Greetings,

DID YOU KNOW that while this should not come as a surprise to you, a study from PLoS One found that those with insufficient or deficient vitamin D levels were at much higher risk for COVID-19-related hospitalization?

The study followed over 150,000 subjects. Deficient vitamin D levels were considered 24 nmol/L or less, insufficient levels were 25-50 nmol/L, while normal was 50 nmol/L and above.

This is critical because many labs in the United States consider above 30 nmol/L to be within reference range. We have always said between 50-80 is optimal.

• WC Feature* UPFs
• GLP-1 Medication Update
• August 20% OFF Sale
• Case Report

• Chiro Corner NEW!
• Pure Genomics
• Blog Briefs - Unhealthiest Fast Food
• Well Connect Member Benefits

Steve: By now, you must know someone who is on one of the Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) such as Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro.

GLP-1 is a hormone released primarily in the intestines in response to eating food. It plays a role in glucose homeostasis by stimulating insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells in a glucose-dependent manner and inhibiting glucagon secretion from pancreatic alpha cells. 

GLP-1 also delays gastric (stomach) emptying, promotes satiety (the feeling of fullness), and reduces appetite, leading people to decrease food intake. 

GLP-1 made by the body has a short half-life because it is rapidly degraded. Pharmaceutical GLP-1s have been designed to mimic the effects of endogenous GLP-1 but have longer half-lives.

The more we know about these medications, the scarier they get. What's most disturbing is that the people taking them are not getting any advice on what and how to deal with the side effects. We've witnessed our share of horror stories already, especially when it comes to malnutrition.

According to a study presented at ENDO 2025, The Endocrine Society's annual meeting, 40% of weight loss from GLP-1s comes from lean body mass. Alarmingly, those who consume less dietary protein see even more muscle loss.

A recent study from JAMA Ophthalmology found those taking GLP-1s may face more than twice the risk for developing neovascular age-related macular degeneration compared with those not using the medications. The risk appears to increase with longer exposure to the drugs.

Even with some of the minor symptoms such as nausea, constipation, and diarrhea, patients are not getting advice on how best to deal with them.

Before resorting to these medications, which you will have to take for the rest of your life, look into natural options that can be catered to your individual needs, such as Akkermansia muciniphila and Bacillus subtilis.

A 66 year-old male came to see Steve about prostate health, tiredness (afternoon swoon), hip soreness, elevated cholesterol, weight, and high work stress.

He was already on cholesterol medication and two blood pressure medications. His diet resembled the standard American diet. He drank water, tonic water and an occasional soda. He did not take any supplements.

His blood work exhibited very high levels of sedimentation rate (chronic inflammation), uric acid (inflammation and gout), prostate-specific antigen, cortisol (stress hormone), iron, among others, as well as low vitamin D.

Under Steve's direction, he completely changed his diet and lifestyle, and started taking targeted supplements. His wife was extremely supportive and was integral in the process.

After six months, there was remarkable change. Aside from losing 15 pounds and having no afternoon swoon, his sedimentation rate went from 33 to 6! This means he went from having extreme chronic inflammation to virtually none.

All other levels improved except the uric acid. Steve suggested he ask his physician to take a short holiday from one of his blood pressure medications, which can keep uric acid levels high. After removing the medication, his uric acid dropped without elevating his blood pressure. Finally, he was able to reduce his statin medication by half with the intention of eventually eliminating it.

He was thrilled, his wife was thrilled, and his PCP was thrilled. This is another example of a client who put in exemplary work to change his ways and is reaping the benefits.

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.

The July 2025 Chiropractic Economics explains that the kinetic chain refers to the interrelationship of the joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons. How they all work together in a coordinated manner to produce movement. That any disruption in that chain can lead to decreased performance, which increases the risk of injury. 

That old song “The foot bone’s connected to the knee bone and the knee bone’s connected to the hip bone”, is an example of the kinetic chain. Add muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia to that song for a complete picture. One case of the disruption in that kinetic chain is of a sprinter whose foot pronates excessively. That caused one of his shin bones to rotate incorrectly, which then affected the ligament of his knee causing chronic knee pain. 

The key to restoring his kinetic chain was by combining chiropractic adjustments of the ankle, knee, hip and spine along with adding specific exercises and foot supports. These helped his knee pain, improved his overall sprinting performance and prevented a severe injury. 

This holistic approach of a full body adjustment combined with exercise and support, is great for athletes and non athletes alike. Performing better in a competition or during one’s daily life activities allows for a happier body, mind and spirit.

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.

Twice Weekly eNewsletters with Tons of Extra Content 

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.

Pure Genomics Wellness Screening

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

Website Page Dedicated to Members Only

Only paid members have exclusive, password protected access to our 48 title Action Plan Library, Natural Foods Shopping List (updated quarterly), and the most recent 100 issues of our email newsletter.

*If you prefer to call in or email your orders, continue to do so. Whatever is convenient and comfortable is what we want for you.

Password Required For Website Orders

To make purchases, enter the password discount2018 when prompted at the "Guest Area" firewall, which is necessary for us to show our discounted pricing.

Easy Search

Whether on your computer or mobile device, find anything you want quickly using our website search feature.

Reorder Easily By Registering At Our Website

Registering as a member of our website will allow you to reorder items quickly. At our homepage, simply click on "Log In" and sign up. There, you can create a profile and see all of your previous orders, as well as make a wishlist of items you frequently order. Click the heart icon next to the add to cart button to add any item to your wishlist.

There are two passwords returning customers need to have.

1. Password to log into your account. This is the password you entered when you first registered at our site. Only you know this password.
2. Password to get past the "Guest Area" firewall: discount2018. The password will always be discount2018 unless we notify you.

3 Options for Fulfilling Your Order at The Wellness Shop

1. Place your order to be shipped.
2. Place your order for pickup at our office.
3. Place your order online but pay offline by calling in your credit card info.

Pay for Appointments

Pay for your appointment directly from our wellness shop under Service Fees.

Self-Help Action Plans

Inexpensive self-help protocols covering myriad conditions. These do not replace individualized consultations. View all 48 titles under Action Plans.

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