The 2016 A4M World Congress on Anti-aging and Aesthetic Medicine was a huge success with a wide variety of speakers and topics. It was insightful and included new approaches to complementary, integrative and alternative medicine. FAIM attended the conference and below is a brief summary of most of the speakers who presented.

A4M holds two annual World Congresses. The upcoming event will be December 14-16, 2017 in Las Vegas. To learn more go to the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) website. It is sure to meet your highest expectations.

Gut issues

Dr. Kendal Stewart: Reviewed genetic testing; nutrigenomic testing and neurological recovery; identifying important nutrigenomics; and treatment of issues around methylation, inflammation and mitochondrial function.

Dr. Mitchell Fleisher: Identified the science of inflammation; looked at the science behind anti-inflammatory nutraceuticals and the appropriate clinical applications and how to communicate this to the patient.

Dr. Nalini Chilkov: Covered factors of obesity, diabetes, and insulin resistance and how these have contributed to increased rates of cancer. She also covered how to use specific nutraceutical, botanical, dietary and lifestyle interventions to reduce the incidence of cancer.

Thomas Gulliams, MD: Explained the nomenclature of the microbiome; covered the different microbiomes functions throughout the entire GI tract; discussed fecal studies to determine microbiome analysis; probiotics and their impact; and reviewed foods that support good gut microbiota health.

Dr. Matthew Andry: Covered the mechanisms of action with metformin; its effect on flora populations in the GI tract and the physiological consequences.

Obesity

Dr. Mark Tager: Explained how the gut is key to weight loss; explained the role of L-Cell in hormone transmission; how GLP-1, PYY and oxyntomodulin affect satiety; and discussed GLP-1 and its role in inflammation, addiction, neurodegeneration, and metabolic disease.

Silvia Binder, ND, PhD: Reviewed how obesity and chronic disease relate to cellular toxicity and identified ancient and high tech methods to help detoxify cells and tissue.

Dr. Cadegiani: Discussed a new approach to viewing obesity and how body weight could be an inaccurate symbol of health.

Joseph Maroon, MD: Reviewed the differences of hemp derived CBDs and marijuana derived THC cannabinoids; discussed how endocannabinoid systems interact with food energy storage as it relates to weight; and identified various health benefits of CBD for diabetes, neurodegeneration and neurologic diseases.

Advances in clinical nutrition

Jeff Volek, PhD: Discussed diet recommendations and unexpected consequences as it relates to insulin resistance and carb intolerance; how excess carbs drive chronic disease; and explained nutritional ketosis to restore metabolic health.

Hormone treatment

Dr. Gersh: Discussed how nurturing the microbiome in the gut can help PSOS-polycystic ovary syndrome. She explored the various dietary steps to restore a healthy gut microbiome.

David Zava, PhD: Reviewed many of the risk factors in breast cancer including hormones, essential nutrient deficiencies, environmental toxins and lifestyle.

Lisbeth Roy, DO: Explained what platelet rich plasma (PRP) is; it’s regenerative action; and looked at the future of PRP in medicine.

Dr. Shel: Reviewed how low libido affects people physically, psychologically and emotionally. She defined the causes and reviewed treatment options.

You are what you eat

Dr. Hal Blatman: Covered how food choices affect inflammation; looked at toxic elements of common foods; and explained how certain foods can help with treatment of pain.

Dr. Nicholas Di Nubile: Covered many aspects to optimal musculoskeletal aging.

Dr. Martha Stark: Discussed how neuro-inflammation relates to depression or pain in the brain. She looked at the relationship of endocrine and immune dysregulation and depression; and finally shared a treatment approach.

Dr. Chris Meletis: Reviewed ways to improve memory concentration and focus, through dietary and supplement interventions. The doctor discussed clinical tools to help address the immune-inflammatory cytokines that disrupt the brain.

Dr. Sangeeta Pati: Reviewed causes of depression; interpretation of labs; steps to rapid correction and long term steps as well.

Menopause and manopause

Dr. John Monaco: Looked at the functions of testosterone; how levels can vary; and discussed the benefits of testosterone therapy.

Mark Newman, MS: Reviewed testing options for adrenal hormones and summarized cases.

Dr. Jose Vazquez Tanus: Looked at the controversy of testosterone replacement therapy and cardiovascular disease in men. He compared testosterone replacement therapies.

Dr. Deborah Matthew: Discussed complex female patients and how to prioritize problems; what tests to order; and how to determine the right protocol.

Melanie Donon, AGNP: Reviewed how complicated an obesity case can be and how to evaluate it; what labs to use; and how to compare therapeutic options.

Dr. Pamela Smith: Reviewed the importance of hormones and heart health by identifying the vascular actions of estrogens and functional implications.

William Clearfield, DO: Discussed the root cause of thyroid disease. He clarified the difference between “normal” and “optimal” thyroid function and looked at the six root causes of thyroid disease.

David Arthur, R.Ph: The effects stress has on sexual function and chronic disease. He explained how life style along with balancing the HPA axis can help sexual tension.

Guard your gut against inflammation

Aristo Vojdani, PhD: Explained how infections can trigger autoimmunity and contribute to inflammation.

Ross Pelton, R.Ph: Reviewed the importance of the gut bacteria including diversity, balance and strains; described the requirements to have a healthy gut including the mucosal layer; and explained how to feed the microbiome.

Dr. Mark Rosenberg: Telomere Biology. He reviewed the basics; the value of testing; interventions; using telomeres as biomarkers in cancer; and the benefit of testing telomeres once a year.

Andreas Papas, MSc, PhD: Methods to support cardiovascular health and hypertension management using antioxidants and anti-inflammatory protocols.

Melting pot of the future

Dr. Denison: Naltrexone and how it affects immunity. He reviewed topical naltrexone formulas.

Dr. John Cline: Discussed degenerative joint disease comparing new and effective treatments.

Dr. Kent Holtorf: Discussed peptide therapy; how they differ from hormones and serve as another layer of regulation; how peptide therapy can address immune dysfunction and inflammation; and how to identify patients who could benefit.

Dr. Andrew Campbell: Reviewed how to use probiotics to treat microbiome damage from toxic chemicals. He explained how this relates to brain function and the importance of getting the right probiotics to prevent inflammation.

William Andrews, PhD: Reviewed how telomeres are biomarkers; identified how to protect your telomeres; and how to lengthen them.

Listen to your heart

Dr. Thomas Alexander: Addressed the role of infections on cardiovascular disease; how to lab test; and how to help your patient by removing triggers.

Tracie Lionhardt, DO: Lyme Disease. The symptoms and coinfections were reviewed; the difficulty of testing; comparison of treatment options – traditional and alternative.

Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum: Discussed effective treatments for CFS and fibromyalgia. He reviewed how to recognize the symptoms; the cause; and treatments.

Stem cells

Dr. Martin Gallagher: He looked at the role inflammation plays in chronic pain; reviewed prolotherapy and platelet rich plasma; tested nutraceuticals for muscle regeneration and stem cell activation; and reviewed clinical protocols.

Dr. Joel Baumgartner: Discussed regeneration of tissue and how to optimize the healing environment; and reviewed maintenance to help reverse all chronic disease.

Dr. Joseph Purita: Covered the basics of stem cells and platelet rich plasma science and reviewed sound methods of performing procedures in the office.

Esthetics

Dr. Samuel Shatkin, Jr.: Reviewed light therapy; how it works; why it is beneficial; and how it is applied.

Dr. Jeanette Jacknin: How hemp and cannabinoids help skin health and beauty. She explained the difference of hemp and marijuana; and what CBD lotions can do especially for acne, eczema and psoriasis.