Dr. Chris Caffery

02/10/2026

Saffron Study #1: Randomized Double-Blind Trial Shows Saffron Performed as Well as Ritalin in ADHD

Did you know a natural plant extract performed as well as Ritalin in a randomized, double-blind clinical trial in children with ADHD?

In this study, researchers randomly assigned 54 children (ages 6–17) with ADHD to receive either saffron extract or methylphenidate (Ritalin) for 6 weeks. Both parents and teachers rated ADHD symptoms using standardized ADHD Rating Scale scores.

What were the results?
-Saffron improved ADHD symptoms as much as methylphenidate (Ritalin)
-There was no statistically significant difference between saffron and Ritalin in symptom improvement
-Both parent and teacher ratings showed significant improvement in attention and hyperactivity symptoms

Importantly, the improvement was substantial. By the end of the study:
-100% of children in the saffron group improved by at least 40% based on parent ratings
-This was comparable to the 96% response rate seen with methylphenidate

This study was randomized and double-blind, meaning neither the patients nor the evaluators knew which treatment was given.

Why might saffron work?
Saffron’s active compounds influence dopamine and norepinephrine systems, the same neurotransmitters targeted by stimulant medications. These systems are central to attention, impulse control, and executive function. (study in comments below)

Yours in health,
Dr. Chris Caffery
URL: www.drcafferyintegrativehealth.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCaffery

Disclaimer: The contents of this site are for educational purposes only. Nothing here should be construed as medical advice. Nothing here is a substitute for actual medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.

02/05/2026

Study #3: Long-Term Study Shows Food-Responsive ADHD
Improvements Last Years

Do the benefits of an elimination diet last, or are they just temporary?

A long-term follow-up study published in Nutrients (2022) followed children with ADHD for an average of 3.5 years after completing a 4-week elimination diet to answer exactly that question.

What were the results?
-67% of children met criteria for food-responsive ADHD (≥40% symptom improvement)
-ADHD symptoms were reduced by nearly half on average
-Most importantly, these improvements were maintained years later

This is critical. It shows that the improvements seen in elimination diet studies like the INCA trial were not short-lived. For many children, identifying and avoiding trigger foods led to sustained, long-term improvement in ADHD symptoms. Many children were able to maintain these improvements simply by avoiding their individual trigger foods, and most were not taking ADHD medication at follow-up.

How does this compare to prior studies?
-The INCA trial showed 64% response after 5 weeks
-The blinded validation study showed ~60% response confirmed by independent observers
-This long-term follow-up showed 67% response sustained over 3.5 years

Three separate studies. Different researchers. Different children. Same conclusion.

For a significant percentage of children, ADHD symptoms may be strongly influenced by underlying physiology, including diet. Identifying and addressing these triggers may provide meaningful and lasting improvement. (study in comments below)

Yours in health,
Dr. Chris Caffery
URL: www.drcafferyintegrativehealth.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCaffery

Disclaimer: The contents of this site are for educational purposes only. Nothing here should be construed as medical advice. Nothing here is a substitute for actual medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.

02/05/2026

Study #2: Independent Blinded Experts Confirm Food-Responsive ADHD Is Real

In my last post, I discussed the landmark INCA trial showing nearly 2 out of 3 children with ADHD may have food-responsive ADHD. One criticism of that study was that parents and clinicians knew the children were on a diet, raising the question: were the improvements real, or biased?

A newer study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry was designed specifically to answer that question. Researchers placed children with ADHD on a 4-week elimination diet, but added an important safeguard: ADHD assessments were recorded on video and evaluated by independent experts who were completely blinded and did not know whether the child was on the diet.

What were the results?

-About 60–62.5% of children improved by at least 40%
-On average, ADHD symptoms were reduced by nearly 50%
-Blinded independent experts confirmed the improvements were real, not bias or placebo

How does this compare to the INCA trial?

-The response rate was nearly identical (~60–64% in both studies)
-The magnitude of improvement was also similar
-This study strengthens and validates the original INCA findings using blinded observers

This is important because blinded assessments are considered one of the strongest methods in medical research. It confirms that the behavioral improvements seen with elimination diets are objectively observable and reproducible.

The takeaway: multiple independent studies now show that for a significant percentage of children, dietary triggers may directly influence ADHD symptoms. For many children, addressing underlying physiology, including diet, may significantly improve ADHD symptoms. (study in comments below)

Yours in health,
Dr. Chris Caffery
URL: www.drcafferyintegrativehealth.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCaffery

Disclaimer: The contents of this site are for educational purposes only. Nothing here should be construed as medical advice. Nothing here is a substitute for actual medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.

02/05/2026

Study #1: Did you know nearly 2 out of 3 children with ADHD may have food-responsive ADHD?

In a landmark randomized controlled trial published in The Lancet (INCA study), researchers placed children with ADHD on a supervised elimination diet for just 5 weeks. They defined food-responsive ADHD as a greater than 40% improvement in symptoms.

What were the results?

-64% of children improved by at least 40%
-On average, symptoms were reduced by more than half

To put this in perspective, the effects seen in this study were comparable or even beyond for the right kid, that seen with stimulant medications. The average improvement in the elimination diet group was comparable to what's typically seen with stimulant medications, while in diet-responsive children, the magnitude of improvement often exceeded what's typically seen with stimulant treatment.

In addition to improving attention and hyperactivity, the elimination diet produced a dramatic 65% reduction in oppositional defiant behaviors, highlighting that dietary triggers may influence emotional regulation and behavioral control as well.

What happened when food was reintroduced?

63% of children relapsed when foods were reintroduced, offering confirmation that food was directly influencing brain function and behavior. This 63% is likely an underestimation, as the study only added back 6 of many eliminated foods before its end, but nonetheless, it showed food additions reproducing symptoms.

The researchers concluded that dietary intervention should be considered in all children with ADHD. For many children, addressing underlying physiology, including diet, may significantly improve ADHD symptoms. (study in comments below)

Yours in health, Dr. Chris Caffery
URL: www.drcafferyintegrativehealth.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCaffery

Disclaimer: The contents of this site are for educational purposes only. Nothing here should be construed as medical advice. Nothing here is a substitute for actual medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.

01/30/2026

🧠✨📈A Functional Medicine Approach to Mild Cognitive Impairment and Early Alzheimer’s Disease Demonstrates Significant Cognitive Gains in a Randomized Trial 🧠✨📈

A new randomized controlled trial (preprint, Dec 2025, link in comments) tested a personalized precision-medicine approach for people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early Alzheimer’s disease and the results are striking.

What they did differently?

Instead of targeting one pathway (like amyloid), clinicians:
• Identified individual drivers of cognitive decline (insulin resistance, inflammation, infections, sleep apnea, hormone/nutrient deficiencies, toxins, vascular risk, etc.)
• Addressed them simultaneously using a systems-based, personalized plan:
o Nutrition & metabolic optimization
o Exercise, sleep, stress management
o Brain training
o Targeted treatment of infections, inflammation, hormones, and toxins
• Followed patients for 9 months and compared outcomes to standard of care

What happened?

Compared with standard care, the precision-medicine group showed:
• Large improvements in global cognition (≈ 1 full standard deviation on Neurocognitive Index)
• Better memory, executive function, and processing speed
• Improved Alzheimer’s symptom severity (reported by family members)
• Better metabolic health (glucose control, insulin sensitivity, lipids, blood pressure)
• Favorable brain MRI trends — without brain edema or microhemorrhages
Importantly, most patients improved, rather than just declining more slowly.

How this compares to conventional approaches?

Conventional drug trials (e.g., anti-amyloid antibodies):
• Primarily slow decline
• Small effect sizes
• Significant risks (ARIA, brain swelling, bleeding)
• One-size-fits-all

Precision medicine approach:
• Targets the root causes driving degeneration in each individual
• Produces measurable cognitive improvement
• Improves overall health — not just cognition
• Minimal serious adverse effects reported

The authors estimate the cognitive effect size was ~4–7× larger than recent monoclonal antibody trials (acknowledging different trial designs).

Big takeaway?

Alzheimer’s is not a single-cause disease, and treating it like one may be the wrong strategy. This study suggests that a personalized, systems-based approach can move cognition in the right direction, even after symptoms begin.

Yours in health, Dr. Chris Caffery URL: www.drcafferyintegrativehealth.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCaffery

Disclaimer: The contents of this site are for educational purposes only. Nothing here should be construed as medical advice. Nothing here is a substitute for actual medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional

12/12/2025

🧠 Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy Matches Low-FODMAP Diet for IBS

A randomized controlled trial out of Australia comparing gut-directed hypnotherapy to the low-FODMAP diet found that both treatments produced similar, clinically meaningful improvements in IBS symptoms.

Primary Outcomes (GI Symptoms)
• Response rates:
• Hypnotherapy: ~70–72% responders
• Low-FODMAP diet: ~72%
• Combined therapy: ~74%

Symptom reduction: Both groups showed LARGE effect sizes for global IBS symptom severity, indicating substantial improvement in pain, bloating, and overall digestive symptoms.

Secondary Outcomes (Anxiety, Depression)
Hypnotherapy demonstrated significant psychological improvements that were not seen in the diet group:
• Trait Anxiety:
• 4-point reduction (moderate effect size)
• Low-FODMAP: no significant change
• Trait Depression:
• 3-point reduction (small–moderate effect)
• Low-FODMAP: no significant change

These findings indicate that while both approaches effectively reduce IBS symptoms, hypnotherapy provides additional benefits by improving anxiety, mood, and the brain–gut axis, factors that often play a key role in IBS persistence. (study in comments)

Yours in health, Dr. Chris Caffery URL: www.drcafferyintegrativehealth.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCaffery

Disclaimer: The contents of this site are for educational purposes only. Nothing here should be construed as medical advice. Nothing here is a substitute for actual medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional

11/14/2025

☕ Coffee and Atrial Fibrillation: Good News for Coffee Lovers!

A new JAMA study examined whether coffee affects the recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after cardioversion. Surprisingly, habitual coffee drinkers who kept drinking 1 cup/day of caffeinated coffee had a lower rate of AF recurrence than those who abstained. The study showed a 39% lower risk of atrial fibrillation in those who consumed 1 cup/day of coffee.

Key takeaways:
• Moderate coffee may be safe, and possibly helpful, for AF patients.
• Don’t overdo caffeine; the study involved ~1 cup/day.
• Individual triggers vary; always discuss changes with your cardiologist.

(study linked in the comments below)

Yours in health, Dr. Chris Caffery URL: www.drcafferyintegrativehealth.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCaffery

Disclaimer: The contents of this site are for educational purposes only. Nothing here should be construed as medical advice. Nothing here is a substitute for actual medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional

11/07/2025

Reduce Rage, Boost Calm: The Fish Oil Solution

A recent comprehensive meta-analysis study from the University of Pennsylvania found that omega-3 fatty acids, commonly taken as fish oil supplements, can reduce aggression by up to 28 to 30%. This effect was observed across different ages, genders, and types of aggression, including both reactive (impulsive) and proactive (planned) aggression. The anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3s, their role in enhancing neurotransmitter function such as serotonin, and their influence on the stress response via the HPA axis are believed to underlie this reduction in aggressive behavior. The study reviewed 29 randomized controlled trials including nearly 4,000 participants, supporting the idea that adding omega-3 supplements or increasing dietary intake of fatty fish could be a valuable adjunct in managing aggression in various settings, including clinical and community environments. (study in comments)

Yours in health, Dr. Chris Caffery URL: www.drcafferyintegrativehealth.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCaffery

Disclaimer: The contents of this site are for educational purposes only. Nothing here should be construed as medical advice. Nothing here is a substitute for actual medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional

10/29/2025

I’m deeply grateful for this kind feedback. Hearing that patients feel cared for, informed, and empowered is the best reward for the work I do every day. Thank you for trusting me with your health.

"Dr. Caffery is an exceptional physician who truly goes above and beyond for his patients. He takes the time to carefully review every detail of your test results, explaining each part in a way that’s easy to understand. You never feel rushed—he listens attentively, answers all your questions, and ensures you leave the appointment feeling confident and informed about your health.

What really sets Dr. Caffery apart is his ability to turn medical information into meaningful, actionable steps. He offers fantastic, personalized suggestions for improving your overall wellness and genuinely cares about helping you achieve better health outcomes. His approach is thoughtful, thorough, and compassionate.

I’m incredibly grateful for the time and attention he gives to his patients. It’s rare to find a doctor who combines such deep medical knowledge with such genuine concern for the people he treats. I highly recommend Dr. Caffery to anyone looking for a dedicated, caring, and detail-oriented physician." Brian J. Betze

10/06/2025

I’m proud to announce that I recently completed a 300 hour program and earned the designation of Advanced Functional Medicine Clinician (AFMC) from the Kharrazian Institute.

I’ve been practicing functional medicine for 19 years. The AFMC credential identifies me as a physician who has advanced training in functional medicine.

Read more about my educational history, and how I got started with functional medicine:

https://www.drcafferyintegrativehealth.com/doctor-bio.html



https://www.parchment.com/u/award/2660b6b8c173dfca28e1d55bc413fd40

Kharrazian Institute issues digital credentials with Parchment. Click to verify my Certificate and see more about my accomplishment.

09/26/2025

Berberine vs. Rifaximin for SIBO: Clinical Trial Outcomes 💊🌿

A randomized clinical trial from Peking University analyzed 180 adults with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), comparing berberine (400 mg twice daily) to rifaximin, both for 2 weeks. Outcome: Berberine was found to be non-inferior to rifaximin for eradicating SIBO, as assessed by breath testing. Both treatments provided symptom relief and beneficial changes in gut microbiota, with berberine offering a promising and more natural alternative for patients seeking options beyond antibiotics. 🌱✅

(study in comments below) 👇

Yours in health, Dr. Chris Caffery
URL: www.drcafferyintegrativehealth.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCaffery

Disclaimer: The contents of this site are for educational purposes only. Nothing here should be construed as medical advice. Nothing here is a substitute for actual medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.

08/27/2025

🔊👂 Hear Better, Think Better! 🧠✨

Hearing Aids Reduce Dementia Risk!

Early intervention with hearing aids may significantly lower dementia risk for those with hearing loss under age 70, according to a major new study from JAMA Neurology.

This research followed over 2,950 adults for up to 20 years, examining links between hearing aid use and the onset of dementia. Results showed that people younger than 70 who used hearing aids after early signs of hearing loss were 61% less likely to develop dementia compared to those who did not use hearing aids.

Key Findings
• Hearing aid use in under-70 adults with hearing loss was linked to dramatically lower dementia risk (61% reduction).

• Those with no hearing loss had only a 29% lower risk, highlighting the potential power of early intervention for those at risk.

• The benefit was not observed in those aged 70 and older, emphasizing that timing is critical.

• Only 17% of people with moderate to severe hearing loss currently use hearing aids—there’s a major opportunity for prevention here.

If hearing loss has been diagnosed, especially before age 70, using hearing aids may be an essential step in lowering dementia risk over time. This adds to growing evidence that functional interventions can help preserve brain health, making hearing care a vital part of healthy. (study in comments)

Yours in health, Dr. Chris Caffery URL: www.drcafferyintegrativehealth.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCaffery

Disclaimer: The contents of this site are for educational purposes only. Nothing here should be construed as medical advice. Nothing here is a substitute for actual medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional