Because many adults have fond memories of carefree childhood days spent roaming the woods with their friends, swimming at the creek, or just hanging out eating ice cream after school, it’s hard for them to picture that a majority of today’s children are as prone to stress as a busy executive.
Pressure from parents, teachers, coaches, and peers can cause children to develop anxiety, to have trouble sleeping, and to turn to unhealthy foods and even alcohol or drugs in an attempt to alleviate their pain. Teaching children healthy, constructive ways to handle stress is essential in today’s busy world.
Here are eight powerful and practical ways to help your child destress and relax in a world that is often overwhelming:

1. Resist over scheduling: Many children have nearly every waking moment of their lives scheduled, from the time they wake up to the time they go to bed. School hours, after-school practices or lessons, then dinner and homework leave little to no room for free time just to daydream or relax. Many children are so used to this routine, they don’t realize they are over scheduled. Take a good look at how your child’s day is structured. All children need free time to rest and relax, so began to build this time into your child’s day. Their bodies and their brains will be better for it!
2. Make family dinners a habit: Regularly eating dinner with your children is one of the most important things you can do for their physical and emotional health. Adolescents who eat regularly with their families show increased self-esteem, do better in school, and have a much greater chance of not developing obesity in young adulthood.1,2 In addition, families who eat dinner together generally consume healthier foods in the form of more fruits and vegetables and fewer highly sweetened beverages.3 That’s good for everybody!
3. Get outside: In our modern world, parents are increasingly reluctant to allow their children time for free, unstructured play out of doors. Much of this reluctance stems from fear of accidents or abduction by a stranger. As a consequence, many children are alienated from the natural world and grow up with an unhealthy fear of being outdoors. There is a growing body of research that clearly demonstrates that children greatly benefit from time outside. Exposure to sunlight and the natural elements benefits children not only physically, but emotionally as well and acts as a powerful buffer to stress.4
4. Get a pet: Researchers at the University of Florida were among the first to document the protective effects of pet ownership in children. In a study of children 7 to 12 years of age who underwent a stressful experience, the children who had their dogs present with them had lower levels of stress than the children who were accompanied by a parent or who had no social support at all.5 Pets are wonderful companions. They love unconditionally, teach responsibility, and help children connect with other people. So take a trip to your local rescue organization and bring home a four-legged friend!
5. Give your kids some vitamin ZZZZ: Quality sleep is crucial for children’s health. Sleep impacts your child’s mood, affects learning and behavior, and is vital for brain health. When children are chronically stressed, circulating stress hormones like cortisol remain elevated at night, and glucose is also increased, leading to an increased incidence of obesity, diabetes, and even heart disease.6 A regular bedtime, especially on school nights, to ensure your child gets enough sleep is essential. Toddlers (1 to 2 years old) need 11 to 14 hours of sleep each night. Preschoolers (3 to 5 years old) need 10 to 13 hours, school-aged children (6 to 13) should be getting 9 to 11 hours, and teens (14 to 17) function best on 8 to 10 hours a night.7
6. Limit screen time: Your child’s developing brain is an extremely sensitive organ, and overexposure to electronic screens in the form of smartphones, tablets, video games, and television can easily overload your child’s sensory system, disrupt your child’s natural biological clock, and lead to depression and sleep disorders.8 In addition, too much screen exposure can increase cortisol, the body’s stress hormone. So put a limit on screen time and don’t allow children to use electronic devices at night before bed. Some clinicians are even recommending an “electronic fast,” the total elimination of all electronic devices for several weeks, in order to reset the child’s nervous system.
7. Get up and move: Exercise can not only benefit your child’s cardiovascular system, regular physical activity can also help your child’s body handle stress more efficiently. In a study conducted with 258 8-year-old children in Finland, researchers found that children who had regular moderate or vigorous physical activity responded to a stressful situation with no or a very small increase in cortisol (a stress hormone) compared to children who got less exercise.9 In addition to its powerful stress-fighting ability, exercise helps strengthen the heart and circulatory system, helps reduce blood sugar levels, helps to control weight, makes your child’s bones stronger, and increases levels of serotonin, the “feel-good” chemical the brain releases after vigorous physical activity.9 Soccer anyone?
8. Work on yourself: If you are stressed out as a parent, it’s incredibly hard not to pass on the negative effects of that stress to your children. In fact, your ability to handle stress in your own life is a very good predictor of how well you relate to your children as well as how happy your children are. Being a parent can be incredibly satisfying, and at times it can also be extremely stressful. Just be aware that your stress levels, if left unmanaged, could be damaging the health and well-being of your children. So take some time for yourself to get that in check. All of these suggestions aimed at your children are good for you as well!

References:

1. Harrison ME et al. Systematic review of the effects of family meal frequency on psychosocial outcomes in youth. Can Fam Physician. 2015;61(2):e96-e106.
2. Berge JM et al. The protective role of family meals for youth obesity: 10-year longitudinal associations. J Pediatr. 2015;166(2):296-301.
3. Fink SK et al. Family meals and diet quality among children and adolescents in North Carolina. J Nutr Educ Behav. 2014;46(5):418-422.
4. Bento G et al. The importance of outdoor play for young children’s healthy development. Porto Biomedical Journal. 2017;2(5):157-160.
5. Kertes DA et al. Effect of pet dogs on children’s perceived stress and cortisol stress response. Soc Dev. 2017;26(2):382-401.
6. Pervanidou P et al. Metabolic consequences of stress during childhood and adolescence. Metabolism. 2012;61(5):611-619.
7. Phruthi S et al. Recommended amount of sleep for pediatric populations: a consensus statement of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. J Clin Sleep Med. 2016;12(6):785-786.
8. Hale L et al. Screen time and sleep among school-aged children and adolescents: A systematic literature review. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 2015, 21, 50-58.
9. Martikainen S et al. Higher levels of physical activity are associated with lower hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis reactivity to psychosocial stress in children. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2013;98(4):E619–E627.

Submitted by the Metagenics Marketing Team

In the last decade or so, the interest and use of probiotics have skyrocketed. According to Statista.com, sales of probiotic supplements in the United States amounted to $1.4 billion in 2014 and are projected to grow exponentially in the coming years.1 With numerous commercials on television these days advertising the various health benefits that probiotics can provide, have you ever wondered about giving probiotics to your kids?

What are probiotics?
The human microbiota are very diverse and consist of 10-100 trillion bacteria living in the various tissues of the body such as the skin, mouth, and gut.2 Most of these bacteria live in our gut and are resistant to the colonization of bad bacteria, act as key players in the process of gut immune system development, and form short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), a major energy source for cells in the colon.3 The microbiota continue to evolve as we age and are influenced by what we eat, our body composition, how much sleep we get, how many antibiotics we take during our lifetime, and the amount of daily stress we experience.4
One way to support healthy microbiota is to create a balanced environment of different types of bacteria. We can do this by supplying our bodies with more beneficial bacteria, called probiotics. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) define probiotics as “live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.”5
Some examples of food sources that contain these beneficial bacteria are yogurt, kefir, miso, kimchi, tempeh, and sauerkraut. It might be difficult to obtain the amount of beneficial bacteria from probiotic-rich food alone; therefore, incorporating a probiotic supplement that offers a stable and reliable source of gut-friendly bacteria as part of your daily regimen might be a good idea.*

Use of probiotics in children
There is an increased interest in the use of probiotics in children because of the growing evidence that suggests that these gut-friendly bacteria may convey numerous health benefits to kids, as well. Some of the most studied probiotics are L. rhamnosus GG (LGG), B. lactis, L. reuteri, and S. boulardii.6-8
​
How to choose a probiotic
Probiotics have a specific, designated nomenclature based on their genus, species, and strain. The most commonly recognized probiotic genera include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium3 and are used in many functional foods and dietary supplements. If you choose to give probiotic supplements to your children, consider the following:

• Colony-forming units (CFUs) in the billions
• A brand that specifies the exact genus, species, and strain information and amount of live organisms (Example: Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07, 5 billion live organisms. Genus: Bifidobacterium; species: lactis; strain: Bi-07)
• Specific storage instructions, for example: “keep refrigerated”

Keep in mind that not all probiotic strains provide the same benefits. Additionally, the quality and potency of probiotics can vary significantly between products. Therefore, only those strains that have proven efficacy and safety should be recommended for use in the pediatric population. If you think a probiotic might be right for your child, consult with your healthcare practitioner, who knows you and your child’s health history best.

​References:

1. https://www.statista.com/statistics/492591/dollar-sales-probiotic-supplements-united-states/ Accessed January 29, 2018.
2. Ursell LK, Metcalf JL, et al. Defining the human microbiome. Nutr Rev. 2012;70(1):S38-S44.
3. Behnsen J, Deriu E, et al. Probiotics: properties, examples, and specific applications. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med. 2013; 3(3):a010074.
4. Thomas S, Izard J, et al. The Host Microbiome Regulates and Maintains Human Health: A Primer and Perspective for Non-Microbiologists. Cancer Res. 2017;77(8):1783-1812.
5. Hill C, Guarner F, Reid G, et al. Expert consensus document: The international scientific association for probiotics and prebiotics consensus statement on the scope and appropriate use of the term probiotic. Nature Rev Gastro & Hept. 2014;11:506-514.
6. Thomas DW, Greer FR. Probiotics and prebiotics in pediatrics. Committee on nutrition; section on gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition. Pediatrics. 2010;126(6):1217-1231.
7. Weizman Z, Asli G, Alsheikh A. Pediatrics. 2005;115(1):5-9.
8. Hojsak I. Probiotics in children: what is the evidence? Pediatr Gastroenterol Hepatol Nutr. 2017; 20(3):139-146.

Today the average person consumes five times the visual content of people living 50 years ago.1
Scientists say we are deep into the Information Age.2 And while researchers have only just begun to explore the effects of screens on the brain and body, current findings are shocking.

A Nielsen report, for instance, claims that adults in the United States log 11 hours of daily digital media consumption.3 This includes time spent scrolling through smartphones, tablets, computers, and other devices. The same Nielsen report states that young adults aged 18-34 spend 43% of their time on digital platforms. Data shows that even children as young as 8, or less, spend an average of two hours a day in front of screens—an amount that has tripled in four years.4

Regardless of the specifics, we need to be mindful of all the hours we spend staring at screens, particularly in younger users. As reports indicate, tech leaders such as Bill Gates, Mark Cuban, and Steve Jobs limited their own kids’ screen time,5 we, too, must examine the implications of digital over stimulation in children and youth. This begs an integral question: As society becomes increasingly dependent on electronic devices, will this affect or change our brains? If so, how? 

The effects of screens on younger brains
Babies, children, adolescents, and even young adults are especially susceptible to the neurological implications of their electronic devices.6

Take the interim findings from a $300 million National Institutes of Health (NIH) study that is still ongoing.6 These findings were featured in a recent 60 Minutes report, which detailed researchers following 11,000 children across the country to determine how screens and screen time impacts brain development and influences the mental health of young people.7

During the study, 4,500 participants were instructed to lie down in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine while a screen displayed images from their Instagram accounts. The machine would scan their brains for certain responses, including a spike in dopamine—the chemical linked to motivation, pleasure, and reward.6

Here are some of the study’s neurological findings: 6

• Researchers identified significant changes in brain development among youth who spent more than seven hours using screens each day.
• Participants who spent more than two hours per day using screens experienced lower performance scores on language and thinking assessments.
• Longer-term outcomes will be published in the coming years, as researchers continue to examine the effects of screen time and review additional data points from the study.

Dr. Dimitri Christakis—lead author of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ guidelines for screen time—explains that infants are even more susceptible to the implications of screen addiction than adolescents.7Very young children experience the same dopamine rush as their older counterparts, but they aren’t yet equipped to transfer what they learn virtually, to the real world.7

He explains that 18- to 24-month-olds are at a critical period in their brain development, and they struggle applying two-dimensional tasks (i.e., building digital blocks on a tablet) to three-dimensional situations (i.e., building with actual wooden blocks).7 This means they face all the risks of screen addiction without the benefits.

Accordingly, Dr. Christakis recommends that with the exception of video chatting, parents avoid exposing infants under 2 years old to any form of digital media.7

But regardless of age, one thing is certain: Too much screen time can impair young people’s brain development.8 The frontal lobe in particular undergoes extensive changes from puberty through our mid-20s, and it plays a significant role in the following:8

• Self-confidence
• Academic and career performance
• Emotional regulation
• Capacity for learning
• Ability to connect with others

To protect the development of these areas, it’s important to monitor the screen time of youth of all ages closely.

The effects of screens on adult brainsWhile adults in their mid-20s and older enjoy the benefit of fully developed brains, spending hours scrolling through one’s smartphone can still cause damage.
Logging hours upon hours of screen time each day may result in:8

• Difficulty sleeping: Research indicates that heavy computer and smartphone use can disrupt our ability to sleep. This is because the blue light our devices emit hinders our ability to produce melatonin, the sleep-promoting hormone.
• Shifts in the brain’s reward center: Video games and social media in particular can be highly addictive and cause the same dopamine rush associated with drugs and gambling. This can alter the brain’s reward system in the long term.
• Vision problems and headaches: Spending too much time staring at screens may cause dry eyes, headaches, and blurred vision. In addition to their physical drawbacks, these symptoms may also compromise our cognitive performance.

Looking to prevent the drawbacks of screen addiction? Instead of reaching for your device, make a point of exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and unplugging on a regular basis.

What are the neurological changes linked to too much screen time?
Our dependence on electronic devices shapes numerous parts of our lives, including our physical well being, social health, and capacity for learning.9
Specifically, too much screen time can cause changes to the landscape of the brain. These changes include:8

• Gray matter atrophy: Several studies have shown that the gray matter areas of the brain, which oversee processing and include the frontal lobe, lose tissue volume when continually exposed to screens.
• Loss of white matter integrity: White matter connects the different lobes within each brain hemisphere, the left and right hemispheres, and the pathways between the higher and lower brain centers. It also regulates the networks between the brain and the body, so spending too much time with your devices may lead to internal communication problems.
• Cognitive functioning issues: Reduced cortical thickness is also linked to our dependence on screens. This can damage the brain’s information-processing and impulse-management centers, heighten our sensitivity to rewards, and hurt our cognitive performance.

To lower your risk of facing these neurological changes, there’s a simple solution: Limit your screen time each day. There’s no need to get rid of your devices entirely—they can be beneficial, and researchers are still exploring the specific effects they have on our brain health—but that makes it all the more important to take charge of the way you spend your time. Simply be aware of how many hours you and your loved ones spend on your devices each day.

References:

1. Fisher N. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicolefisher/2019/01/24/how-much-time-americans-spend-in-front-of-screens-will-terrify-you/#529d90771c67. Accessed March 25, 2019.
2. http://www.ushistory.org/us/60d.asp. Accessed March 28, 2019.
3. Nielsen staff. Nielsen. https://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/news/2018/time-flies-us-adults-now-spend-nearly-half-a-day-interacting-with-media.html. Accessed March 26, 2019.
4. The Common Sense Census. 
5. Berger S. CNBC – Make It. https://www.cnbc.com/2018/06/05/how-bill-gates-mark-cuban-and-others-limit-their-kids-tech-use.html. Accessed March 26, 2019.
6. Shoot B. Fortune. http://fortune.com/2018/12/11/nih-kids-screen-time-study-2018-brain-development/. Accessed March 25, 2019.
7. Cooper A. CBS News – 60 Minutes. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/groundbreaking-study-examines-effects-of-screen-time-on-kids-60-minutes/. Accessed March 25, 2019.
8. Dunckley V. Psychology Today.https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mental-wealth/201402/gray-matters-too-much-screen-time-damages-the-brain. Accessed March 26, 2019.
9. Pandika M. Rally Health. https://www.rallyhealth.com/health/unexpected-effects-screen-time. Accessed March 26, 2019.

Submitted by Metagenics Marketing Team

​

By Bronwyn Storoschuk, ND

As human life expectancy continues to increase, there is also an increased risk for cognitive impairment over the course of a longer life.1 Brain health and cognitive performance have received a lot of recent attention by researchers in order to understand, and develop, strategies that will reduce the risk for cognitive decline.2 Furthermore, greater importance is being placed on “healthspan” versus “lifespan,” and there is an increased demand to find ways to optimize overall health, including brain health and cognitive performance.

In the past few years, more scientific interest on the influence of nutrition on brain health and function has emerged, especially as dietary fats have regained popularity among consumers.2 It has been well-documented that a ketogenic diet can have profound benefits on the brain and cognitive function; however, there is also evidence that suggests consuming a high-fat diet increases the risk of cognitive decline and may impair brain performance.2,3 To clear some of the confusion, it is important to differentiate between the different types of fats and the potential mechanisms that may explain impairment in cognitive function.  
As far back as 1990, animal studies showed that diets high in saturated fats caused significant impairments in learning and memory.4 The results from subsequent human studies showed similar findings. Research showed that high-fat diets, containing mostly omega-6 fatty acids and saturated fats, were associated with worse performance on cognitive tasks.5 In addition, diets that contained mostly saturated fats and transfats have been associated with an increased risk of brain disorders.6 It has also been determined that high-fat diets with elevated amounts of saturated fats and cholesterol may impair intellectual function, along with increased risk for other health concerns.7 As most Americans follow a “Standard American Diet,” which contains high amounts of omega-6 fatty acids, saturated fats, and transfats and low omega-3 fatty acids, it is not surprising that rates of cognitive decline are increasing in the US.2,8

In the United States, the major sources of saturated fats come from:9

• Fatty cuts of meat
• Pastries and baked goods
• Cheese
• Milk
• Margarine
• Salad dressings
• Mayonnaise
• Butter

The major sources of trans fats, which are primarily industrially produced from vegetable oils, are found in:10

• Baked goods like cakes and cookies
• Crackers
• Margarine
• Fried foods
• Potato chips
• Popcorn  
• Shortening

Omega-6 fatty acids are found in many commonly used plant oils including canola, safflower, sunflower, soybean, corn, and cotton seed oil.11 In the Standard American Diet the consumption of vegetable oils is significant; thus omega-6 fatty acid consumption has become much higher than omega-3 fatty acid intake.11 The suggested dietary intake of omega-6:omega-3 ratio is around 1-4:1; however, most Americans consume these fats within the range of a 10:1 to 20:1 ratio.11 Although omega-6 fatty acids are essential, meaning the human body requires them for good health but cannot synthesize them, and they must be eaten to provide benefits, once consumed, they are metabolized into arachidonic acid, which at excessive levels is proinflammatory.11 In recent years, research has attempted to determine the biological mechanisms behind the detrimental cognitive effects associated with a high-fat diet. The major proposed mechanisms include insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and inflammation.2

Insulin resistance
Although insulin is usually discussed in relation to carbohydrate intake, consumption of both saturated and trans fats have been studied to impair insulin sensitivity.12 In addition, data have shown diets high in saturated fats are associated with increased total body weight and abdominal obesity, which also contribute to insulin resistance.13 Overall, it has been found that cognitive performance declines as whole body insulin resistance increases.10

It is important to consider that the Standard American Diet is also comprised of large amounts of refined sugars and refined grains.2 Increased consumption of refined carbohydrates also leads to insulin resistance, the greatest effects of which are seen when high sugar intake is combined with excessive caloric intake—often found in conjunction with a high-fat diet.14 So although specific fats can induce insulin resistance, this combination is more detrimental and very common in the US population.2

Oxidative stress
It has been observed that a high-fat diet, primarily composed of increased intakes of saturated fats and omega-6 fats, raises the levels of free radicals in tissues and the brain.11,15 Free radicals, or reactive oxygen species (ROS), contribute to oxidative stress and lead to cellular damage.16 Chronically high levels of oxidative stress are known to lead to cognitive decline.16 Research has shown that high-fat diet-induced oxidative stress also leads to reduced levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which plays an important role in the survival, and growth, of brain cells and may explain some of the impairment in cognitive performance.2,17 Interestingly, data from preclinical studies indicate vitamin E, a potent antioxidant, is associated with better cognitive performance.18,19 While these findings still need to be confirmed in human studies, this information suggests that oxidative stress is involved in cognitive impairment and may be an outcome of a high-fat diet.2

Moreover, high-fat diets, specifically the fats included in the Standard American Diet, commonly lack essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which may further limit the body’s ability to effectively combat the increased levels of oxidative stress resulting from this high-fat diet.20

Inflammation
Studies show high-fat diets composed primarily of saturated fats and omega-6 fatty acids have been associated with significantly increased levels of inflammation both systemically and in the brain.2 The brain is very sensitive to levels of inflammation, as inflammatory mediators can easily cross the blood-brain barrier.2 In one animal study, a diet comprised of 60% saturated fat showed significantly increased levels of inflammatory mediators, reduced levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factors, and highly reactive cells in the brain. As inflammatory mediators increased, significant impairment in cognitive performance was observed.21

Fats & cognition
​It is clear that all fats are not created equally. For instance, a diet that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids has been found to support cognitive processes.11 Accordingly, diets high in omega-3 fatty acids are associated with enhanced memory and learning and may play a role in supporting healthy cognition.24-25 The most important omega-3 fatty acids for brain health are EPA and DHA.26 However, it can be challenging to get the appropriate intake of EPA and DHA by diet alone, especially when looking to enhance cognitive performance.26 Also, it is important to note that a low intake of total fat, less than 20% of caloric intake, has been studied to impair cognitive performance due to an inadequate intake of fat-soluble vitamins and essential fatty acids, all of which are necessary to support cognition and general health.10

Regardless of what diet is followed, when fat is consumed, it is very important to choose the right fats. Brain function is impacted by insulin resistance and is sensitive to oxidative stress and inflammation, all of which are increased on a high-fat diet.2 However, this does not mean that all types of fats are bad, as it is well-documented that omega-3 fatty acids support  cognition, and fat, in general, is required for optimal brain health.24

This content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individuals should always consult with their healthcare professional for advice on medical issues.

References:

1. Suthers K et al. Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2003;58(3):S179-186.
2. Freeman L et al. Nutr Neurosci. 2014;17(6):241–251.
3. Hernandez A et al. Front Aging Neurosci. 2018;10:391.
4. Greenwood CE et al. Behav Neural Biol. 1990;53:74–87.
5. Kalmijn S et al. Ann Neurol. 1997;42:776–782.
6. Luchsinger JA et al. Arch Neurol. 2002;59:1258–1263.
7. Requejo AM et al. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2003;57(Suppl 1):S54–57.
8. Simopoulos AP. Biomed Pharmacother. 2002;56:365–379.
9. Subar AF et al. J Am Diet Assoc. 1998;98:537–547.
10. Dhaka V et al. J Food Sci Technol. 2011;48(5):534–541.
11. Patterson E et al. J Nutr Metab. 2012;2012:539426.
12. Ghafoorunissa G. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2008;17:212–215.
13. Frankenberg A et al. Eur J Nutr. 2017;56(1):431–443.
14. Macdonald I. Eur J Nutr. 2016;55(Suppl 2):17–23.
15. Beltowski J et al. J Physiol Pharmacol. 2000;51:883–896.
16. Zhu X et al. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2007;64:2202.
17. Bathina S et al. Arch Med Sci. 2015;11(6):1164–1178.
18. Lockrow J et al. Exp Neurol. 2009;216:278–289.
19. Wu A et al. Eur J Neurosci. 2004;19:1699–1707.
20. Greenwood CE et al. Neurobiol Aging. 2005;26(Suppl 1):42–45.
21. Pistell P et al. J Neuroimmunol. 2010;219(1-2):25–32.
22. Simopoulos AP. J Am Coll Nutr. 2002;21(6):495-505.
23. Uranga RM et al. J Neurochem. 2010;114:344–361.
24. Schaefer EJ et al. Archives of Neurology. 2006;63(11):1545–1550.
25. Freeman MP et al. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 2006;67(12):1954–1967.
26. Swanson D et al. Adv Nutr. 2012;3(1):1–7.

Bronwyn Storoschuk, ND 
Bronwyn Storoschuk, ND is a board-certified naturopathic doctor trained at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. Prior to attaining her ND, Dr. Storoschuk completed her Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Kinesiology at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. She currently works in private practice in Toronto, Ontario. One of her practices is located within an integrative fertility clinic, where she provides naturopathic care to individuals undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART). Dr. Storoschuk integrates evidence-based medicine with the understanding of the body’s natural physiology and innate healing wisdom. She is passionate about empowering women to take control of their hormonal health and has a clinical focus in hormone balance, reproductive health, and fertility.

​Dr. Storoschuk is a paid consultant and guest writer for Metagenics.