Vibrant Clinical Articles

Lifestyle Strategies for Gut Health: Moving Beyond Diet

Many patients come to us already eating a “clean” diet of organic produce, grass-fed protein,...

Decoding Hormone Health: Why Symptoms Aren’t Always About Levels

As clinicians, we've all encountered patients whose symptoms—fatigue, mood swings, weight gain, low...

How PFAS and Microplastics Impact Brain Health and Mental Function

Every day, we are exposed to thousands of synthetic chemicals—many of which remain in our bodies...

Perimenopause and Autoimmunity: Hormones, Gut Health, and Immune Disruption

Autoimmune conditions develop over time and exist on a spectrum of immune dysregulation. At one...

Gut Microbiome and Hormonal Balance: Key Clinical Insights for Practitioners

Understanding the connection between the gut microbiome and hormones is vital for maintaining your...

The Impact of Endocrine Disruptors on Menopause: Exposure, Testing, and Solutions

By some estimates, environmental factors may be the cause of 24% of human diseases and disorders...

Saliva vs. Urine Hormone Testing: What’s the Difference?

Functional Medicine for Autism: The Role of Gut Health, Nutrition, and Toxins

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects 1 in 36 children in the United States, a number that...

Aging Biomarkers: Vibrant Longevity Summit Takeaways

Modern medicine has raised a critical question: How can we help people live better for longer?...

The Gut-Performance Connection: Enhancing Executive Function Through Digestive Health

As a healthcare provider, understanding the link between gut health and cognitive function is...

PFAS and the Brain: Investigating Links to Anxiety, Depression, and Cognitive Health

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals found in thousands of...

Food Sensitivities vs. Allergies: Understanding the Difference with Advanced Testing

Many patients struggle with chronic symptoms like bloating, fatigue, and migraines but don’t get...

The Connection Between Toxins and Pediatric Depression: A Functional Medicine Approach

With pediatric depression on the rise, it’s more important than ever to take a thoughtful,...

Research Spotlight: An Overview of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) continues to be a pressing challenge in global healthcare, with more than...

Supporting Detoxification through Nutrition

Toxins are an unavoidable part of modern life, present in our air, food, homes, and personal care...

How Precision Lab Technology Advances Patient Care

Accurate diagnostics are the backbone of effective healthcare. When you can pinpoint exactly what’s...

Unlocking the Mycotoxin-Fertility Connection: A Functional Medicine Approach

Did you know that environmental toxins, including mycotoxins, play a significant role in...

Research Spotlight: The Surprising Cardiovascular Risks of Wheat-Related Disorders

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Mary Beth Augustine, DCN, RDN, FAND

Wheat-related disorders are often...

Increasing VO₂ Max and Supporting Heart Health for Athletic Performance

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Mary Beth Augustine, DCN, RDN, FAND

Endurance athletes, such as...

Nutrition Strategies to Reverse Insulin Resistance in Menopause

Perimenopause refers to the years leading up to menopause, which can last on average between four...

The Role of Detoxification in Supporting Female Athletes

Female sports have grown in popularity over the last several decades. With this growth, females...

The Gut-Hormone Connection: How Beta-Glucuronidase Shapes Estrogen Metabolism and Patient Outcomes

What if you could harness a hidden player in the gut that predictably influences your patients’...

UTI Testing Innovations: How Urobiome Analysis Improves Urinary Health

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections worldwide, impacting...

Vibrant Research Spotlight: Micronutrients and Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major global health concern, ranking as the third most common cancer...

Low Pancreatic Elastase: The Hidden Factor Behind Poor Nutrient Absorption and Gut Imbalance

Do you have clients who are eating a great diet, but their lab tests come back showing low levels...

Understanding the Gut-Microbiome: Key Markers for Addressing Dysbiosis

The gut microbiome is a dynamic and complex ecosystem that is pivotal in overall health,...

Understanding Hormonal Balance

Hormonal balance plays a crucial role in women’s lives, influencing far more than reproductive...

Understanding the Genetic Risks of Heart Disease

Heart disease and stroke remain two of the most significant health challenges in the United States,...

Research Spotlight: The Role of Micronutrients and Autoantibodies in Hyperthyroidism

Thyroid diseases are the most common endocrine system disorders, affecting an estimated 5% of the...

Healing Hormones Through Gut Health: Practical Strategies for Providers

As a functional medicine nutritionist, I’ve reviewed hundreds of labs and seen firsthand how many...

Understanding the Gut and Mental Health Connection

The gut and brain connection is scientifically proven to have bi-directional messaging across the "...

Mycotoxins and Mold Toxicity: Key Players in Chronic Fatigue, Weight Gain, and More

Patients often present with symptoms such as chronic fatigue, brain fog, persistent headaches,...

What Are Neurotransmitters and Why Do They Matter?

Clinically reviewed by Adair Anderson,  MS, RDN, LDN

The brain relies on neurotransmitters to keep...

Exploring the Gut-Brain Connection and Its Impact on Mental Health

The world is experiencing an alarming rise in mental health conditions. Adults, as well as children...

Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress in Aging Muscle

At low levels, reactive oxygen species (ROS) originating from both immune cells and mitochondria...

The Hidden Truth Behind Thyroid Disease

Thyroid dysfunction often manifests through symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and mood changes,...

A Comprehensive Approach to Recurrent UTIs

Clinically reviewed by Adair Anderson,  MS, RDN, LDN

The number of urinary tract infections (UTIs)...

The Hidden Role of the Oral Microbiome on Overall Health

Clinically reviewed by Adair Anderson,  MS, RDN, LDN

The oral microbiome, a complex community of...

Why Knowing Your S. Boulardii Levels Matters for Optimal Wellness

In the intricate ecosystem of the gut microbiome, Saccharomyces boulardii (S. Boulardii) stands out...

Vibrant Research Spotlight: Food Sensitivity Clinical Trial

Food sensitivities can significantly impact health, causing symptoms like gastrointestinal...

Detoxify Your Life: Understanding the Role of Toxin Testing in Wellness

A consequence of modern innovations is constant exposure to toxins in our daily lives from the...

Research Spotlight: Anti-TPO as an Early Predictive Marker in Thyroid Disease

Thyroid disorders are some of the most common diseases worldwide,with approximately 20 million...

The Role of Autoantibodies in Autoimmune Treatment

Autoantibodies are unique immune system proteins that, unlike typical antibodies designed to fight...

The Link Between Diet and Disease: Insights from Food Sensitivity Testing

The diet and disease relationship is well established and has gained significant attention in the...

Lyme Disease Overlap with Arthritis, Carditis, and Neuroborreliosis

Clinically reviewed by Adair Anderson,  MS, RDN, LDN

Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne...

Exploring the Link Between Lyme Disease and Autoimmune Disorders

Lyme disease, a tickborne illness caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, is notoriously...

Vibrant Research Spotlight: Overcoming Limitations in Enteric Pathogen Testing

Gastrointestinal (GI) infections significantly impact public health, particularly in vulnerable...

The Impact of Food Sensitivities on Daily Life and How to Discover Yours

Food sensitivities profoundly impact daily life, affecting everything from digestive health to...

Beyond Lyme: Exploring Lesser Known Tickborne Coinfections

Ticks are tiny blood-sucking arachnids that can pose significant risks to our health.  

While Lyme...

The Link Between Tick Bites & Autoimmune Diseases: What You Need to Know

Medically reviewed by Adair Anderson, MS, RDN, LDN

Ticks, the small but formidable arachnids, are...

Understanding Gut Health: A Guide to Microbiome Testing

The gut is more than a pathway for food—it’s a complex ecosystem that plays a vital role in your...

A Dietitian's Take on Hack Your Health: The Secrets of Your Gut

In today's fast-paced world, it can be challenging to prioritize health amid busy schedules and...

Chronic Lyme Disease & Neurological Symptoms: What You Need to Know

Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne illness in the US, caused by the bacterium Borrelia...

Misdiagnosis and Delayed Treatment: The Consequences of Chronic Lyme Disease

Clinically reviewed by Adair Anderson,  MS, RDN, LDN

Lyme disease, a complex infection primarily...

Research Spotlight: Novel Multiplex Testing for Early Detection of Autoimmunity

Autoimmune diseases represent a complex constellation of conditions where the immune system...

B-Cell Epitopes as Novel Biomarkers for the Detection of Celiac Disease

For approximately two million Americans, eating a simple slice of bread can lead to serious...

Research Spotlight: The Link Between Thyroid Dysfunction & Diabetes

Thyroid disorders and diabetes are among the most prevalent endocrine diseases worldwide.

...

Fighting Infections with Nutrition: Integrative Approaches for Clinicians and Patients

The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that collectively defend the...

Strength Training & Oxidative Stress: How to Optimize Muscle Growth

In the age of biohacking and optimizing wellness, strength training has gained much attention, not...

Advancing Lyme & Tickborne Disease Diagnosis with Microarray Technology

Diagnosing Lyme disease and associated co-infections has historically been complex, with...

Adaptations to Oxidative Stress: How Exercise Builds Resilience at a Cellular Level

While typically viewed as the dangerous force behind aging and disease, oxidative stress plays a...

Research Spotlight: Serum Ferritin as a Biomarker for Thyroid Function

The thyroid gland is a pivotal player in the body's metabolic system and regulates many...

10 Ways to Minimize PFAS Exposure

Few toxins have garnered as much attention regarding environmental health hazards as per- and...

How Oxidative Stress Influences Biological Aging

Oxidative stress is a crucial determinant of cellular function and longevity, representing the...

Research Spotlight: The Link Between Omega Fatty Acids & Cardiovascular Health

With modern rates of cardiovascular disease rising, prioritizing heart health is imperative for...

Blood vs. Urine Heavy Metals Testing: What's the Difference?

Oxidative Stress & The Foundations for Longevity: A Comprehensive Review

Aging involves the gradual degeneration of cells over time, leading to decreased physiological...

Heavy Metals: Exposure, Oxidative Stress, & Disease Development

Heavy metals are found naturally on Earth in soil, rocks, bodies of water, and in trace amounts in...

Exploring the Effects of Toxins on Cellular Aging & Longevity

We’re constantly exposed to harmful environmental toxins— they’re in everything from pollution to...

Understanding Lectin Sensitivity: A Guide for Patients and Healthcare Providers

Mold Exposure and Chronic Illness: The Crucial Role of Lab Testing for Early Detection

In the industrialized world, we’re exposed to many harmful artificial toxins daily. But did you...

Research Spotlight: APOE Genetic Polymorphisms & Age-Related Disease

When considering age-related diseases like heart disease and Alzheimer’s, lifestyle factors like...

Oxidative Stress: The Key to Unlocking Longevity

Clinically reviewed by Adair Anderson,  MS, RDN, LDN

What role does oxidative stress play in...

The Critical Role of Oxidative Stress in Cardiovascular Health

Why do coronary heart disease and stroke continue to be two of the leading causes of death...

The Impact of Genetics on Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress is often cited as the mysterious driver of numerous diseases and conditions,...

The Evolution of Lab Equipment: From Test Tubes to Smart Machines

When it comes to diagnostic testing, the tools and technology are just as important as the science....

Research Spotlight: The Effects of Micronutrients on Cardiovascular Health

Micronutrients are potent substances that can impact several body mechanisms, including the...

Decoding the Skin's Genetic Blueprint with Regenere

As advancements in health and technology allow us to live longer, there's a growing need for our...

Research Spotlight: Gut Commensals and Their Metabolites in Health and Disease

While the gut's role in digestion is well known, its impact extends far beyond the GI tract. The...

Bridging Nutrient Deficiency Gaps: The NutriProZ Longevity Approach

Did you know nutrition is one of the most influential factorsin reducing the prevalence of disease?

Nutrient Bioavailability: Optimizing Supplements for Absorption

The value of proper nutrition, and the adverse effects of deficiency, is visible in virtually every...

The Connection Between Nutrients and Longevity

Longevity has fascinated humanity for centuries—there are many factors at play when it comes to...

Research Spotlight: Protein Microarray for Comprehensive Tickborne Testing

Did you know tickborne infections are the most common vector-borne diseases in the US?

While Lyme...

Research Spotlight: The Effects of Micronutrients on Thyroid Health

Did you know that micronutrients play a vital role in thyroid health? While it’s common knowledge...

Clinical Team Spotlight: Brooke Mader Ganev, MS, CNS, LDN, FDN

Meet Brooke Mader Ganev, a Vibrant Clinical Lab Educator based in Redondo Beach, California.

In...

The Role of Functional Testing in Diagnosing Leaky Gut

The gut barrier is a security checkpoint, allowing beneficial substances like micronutrients into...

Precision in Practice: Why CAP Accreditation Sets Vibrant Apart

In the functional lab testing industry, CAPaccreditation is incredibly rare.That’s why we’reproud t...

Clinical Team Spotlight: Greer McGuinness, MS, RD, CDN, CLT, Dt.Sp

Meet Greer McGuinness, a Vibrant Clinical Lab Educator based in Long Island, New York. 

In this...

The Gut Barrier's Role in Micronutrient Absorption

It’s well known that the foods we eat have a tremendous influence on our overall well-being and...

The Link Between Heavy Metals & Autoimmune Disease

In today's world, there are numerous concerning toxins and environmental pollutants for human...

Balancing Estrogen: Why the Gut Microbiome Matters

Functional medicine is constantly evolving, with increasing research revealing the intricate links...

The Surprising Role of Genetics in Detoxification

In the modern world, toxic exposure is ubiquitous and unavoidable. Our daily, excessive exposure to...

The Surprising Impact of Stress on Gut Health

Our body’s response to stress is unique in that it can manifest both mentally and physically....

Exploring Links Between Mold, Mycotoxins, and Chronic Symptoms

Could mold be lurking beneath your patients’ chronic symptoms?

Mold is a ubiquitous type of fungus...

Clinical Team Spotlight: Dr. Emmie Brown, ND

Meet Dr. Emmie Brown, ND, a Vibrant Clinical Lab Educator, and Vibrant Wellness Podcast co-host...

Decoding PFAS: How Forever Chemicals Affect Hormonal Balance

Are toxins behind your patients’ hormonal imbalance? 

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances...

Unleashing the Power of Neurogenesis: Boost Brain Health with New Cell Growth

Upon entering adulthood, it may feel like our brains are fully developed.

But the truth is, new...

Provocation Considerations: Deciding if it’s Right for Your Patient

Most functional medicine providers order the Vibrant Total Toxic Burden test to illustrate to their...

Micronutrients & the Blood-Brain Barrier

Oftentimes something small can have a large impact—especially when it comes to the human body. 

...

The Genetic Roots of Celiac Disease

In the debate of nature vs. nurture, where does autoimmune disease fall?

Many autoimmune diseases...

The New Standard: How Advanced Technology Can Enhance Tickborne Disease Detection

Are your patients getting the most accurate testing for Lyme and tickborne disease?

Most current...

Clinical Team Spotlight: Kerri Louati, MS, RD, CDE

Meet Kerri Louati, MS, RD, CDE, a Florida-based Vibrant Education Specialist, Registered Dietitian,...

Understanding Causes of Low & High Total Immunoglobulins

Immunoglobulins, or Ig antibodies, are proteins that the immune system produces when a foreign...

Vibrant Provider Spotlight: Sara Barthel, MS, CNS, LDN

Meet Sara Barthel, a dedicated licensed dietician, and Certified Nutrition Specialist, Gluten-free...

Demystifying SIBO for Functional Medicine Practitioners

Digestive and gut issues are common symptoms patients seek guidance for in the U.S., but what's at...

Clinical Team Spotlight: Adair Anderson

In honor of National Nutrition Month, we talked to Adair Anderson, Vibrant Clinical Liason, about...

Clinical Team Spotlight: Dr. Lillie Luu Nguyen, DCN, CNS, LDN

Meet Dr. Lillie Luu Nguyen, DCN, CNS, LDN, a Vibrant Clinical Liaison, and San Franciso-based...

Vibrant Provider Spotlight: Kelly Schmidt, RD, LDN

Meet Kelly Schmidt, a passionate Ohio-based Registered Dietitian and Licensed Dietitian...

7 Common Micronutrient Deficiencies—And How to Increase Absorption

Micronutrients are essential nutrients that play a vital role in energy production, hemoglobin...

Vibrant Provider Spotlight: Paul Burgess

Meet Paul Burgess, a UK-based Clinical Nutritionist and Functional Medicine practitioner with a...

Quick Guide to CardiaX Panel Markers

Did you know that many forms of cardiovascular disease are connected to gene variations and...

Vibrant Provider Spotlight: Tiffany Campbell Kaloustian

Meet Tiffany Campbell Kaloustian, an LA and Hawaii-based board-certified functional and integrative...

How to Develop a Mycobiome Health Food Plan

Are your patients struggling with chronic, vague symptoms? 

Mold exposure and mycotoxin toxicity, a...

How to Develop a Cardiac Health Food Plan

Each year, cardiovascular diseases are linked to 17.9 million deaths worldwide.¹

You can help your...

Introduction to PFAS Chemicals

Are your patients carrying a heavy toxic burden?

Environmental toxins and chemicals like...

How to Develop an Autoimmune Food Plan

This 30 to 90-day food plan uses the elimination and reintroduction protocol to identify food...

How to Order from the At-Home Panel Menu

For many patients, getting blood drawn for lab tests is far from ideal. Blood draw panels require...

How to Develop a Gut Health Food Plan with the 5R Protocol

Are you trying to help your patients heal chronic gut inflammation but don’t know where to start?...

How to Develop a Detoxification Food Plan [With Printable Food Plan]

Are you trying to help your patient detox? Whether it’s environmental toxins or bacterial...

Antibodies Linked to Alzheimer's Disease

The root causes of Alzheimer's disease and other related conditions remain a great mystery. Along...

What Are Antibodies and Why Are They Important in COVID-19 Testing?

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, as accurate testing for the virus is in short supply across...

Can Inhaling Gluten Trigger Symptoms in Sensitive Individuals?

An astonishing number of people following a strict gluten-free diet and lifestyle remain...

Are Food Additives a Root Cause of Your Sensitivity?

Don’t judge a book by its cover: Are harmful bacteria masquerading as “good guys” in your gut?

You might have read the bottle of your new probiotic wondering what exactly all these different...

The Link Between Your Gut Health and Cholesterol

September is National Cholesterol Awareness Month. If you have ever been to your doctor and your...

How Heavy Metals Deplete Your Antioxidants

How do we get exposed to heavy metals?

Many people consider heavy metal exposure to be rare, but...

Nutrients That Help Reduce Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies

It’s allergy season, which means that you may be suffering from a stuffy nose, runny nose, itchy...

How to Choose Your Food Zoomers

The Vibrant Food Zoomers provide the most in depth and accurate look at true food sensitivities –...

May is Celiac Awareness Month

May is Celiac Disease Awareness Month and at Vibrant, we are passionate about both disease...

Tickborne Co-infections: Why Your Lyme Disease Test Will Not Detect Them (and what you can do about it)

Tickborne diseases are becoming an increasing public health concern, as ticks spread across the...

May is Lupus Awareness Month

Put on Purple & Test – Don’t Guess! (for Lupus Awareness)

May’s Lupus Awareness Month is a call to...

Heavy Metals

There is a race to figure out what is fueling the epidemic of autoimmune diseases in the United...

Exploring the Role of Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability on Neurological Autoimmunity

Could a more nuanced understanding of the blood-brain barrier shed light on neurological...

Lyme Disease: A nationwide concern

Lyme disease is an infection transmitted by ticks. The infected tick bites a host (in this case a...

What are the symptoms of toxic mold exposure?

Mold is something we unknowingly encounter every day.

Some molds are harmless to humans, while...

Uncovering Links Between Infections and Neurological Decline

Each year, millions of people across the United States live with neurological and cognitive...

The Wheat Zoomer Now Has Pediatric Ranges!

If you’re a parent of a child with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, you know how much of a...

Connective Tissue Disorders and Wheat: A New Connection

What are Connective Tissue Disorders?

Connective tissue disorders (CTDs) are diseases that affect...

Dairy Sensitivity and Autoimmunity: What’s the Connection?

Kefir. Homemade yogurt. Ghee. Have you heard of these referred to as healthy alternatives to...

Asthma and Allergy Awareness

May is Asthma and Allergy awareness month, and at Vibrant, we have worked hard in research and...

Celiac Disease: Are You Aware?

May is Celiac Disease Awareness Month and at Vibrant, we are passionate about both disease...

Are you Dairy Sensitive or Lactose Intolerant? What’s the Difference?

With it being Food Sensitivity Week, let’s talk a bit about a common dietary sensitivity that is...

Celiac Disease: Are You Aware?

May is Celiac Disease Awareness Month and at Vibrant, we are passionate about both disease...

Are you Dairy Sensitive or Lactose Intolerant? What’s the Difference?

With it being Food Sensitivity Week, let’s talk a bit about a common dietary sensitivity that is...

Five Micronutrients You Might Be Deficient In.

The human body requires major and minor nutrients in adequate quantities to function optimally....

What is a Community Garden and How Can You Start One?

Community Garden?

Community gardens are springing up all over the country, especially in urban...

Could A Food Sensitivity Be The Reason For Your Migraines?

Do you notice getting migraines after eating some of your favorite foods? This might be caused by...

Green: A Phytonutrient Guide

We’ve probably all heard about a bazillion times to eat our greens. More green veggies, more leafy...

Gluten-free and gluten-reduced beer: A functional dietitian’s review

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Today brings many culinary traditions, with beer being a central favorite....