab reference ranges. Most importantly, his hsCRP and Sed Rate were elevated, both inflammatory indicators, which is not good for someone with his health issues.

He had recently been on a GLP-1 for weight and blood sugar imbalance, but did not respond, had severe symptoms, and was forced to stop it. He was ready to do whatever it took to not only lose weight, but improve his overall health.

Along with helping him understand some core fundamentals of what makes an optimal diet and lifestyle, Steve put him on a specialized anti-inflammatory eating style, targeted specific dietary supplements, adjusted his exercise schedule, and helped him with stress management.

While he initially found it difficult to follow, he stuck with it and in a few short months, lost 24 pounds. His sugar cravings disappeared, sleeps great now, and some of his blood test numbers dropped so significantly his physicians were considering lowering his medication. Most importantly, he feels good most of the time, and notices cause and effect if he deviates too far from the plan. Steve was eventually able to help him add back some foods in moderation and he is very comfortable with the plan going forward.

Did you have a great experience working with us? Please let others know by leaving a review here.

Disclaimer: Case reports are not intended for self-healing. Case reports are for references purposes only and should be discussed with your health professional.

If you have chronic pain that isn’t responding to everything that you’ve tried then perhaps one of your organs is inflamed or irritated. According to Dr. Perry from Stop Chasing Pain, Inflammation or irritation in our organs can cause referred pain to muscles, joints, and skin, known as Viscero Somatic Convergence. 

The organs don’t have a dedicated pain pathway and instead share pathways in the spinal cord with the skin and muscles. That’s why organ pain can often be interpreted as skin or muscle pain. Dr. Perry puts his fingers over the organs to test for pain or spasm to determine if that’s a reason for chronic pain.

Stomach issues can signal pain to the middle of the back or directly over the stomach. Kidney issues can refer pain to the low back, outer parts of the buttocks, lower belly and hip area. Shoulder, neck or upper trap pain can mean a non alcoholic liver, sluggish gallbladder or that one has diaphragm issues. Those are but a few examples of organ pain referral. 

To reduce the inflammation of the organ, Dr. Perry suggests the following: do a few sets of deep breathing exercises every day, look at nutrition to change inflammation, perform a daily lymphatic routine, receive visceral manipulation from a qualified health professional and if that’s not enough then get blood tests. 

This information about our organs is why one always needs to look at other systems contributing to musculoskeletal pain as no system in the body ever works alone, gets injured alone or heals alone.

Dr. Liselotte Schuster is a Holistic Family Chiropractor and has been in practice with Nutritional Concepts since 1989. She uses a variety of techniques, including low level laser, to help patients reach their full potential. Contact Dr. Schuster at (847) 509-9067 or drliloschuster@sbcglobal.net.

PureInsight (formerly )Genomics harnesses the science of nutrigenomics so you can understand the relationship between your genes, nutrition, and wellness at the deepest level. Covering 72 genes in 11 trait categories, we've used Pure Insight since 2015 to help clients live longer with better quality of life.

How to Get Started

1. Order a genetic kit directly from Ancestry.com (AncestryDNA for $99) and send back your saliva specimen. When your results are ready, request that we set up a PureInsight account for you. We just need your full name, email address, and date of birth. You will receive an email invitation from PureInsight with a link to set up your account and instructions for how to upload your Ancestry data. You will receive a confirmation from PureInsight when your report is ready and we can then set up an appointment to go over your results.

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Long-form issues on Mondays and Wednesdays address all aspects of wellness including nutrition, mental and emotional health, physical activity, cooking, brand awareness, dietary supplements, medical breakthroughs, and much more.

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Results are free. Analysis with Steve or Bonnie is a separate fee.

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Bonnie, Steve, Lilo, Cindy, Diana, Marisa, and Sally

Nutritional Concepts Inc.

155 Revere Drive, Suite 11

Northbrook, IL 60062

Phone 847-498-3422

Text 847-497-0902

Hours Of Operation

Monday through Friday 9AM to 5PM

Saturday 9AM to 2PM