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By: Brigid Bandomer BSN, HWNC-BC

As the weather cools and the days shorten, our biology receives a powerful invitation: slow down, sync up, and recharge.

While most people brace for colds, fatigue, and holiday overwhelm, fall is actually a natural window for restoration — if you know how to align with it.

In this post, we’ll explore five ways to use the changing season to optimize your health, with a special focus on circadian rhythms and mitochondrial support.

☀️ 1. Get Light the Right Way: Vitamin D and Circadian Rhythm in Fall

Fall sunlight still has power — but only for a short while. As we move toward winter, the sun’s angle drops, reducing your ability to make vitamin D through the skin

📊 Example: Midday sun this week produced ~5,400 IU of vitamin D in 1 hour of unprotected skin exposure.

Why morning and midday light matters:

Tips to optimize light:

• Get outside in the morning — even if it’s cloudy or dim
• Avoid sunglasses early in the day
• Sit near windows or take walking breaks if you work indoors
• Prioritize outdoor time through November, before UVB drops off

💡 2. Rethink Artificial Light to Protect Your Sleep and Mood

After sunset, our bodies expect darkness. But modern lighting keeps us in a perpetual summer — confusing our internal clocks.

Even low-level blue light at night can suppress melatonin and disrupt sleep (Harvard Health).

Use lighting intentionally:

• Morning (before sunrise): Use orange/yellow glasses
• Daytime: Seek out natural light, especially under fluorescents
• Evening: Dim lights, use red bulbs, or light a candle
• After dark: Avoid screens or wear red-tinted glasses

🔬 Blue-blocking glasses improve sleep and mood — backed by peer-reviewed research.

🥕 3. Eat Seasonally for Immune and Mitochondrial Support

Your food choices affect your circadian rhythm and mitochondrial function.

Fall is the original harvest season — loaded with antioxidant-rich produce and warming, nourishing meals.

Best fall foods for mitochondria:

• Fatty fish (for vitamin D and omega-3s)
• Mushrooms (can create vitamin D when exposed to sunlight)
• Root vegetables (carrots, beets, parsnips)
• Bone broth, leafy greens, apples, squash

🍂 Seasonal eating supports immune resilience (Frontiers in Nutrition).

✅ Find local food: Weston A. Price Farm Directory

🕒 4. Embrace Scarcity: Fasting and Meal Timing in the Fall

In nature, fall leads to winter — a time of scarcity. You can mimic this gently through time-restricted eating or intermittent fasting.

Why fasting helps:

• Enhances mitochondrial function via mitophagy (Cell Metabolism)
• Strengthens circadian rhythm and metabolic health (Salk Institute)

How to begin:

• Start with 3 meals/day, no snacking
• Stop eating 3 hours before bed
• If you’re already doing that, try a longer fast 1x/week (with guidance)

🧠 Fasting is a form of “seasonal alignment” that helps signal rest, repair, and mitochondrial renewal.

❄️ 5. Let Yourself Feel the Cold: Activate Brown Fat and Resilience

We’re not meant to live in permanent comfort. Strategic cold exposure is one of the most effective — and natural — ways to stimulate your mitochondria.

Benefits of cold exposure:

• Activates brown adipose tissue (BAT) for metabolic boost (Nature Reviews)
• Increases norepinephrine and mood-enhancing endorphins (NIH study)
• Strengthens immune function and reduces inflammation (Journal of Applied Physiology)

Easy cold practices:

• Step outside in the morning without bundling up
• End your shower with 30 seconds of cold
• Try a cold face plunge or brisk walk in the cool air

🔥 Your mitochondria are not built for endless climate control. Let nature remind them how to burn bright.

🍁 Conclusion: Fall Is Nature’s Invitation to Heal

We associate fall with cold and flu season. But maybe the real problem isn’t the season — maybe it’s how we fight against it.

• We stay indoors under artificial light
• We eat sugar from Halloween to New Year’s
• We skip nature and chase productivity
• We avoid cold and overeat comfort food

This season was made for rest, rhythm, and renewal. Let nature show you how.

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By: Caleb Oswari, MBA and Dr. Andrew Oswari, MD

What if the key to unlocking better health was already inside you, and the only thing standing in the way was a hidden condition that many people don’t even know they have? Insulin resistance is a condition that affects millions of people, often without their knowledge. It quietly disrupts the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar, increasing the risk of serious diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and liver complications. The good news is that insulin resistance is preventable and, in many cases, reversible with the right approach. In this article, we’ll explore what insulin resistance is, how it develops, and how you can manage your metabolic health to prevent its long-term effects.

Understanding Blood Sugar Regulation¹

The liver, skeletal muscle, and adipose (fat) tissue all play critical roles in regulating blood sugar levels, working together to maintain glucose balance in the body. The liver is the body’s primary site for sugar (glucose) storage. Similarly, skeletal muscles are another storage site, which they primarily use for energy during physical activity. When both the liver and muscles are full of glucose, adipose tissues convert excess sugar into triglycerides, storing it in fat. Together, these tissues help ensure that glucose is stored appropriately and released when necessary, maintaining a balanced blood sugar level under normal conditions.

What is the Role of Insulin?

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels in the body. After you eat, insulin is released into the bloodstream to help move glucose into the liver and muscles, where it can be stored and used for energy. The diagram below illustrates how insulin supports glucose regulation in these key tissues in a healthy individual².

Because insulin signals the body to store energy rather than use it, the body cannot burn fat for energy in the presence of insulin. This prevents the body from tapping into fat reserves as a fuel source³. Over time, if insulin is constantly elevated, the body becomes less responsive to its signals, making it harder to break down fat for energy. This is known as insulin resistance. Think of insulin like a phone notification that tells your cells to take in sugar from the blood. At first, your cells respond quickly, just like you would to a new message. But over time, if your body keeps sending the same signal too often, your cells start to ignore it, just like you would eventually tune out repeated notifications, leading to insulin resistance and rising blood sugar levels. This can lead to an increase in fat storage and a decrease in the body’s ability to use stored fat for fuel.

How Insulin Resistance Develops⁴

Insulin resistance can develop gradually and is influenced by several factors, including obesity, physical inactivity, a highly-processed diet, and aging.

Obesity: Excess fat, especially abdominal (visceral) fat, triggers insulin resistance. Adipose tissue releases hormones and inflammatory markers that can interfere with insulin signaling.
Physical Inactivity: Lack of exercise decreases the muscles’ ability to use glucose effectively, contributing to insulin resistance.
Highly-Processed Diet: Diets high in refined carbohydrates, sugars, and unhealthy fats can promote insulin resistance.
Aging: As we age, our muscle mass tends to decrease. Muscles are critical for glucose uptake, and with less muscle mass, the body has fewer tissues available to absorb glucose. As a result, blood sugar levels rise, and insulin resistance becomes more pronounced.

If left unchecked, insulin resistance can lead to a host of long-term complications. The most common and severe outcome is the development of type 2 diabetes. In diabetes, the pancreas can no longer keep up with the increased demand for insulin, leading to chronically high blood sugar levels. Over time, this damages blood vessels, nerves, and organs, contributing to complications such as kidney disease, vision loss, and amputations.

Long-Term Complications of Insulin Resistance⁵

Insulin resistance also plays a major role in cardiovascular disease. It is responsible for about 40% of myocardial infarctions (heart attacks) and is the leading cause of coronary artery disease⁵. Elevated blood sugar levels, combined with the accumulation of fat in the liver and elsewhere, contribute to the development of plaque in the arteries, which can obstruct blood flow and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Prevention and Management of Insulin Resistance

Another significant complication is nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Insulin resistance disrupts the liver’s ability to regulate fat storage and breakdown, leading to the accumulation of fat in the liver. This condition can progress to liver inflammation, cirrhosis, and even liver failure if not addressed. Insulin resistance is also a key component of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that includes obesity, high blood pressure, and abnormal lipid levels, all of which increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

Fortunately, insulin resistance can often be prevented or reversed through lifestyle changes. A healthy, balanced diet rich in nutrient-dense foods, fiber, and healthy fats can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Less consumption of snacks and processed carbohydrates helps keep blood sugar levels down. It’s important to avoid foods that cause rapid spikes in blood sugar, such as refined sugars and processed carbohydrates. Regular physical activity is equally crucial, as exercise helps muscles become more responsive to insulin, allowing them to absorb glucose more efficiently. Studies have shown that just 20-30 minutes of moderate activity after eating can prevent spikes in blood sugar^6,7.

By understanding how insulin works in the body, how resistance develops, and the long-term complications it causes, individuals can take proactive steps to manage their health. In some cases, working with a healthcare provider, such as a functional nutritionist or physician, can help individuals better understand their metabolic health and create a personalized plan for reversing insulin resistance. If you’re concerned about your metabolic health or want to learn more about how to reverse insulin resistance,the Chung Institute of Integrative Medicine can help you develop a personalized plan to improve your insulin sensitivity and overall well-being.

References:

Moffat, J. R., & Schneider, M. F. (2023). Insights into the regulation of metabolic pathways in skeletal muscle during exercise and metabolic disease. Journal of Molecular and Cellular Biology, 45(3), 195-207. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmcb/mjad073

Lee, S.-H., Park, S.-Y., & Choi, C. S. (2022). Insulin resistance: From mechanisms to therapeutic strategies. Diabetes & Metabolism Journal, 46(1), 15–37. https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2021.0280

Belfort, R., & Harrison, D. (2018). Obesity, insulin resistance, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. JAMA Internal Medicine, 178(4), 512-514. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2018.2933

Osborn, O., & Olefsky, J. M. (2012). The cellular and signaling networks linking the immune system and metabolism in disease. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1261(1), 45–52. https://doi.org/10.1111/nyas.13435

Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Insulin resistance: What it is, causes, symptoms & treatment. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22206-insulin-resistance
Zhao, X., An, X., Yang, C., Sun, W., Ji, H., & Lian, F. (2023). The crucial role and mechanism of insulin resistance in metabolic disease. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 14, 1149239. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2023.1149239
Wellgen Health. (2024, November 19). How to boost your metabolic health for a healthier life. https://wellgen.uk/how-to-boost-your-metabolic-health-for-a-healthier-life/

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By Abigail Oswari and Dr. Andrew Oswari

In the case report discussed we present a patient who was making “healthy choices” which had a negative impact on his gout and metabolism. This led to a flare up of previously controlled symptoms. Dietary choices are powerful tools for reducing inflammation and reversing metabolic syndrome. At the Chung Institute, we have achieved success in reversing diabetes, insulin resistance, psoriasis, nephrolithiasis, gout, irritable bowel syndrome, and many other diseases related to inflammatory conditions.

Case Report

A 67-year-old male with a history of gout had successfully reversed his insulin resistance over the past two years, lost weight, and resolved his gout attacks. He presented at our office one month after experiencing a severe gout attack. On review of recent lifestyle changes, he reported incorporating a cup of “Mom’s Pomegranate juice” and an orange in his breakfast routine due to perceived antioxidant benefits. Further investigation revealed this juice contained 34 grams of sugar per cup—around 8 ½ teaspoons. Subsequent blood work results showed an increase in uric acid, insulin, triglycerides, and C-peptide (an insulin precursor). All in response to this drastic increase in fructose intake.

Relevant laboratory results are shown below.

The image depicts the patient described previously, showing severe inflammation in the left foot due to the gout attack.

What is Gout?

Gout is the most prevalent form of inflammatory arthritis, increasing annually and affecting over 40 million people worldwide . The most common symptom includes painful joint inflammation in the lower extremities, with a classic picture showing an inflamed, painful big toe . The cause of gout is believed to be elevated serum uric acid levels that have crystallized in the joint space . 

What is Uric Acid?

Uric acid is a natural waste product your body creates when it breaks down certain substances, like purines (found in foods such as red meat, shellfish, and some fish) and fructose (a type of sugar in fruits, honey, sodas, and processed foods like fruit juices). Think of uric acid as the leftover “junk” after your body processes these foods. Normally, it dissolves in your blood, gets filtered by your kidneys, and leaves your body through urine.

Problems start when your body makes too much uric acid or your kidneys can’t remove it fast enough. This causes uric acid to build up in your blood, where it can form tiny, sharp crystals, especially in your joints. These crystals are what cause the intense pain, swelling, and redness of gout, often in the big toe or other joints.

High uric acid levels don’t just cause gout—they can also put stress on your kidneys, potentially leading to kidney disease, and may even affect your brain, increasing the risk of conditions like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s over time . 

How does fructose fit in the picture?

Fructose is found naturally in fruits, honey, and some vegetables, but it’s also added to many processed foods like sodas, fruit juices, candies, and desserts in the form of high-fructose corn syrup or table sugar. While natural sources are fine in moderation, too much fructose from processed foods can harm your health.

Your liver processes fructose, producing uric acid, which can build up and cause gout. Studies link high fructose intake, especially from sugary drinks, to increased gout risk. Several studies suggest that the more fructose one eats/drinks, particularly fruit juice or sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB), the higher the risk of gout . 

Fructose can also reduce insulin sensitivity, raising the risk of diabetes and weight gain, and increase blood fats (triglycerides), which can harm your heart. It can also increase fat in your blood (triglycerides), which increases your cardiovascular risk . We observed this effect in the case study noted. 

But doesn’t meat cause gout?

Organ meats, shellfish, and canned fish are high in purines, which are often limited in gout management, but evidence on their impact is weak. . Fructose, a sugar in many processed foods, can worsen gout by lowering energy (ATP) in the liver and increasing purine production, which leads to more uric acid buildup. This uric acid can trigger gout attacks, especially when high-purine foods are eaten with high-fructose foods like sodas, juices, or alcohol. However, more research is needed to confirm this connection. . 

Why is it important to avoid high-fructose products?

Fructose raises uric acid levels, which can cause inflammation, disrupt energy balance, and increase the risk of chronic diseases. High uric acid can also cross into the brain, potentially causing inflammation linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Concerning the 67-year-old male patient, the sole dietary change was the addition of high-fructose fruit juice. Subsequently, uric acid levels, insulin, C-peptide, and triglycerides increased, shifting toward insulin resistance or a pre-diabetic state. This is extremely dangerous as it poses potential health risks. Keeping fructose intake low, especially from sugary drinks and processed foods, can help prevent these issues .

The key is to enjoy natural fructose from whole fruits in moderation but avoid processed foods and drinks loaded with added sugars. Choosing water, unsweetened teas, or homemade options can keep your body healthier.

Fructose is found in numerous products. Here are some common foods and a healthy alternative:

1. Danve A, Sehra ST, Neogi T. Role of diet in hyperuricemia and gout. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2021 Nov 19;35(4):101723. doi: 10.1016/j.berh.2021.101723. PMCID: PMC8678356.
   
2. Zhang Y, Chen C, Choi H, Chaisson C, Hunter DJ, Niu J, et al. Fructose intake and risk of gout and hyperuricemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. BMJ. 2016 Oct 18;355:i6557. doi: 10.1136/bmj.i6557. PMCID: PMC5073537.
   
3. Choi HK, Willett W, Curhan G. Important food sources of fructose-containing sugars and incident gout in men. JAMA Intern Med. 2019 Apr 1;179(4):486–494. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2018.7663. PMCID: PMC6502023.
   
4. Motlagh Asghari K, Zahmatyar M, Seyedi F, Motamedi A, Zolfi M, Janbaz Alamdary S, et al. Gout: global epidemiology, risk factors, comorbidities and complications: a narrative review. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2024 Dec 19;25:1047. doi: 10.1186/s12891-024-08180-9. PMCID: PMC11544450.
   
5. Abdelmalek JA, Suzuki M, Guyton JR, Hossain MA, Peixoto AJ, Huang L, et al. High fructose feeding increases kidney uric acid transporter expression and disrupts uric acid homeostasis in rats. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 2019 Oct 1;317(4):F1099–F1109. doi: 10.1152/ajprenal.00272.2019.
   
6. Motlagh Asghari K, Zahmatyar M, Seyedi F, Motamedi A, Zolfi M, Janbaz Alamdary S, et al. Gout: global epidemiology, risk factors, comorbidities and complications: a narrative review. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2024;25:1047. doi: 10.1186/s12891-024-08180-9. PMCID: PMC11660718.
   
7. Hainer BL, Matheson E, Wilkes RT. Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of gout. Am Fam Physician. 2014 Dec 15;90(12):831–836.

8. Johnson RJ, Sanchez-Lozada LG, Nakagawa T. The effect of fructose on renal biology and disease. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2010;21(12):2036–2039. doi:10.1681/ASN.2010050506

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Published by Dr. M. Kyu Chung | Chung Institute of Integrative Medicine

Case of the Month

A 28-year-old woman came to our office with a long history of chronic hives that began when she was 15. She was initially treated with various antihistamines, and the symptoms eventually subsided—until they returned at age 21, this time more persistent and daily.

What we found:
Using Autonomic Response Testing (ART), we discovered an underlying intestinal parasite infection. She was treated with albendazole, and within two months, her chronic hives completely resolved. She has remained symptom-free for several years.

🎥 Watch her story:
Hives Patient Testimonial Video

Why Chronic Hives Are So Difficult to Treat

Most people with chronic hives go through a long cycle of treatments without ever finding the root cause. Here’s the typical journey:

1. Primary Care: Antihistamines are prescribed—sometimes they work partially, but only if taken continuously.
2. Dermatologist: Extensive bloodwork is often inconclusive. Patients are sometimes given an H2 blocker, typically used for acid reflux.
3. Allergist: Further testing rarely identifies a clear cause. Many patients are then bounced back to dermatologists.

In the end, most patients are left without a diagnosis and rely on medication to manage symptoms indefinitely.

Our Discovery: The Parasite Connection

Over 25 years ago, I began treating chronic hives with acupuncture. It helped—temporarily. But around 20 years ago, everything changed when I learned ART (Autonomic Response Testing).

To my surprise, over 95% of chronic hives patients tested positive for intestinal parasites. And even more remarkable—over 95% of those treated experienced complete, lasting remission.

A Family Effort

My wife, a dermatologist, began sending her hives patients to me. Every one of them improved. Eventually, I trained her to do a simplified version of ART, and she began treating her own patients—many of whom had been told they’d have to live with hives forever.

But Why Would Parasites Cause Hives?

The exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, but here’s what we know:

• The gut is packed with immune cells—when it’s inflamed, the whole body can suffer.
• Parasites cause low-grade, chronic inflammation that can lead to systemic symptoms like joint pain, brain fog, and skin issues including hives.

Why Your Doctor Probably Missed This

There are several reasons parasites are commonly overlooked:

1. Medical Bias

Doctors are taught that parasites are a “tropical” problem. If you haven’t traveled recently, they rarely consider it.

2. Limited Testing

Standard stool tests miss parasites for several reasons:

• Parasites shed eggs only at certain times.
• Eggs die quickly when exposed to air.
• Most labs don’t use preservatives in collection kits.
• Colonoscopy doesn’t help. It only examines the colon (not the small intestine where many parasites live), and the prep often flushes out visible signs.

3. Testing Doesn’t Cover All Parasites

There are many types—from microscopic amoebas to large tapeworms. Some, like liver flukes, don’t even live in the intestines and won’t show up in stool tests.

How Are Parasites Contracted?

• Raw imported fruits and vegetables
• Undercooked meat, poultry, or seafood
• Even organic produce can be risky if imported

Our Food Supply Is Global

While U.S.-grown produce is usually safe, most fruits and greens in winter are imported. And they often come from places where water supplies may be contaminated.

Doctors caution travelers not to eat fresh produce in some countries—but we import from those same regions every day.

Advice for Medical Practitioners

Standard diagnostics are not sensitive enough. Here’s what we recommend:

• Use specialty testing centers like PCI – Parasite Testing Center in Arizona
• Consider submitting 6 or more stool samples over time
• If a parasite is identified, treat with the appropriate anti-parasitic medication

For Holistic & Integrative Practitioners

We strongly recommend learning Autonomic Response Testing (ART). It has transformed our ability to diagnose and treat patients effectively.

👉 Learn more at: Klinghardt Institute
📞 Interested in training or a preceptorship? Contact us directly.

Contact Us

Dr. M. Kyu Chung
Director, Chung Institute of Integrative Medicine
Clinical Professor, Cooper Medical School

📞 Call: 856-222-4766 (ask for Carolann)
📧 Email: Brigid Bandomer – bbandomer@wonsookchungfoundation.org

If you’ve been struggling with chronic hives—or treating patients who are—rule out parasites. It might just be the missing piece.

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By: Jane Oswari MS, CNS®, NBC-HWC and Andrew Oswari MD

Inflammation is a natural process initiated and regulated by the immune system. In
healthy conditions, it’s a protective, self-limiting response to injury, triggered by the
release of compounds that set off a cascade of healing events. Inflammation is
typically categorized as acute or chronic. Acute inflammation, like the redness and
swelling from a sprained ankle, is immediate and resolves quickly. Chronic
inflammation, however, is slower and persists over months or years—like ember
smoldering in a fire. Though less dramatic than acute inflammation, it can generate
significant damage, contributing to systemic conditions such as cardiovascular
disease, diabetes, cancer, autoimmune disorders, and cognitive decline.

Chronic inflammation can occur for a number of reasons. Some of these include:

A Food First Approach

Chronic inflammation has multiple causes, but diet and lifestyle are major players
acting as either pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory forces. Three key diet
factors stand out as “low-hanging fruit” for reducing inflammation:

• Sugar
• Seed Oils
• Ultra-processed Foods

Sugar
The glycocalyx, a protective layer on many cells (think of the sliminess of fish), it is
critical for smooth movement and barrier function in blood vessels, joints, skin,
kidneys, and intestines. It prevents issues like plaque buildup in arteries or cellular
dysfunction in conditions like leaky gut and osteoarthritis—both tied to inflammation.
Chronic high blood glucose (hyperglycemia), as seen in diabetes, is a known
inflammation driver. But even short bursts of hyperglycemia can harm the glycocalyx
and spark inflammation. Studies show glucose levels as low as 154 mg/dL for just 1
hours can cause damage lasting up to 7 days, altering gene expression and
weakening this protective shield. (1, 2, 3)

Seed Oils
Polyunsaturated fatty acids, including omega-3s and omega-6s, influence
inflammation. Omega-3s—found in salmon, flaxseeds, walnuts, sardines, chia seed,
oysters, and edamame—are well-known for their anti-inflammatory benefits. In
contrast, the Standard American Diet has skewed heavily toward omega-6s, largely
from seed oils like canola and soybean oil. Excessive omega-6 intake, especially with
low omega-3 consumption, promotes inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic
dysfunction (4, 5). Harsh processing methods (high heat, chemical solvents) further
degrade seed oils, producing harmful byproducts like trans fats and lipid peroxides
that amplify chronic disease risk (6, 7). Healthier alternatives like olive oil, avocado oil,
and coconut oil offer better stability and benefits. Cutting seed oils starts with
choosing stable cooking fats and checking ingredient labels.

Ultra-Processed Foods
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrial creations far removed from their natural
origins. A potato, for example, becomes a UPF when stripped of nutrients and loaded
with sugar, unhealthy fats (like seed oils), emulsifiers, and preservatives. Diets high in
UPFs are linked to elevated cardiovascular risk and inflammatory markers (8)
Additives like emulsifiers disrupt the gut barrier, contributing to leaky gut and
inflammation (9). High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), introduced in 1957, is a prime
offender, driving inflammation and metabolic issues like high blood pressure
cholesterol, triglycerides, and fat accumulation (10, 11). Sweetened beverages are a
major HFCS source—a 12 oz can of Coke contains 39g of added sugar (almost 10
teaspoons) in the form of HFCS. A “healthy” alternative could be an 8 oz cup of
orange juice which doesn’t have HFCS but contains 22 grams of sugar (over 5
teaspoons).
Sauces, condiments, dressings, crackers, and canned fruit are common foods
containing HFCS and also hide sugar under names like dextrose, maltodextrin, and
sucralose. Reading nutrition and ingredient labels is key, as “sugar-free” claims often
mask these aliases.

Reducing sugar, seed oils, and UPFs can significantly dampen chronic inflammation
Eating foods close to their natural form is a simple, effective strategy. One patient at
the Chung Institute of Integrative Medicine had the psoriasis on her scalp healed
when she eliminated HFCS from her diet. Beyond diet, food sensitivities can also fuel
inflammation. Our practice can help identify these triggers with autonomic response
testing (ART) and address them through avoidance or Low Dose Immunotherapy (LDI)
—but cutting out these dietary culprits is a powerful first step.

References: (1) Kluge MA, Fetterman JL, Vita JA. Mitochondria and endothelial function. Circ Res.
2013 Apr 12;112(8):1171-88. doi: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.111.300233
(2) Potter DR, Jiang J, Damiano ER. The recovery time course of the endothelial cell
glycocalyx in vivo and its implications in vitro. Circ Res. 2009 Jun 5;104(11):1318-25.
doi: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.108.191585. Epub 2009 May 14. PMID: 19443840;
PMCID: PMC2764238.
(3) El-Osta A, Brasacchio D, Yao D, Pocai A, Jones PL, Roeder RG, Cooper ME,
Brownlee M. Transient high glucose causes persistent epigenetic changes and altered
gene expression during subsequent normoglycemia. J Exp Med. 2008 Sep
29;205(10):2409-17. doi: 10.1084/jem.20081188. Erratum in: J Exp Med. 2008 Oct
27;205(11):2683.
(4) Zivkovic, A. M., Telis, N., German, J. B., & Hammock, B. D. (2011). Dietary omega-3
fatty acids aid in the modulation of inflammation and metabolic health. California
agriculture, 65(3), 106–111. https://doi.org/10.3733/ca.v065n03p106
(5) DiNicolantonio, J. J., & O’Keefe, J. (2020). The Importance of Maintaining a Low
Omega-6/Omega-3 Ratio for Reducing the Risk of Inflammatory Cytokine Storms.
Missouri medicine, 117(6), 539–542.
(6) Simopoulos A. P. (2008). The omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid ratio, genetic variation,
and cardiovascular disease. Asia Pacific journal of clinical nutrition, 17 Suppl 1, 131 (7) Simopoulos A. P. (2008). The importance of the omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid ratio
in cardiovascular disease and other chronic diseases. Experimental biology and
medicine (Maywood, N.J.), 233(6), 674–688. https://doi.org/10.3181/0711-MR-311
(8) Srour, B., Fezeu, L. K., Kesse-Guyot, E., Allès, B., Méjean, C., Andrianasolo, R. M.,
Chazelas, E., Deschasaux, M., Hercberg, S., Galan, P., Monteiro, C. A., Julia, C., &
Touvier, M. (2019). Ultra-processed food intake and risk of cardiovascular disease:
prospective cohort study (NutriNet-Santé). BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 365, l1451.
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l1451
(9) Viennois, E., Bretin, A., Dubé, P. E., Maue, A. C., Dauriat, C. J. G., Barnich, N.,
Gewirtz, A. T., & Chassaing, B. (2020). Dietary Emulsifiers Directly Impact AdherentInvasive E. coli Gene Expression to Drive Chronic Intestinal Inflammation. Cell reports,
33(1), 108229. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108229
(10) Liping Wang, Tiantian Ji, Ye Yuan, Haoyu Fu, Yang Wang, Shaobo Tian, Jia Hu, Lin
Wang, Zheng Wang (2022). High-fructose corn syrup promotes proinflammatory
Macrophage activation via ROS-mediated NF-κB signaling and exacerbates colitis in
mice. International Immunopharmacology, Volume 109, 2022, 108814,ISSN
1567-5769, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108814
(11) Li, X., Luan, Y., Li, Y., Ye, S., Wang, G., Cai, X., Liang, Y., Kord Varkaneh, H., & Luan,
Y. (2022). The effect of high-fructose corn syrup vs. sucrose on anthropometric and
metabolic parameters: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in nutrition, 9, 134. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.1013310

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By: Dr. M. Kyu Chung

Recently, a 33-year-old woman presented to our office complaining of shaking, bouncing vision for a year and a half. For example, when she focused on a door handle, she could see the door frame and door shake and bounce. She had seen two ophthalmologists, one neuro-ophthalmologist, two neurologists, one endocrinologist, one allergist, and one chiropractor. One neurologist told her she had the beginnings of multiple sclerosis. Her medical work-up included multiple blood tests, CT and MRI scan of her brain and spine. None of the tests revealed any clue to the cause of her problem and her doctors were baffled.

Her past medical history: hip surgery for torn labrum 2013, wisdom teeth extraction, tonsil and adenoid surgery. Multiple scars from minor lacerations two scars on her scalp, one chin scar, a belly ring piercing scar, ear piercings, and history of a sports head injury.

Her other significant complaint was chronic fatigue and anxiety.

Our evaluation revealed a normal eye exam with no nystagmus. However, on autonomic response testing she had three abnormal wisdom teeth scars.

Visit one: She had all her scars treated with neural therapy using ½% lidocaine injections. The gum region near her abnormal wisdom teeth was injected with lidocaine followed by ozone. She was also given a general autosanguinous therapy for immune system support

Visit two(one month later): She reported marked reduction of her shaking vision that lasted approximately 6 days before her symptoms returned. The same treatment as visit one was administered with the addition of injections of lidocaine into her pierced earring scars.

Visit three (three months later): She reported 100% improvement of shaking for 3 days, and moderately good improvement for 2-3 weeks and then gradual worsening of her symptoms. She happened to complain of new neck pain. Autonomic response testing revealed: her head scar, chin scar, belly ring piercing scars and bilateral sphenopalatine were abnormal.

Treatment consisted of lidocaine injections to all the abnormal scars, lidocaine/ozone injections to her wisdom teeth scars; prolotherapy of her neck with autosanguinous blood and low dose immunotherapy drops were given made from a sample of material taken from between her teeth obtained with a floss tape.

Visit #4 (two months later): Marked improvement in vision that remained without any return of the shaking vision. Neck pain and stiffness 95% better.

Discussion: Oscillopsia, shaking vision, is not a rare condition. It can be associated with more serious neurological conditions but there appears to be limited treatment options. Through over 25 years of our experience with using neural therapy we have seen a multitude of a variety of neurological symptoms that resolve with simple procaine/lidocaine injections into abnormal scars. We have seen unexplained double vision, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision improve with neural therapy. This is the first case of oscillopsia that we have encountered.

Neural therapists believe that there develops a “focus” of abnormal nerve firing from old scars that create symptoms of pain, numbness, dysesthesia, tingling, muscle weakness, muscle imbalance that can be quite distant from the scar. Procaine by turning off the nerve for 15-20 minutes somehow allows the nerve to reset itself back to a more normal setting. Hence the improvement lasts much longer than 20 minutes. It is analogous to when we shut off our cell phone when it is working abnormally, and it resets back to normal when turned back on. 

There is also a secondary healing response from the needling of the area. The hypodermic needle creates microscopic bleeding in the scar which promotes a healing inflammatory response. It is very common when we treat a visible raised unsightly scar, there is an obvious visible improvement in the appearance of the scar with each subsequent treatment. Hence neural therapy injections have both an immediate as well as a delayed secondary healing response that then results in a lasting response.

In this patient the oscillopsia was likely caused by abnormal nerves arising from several of her head and neck scars.

Note to physicians:

Neural therapy is one of the most benign methods of resolving many severe and even odd neurological conditions. We highly recommend that you seek teaching seminars on this important method of treatment. For more information about neural therapy training, please see: ABOUT THE ACADEMY – NAANT

All lidocaine injections were ½% lidocaine and saline

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By: Dr. M. Kyu Chung

Up until now OCD, Tourette’s, and tic disorders have been treated either with medication or behavioral therapy.  Both types of therapies usually fail to resolve or reverse the condition and only relieve some of the severity of the symptoms.

We have recently developed a therapy that has surprisingly reversed these conditions in several of our patients without the use of chronic medications.  Our report is preliminary as we have so far only treated a few patients. Please see the video testimonials from a few of our clients for more personal reflections on this discussion.

Discussion:

Most psychiatrists generally believe OCD to be a psychiatric condition that spontaneously begins early in life and that rarely resolves and continues lifelong.  Anti-depressants are prescribed but usually result in only a partial reduction of symptoms and usually have to be taken for long periods at a time.

An acute form of OCD was identified and described in 1998 by Susan Swedo et al that was associated with Strep infections and was labeled: Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS).

Subsequently a broader syndrome called Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) has become increasingly used to describe acute onset OCD in children. This broader term includes children who have a dramatic – sometimes overnight – onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms including obsessions/compulsions and/or motor tics who do not necessarily have evidence of a current or previous strep infection. Hence PANDAS is considered a subset of PANS.

The cause of PANS is thought to be unknown in most cases but is thought to be triggered by infections, metabolic disturbances, and other inflammatory reactions.

Over fifteen years ago, we began seeing patients with PANDAS who responded to low dose immunotherapy (LDI’s) against strep infections. However, we began encountering patients who fit the clinical symptom criteria for PANDAS who showed no evidence of strep who failed therapy with strep LDI’s. At the time PANS was not fully coined as an entity.  However, some of our patients showed evidence of abnormal reactions on Autonomic Response Testing (ART) to swabs taken from their throat (but strep negative).   Some of these patients responded to low dose immunotherapy made from samples from their throat swabs. In homeopathy, remedies that are made from the very same substance that cause the problem are called isode’s.

Recently, due to the COVID pandemic we happen to obtain thin nasal swabs to obtain samples from the nasopharynx.  We then began sampling the nasopharynx in our OCD patients. We found there were a significant subset of patients who had normal throat swabs but abnormal nasopharyngeal swabs. Just as different regions of the earth favor different types of organisms, the nasopharynx appeared to have its own unique environment that favored its own unique set of microbes.

When we employed Low Dose Immunotherapy LDI remedies from these samples, we began seeing astounding effects on chronic cases of OCD as well as body/facial tics including Tourette’s Syndrome. We now see more cases that are associated with swabs taken from the nasopharynx than that obtained from the throat.

Given the small number of patients that we have treated we cannot say what per cent of OCD patients will ultimately respond to this type of therapy. However, we have seen a variety of other psychiatric and neurologic conditions improve using isode’s from the nasopharynx. Given the close proximity of the nasopharynx to the brain we believe that a large group of patients with neuropsychiatric symptoms may be affected by inflammation arising from the nasopharyngeal region.  

Currently there are only scattered papers that suggest that organisms in the oropharynx affect the brain. Mahoney et al reported a review of 150 patients who fit the criteria for PANS.

“10/150 (6.6%) patients had isolated sinusitis at the time of their neuropsychiatric deterioration. Eight patients received antibiotics to treat sinusitis, three of whom also received sinus surgery. Neuropsychiatric symptoms improved in all eight patients concurrent with resolution of sinusitis per parent report and clinician.”

We believe that many of the other 140 patients who were not treated with antibiotics would have had abnormal nasopharyngeal swabs on autonomic response testing. It is important to note these patients fit the criteria for PANS which is considered an acute possibly acquired condition. Our three case examples are patients who fit the criteria for the usual chronic OCD of long duration and would not fit the criteria for PANS.

Therefore, employing LDI’s from the nasopharynx may turn out to

potentially be a great solution to OCD, Tourette’s, Tics, and a variety of neuropsychiatric conditions. We are also looking into the connection between gum bacteria and neuropsychiatric conditions and find isode’s from the gum (floss) to be beneficial.

The positive response of our patients who had longstanding OCD symptoms calls into question whether OCD and Tourette’s have similar etiologies to the acute form of OCD described in PANS. There is an ever-increasing number of research papers supporting the possibility that neuropsychiatric conditions have an inflammatory component.

Someday basic science research may verify the different types of organisms that are associated with different neuropsychiatric conditions. We are finding that LDI isode therapy obtained from the nasopharyngeal region to be a very promising therapy for these otherwise difficult to treat conditions.

Swedo SE, Leonard HL, Garvey M, Mittleman B, Allen AJ, Perlmutter S, Lougee L, Dow S, Zamkoff J, Dubbert BK: Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections: Clinical description of the first 50 cases. Am J Psychiatry 155:264–271, 1998. Erratum in Am J Psychiatry 155:578, 1998

Talia Mahony 1, Douglas Sidell 2, Hayley Gans 3, Kayla Brown 4, Bahare Farhadian 5, Melissa Gustafson 6, Janell Sherr 7, Margo Thienemann 8, Jennifer Frankovich 9 , Improvement of psychiatric symptoms in youth following resolution of sinusitis. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol . 2017 Jan:92:38-44. doi: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2016.10.034. Epub 2016 Oct 31.

Han,KyuMan, Ham,Byung-Joo How Inflammation Affects the Brain in Depression: A Review of Functional and Structural MRI Studies,  J Clin Neurol. 2021 Oct; 17(4): 503–515., Published online 2021 Sep 17. doi: 10.3988/jcn.2021.17.4.503

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