Naturopathic Doctor News & Review (NDNR)

Vital Nutrients has released new research highlighting the benefits of Cortisol Balance, a plant-based dietary supplement formulated to support healthy energy, stress response, and recovery. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated Cortisol Balance in 499 healthy adults seeking support for anxiety and stress. Over six weeks, participants received either Cortisol Balance or a placebo.

Georgiana Cullen-Kerney, ND, LAc Emerging research reveals that psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, may offer a groundbreaking approach to treating Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) by enhancing cognitive flexibility and reducing obsessive thought patterns.

A recent study reveals that while U.S. adolescents have increasingly refrained from risky behaviors such as substance use and violence between 1999 and 2021, there has been a notable rise in depressive symptoms among a smaller portion of youth. Published in Pediatrics (April 2025), the research analyzed data from the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Surveys, covering responses from 178,658 high school students.

By Julia Greenspan, ND Thoracic outlet syndrome is surprisingly difficult for patients to receive a diagnosis even when presenting with clear, objective findings. Most patients do not have the time to wait to see a specialist and end up in the emergency room with symptoms of arm swelling, chest pain, and elevated blood pressure that can feel like a cardiovascular event. Patients can present with normal EKG, ultrasound, and troponin levels, so most are sent home and told they are fine.

A new study from the University of Washington found that maternal acetaminophen (APAP) exposure during pregnancy was linked to a 3.15 times higher risk of ADHD in children by ages 8-10. Female children showed a stronger association, with a 6.16 times higher risk of ADHD when APAP biomarkers were present in maternal blood. Researchers identified changes in placental gene expression, including increased IGHG1 gene activity, which may partly mediate the link between APAP exposure and ADHD.

Key Findings: A new study from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) found that children exposed to second-hand smoke are more likely to show DNA methylation changes that may influence future disease risk. Researchers identified 11 DNA regions associated with second-hand smoke exposure, six of which are linked to diseases like asthma and cancer. These findings highlight the need for stronger measures to reduce childhood exposure to tobacco smoke, particularly in home environments.

Key Findings: Researchers from Mass General Brigham found that consuming two or more servings of yogurt per week was associated with a 20% lower incidence of Bifidobacterium-positive proximal colon cancer. The study followed over 150,000 participants for more than three decades, analyzing dietary habits and colorectal cancer outcomes. Yogurt’s effect may be linked to its ability to alter the gut microbiome, potentially reducing cancer risk.

By Heather Tynan, ND If you know herbs and heart health, you know hawthorn (Crataegus spp). This plant is well known for its gentle yet powerful tonification effects on the heart and the entire cardiovascular system, notably its ability to moderately lower blood pressure. This is how we Western herbalists tend to know Crataegus, anyway. If we look toward Eastern medicine, we find this herb being used similarly, but with the addition of some significant therapeutic applications.

New research suggests that traumatic brain injury (TBI) may accelerate Alzheimer's disease by disrupting brain blood vessels, challenging conventional theories on neurodegeneration. A study led by Lund University found that patients with TBI showed increased amyloid-beta accumulation-a key marker of Alzheimer's-linked to changes in vascular smooth muscle cells.

By Alexandra Mele, ND This article explores the case of a 76-year-old patient with treatment-resistant paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. It highlights how botanical medicines and nutrient therapies complement conventional care, including managing atrial fibrillation episodes, hypertension, and related cardiovascular concerns. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common complaint for naturopathic physicians practicing preventative or primary care.