Hypertension and dyslipidemia are two of the major cardiovascular risk factors for myocardial infarction and coronary heart disease (CHD).  An emphasis on prevention and treatment are needed to reduce the number one cause of mortality in the US which is CHD.  Lifestyle modifications including optimal weight and body composition, aerobic and resistance exercise, proper nutrition and scientific use of nutritional supplements including antioxidants, vitamins and minerals provide an effective integrative approach to the prevention and treatment of hypertension and dyslipidemia.  The practitioner must understand the pathophysiology of both of these diseases as well as the important role of vascular biology and vascular health in order to optimize an integrative and functional medicine approach.  This lecture will review all the basic principals for the prevention and treatment of these two diseases while using case histories to allow immediate utilization of the concepts.

We all have a burden of environmental toxins that lead to a wide range of very common health problems. Mitochondrial damage from these common pollutants appear to be the cause of these varied problems.  Most of these toxins are fat-soluble compounds that do not exit the body well and bioaccumulate in all individuals. Fortunately, current research has revealed a number of common botanical and nutritional agents that are quite beneficial at reducing the total toxic burden of fat-soluble environmental pollutants. Any increase in excretion of these compounds will result in lower body burden and improved mitochondrial function. In his presentation, Dr. Crinnion will review the compounds that can enhance toxin-clearance as well as the nutrients that will help to restore and optimize mitochondrial function.

Walter J. Crinnion ND, received his degree in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington in 1982 with their first graduating class. He then opened a family practice and began to specialize in allergies and in treating chronic health problems caused by environmental chemical overload. In 1985 he opened the most comprehensive cleansing facility in North America for the treatment of chemically poisoned individuals. He is a favorite and frequent lecturer at both Naturopathic and Allopathic medical conferences. He has published several articles in peer-reviewed journals on the topic of environmental overload. He has been on the board of directors of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and was the recipient of their first award for in-office research in 1999 and was awarded it a second time in 2002. He has taught at Bastyr University, the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon, and the University of Bridgeport School of Naturopathic Medicine. He is currently a professor at the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine where he is also the chair of Environmental Medicine. In 2001 he appeared three times with Barbara Walters on ABC's "The View" and had a weekly Health Spot on Northwest Cable News from 1999 until 2003, giving viewers in Oregon, Washington and Idaho up to date information on nutrition and health.

Dr. Amin will examine the diagnosis, pathology, and treatment of human parasitic infections in the United States. He will begin with a brief introduction to laboratory procedures, misdiagnoses/mistreatment, and impact on public health is made. He will then discuss how to effectively treat protozoan and helminth (worm) parasites, emphasizing epidemiology and exposure, symptoms, gross pathology, and herbal and allopathic remedies.

This presentation will describe the physiology of the intrinsic and extrinsic gastrointestinal barriers and the gut-liver axis.  Factors leading to disruption of intestinal barrier function, i.e. "the leaky gut", will be discussed, as well as the multiple and varied consequences of this disruption.  Clinical cases will be used to illustrate testing that assists in the assessment of intestinal barrier function and treatment approaches useful in treating those patients with leaky gastrointestinal barriers.

Eileen Wright, MD graduated from The University of South Florida College of Medicine in 1975 followed by 4 years in the U.S. Naval Medical Corp.  She then enjoyed a 17-year career in Emergency Medicine and since 1992 has been in a private practice focused on complementary and alternative medicine. She has extensive training in metabolic and nutritional medicine and over 200 hours of training in Ayurvedic Medicine enhancing her knowledge of medicinal herbs. She completed training in Medical Acupuncture at UCLA and the training for Health Professionals in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction with Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn.  Dr. Wright's conventional board certification is in Emergency Medicine but she is also certified in Chelation Therapy, and is a Founding Diplomate of The American Board of Holistic Medicine.

Dr. Gonzalez prescribes individualized dietary and nutritional protocols based on a system of autonomic balancing. He believes that most if not all disease has at least as a major component autonomic imbalance, and that good health requires, at its core, the re-establishment of equilibrium between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves. The autonomic nervous system, consisting of its two anatomically and physiologically distinct branches, the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, essentially regulates all metabolic processes, including cardiovascular activity, digestion, the utilization and storage of energy, immunity and endocrine secretion. 

All dietary components, including amino acids, fatty acids, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, trace elements and anti-oxidant photochemicals have, in addition to their commonly recognized biochemical functions, specific and profound effects on autonomic activity.  For example saturated fat stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, while linoleic acid activates parasympathetic firing.  Animal protein tends to stimulate the sympathetics, fruits and vegetables activate the parasympathetics.  Many specific B vitamins along with magnesium have a parasympathetic action, while Vitamins A, E and calcium turn on the sympathetics.  

Through the judicious use of diet and specific nutrient formulations, Dr. Gonzalez believes that autonomic imbalance can be influenced and equilibrium restored.  In turn, many diseases, from cancer to depression, can improve dramatically. 

Much of the confusion in the nutritional field and in physician’s offices and many of the conflicting results from clinical studies evaluating specific nutrients in disease prevention and treatment result inevitably when practitioners and researchers prescribe nutrients without considering the effect on autonomic function.  In his lecture, he will outline the basics of autonomic physiology, the evidence supporting autonomic imbalance as a root case of many disease states, and the use of diet and supplements to influence autonomic activity with precision.

Nutritionist and researcher Tom Maltere will discuss three topics:
The hows and whys of getting away from gluten.

1. Prevalence in literature vs clinical presentation of gluten sensitivities
2. Various immune system presentations and amount needed to stimulate an immune response
3. Hidden sources of gluten in the mainstream food supply
4. Common sources of cross contamination
5. Other factors inhibiting recovery (lactose/casein/fructose/soy intolerances, dysbiosis, pancreatic enzyme insufficiency, nutritional deficiencies)

Case studies included throughout.

Are methylating nutrient deficiencies behind the initiation, and promotion of Alzheimer’s disease (AD)?

1. Trends of methylating nutrient deficiencies and AD prevalence
2. The Influence of methylation on tau protein, and  amyloid precursor protein alteration
3. The role of methylation in intracellular redox status
4. Factors that influence 5-MTHF, Methylcobalamin status
5. Why homocysteine is not an accurate marker for methylation

Are elimination diets the most powerful tool in nutritional medicine?

1. Theories behind efficacy of elimination diets in altering disease
2. Clinical case studies of complex diseases miraculously disappearing post elimination diets
3. Necessary components for a safe and effective elimination diet experience
4. Why most diets are NOT successful/common stumbling blocks in elimination diets
5. Nutritional supplements to support the elimination process

Metabolic signaling molecules released from muscle during exercise, called myokines, drastically impact metabolic function. These direct endocrine effects are complimented by indirect hormonal responses from movement. Every single time we move, and the way we choose to do that movement, opens the opportunity to burn fat or store it, turn inflammation on or off, or elicit growth or decay. This lecture covers the new science of movement and its dramatic impact on body composition and caloric metabolism. Participants will learn this new science and how to prescribe exercise for its hormonal effects to impact body composition and disease.

Drs. Jade Teta and Keoni Teta are naturopathic physicians and graduates of Bastyr University. They specialize in lifestyle medicine with specific emphasis on lifestyle and hormonal approaches to fat loss. Drs. Teta have been working for a combined 30 years in the health and fitness field and hold certifications from the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association.   Working as integrative physicians and personal trainers, Jade and Keoni integrate functional medicine and athletic conditioning to help weight loss resistant clients. They have trained numerous clients from athletes to the elderly and have completed an estimated 10,000 workouts. For more information on their practice and exercise programs visit www.metaboliceffect.com and www.naturopathichealthclinic.com.

Dr. Klein will discuss how to heal patients by taking into account and promoting every aspect of their health: emotional, physical, and spiritual, and use many case histories to illustrate his points.