ATMS UPDATE
The 8th Annual NIIM Symposium 2023
The Power of Integrative Medicine : Breakthroughs & Approaches to Better Health
Natalie Hume , ATMS ’ Relationship Coordinator
On the weekend of the 6 & 7 October I attended the National Institute of Integrative Medicine ( NIIM ) symposium at the Amora Hotel Riverwalk , Richmond , Melbourne , on behalf of ATMS . I joined in with integrated GPs , naturopaths , and nutritionist , as we immersed ourselves in 2 days full of learning and networking . We heard from world-renowned leaders in their field , researchers , professors , medical practitioners , and natural medicine practitioners . Here are some insight from some of the presentations from the symposium .
Dr Tim Crowe presented on the science behind hydrolysed collagen and health . Collagen is definitely on trend now but has had lots of negative press . However , the collagen supplement market is expected to reach $ 3,017.6 Million by 2027 !
In 2021 , the International Journal of Dermatology published a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin ageing involving 1,125 participants aged 20-70 years , 95 % of whom were female . The group that supplemented with hydrolyzed collagen had significant positive effects on skin hydration , skin elasticity , skin density and wrinkles and these benefits were seen within 60 days .
Rebecca Edwards from Activated Probiotics presented on the oral microbiome and its impact on whole body health . She talked about dental plaque dysbiosis and biofilms , periodontitis , halitosis and how the oral microbiome impacts systemic health and is associated with Alzheimer ’ s disease , atherosclerosis , blood pressure and autoimmune disease .
Three key points to take home were : 1 ) dental hygiene is vital , 2 ) eat a healthy diet rich in plant-based foods and low in processed sugar , and 3 ) evidence-based strain-specific probiotics are important for the oral microbiome .
Dr Helena Popovic presented on adventure and dementia . Did you know that good strong relationships halved our lifetime risk of getting dementia and loneliness can be as damaging as smoking ? Having strong social connections strengthens our immune system , decreases depression , reduces inflammation , and increases our body ’ s ability to deal with stress . Do you ask your patients about their social connections ? Another study showed that those who had a positive attitude to ageing lived 7 ½ years longer than those that had a negative attitude . I loved that Dr Helena said “ think wellderly not elderly !”.
Dr Stan Rodski , published author of The Neuroscience of Mindfulness and The
Neuroscience of Excellent Sleep , shared with us his tips for sleep . He was the inventor of the ‘ colouration ’ method for relaxation and improved brain performance . Colouring-in for 20min before sleeping had a calming effect and improved sleep quality and also reduced stress , anxiety and negative thoughts .
It was great to network and speak with all the sponsors at the event . I loved learning about their products and seeing how they can help and support practitioners in clinical practice . The FX Med team also attended and did some amazing interviews with presenters and delegates over the 2 days . I was also lucky enough to be interviewed by them .
Meeting all the practitioners and delegates who attended was a highlight . Learning what others do in clinic and what tests they use was a great way to share experiences and learn together . The NIIM conference was a great success and I look forward to seeing their lineup for 2024 !
JATMS | Summer 2023 | 209