Greetings,

DID YOU KNOW that there is a very little discussed blood test linked to cardiometabolic health called uric acid?

Long known for its link to gout and kidney stones, the test for urinary metabolic waste is now gaining steam as a biomarker for inflammation.

Researchers investigated the role of serum uric acid in disease progression from baseline to first cardiometabolic disease, subsequent cardiometabolic multimorbidity, and mortality.

According to results of the study from Nutrition Journal, each 1 mg/dL increase in serum uric acid above normal was associated with higher risks of first cardiometabolic disease, transition from first cardiometabolic disease to cardiometabolic multimorbidity, and all-cause mortality.

This is why uric acid is part of our blood work requirements.

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Steve: I feel a responsibility to warn you as many times as possible about the dangers of non-nutritive sweeteners because they are in everything, especially "diet" and sugar-free" products.

Just within the last few months, there have been a bevy of negative studies regarding non-nutritive sweeteners. While sucralose (Splenda) and Acesulfame-K (potassium) were not in this round of data, we have shared a plethora of negative studies about them as well.

Aspartame (NutraSweet, Equal)

Aspartame consumption is associated with higher cancer risk, including obesity-related cancers and non-obesity-related cancers, regardless of weight status, according to a study from The Journal of Nutrition.

Findings from Nutrition Reviews demonstrated aspartame’s potential neurotoxic effects: elevated oxidative stress markers and neuronal loss, memory and learning impairments, as well as behavioral dysfunction and mood disorders indicative of depression and anxiety in both animal and human models. Aspartame downregulates gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) signaling, which is calming, and upregulates glutamate signaling, which excites.

A study from Food and Chemical Toxicology found aspartame may promote ovarian cancer development, potentially by upregulating the expression of key genes such as AURKA, CCND1, and RAD51.

A study from Frontiers in Nutrition speculates that aspartame, as an environmental exposure factor, is involved in the potential molecular mechanism of Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis, thereby providing a basis for it being neurotoxic.

Erythritol

A study from Journal of Applied Physiology shows that erythritol can disrupt brain blood vessel cells, reducing their ability to relax, increasing harmful oxidative stress, and impairing the body’s ability to break down clots. These changes create conditions that could raise stroke risk, even at typical consumption levels.

Sorbitol

Sorbitol can be turned into fructose in the liver, triggering effects similar to regular sugar. Gut bacteria can neutralize some of it, but as researchers found in a Science Signaling study, too much sorbitol can overwhelm that defense, thus stressing the liver.

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.

The April 2026 Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research documented changes in a patient with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. In multiple sclerosis the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord, becomes damaged and scarred. The intention of this case was to determine if correcting misalignments of the bony structures, where the brain meets the spinal cord at the upper part of the neck, would enhance certain mechanisms within the body to improve multiple sclerosis symptoms.

The patient in this case was a 30-year-old male with multiple sclerosis who had symptoms of dizziness, tingling, numbness, headaches, gait instability, and fatigue. An MRI revealed demyelinating lesions in the supratentorial area of the brain and the spinal cord region of the neck at C4-C5. Eight months prior to beginning chiropractic he began Kesimpta yet still reported continued progression of his symptoms. 

Chiropractic x-rays revealed subluxation of his first neck vertebrae and a reduction of the curve in his neck. The patient continued with his monthly Kisempta injection and then began to receive radiograph-guided upper neck correction of his subluxation along with full-spine adjustments. Following chiropractic intervention, the patient-reported that he was “Very Much Improved” with substantial reductions in fatigue, dizziness, and the overall burden of his symptoms. A follow up MRI demonstrated improvement of his neck at C4–C5 compared to his prior MRI.

One can never underestimate the power of the human body when its structures are better aligned, allowing its systems to have enhanced communication and performance.

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.

Pure Genomics Wellness Screening

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