Nate Handley MD

Extra virgin olive oil is an amazing liquid that has been a cornerstone of health and culture for thousands of years. Many of the health benefits come from the polyphenols in olive oil, which can help reduce inflammation, protect the brain, and protect the heart. Not all olive oil is created equally, though. How do you tell if it's good?

Olive oil is healthy – right? — Nate Handley MD Extra virgin olive oil is an amazing liquid that has been a cornerstone of health and culture for thousands of years. Many of the health benefits come from the polyphenols in olive oil, which can help reduce inflammation, protect the brain, and protect the heart. Not all olive oil is created equall

The B vitamins are a group of eight water-soluble vitamins. They are coenzymes in a variety of metabolic processes in the body, and often work together—though each has a unique role as well. B vitamins are critical for building and repairing DNA and RNA, for producing energy, supporting mitochondrial function, and for synthesizing neurochemicals. And because they are involved in so many processes, deficiencies in B vitamins can lead to many problems. Are you getting enough B vitamins?

You really need B vitamins — Nate Handley MD B vitamins are critical for building and repairing DNA and RNA, for producing energy, supporting mitochondrial function, and for synthesizing neurochemicals. And because they are involved in so many processes, deficiencies in B vitamins can lead to many problems. Are you getting enough B vitamins?

B12 is a critical B vitamin involved in DNA synthesis and repair, detoxification, mitochondrial function, methylation, and much more. B12 deficiency is relatively common; vegetarians, vegans, the elderly, and anyone with gut issues is at risk of not getting enough. B12 is found almost exclusively in animal foods, though is straightforward to supplement. Are you getting enough?

Vitamin B12 - cobalamin — Nate Handley MD B12 is a critical B vitamin involved in DNA synthesis and repair, detoxification, mitochondrial function, methylation, and much more. B12 deficiency is relatively common; vegetarians, vegans, the elderly, and anyone with gut issues is at risk of not getting enough. B12 is found almost exclusively in

Folate (vitamin B9) is essential for making DNA, for repairing DNA, for detoxification, for making red blood cells, for mental health, for histamine metabolism, for muscle growth, and for prevention of neural tube defects. Not getting enough can lead to depression and obsessive thinking (deficiency is actually quite common in depression), recurrent allergies, or unexplained cardiovascular disease. Good sources of folate are liver, legumes (preferably sprouted), and leafy greens. The RDA for folate is 400 mcg DFE per day; there is some concern that doses over 1000 mcg DFE per day can cause problems. You need just the right amount!

Vitamin B9 - Folate — Nate Handley MD Folate (vitamin B9) is a B vitamin that is essential for making DNA, for repairing DNA, for detoxification, for making red blood cells, for mental health, for histamine metabolism, for muscle growth, and for prevention of neural tube defects. Good sources of folate are liver, legumes (preferably spr

Are you getting enough biotin? Biotin (aka vitamin B7) is a key component of energy metabolism and plays important roles in the health of your skin, brain, eyes, and genes. While deficiency is rare, marginal deficiency is probably common. Biotin is found in a variety of foods, with liver and eggs being the best sources. If you aren’t sure where you stand, checking your levels can help you sort things out.

Vitamin B7 - Biotin — Nate Handley MD Biotin, or vitamin B7, is a key component of energy metabolism, and plays important roles in the health of your skin, brain, eyes, and genes. While deficiency is rare, marginal deficiency is probably common. Biotin is found in a variety of foods, with liver and eggs being the best sources. If you ar

B6 represents a group of several compounds that play an important role in energy metabolism (especially protein metabolism). The most active form of which is pyridoxal 5’-phosphate (P5P), which is the form found in animal products. B6 insufficiency is relatively common, with some symptoms including poor sleep, poor mood, numbness and tingling, and anemia. Certain conditions (inflammation, certain drugs, etc) can increase needs for B6. Checking your status is a good way to know where you stand.

Vitamin B6 - pyridoxine — Nate Handley MD In summary, B6 represents a group of several compounds that play an important role in energy metabolism (especially protein metabolism). The most active form of which is pyridoxal 5’-phosphate (P5P), which is the form found in animal products. B6 insufficiency is relatively common, with some sympt...

Vitamin B2 - Riboflavin — Nate Handley MD riboflavin—vitamin B2—is a critical vitamin for overall health, It’s present in a varied diet, with good sources including greens, seeds and nuts, eggs, and lean meats and fish. The RDA is 1.1 to 1.3 mg; many people may need more than that by 2x or 5x (though probably not 100x!). The best way ...

Vitamin B1 - Thiamin — Nate Handley MD Thiamine, or vitamin B1, is the first of eight B vitamins. It is involved in burning carbohydrates (more so than any other vitamin), making ATP, supporting mitochondria, and supporting the heart and nervous system. Good sources are nutritional yeast, legumes, and whole grains, and it can be safely s

Always on antihistamines? Check your genes. — Nate Handley MD Do you have problems with rashes, hives, frequent allergies, flushing, dizziness, or headaches, or GI discomfort? Do you take antihistamine medications regularly? Then you might have histamine intolerance, and the problem could be coming from your genes.

Chronic inflammation? You might need low dose naltrexone — Nate Handley MD LDN is an intriguing therapy that may enhance immunity, resolve inflammation, reduce pain, and increase endorphins. It may have a role in whole host of chronic conditions, including multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, long COVID, and fibromyalgia. It tends not to have major side effects.