2017 Nutraceuticals and Medicine Conference
 

Session 1: Soy and Health: Proposed Benefits and Issues of Concern

Faculty:

Mark Messina, Ph.D.
Adjunct Associate Professor
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda, CA

Executive Director
Soy Nutrition Institute
St. Louis, MO

Abstract:

The health effects of soyfoods have been rigorously investigated for the past 30 years. Research suggests modest amounts of soy may reduce risk of several chronic diseases including coronary heart disease and certain forms of cancer. Much of this research has been conducted because soyfoods are uniquely rich sources of isoflavones. Isoflavones are diphenolic molecules classified as phytoestrogens. Although isoflavones are purported to exert a number of health benefits, these soybean constituents are not without controversy. Their presence in soyfoods has raised concerns that soy may worsen the prognosis of breast cancer patients, cause precocious puberty and male feminization and interfere with thyroid function. These concerns as well as the proposed benefits of soy will be evaluated based primarily upon results from clinical trials and prospective epidemiologic studies.

Learning Objectives:
  1. Discuss with breast cancer patients the effects of soy consumption and how this will impact their prognosis
  2. Counsel parents about the amounts of soyfoods that are appropriate for children to consume
  3. Explain to patients the types of soyfoods that best contribute to a healthy diet
  4. Discuss with patients the ways in which soy protein and soy isoflavones may reduce their risk of developing a cardiovascular event

Session 2: Fruit and Vegetable Concentrates Decrease Chronic Inflammation

Faculty:

Lisa Wood, Ph.D.
Professor
School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy
University of Newcastle
Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia

Abstract:

This session will present a clinical study completed at the University of Newcastle, Australia. The study analyzed the effects on patient health of adding fruit and vegetable concentrates to the diet for eight weeks. The session will include the rationale for the study, study methods, assessments, and results – including reduction in cholesterol, chronic inflammation and risk of cardiovascular disease. Finally, the presenter will discuss implications for clinical practice and potential strategies for nutritional supplementation interventions in clinical practice.

Learning Objectives:
  1. Describe the rationale for using fruit and vegetable concentrates in obese people
  2. Discuss the methods of the study presented
  3. Explain the study results as they relate to reduced cholesterol, decreased inflammation and reduced cardiovascular disease risk
  4. Explain the implications for clinical practice

Session 3: Nutritional Reversal of Cardiovascular Disease: Fact or Fiction?

Faculty:

Caldwell Esselstyn, Jr., MD
The Wellness Institute
The Cleveland Clinic
Lyndhurst, OH

Abstract:

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for 23.4 percent of deaths in the latest data (2014). It is, however, virtually non-existent in cultures which thrive on plant based nutrition. This dichotomy led to the development of nutrition-based interventions for heart disease patients. This session will examine these interventions and their effects as demonstrated in a 12-year reversal study of patients with severe coronary disease. The session will also discuss how these interventions replace or work with standard courses of treatment (medications and procedures), and whether nutritional interventions can ultimately halt and selectively reverse heart disease.

Learning Objectives:
  1. Explain the importance of maintaining endothelial cell health
  2. Grasp the necessary biochemical changes to avoid plaque rupture
  3. Identify the deficiencies in the present treatment methodologies for coronary artery disease
  4. Identify nutritional interventions that can potentially halt and reverse heart disease

Session 4: Nutrition and Metabolomic Aging

Faculty:

Oliver Chen, Ph.D.
Director, Antioxidants Research Laboratory
Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging
Associate Professor, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy
Tufts University
Boston, MA

Abstract:

Aging, a normal biological process in humans, is manifested partly by a progressive decline in fitness and an increase in mortality with the first signs and symptoms reflecting the deterioration of physical, physiological, metabolic, and genetic functions. The metabolomics captures the complex metabolic, physiological, and pathological changes accompanying the aging process, and can inform the function and state of a cell or organism. This session will discuss the effects of nutrition and aging on the metabolome and examine the impact of their interplays on an individual’s metabolic profile and risk of chronic diseases.

Learning Objectives:
  1. Introduce metabolomics, including methodology for its measurement and health implications
  2. Explain how an individual’s metabolic profile changes with aging and their relevance to chronic diseases
  3. Discuss the effects of nutrition and other lifestyle factors on metabolomic profile
  4. Explore dietary strategies, including nutraceuticals and functional foods, to slow down age-related changes in metabolomic profile

Session 5: Strategies for Optimal Aging and Guidelines for the Clinical Practice

Faculty:

Elizabeth Parker, Ph.D., RD
Assistant Professor, Center for Integrative Medicine
University of Maryland School of Medicine
Baltimore, MD

Abstract:

Adults over the age of 65 account for 15% of the total population, and this number is projected to more than double by 2060. As the aging population continues to grow, there are a number of factors that influence overall health. Lifestyle changes including an improved diet, exercise and stress reduction may help combat the aging process and age-related physical and cognitive decline. Optimal nutrition to maintain muscle mass, bone health, and adequate hydration, as well as stress management are just a few of the approaches to ensure our bodies’ age well. In this session, we will explore current strategies to promote optimal aging that can be translated into everyday clinical practice.

Learning Objectives:
  1. Explain the primary factors of health deterioration with aging
  2. Discuss the elements of optimal nutrition for elderly adults
  3. Identify strategies to improve hydration in elderly patients
  4. Identify strategies to help elderly patients increase and/or retain muscle mass