Dear Steve,

DID YOU KNOW that researchers in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study in Journal of Dietary Supplements investigated the effects of collagen peptides on mood status including fatigue, physical condition, and immunological status?

Participants who were healthy but easily fatigued consumed 10 grams collagen peptides daily or placebo food for eight weeks.

Fatigue was significantly lower in the collagen group than in the placebo group and vigor-activity was significantly higher in the collagen group than in the placebo group after eight weeks. Moreover, those consuming collagen peptides exhibited increases in the feeling of sleep restfulness.

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Steve: A study from Nature Medicine revealed the staggering global health impact of sugar-sweetened beverages. In 2020 alone, they were responsible for 2.2 million new cases of type 2 diabetes and 1.2 million new heart disease cases worldwide.

What makes added sugars so difficult to avoid is that they prey upon our addictive tendencies and they are ubiquitous in the food supply. We've suggested one way to "rehab" from sugar addiction, and a new study from Clinical Nutrition echoes this: engage your bitter taste buds.

When bitter compounds from foods or beverages activate our bitter taste receptors, they help regulate postprandial glycemia (after-meal blood sugar), which over time improves hemoglobin A1C. The best way to mobilize and condition your bitter taste receptors is to consume a wide variety of vegetables. And don't give up after a few tries. You're rehabbing and retraining your brain. The longer you consume bitter substances, you'll eventually learn to enjoy them. Just imagine craving cabbage!

Akkermansia I've overwhelmed you with positive data about the gut microbe Akkermansia recently, but here's more!

A study from Nature Microbiology found Akkermansia muciniphila (AM) feeds on certain types of sugar found in the mucus of the digestive system. This is important because these sugars also are food for a variety of bad pathogens and their toxins, such as Shiga toxin.

Here's what the authors concluded: "We know that AM is a hugely important microbe, and levels of the microbe can be a good indicator of overall health. The bacteria are always beneficial for the gut, and lower levels of it are associated with inflammatory diseases and diabetes."

Micronutrient Deficiency

Among patients with type 2 diabetes, prevalence of micronutrient deficiency was 45.30%, according to a study from BMJ Nutrition, Prevention, and Health. Among specific nutrients, the prevalence of deficiency was highest for vitamin D (60.45%), followed by magnesium (41.95%), iron (27.81%), and vitamin B12 (22.01%).

Steve saw a lovely older woman with collagenous colitis. Even on high-dose budenoside, which is a steroid, her diarrhea was so bad that she was deathly afraid to be anywhere where a bathroom wasn't close by.

Steve presented evidence that there were myriad diet and lifestyle factors contributing to her situation. She admitted that following the plan was going to be very difficult because not only were many of the foods ones she had been eating for decades, but there were significant emotional and cultural connections to these foods. Luckily, she had a very supportive family to help her adjust to her new diet and lifestyle. 

After Steve checked in with her at 30 days, she had obviously followed everything to the letter. The diarrhea had stopped, as had her cramping and pain. Her bloated belly was much better. Other symptoms, such as burning in her toes and right foot stopped about four days into the new regimen. Night cramps in her legs also stopped. In conjunction with her physician, she is working slowly to wean her off budenoside.

Her disposition is now even lovelier then when she first came in :)

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

A February 2025 article in The American Chiropractor discusses hand grip strength as a potential indicator of one’s balance and stability. Research has shown that hand grip strength is closely related to certain physical abilities, including balance and lower body strength.

Grip strength is a marker of overall muscle health and function. When it declines that can point to weakness elsewhere in the body. This means that testing hand grip can give a more comprehensive view of one’s overall stability as well as help identify early signs of physical decline and function.

Get tested with a dynamometer or do a home test using a bathroom scale. A hard time opening doors and jars or having difficulty holding onto a banister and other items, means it’s time to begin a strength and balance program. As one ages it’s always important to help prevent future falls and maintain one’s independence.

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 23andMe.com or Ancestry.com and send back your saliva specimen.
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4. 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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Bonnie, Steve, Lilo, Lori, Sharron, Cindy, Diana, Marisa and Janice