Jayne Bullen, Managing Director of Nutrition Network, will present at the San Diego Symposium for Metabolic Health
We recently had the opportunity to speak with Jayne Bullen, Managing Director of Nutrition Network, about her upcoming presentation at the Symposium for Metabolic Health in San Diego, scheduled for August 17-20, 2023. Jayne’s presentation, titled “Gut-Brain,” will explore the significant relationship between gut health and mental well-being, particularly in the context of ketogenic and low-carb dietary approaches.
The Presentation: Unraveling the Gut-Brain Connection
Jayne’s presentation at the Symposium for Metabolic Health focuses on the intricate connection between gut health and mental health. Drawing from her personal journey of working to heal her own metabolic disease, she shares her insights into understanding the interplay between gut health and various mental health conditions. Initially viewing these systems as separate entities, Jayne’s perspective shifted when she became a certified mind-body medicine practitioner. This shift in perspective highlighted the undeniable link between gut health and mental well-being. Throughout her talk, Jayne plans to emphasize that the gut and the brain are intertwined, and healing one can positively impact the other.
“It’s obvious that all diseases begin and end in the gut, once we really start to look at it,” said Jayne. So from an immunity perspective, every digestive disease that’s known is caused by and replays into the diet. And the massive increase in gut problems and dysfunctional digestive system conditions that we’re seeing in the world today is obviously directly correlated with the gross overconsumption of carbohydrates.”
Jayne explained that various gas complications, such as acid reflux, IBS, irritable bowel syndrome, gallstones, constipation, and diarrhea, are linked to metabolic health issues. Additionally, conditions affecting the mouth and gums, including gum disease, can be associated with these gastrointestinal problems. She went on to explain that the impact of metabolic health extends to more severe conditions, including certain cancers and liver-related issues. Jayne also talked about how stress plays a significant role, as it triggers and mirrors the effects of metabolic health on the body. Understanding these connections, she said, is crucial in addressing and improving overall well-being.
Nutrition Network’s new “Ketogenic” textbook
Jayne Bullen also enthusiastically discussed the groundbreaking new textbook recently published by Nutrition Network, titled “Ketogenic: The Science of Therapeutic Carbohydrate Restriction in Human Health.” This comprehensive resource was born out of the necessity to equip healthcare practitioners with the latest evidence-based information on therapeutic carbohydrate restriction (TCR) and its impact on human health.
As the managing editor of the book for four years, Jayne was deeply involved in curating and reviewing its contents. The textbook comprises rigorous research and an extensive reference directory, offering healthcare professionals the necessary evidence to support the use of therapeutic carbohydrate restriction as a powerful approach to improving human health.
“It’s still surreal to see this book printed,” Jayne said. “Having read all those chapters and references so many times, seeing it come to life in print is an incredible experience.”
The book is dedicated to training medical and allied healthcare professionals in the effective therapeutic use of low-carbohydrate and ketogenic nutrition in clinical practice. It guides practitioners on the appropriate, safe, and effective implementation of TCR to improve or reverse nutrition-related metabolic conditions and diseases that were previously thought to have a chronic, irreversible progression. “Ketogenic” serves as a valuable resource not only for nutritionists, dietitians, and medical professionals providing diet-related counseling but also for researchers and students exploring related areas of study.
Practitioners who already prescribe TCR in their practices contribute clinical practice guidelines, making the book practical and applicable to real-life scenarios. It also includes insightful case studies that offer practical examples of how to assess, monitor, and intervene with patients, reflecting the challenges and successes practitioners encounter in their practices.
Throughout the book, the physiology and biochemistry of both the normal and pathophysiological states for each condition are explained. This understanding is then linked to the application of TCR, providing a comprehensive approach to addressing various health issues through therapeutic carbohydrate restriction.
With “Ketogenic,” Nutrition Network has taken an important step forward in consolidating the evidence base for TCR. The publication of this book will undoubtedly contribute to the continuous growth and advancement of TCR as a powerful tool in improving metabolic health and overall well-being.
Nutrition Network’s training initiatives
Jayne spoke about Nutrition Network’s commitment to empowering both practitioners and individuals with comprehensive knowledge and expertise in low-carb and ketogenic dietary approaches. She emphasized the importance of certifying practitioners to elevate their understanding of the therapeutic benefits of carbohydrate restriction.
“Through these rigorous training programs, Nutrition Network aims to equip healthcare professionals with the necessary tools to guide their patients towards improved metabolic health.
Jayne explained that in the early years, Nutrition Network primarily focused on training healthcare professionals with medical licenses and practice numbers. However, as the movement grew, they expanded their reach to include advisor training and coach certification. They recognized that the knowledge of therapeutic carbohydrate restriction should not be confined to the medical field alone.
“Many of the groundbreaking discoveries have emerged from anecdotal patient experiences,” said Jayne. “It became evident that the movement was driven from the bottom-up, with patients and individuals seeking better health outcomes.”
Looking ahead, Jayne emphasizes the importance of community work within the movement. While medicine plays a crucial role in addressing diseases, the ultimate goal is to empower the next generations to adopt low-carb lifestyles early on, thereby avoiding the health challenges faced by previous generations.
Jayne recalls her family’s journey, where members struggling with weight led them to conventional weight loss programs like Weight Watchers. She envisions a future where a strong support system exists for individuals embracing low-carb lifestyles, enabling them to achieve better health without severe challenges and risks.
The vision of Nutrition Network, according to Jayne, extends beyond immediate medical interventions. It seeks to revolutionize the approach to healthcare, fostering a preventive mindset that emphasizes lifestyle changes and metabolic health. By spreading knowledge and building supportive communities, Nutrition Network aims to pave the way for a future where metabolic health becomes the norm.
In essence, the movement is about empowering individuals, practitioners, and communities with the knowledge and tools to take control of their health and well-being proactively.
Certification through Nutrition Network’s training programs signifies more than just acquiring basic knowledge. It represents a profound commitment to becoming an expert in the field, as practitioners delve deeper into the nuances of metabolic health and therapeutic carbohydrate restriction. Armed with this enhanced expertise, certified practitioners are better equipped to transform the lives of their patients by offering personalized and evidence-based guidance.
The SMHP Accreditation Process
Jayne also discussed the Metabolic Health Practitioner (MHP) accreditation available through the Society of Metabolic Practitioners. One pathway toward obtaining this accreditation is the Nutrition Network Pathway, and there are two discounted Nutrition Network packages available that provide all of the training needed to earn the MHP Accreditation.
The SMHP Accreditation Bundle for Coaches and Non-Medical Practitioners and The SMHP Accreditation Bundle for Medical and Healthcare Workers offer all the required courses at a special discounted price. Both bundles necessitate the acquisition of 60 Continuing Metabolic Health Education (CMHE) separate credits from an approved provider, a quantity that could easily be obtained from (upcoming or listed previous events) LowCarbUSA Symposiums, or from other CMHE providers listed on The SMHP website.
“The SMHP accreditation is a comprehensive bundle of training that takes individuals on a profound journey from having little or no knowledge of low-carb to becoming proficient in its practice. It equips them with the necessary skills to confidently discuss and implement low-carb approaches, making it an integral part of their career path.”
Tips for Individuals Facing Struggles with Metabolic Health and Obesity
Adopting therapeutic carbohydrate restriction to improve metabolic health and achieve weight loss can be challenging for individuals and healthcare practitioners alike. Jayne highlighted several significant obstacles that hinder success in this endeavor:
- Behavioral Change and Addiction: One of the major challenges lies in behavioral change and addiction. In the past, healthcare practitioners may have underestimated the extent of carbohydrates and sugar addiction. Merely providing a list of recommended dietary changes may not be enough to ensure long-term adherence to a low-carb lifestyle.
- Lack of Accessibility to Healthy Foods: Underserved and poorer communities, like those in South Africa, often face limited access to healthy foods. The prevalence of highly processed and unhealthy options in local grocery stores makes it challenging for individuals to make healthier choices. Changing this scenario involves not just educating individuals but also transforming the larger food system, a process that could take several decades to implement successfully.
- Unhealthy Food Consumption: Many people are consuming nutritionally inadequate and unhealthy foods. Jayne pointed to the prevalence of cheap and convenient options like two-minute noodles, which require minimal cooking facilities, has led to widespread consumption among children. Addressing this issue involves combating the allure of junk food and promoting the adoption of healthier eating habits.
- Mind-Body Medicine Techniques: In her talk, Jayne plans to share tips and techniques from mind-body medicine to support individuals in their journey towards adopting therapeutic carbohydrate restriction. “Cutting down on carbohydrates is fundamental,” said Jayne, “but it is also crucial to be honest with oneself about personal eating habits and individual nutritional needs, as they can vary significantly among different people.”
While the challenges may seem daunting, Jayne emphasized the importance of collective efforts to overcome them.
“It is essential to understand there is no one-size-fits-all approach,” said Jayne, “however, through education, support, and dedication, individuals can gradually embrace a low-carb lifestyle and experience the benefits of improved metabolic health and overall well-being.”
Tips for Practitioners and Others Looking to Help
Jayne talked about ways practitioners and others can become more effective as they strategize how to help others to adopt TCR to improve their health and quality of life.
In the certification programs offered by Nutrition Network, Jayne personally meets with participants to encourage them to explain their vision and journey with low-carb practices. She believes that being able to articulate one’s experiences and transformation is essential for effectively helping and influencing others.
She acknowledges that healthcare practitioners, particularly doctors, often struggle with self-promotion and expressing their beliefs openly. “Many practitioners find it challenging to come out and openly advocate for low-carb approaches, feeling like they are coming out of the low-carb closet,” she said. “Joining supportive communities like Nutrition Network’s intellectual community can provide a safe space for practitioners to discuss important topics, ask questions, and share experiences openly.”
Jayne also discussed the significance of understanding the ethical implications of medicine and the effects of pharmaceutical influence on healthcare practices. She pointed out that many doctors initially chose their career paths with genuine intentions of helping others and making a positive impact. “But some practitioners lose sight of their original vision during their medical training and careers, possibly influenced by pharmaceutical companies or other factors,” she said. “Low-carb approaches often become a saving grace for these practitioners, as they rediscover their passion for healing and helping patients through nutrition.”
Jayne stressed the need for ethical considerations in healthcare, especially when it comes to prescribing medications versus advocating for dietary changes like low-carb interventions. Practitioners, she said, must navigate the complexities of ethics and regulation while delivering the truth and providing comprehensive care to their patients.
The journey towards advocating low-carb and therapeutic carbohydrate restriction can be challenging and even met with resistance from regulatory bodies and other institutions. Jayne highlighted the case of Professor Tim Noakes, Nutrition Network’s Chief Medical Officer, who faced extreme challenges during a four-year trial for promoting low-carb practices. This example illustrates the obstacles and silencing that can occur when trying to bring about change in the medical and healthcare industry.
The Value of Attending a Symposium
Jayne talked with us about the importance of attending events such as the Symposium for Metabolic Health and the many benefits attendees derive, which goes far beyond the valuable science-backed information that is shared by the expert presenters.
“Attending a Symposium provides attendees a total immersion into the community,” said Jayne. “A lot of first-timers at these conferences cannot believe that there is such a large supportive global community. And they come back just absolutely blown away because there is nothing like actually just sitting in a room of people that are sharing your journey.”
This will be Jayne’s third time presenting in San Diego, and she said it’s an event she always looks forward to. “The San Diego event is really special for me,” she said. “I get so excited by the stories I hear and realize the incredible impact low-carb is having on people’s lives. People come to these conferences and share the journey they’ve been on where, after struggling, sometimes for 30 years or more, actually find something that gives a sense of hope.”
“LowCarbUSA co-founders Doug (Reynolds) and Pam (Devine) have been there from the beginning, and they believe in this work. They are giving people hope.”
Jayne concluded, saying she believes the Symposium provides an excellent opportunity for like-minded professionals to connect, share personal success stories, and collaborate on innovative solutions for a healthier future.
8th Annual SMH – San Diego, August 17-20, 2023
Attendees of this year’s Symposium for Metabolic Health in San Diego will have the opportunity to learn science-based information about the use of carbohydrate reduction as a powerful tool in addressing and even reversing various health conditions. The conference will showcase how therapeutic carbohydrate restriction can positively impact type 2 diabetes, hypertension, fatty liver, PCOS, cardiovascular disease, epilepsy, traumatic brain injuries, Alzheimer’s, neurological pathologies, mental health conditions, and much more.
This year’s event features a special session dedicated to exploring the intricate connection between cancer and metabolic disease. Experts will educate practitioners and laypersons alike on metabolic therapies that may complement traditional treatments, potentially improving outcomes while minimizing side effects.
For individuals interested in exploring the extensive evidence supporting carbohydrate reduction as a therapeutic intervention and discovering ways to enhance their metabolic health through lifestyle changes, the Symposium for Metabolic Health in San Diego is set to take place from August 17 to August 20, 2023.
Even if you can’t attend in person, signing up for the livestream is highly encouraged. The virtual platform offers an excellent opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals through the chat application and access inspiring and informative lectures from the comfort of your home or office.
One of the incredible benefits of registering for the symposium, whether in person or via livestream, is the unlimited access to replays. So, in case you miss any part of the live sessions, you will have the flexibility to watch and review the content at your convenience.
As an added benefit, there’s a discount code available on the registration page, offering savings on tickets, low-carb meals, and optional CME credits.
Don’t miss this chance to join the global community of health professionals and individuals dedicated to improving metabolic health and advocating for evidence-based approaches. Learn more and secure your spot at the 8th Annual Symposium for Metabolic Health in San Diego today.
