Unraveling Neuroinflammation:
From Gut to Brain and Beyond
CNDA 2026 Conference | Long Beach, CA
April 24-26, 2026
CONFERENCE OVERVIEW
Join us for an inspiring and dynamic gathering of Naturopathic Doctors and allied healthcare professionals at this year’s annual CNDA Conference, where the theme is Unraveling Neuroinflammation: From Gut to Brain, and Beyond. Dive into cutting-edge research, innovative therapies, and practical insights designed to transform your practice and help your patients thrive with optimal health and vitality.
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This year’s program highlights exciting advancements in managing the most complex neurological and systemic inflammatory conditions. We focus on decoding the mechanisms that drive chronic disease, from the intricate interplay of the Gut-Brain Axis to the critical role of Environmental Toxicology and Metabolic Dysfunction.
Explore topics ranging from
integrative strategies for Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease
the use of genomic data to personalize treatment for stress and insulin resistance,
advanced protocols for eliminating heavy metals and mycotoxins that fuel neuroinflammation.
practical tools to interpret complex GI diagnostics
the autoimmune drivers of IBS, and
how hormonal shifts during menopause impact neurological health.
Whether you’re passionate about mastering next-generation diagnostics, intrigued by the genetic and toxicological mechanisms behind neurodegeneration, or eager to integrate evidence-based protocols to resolve chronic systemic inflammation, this conference offers everything you need to advance your expertise.
Connect with thought leaders in naturopathic medicine and collaborate with colleagues who share your commitment to advancing personalized, root-cause medicine. With expert-led sessions on wearable technologies in PD management, comprehensive detoxification protocols, and advanced microbiome strategies, this is your chance to elevate your knowledge and make a lasting impact.
Don't miss our All-Star Lineup of Speakers who will provide you with the most up-to-date research in naturopathic diagnostics, treatment and management!
* * * Conference Schedule (scroll down)
* * * Meet Our Exhibitors (coming soon)
Up to 18 CEs for all NDs* | 18 CEs for CA acupuncturists (pending)
11 general CEs | 7 pharm CEs (pending)
*Approved by the CNDA
The conference survey will be emailed out on Tuesday, May 5th so you can provide feedback and download your certificate.
2026 Conference Schedule
SUNDAY, April 26th
7:00 am - 8:00 am Registration and breakfast with exhibitors
8:00 am - 8:15 am President's Update
8:20 am– 9:10 am KELLY RUEF
9:10 am - 9:15 am STRETCH & REFRESH
9:15 am – 10:05 am LAURIE MISCHLEY
10:05 am – 10:50 am Exhibitor Break
10:55 am - 11:45 am LAURIE MISCHLEY
11:45 am – 1:15 pm LUNCH
1:15 pm – 1:35 pm - CBNM update with Rebecca Mitchell
1:35 pm - 2:25 pm STEVEN SANDBERG LEWIS
2:25 pm- 3:10 pm Exhibitor Break
3:10 pm – 4:00 pm STEVEN SANDBERG LEWIS
4:00 pm Conference Closing Remarks
SATURDAY, April 25th
7:00 am - 8:15 am Registration and breakfast
8:15 am - 8:40 am Welcome
8:45 am – 9:35 am PENNY KENDALL REED
9:35 am -9:40 am STRETCH & REFRESH
9:45 am -10:35 am PENNY KENDALL REED
10:35 -11:15 Exhibitor Break
11:15-12:05 pm MANNA SEMBY
12:05 – 1:35 LUNCH
1:35 – 2:25 pm AMY ROLFSEN
2:25 – 2:30 pm Special Presentation
2:30 – 3:15 pm Legislative Update
3:15 –4:00 pm Exhibitor Break
4:00 pm – 4:50 pm KELLY RUEF
4:50 – 4:55 pm Awards + Closing remarks
FRIDAY, April 24th
2:00 - 2:15: Welcome
2:15pm - 3:05pm - Bradley Bush, ND Title of Talk
3:10pm - 4:00pm - Manna Semby, ND Title of Talk
4:00 - 4:40 - Exhibitor Break
4:40pm - 5:30pm - Amy Rolfsen, ND Title of Talk
subject to change
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Category 1 TM Credits | CE Provider #805 | 310 670 8100 | **This course is pending approval by The California Acupuncture Board for 13.5 hours of continuing education | This course will be available as a self study after the date of the live webinar. *Refunds not available
Scroll down for talk descriptions!
Join us in beautiful Long Beach!
Enjoy beautiful Long Beach at the Hilton!
Retreat to Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country. The hotel in Santa Rosa offers spacious rooms and suites with scenic views and easy access to hundreds of Sonoma County wineries. Walk to Historic Railroad Square and charming downtown Santa Rosa to find museums, fine dining, and shopping nearby.
Hilton Long Beach (LINK)
We’re staying at the incredible
CNDA MEMBER: $499
Members must sign in to access member pricing
Non-CNDA Members: $549 (Become a member and save on our events all year long!)
Live Student CNDA Members: $149
Live Student NON-CNDA Members: $199
(Student membership is FREE. Sign up here.)Non-CE Live Attendance only: $399
This is primarily for affilate professions who want the education without the credit.
Registration Pricing
Live Attendance
CNDA MEMBER: $549
Members must sign in to access member pricing - If you have not yet transitioned to our new system, you’ll be prompted to do that first.
Non-CNDA Members: $649 (Become a member and save on our events all year long!)
Virtual Student CNDA Members: $149
Virtual Student NON-CNDA Members: $199
(Student membership is FREE. Sign up here.)Non-CE Virtual Attendance only: $199
This is primarily for affilate professions who want the education without the credit.
Virtual Attendance
Extend your stay and make it a vacay!
“Wonderful conference with diverse but relevant topics. I can't wait for next years!”
“The conference was packed full of valuable up to date information.”
“The online format was exceptional and a great experience!”
Functional Breath Test Interpretations: Advanced Strategies for Diagnosing SIBO and Sugar Malabsorption
Bradley Bush
2026 Conference Speakers
Presentation Description:
Enhance your ability to interpret breath test data and deliver targeted interventions for complex digestive disorders. This session offers a functional framework for analyzing hydrogen and methane breath tests used in SIBO and carbohydrate malabsorption (lactose, fructose, sucrose). Learn to identify and interpret six atypical test patterns —flat-methane, baseline elevated hydrogen, flat-negative, delayed motility, multiple peaks, and atypical colon patterns—while integrating symptom timing, gas dynamics, and motility to improve diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic outcomes.
Goals and Objectives:
After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:
1. Review diagnostic standards for SIBO and sugar malabsorption using glucose, lactulose, lactose, fructose, and sucrose breath tests.
2. Identify and interpret atypical breath test patterns and their implications for microbial balance, motility, and digestion.
3. Differentiate between malabsorption and dysbiosis-related gas production.
4. Understand how functional interpretations can guide more personalized treatment strategies, including antimicrobial, dietary, and motility-based interventions.
5. Apply an integrated approach to breath test interpretation that incorporates both standard diagnostics and advanced pattern recognition.
Brain-Gut Insights: SIBO, Gut Motility, and Sustained Brain Support
Presentation Description:
Despite growing awareness of SIBO and gut-brain interactions, many practitioners lack training in interpreting atypical breath tests or recognizing motility disorders driven by neurotransmitter and histamine imbalances. Additionally, few treatment protocols address the root cause of dysmotility from a neurochemical or genomic perspective. This session fulfills a critical educational need by connecting breath test interpretation with integrative therapeutic strategies and personalized medicine.
Goals and Objectives:
After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:
1. Interpret classic and atypical breath test results in the context of SIBO and gut motility dysfunction.
2. Differentiate gastroparesis from enteric nervous system-related motility disorders and recognize contributing neurochemical imbalances.
3. Identify genetic polymorphisms (e.g., MTHFR, SLC6A4) that influence serotonin metabolism and enteric nervous system function.
4. Explain the role of high-histamine states, including MCAS, in promoting or aggravating motility disorders.
5. Implement targeted nutritional and sustained-release interventions (e.g., L-Theanine, 5-MTHF, 5-HTP) to optimize serotonin activity and gut-brain axis health.
Early vs. Late-Onset Alzheimer’s in Women: Risk & Recognition
Presentation Description:
This presentation offers a deep dive into the multifactorial landscape of Alzheimer's disease (AD), beginning with a clear clinical distinction between early-onset (<65) and late-onset forms and exploring the genetic and clinical reasons behind the disproportionately higher risk observed in women. The core focus is on clinical recognition, detailing the comparative utility of advanced diagnostics, including blood-based biomarkers, CSF analysis, and PET/MRI, to highlight testing that truly changes management. We will then provide comprehensive, stage-specific clinical toolkits for both early and late disease, emphasizing how testing and timing inform targeted care. Special attention is given to early-stage management, covering multidomain treatment plans, the critical nuance of menopause/HRT, and the complexities of integrating anti-amyloid therapies.
Goals and Objectives:
After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:
Differentiate early- vs late-onset Alzheimer’s in women using genetics, phenotype, risk, and course.
Understand the subtypes of dementia and the importance of early detection and intervention.
Understand the new blood based biomarkers as well as other tests and screenings for dementia.
Understand multidomain clinical care.
Understand the importance of pace of treatment & improvement.
Dr. Manna Semby, ND
The Brain-Risk Burden: How Drugs & Supplements Affect Cognition via the Gut–Brain–Metabolism Axis
Presentation Description:
Cognition is influenced by more than plaques and tangles—it’s shaped daily by medications, supplements, sleep, heart health, metabolism, and the microbiome. This practical session equips naturopathic clinicians with a Brain-Risk Burden (BRB) framework to identify and reduce agents that impair attention, memory, and mood in patients with MCI and Alzheimer’s.
We’ll start with anticholinergics and then move to benzodiazepines/Z-drugs, antipsychotics, TCAs/SSRIs, opioids, corticosteroids, antihypertensives, and high-impact OTCs (diphenhydramine, meclizine).
Goals and Objectives:
After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:
Identify high-risk medications and supplements affecting cognition in older adults.
Differentiate how common drug/supp classes impact the gut–brain–metabolism axis and connect those effects to cognitive decline.
Discuss a stepwise deprescribing/optimization approach (what to taper first, how fast, safer swaps, what to monitor).
Coordinate brain-safe care using ND-aligned supports to reduce dose pressure on risky meds.
On Fire: ADHD Through the Lens of Neuroinflammation
Dr. Amy Rolfsen, ND
Presentation Description:
This talk explores the mounting evidence connecting neuroinflammatory processes with the pathophysiology of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). While traditionally conceptualized as a purely genetic or neurotransmitter-based disorder, ADHD is increasingly understood as a condition shaped by immune dysregulation, gut-brain axis disturbances, and early life environmental exposures.
Dr. Amy Rolfsen will guide attendees through emerging research on cytokine signaling, microglial activation, and gut-derived immune triggers in ADHD. The session will also touch on laboratory markers, functional testing, and clinical patterns that suggest inflammatory underpinnings—and discuss practical therapeutic strategies to help regulate the neuroimmune interface in both pediatric and adult ADHD presentations.
Goals and Objectives:
After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:
Describe how neuroinflammatory mechanisms—including microglial priming and cytokine signaling—contribute to the pathophysiology of ADHD.
Identify clinical patterns, lab markers, and history clues that may suggest immune system involvement in ADHD presentations.
Outline the relationship between gut inflammation, intestinal permeability, and neurodevelopmental symptoms.
Consider the role of environmental triggers (e.g., infection, allergens, toxins) in shaping neuroimmune reactivity in ADHD.
Apply integrative strategies to modulate neuroinflammation, including lifestyle, botanical, and nutritional interventions.
Neurodivergence and the Immune System: Connecting Inflammation to Cognition and Behaviour
Presentation Description:
From autism spectrum presentations to obsessive-compulsive behaviors and complex tic disorders, many neurodivergent conditions show evidence of neuroinflammatory involvement. In this pre-recorded presentation, Dr. Amy Rolfsen synthesizes the current literature on immune system dysregulation across various neurodivergent profiles, with a focus on pediatric populations.
The talk addresses how neuroinflammation can amplify rigidity, aggression, sensory sensitivity, and executive dysfunction—and how common drivers like gut dysbiosis, food proteins, or latent infections can contribute to flares in neuropsychiatric symptoms. This session offers clinicians practical tools for identifying immune-inflammatory patterns and implementing supportive care.
Goals and Objectives:
After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:
Differentiate between neuroinflammatory presentations and purely behavioral neurodivergence.
Recognize immune-mediated exacerbations in conditions like autism, OCD, and PANS/PANDAS.
Understand the overlap between intestinal dysbiosis, mast cell activation, and behavioral regression.
Identify clinical red flags and lab findings suggestive of immune system involvement.
Develop a framework for neuroimmune support in children with complex neuropsychiatric presentations.
Insulin Resistance or Genetic Resistance? Altering genes to modify insulin pathways
Presentation Description:
Insulin resistance is estimated to affect 40% of individuals worldwide. The CDC estimates that a staggering 84% of cases remain undiagnosed. Factors contributing to these numbers include poor diet, lack of exercise and environmental toxicity. However, the most important yet least-recognized contributor is systemic inflammation.
It is estimated that 80% of all major human diseases are mediated by inflammation and while there are numerous pathways leading to this pathology, the one proving to be overwhelmingly important is chronic stress and the associated dysfunction of the HPA axis. The connection between inflammation, sleep deprivation, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome can no longer be ignored. We must address all sides of the stress-sleep-inflammation-insulin resistance equation to successfully treat our patients.
Treating this successfully requires a far deeper understanding of the specific individual genetic factors. For example, our genetics dictate which of us release higher amounts of glucocorticoid for each which can then drop our metabolic efficiency from 92% to 35% independent of diet and exercise. Similarly, it is our genes that control the levels of inflammatory cytokines we produce, altering GLUT4 transportation, impairing insulin signaling and inhibiting UCP1-directed thermogenesis.
In this lecture I will review the genes involved in the above pathways. I will demonstrate, using diet, lifestyle changes and natural supplementation how to alter gene expression, reset the central nervous system, re-balance metabolism and reduce inflammatory load.
Dr. Penny Kendall-Reed, ND
Goals and Objectives:
After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:
Understand the connection between high cortisol, high inflammation, sleep deprivation and insulin resistance, and how this is more powerful than what we eat.
Learn how balancing leptin, adiponectin and ghrelin can reverse insulin resistance more so than reducing carbohydrates and increasing protein.
Learn which SNPs are involved in the GLP-1 regulation, stress response, inflammation, sleep and our metabolic hormones and how to treat them naturally.
Comparative, integrative genetic case studies will be presented to illustrate the value of genetics in identifying the root causes of insulin resistance and how to treat those cases using natural supplementation, diet, exercise, and lifestyle.
Cognitive Health: Mental deterioration or just brain fog: a genetics-based approach to diagnosis and management
Presentation Description:
We all experience brain fog and decreased concentration from time to time and for some it can feel like early stages of mental deterioration. It is well documented that 50% of the information presented to people is forgotten one hour later. Similarly, the average attention span has dropped from 32 to 20 minutes over the past 20 years as a result of our fast-paced, information-bombarded lifestyles. But when is poor memory and decreased mental ability a concern? Is it the result of age-related chronic stress and inflammation, or is it something more sinister like dementia or Alzheimer’s? Making this distinction and designing an appropriate treatment protocol formerly relied on clinical evaluation of symptoms and examination. However, over the past few years, the introduction of genetic analysis has allowed for an in-depth, individualized assessment of neural, hormonal and inflammatory risk factors, vital to managing this condition.
There is a great deal of overlap between the many causes of "brain fog" and the pathology of dementia including hormonal dysfunction, chronic stress, lack of sleep, inflammation, and aging. However, the main differentiating factors are alterations in neural tissue, the degree of cognitive impairment and the association with emotional lability. In this lecture I will review how to differentiate between simple mental clouding and cognitive decline. You will learn the main variables that affect memory, concentration and processing and how genetic analysis can improve your diagnostic accuracy and treatment. You will gain knowledge of the SNPs that affect sensitivity to numerous factors that predispose an individual to brain fog and mental deterioration. Finally, you will learn how to mitigate causative variables, maximize brain health and slow the aging of neural pathways. Several case studies with illustrative genetics will be used to demonstrate how to differentiate between different types of cognitive dysfunction and its varying causes such that correct therapeutics may be employed.
Goals and Objectives:
After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:
Learn the major differentiating variables that distinguish brain fog and decreased focus from disease processes such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Learn which genetic SNPs have a major impact on the initiation and progression of mental decline and how to interpret and treat them using natural supplementation, diet and lifestyle variables.
Several case studies will be presented showing how genetics allows us to more accurately identify the root cause of the multiple variables that contribute to brain fog and neural decline and how to best treat them to protect and stimulate a healthy brain as we age.
Menopause: The Connection Between Sex Hormones and Gut Health
Presentation Description:
Menopause marks a significant physiological transition in women, characterized by a decline in estrogen, progesterone, and microbial diversity. This talk explores the intricate interplay between sex hormones and the gut microbiome during menopause, shedding light on how these factors contribute to neurological changes and potential health risks. Dysbiosis, or microbial imbalance, can amplify systemic and neural inflammation through the gut-brain axis, potentially contributing to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative risks observed in postmenopausal women. Key topics include the bi-directional relationship between sex hormones and the gut microbiome, estrogen and progesterone’s protective effect on the gut, the influence of dysbiosis on the development and progression of age-related neurodegenerative disorders.
Dr. Kelly Ruef, ND
Goals and Objectives:
After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:
Recognize the impact of sex hormone decline on the microbiome in menopause.
Understand the bidirectional relationship between sex hormones and the microbiome.
Understand how microbial imbalance can amplify systemic and neural inflammation through the gut-brain axis, potentially contributing to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative risks.
Identify key mechanisms linking hormonal changes and microbiome alterations to brain health.
Neuroinflammation and Benefits of Menopausal Hormone Therapy
Presentation Description:
Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) has been shown to lower the risk of certain conditions associated with neuroinflammation in some populations. It could be proposed that one way it does this is through modulation of the gut-brain axis. This talk adds upon Part 1 in exploring the influence of dysbiosis on the development and progression of age-related neurodegenerative disorders in postmenopausal women and additionally dives into menopausal hormone therapy’s (MHT) role in preventing neurodegeneration, perhaps in part through altering the microbiome. Designed for Naturopathic Doctors, the talk will combine science with practical insights, fostering discussion on MHT therapeutic strategies to enhance neurological outcomes during menopause.
Goals and Objectives:
After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:
Review how low hormones (estrogen and progesterone) in menopause can affect the gut-brain axis and contribute to the development and progression of age-related neurodegenerative disorders.
Understand menopausal hormone therapy’s (MHT) potential to modulate the microbiome and gut-brain axis and reduce neuroinflammation.
Understand why certain forms of MHT (oral estrogen, progestins, etc.) may not be optimal for brain health and dementia risk reduction.
Identify key mechanisms linking hormonal changes and microbiome alterations to brain health.
Learn best practices of prescribing MHT for reducing neurodegenerative risk.
Parkinson's in Primary Care: The Role of Diet, Supplements, Sleep, Money, Friends, and Exercise
Dr. Laurie Mischley, ND, PhD, MPH
Presentation Description:
This session, based on the long-running Modifiable Variables in Parkinsonism (MVP) Study, will provide primary care doctors with actionable data on lifestyle factors influencing Parkinson's disease (PD) progression. Attendees will learn how reframing PD as a syndrome allows for integrative management strategies across several domains. We will specifically analyze the influence of dietary patterns (including Mediterranean and MIND diets), targeted supplements, exercise, and the critical impact of social determinants of health—such as sleep patterns, loneliness, and financial stability—on symptom severity and disease trajectory. The goal is to integrate these research insights into practical, everyday primary care to enhance the long-term success of Parkinson management.
Goals and Objectives:
After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:
1. Identify the key lifestyle and environmental factors linked to faster and slower Parkinson’s progression.
2. Recommend evidence-supported dietary strategies that improve symptoms and quality of life.
3. Integrate targeted supplements using pragmatic dosing and safety considerations.
4. Counsel patients on non-dietary modifiers of disease course, including sleep, exercise, social connection, and financial stress.
5. Use simple patient-reported measures to track progression, set goals, and guide personalized care..
Lab Tests and Wearables in Parkinson’s Disease Management
Presentation Description:
This session focuses on the lab tests and wearable technologies most useful in understanding and managing Parkinson’s from a naturopathic, whole-person perspective. We will review patterns commonly seen in blood, urine, and hair, including nutritional, metabolic, and environmental contributors that often go unaddressed in conventional care. Attendees will also learn how monitoring sleep, heart rate variability, and mobility sensors can support clinical decision-making, improve adherence, and help patients monitor their own progress outside the clinic.
Goals and Objectives:
After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:
1. Identify and screen for mineral deficiencies, metabolic perturbations, and environmental toxicants commonly seen in people with Parkinson’s.
2. Use bioimpedance tools to assess muscle mass, hydration status, and bone composition as part of routine primary care monitoring.
3. Select and integrate wearables that support patient safety, mobility tracking, sleep assessment, HRV monitoring, and other clinically meaningful data collection.
4. Incorporate practical in-office screening tools, such as smell testing, simple muscle-strength measures, and HRV coaching, into everyday practice.
5. Recognize the impact of older-adult digital literacy on access to care and tailor recommendations for labs, wearables, and technology use accordingly.
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Dr. Steven Sandberg-Lewis, ND
Presentation Description:
This presentation will discuss how to treat the autoimmune etiology of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a condition often misdiagnosed as typical post-infectious IBS (PI-IBS). Approximately one out of ten cases of food poisoning or traveler’s diarrhea can trigger this autoimmune response, making it a common presentation in your practice. We will explore the normal physiology of the enteric nervous system and how the antibodies to Cytolethal Distending Toxin B (Cdt-B) and vinculin disrupt this function. The presentation will cover the clinical picture of PI-IBS, the interpretation of key diagnostic testing, and a successful Biomedical and Naturopathic treatment protocol I have developed over the last decade. Understanding this distinct mechanism is crucial for achieving long-term resolution in these challenging patients.
Goals and Objectives:
After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:
i. Develop a working knowledge of enteric physiology and its relationship to proper digestion and assimilation.
ii. Appreciate the role of neuro-inflammation in the pathogenesis of PI-IBS.
iii. Use their knowledge of enteric histology to understand the pathophysiology of PI-IBS.
iv. Appreciate mechanisms by which nutrition, prescription medicines, and botanicals may be used to address the pathophysiology and clinical picture of PI-IBS.
v. Use their knowledge of PI-IBS mechanisms to create individualized treatments for patients.
Gastroparesis and Neurogastric Dysfunction
Presentation Description:
This presentation offers a deep dive into the multifactorial landscape of Alzheimer's disease (AD), beginning with a clear clinical distinction between early-onset (<65) and late-onset forms and exploring the genetic and clinical reasons behind the disproportionately higher risk observed in women. The core focus is on clinical recognition, detailing the comparative utility of advanced diagnostics, including blood-based biomarkers, CSF analysis, and PET/MRI, to highlight testing that truly changes management. We will then provide comprehensive, stage-specific clinical toolkits for both early and late disease, emphasizing how testing and timing inform targeted care. Special attention is given to early-stage management, covering multidomain treatment plans, the critical nuance of menopause/HRT, and the complexities of integrating anti-amyloid therapies.
Gastroparesis is a delayed gastric emptying disorder characterized by symptoms like epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. It is frequently seen in patients with Type I and II diabetes, but can also be caused by specific medications or traumatic brain injury. This presentation will first review the fundamental principles of gastric motility including contraction, retropulsion, gastric emptying, and the regulating influence of GI hormones such as Cholecystokinin, Secretin, and GLP-1. We will then explore the pathophysiology and specific etiologies that lead to this impaired function. Finally, a comprehensive segment will detail the management of gastroparesis, integrating biomedical strategies like prescription prokinetics with dietary changes, botanical interventions, and treatments targeting hypochlorhydria.
Goals and Objectives:
After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:
1. Develop a working knowledge of enteric physiology and its relationship to proper digestion and assimilation.
2. Appreciate the role of neuro-inflammation in the pathogenesis of PI-IBS.
3. Use their knowledge of enteric histology to understand the pathophysiology of PI-IBS.
4. Appreciate mechanisms by which nutrition, prescription medicines and botanicals may be used to address the pathophysiology and clinical picture of PI-IBS.
5. Use their knowledge of PI-IBS mechanisms to create individualized treatments for patients.
From Microbiome to Mind: Immunity and the Gut-Brain Axis
Heather Zwickey, PhD
Presentation Description:
Emerging research demonstrates that the gut microbiome, immune system, and nervous system are deeply interconnected, shaping not only digestive health but also mood, cognition, and resilience to stress. This presentation will explore the dynamic crosstalk between microbes and immune signaling pathways, highlighting how these interactions influence brain function and contribute to conditions such as anxiety, depression, and neuroinflammation. We will examine pre, pro, and postbiotics as strategies that naturopathic physicians can use to optimize gut and immune health as a foundation for mental well-being. By integrating microbiome science into clinical practice, naturopathic physicians can expand their therapeutic toolkit and address the root causes of disorders that bridge body and mind.
Goals and Objectives:
After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:
Describe the bidirectional communication pathways of the gut-brain axis and the role of immune signaling in mediating these interactions.
Identify clinical conditions in which dysregulation of the microbiome–immune–brain axis contributes to patient presentations, including mood disorders and neuroinflammation.
Evaluate evidence-based naturopathic interventions—such as nutrition, botanicals, probiotics, and lifestyle strategies—that influence microbiome and immune function.
Apply integrative, patient-centered approaches that support gut and immune health as a foundation for improving mental and emotional well-being in clinical practice.
Nutritional Strategies for Modulating the Gut-Brain Axis in
Presentation Description:
New insights reveal that gut microbes, immune function, and diet are intimately connected to the onset and progression of Parkinson’s disease. This session will explore the role of gut-brain interactions in neurodegeneration, highlighting how microbial metabolites, inflammation, and barrier integrity may influence motor and non-motor symptoms. We will review nutritional strategies that may modulate the gut-brain axis and support neuronal health. Naturopathic physicians will gain insights into how integrative, nutrition-focused approaches can complement conventional therapies to improve quality of life for individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
Goals and Objectives:
After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:
Describe the role of the gut-brain axis in the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease.
Identify nutritional and microbiome-related factors that may contribute to Parkinson’s progression and symptom expression.
Evaluate evidence-based dietary and probiotic interventions that influence neuroinflammation and gut-brain communication.
Apply integrative nutrition strategies within naturopathic practice to support patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Environmental Toxicities and Neuroinflammation and Degeneration – PART 1
Dr. Joshua Farahnik, ND, MPH
Presentation Description:
This presentation explores the critical role of environmental toxicants—specifically heavy metals, mold mycotoxins, and chemical pollutants—in driving neuroinflammation and the progression of neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s disease. We will examine the biochemical mechanisms by which these exposures disrupt neurological health, focusing on oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, glial activation, and alpha-synuclein aggregation. The session provides a deep dive into specific culprits, including lead and mercury, indoor mold exposure, pesticides like paraquat, and emerging threats such as microplastics and PFAS. Attendees will learn to navigate clinical markers and testing options, from heavy metal panels to mycotoxin and VOC assays, to better identify toxic burdens in patients. Finally, we will synthesize how these diverse exposures converge on common pathways to explain the unique vulnerability of dopaminergic neurons and highlight strategies for early detection.
Goals and Objectives:
After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:
1. Identify major environmental toxicants: Learn the key categories—heavy metals (e.g., Lead, Mercury), mold mycotoxins, and chemical pollutants (pesticides, solvents, microplastics).
2. Understand neurotoxic mechanisms: Explain how these toxins drive neurologic stress through oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and glial activation.
3. Determine appropriate clinical testing: Review and select the best methods, including blood/urine metals, mycotoxin, and VOC panels, for detection and risk reduction.
Environmental Toxicities and Neuroinflammation and Degeneration – PART 2
Presentation Description:
This presentation will focus on the practical clinical implementation of detoxification and clearance strategies for environmental toxicants in patients with neurologic conditions. We will begin by reviewing the foundational supports for the body's key clearance organs—the liver, kidneys, and gut —emphasizing the importance of nutritional and lifestyle supports like hydration, fiber, and sauna therapy. The core of the presentation details specific, tiered protocols for clearing heavy metals (including chelation vs. non-chelation options) and managing mycotoxin exposure (environmental remediation, binders like cholestyramine, and mucosal repair). Finally, attendees will learn strategies for minimizing and clearing common chemical toxicants and endocrine disruptors, ensuring safe, effective patient-specific protocols that are coordinated with comprehensive monitoring of neurological function and biomarkers.
Goals and Objectives:
After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:
1. Identify the key foundations of how the body detoxifies.
2. Understand conventional vs integrative treatment options for each type of toxin/toxicant.
3. Build appropriate treatment plans and re-testing options for each type of toxin/toxicant.
PRESENTER BIOS
BRADLEY BUSH
BRADLEY BUSH
Bradley Bush, ND, is a naturopathic doctor who graduated from NCNM (now National University of Naturopathic Medicine) in Portland, OR. He is the owner and Clinic Director of Natural Medicine of Stillwater and the breath testing lab, Neurovanna, both based in Stillwater, MN. Additionally, Dr. Bradley is Chief Medical Officer for the Endurance Products Company (Tulatin, OR). Dr. Bush specializes in gastrointestinal health, mood disorders, neuro-endocrine conditions, insomnia, infections, and autoimmune diseases. Residing in Stillwater with his naturopathic doctor wife and four daughters, he enjoys cooking and gardening in his free time.
MANNA SEMBY
MANNA SEMBY
Dr. Manna Semby is passionate about midlife women and their quality of life—because midlife is the inflection point for brain health. It’s when hormones shift, risks accelerate, and the window for meaningful prevention is wide open. A former Goldman Sachs vice president, Dr. Manna brings a rigorous, analytical process to care: clarify the goal, map the variables, test the levers, measure the outcome.
Her work spans optimizing wellness for pre-, peri-, and post-menopausal women and advancing a practical framework she calls the Brain-Risk Burden—the combined impact of medications, supplements, sleep, metabolism, and the gut–brain axis on cognition. She translates complex science into clear, doable plans that help women live fully and think clearly for decades to come.
Dr. Manna is a graduate of Bastyr University, San Diego, and a Menopause Society, IFM, and ReCODE 2.0 Certified Practitioner. Her mission is simple and bold: help women prevent dementia
AMY ROLFSEN
AMY ROLFSEN
Dr. Amy Rolfsen is a naturopathic physician with a clinical and consulting practice focused on neuroimmunology, gut-immune dysfunction, and complex inflammatory conditions affecting cognition, mood, and behaviour. Her work centers on individuals experiencing neurodivergent presentations—such as ADHD, autism spectrum conditions, OCD, and tics—often accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms, immune dysregulation, or environmentally triggered flares.
In addition to clinical care, Dr. Rolfsen provides peer consultation for clinicians working through complex cases involving functional testing and integrative protocols. She also contributes to ongoing education and research initiatives exploring the gut-brain-immune axis.
With a practical, systems-based lens, she helps clinicians recognize immune and inflammatory drivers behind neuropsychiatric symptoms—translating emerging science into meaningful strategies for care.
PENNY KENDALL-REED
PENNY KENDALL-REED
Dr. Penny Kendall-Reed, N.D., is a naturopathic doctor in Toronto. After graduating from McGill University in Neurobiology, she earned a degree in Naturopathic Medicine from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, where she received the Dr. Allen Tyler Award for Most Outstanding Clinician. Dr. Kendall-Reed is the author of six national best-selling books, including the most recently released book, “Fix Your Genes to Fit Your Jeans,” which she co-authored with her husband, Dr. Stephen Reed. She was voted Naturopath of the Year in 2013, and in 2018 received the “Top Naturopathic Doctor” award in Canada. Dr. Kendall-Reed is the creator of the integrated genetic platform GeneRx.ca. She analyzes and interprets genetic profiles to design personalized health programs for patients worldwide. She is a medical consultant for Pure Encapsulations®, is on the board of Pure Genomics and is the medical director of Natural Therapies at The Urban Wellness PKRHealth Clinic.
KELLY RUEF
KELLY RUEF
Dr. Ruef is a licensed naturopathic doctor who completed her medical education at the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) in Portland, Oregon. She completed a private residency at Pearl Natural Health in downtown Portland, where she specialized in inflammatory bowel diseases and women’s health. For undergraduate education, Dr. Ruef received a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry and cell biology with a minor in cognitive neuroscience from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). She has been a clinical educator for Precision Analytical, makers of the DUTCH Test, since 2019, and played a large role in the development of DUTCH’s newest course, “Introduction to HRT”. She currently speaks on the topics of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) and laboratory monitoring in hopes that it will lead to improvements in the efficacy and safety of HRT for peri and postmenopausal women. You can find her on Instagram under @drkellyruef.
LAURIE MISCHLEY
LAURIE MISCHLEY
Laurie Mischley, ND PhD MPH studied naturopathic medicine (ND) at Bastyr University and epidemiology (MPH) and nutritional sciences (PhD) at the University of Washington and she maintains appointments at both Universities. Her work is focused on identifying the nutritional requirements unique to individuals with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and has published on coenzyme Q10, lithium, NAD+, and glutathione deficiency (www.lauriemischley.com). She is Principal Investigator of the Modifiable Variables in Parkinsonism (MVP) Study (MVP-study.com), which is attempting to describe why some people with PD progress slower than others. She is working on ways to study, package and deliver evidence-based lifestyle modification as a therapeutic strategy. She founded the Parkinson Center for Pragmatic Research (www.parkinson-cpr.com) and the canine scent-based PD screening tool, ParK-9 (www.Park-9.com), developed a patient-reported outcome measure to assess PD severity (www.PD-symptoms.com), built the Parkinson Symptom Tracking (PRO-PD) App, and is instructor of the online series, Parkinson School (www.Parkinson-School.com). Dr. Mischley maintains a clinical practice at Seattle Integrative Medicine focused on nutrition and neurological health of patients with Parkinsonism.
STEVEN SANDBERG-LEWIS
STEVEN SANDBERG-LEWIS
Dr. Steven Sandberg-Lewis has been a practicing naturopathic physician since his graduation from the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) in 1978. A fellow of the American Board of Naturopathic Gastroenterology, he has been a clinical supervisor and professor at NUNM since 1996. Specializing in gastroenterology, he is licensed to practice in California and Oregon. His private practice is at Hive Mind Medicine in Portland, Oregon.
Sandberg-Lewis is a popular lecturer at functional medicine seminars and webinars and is frequently interviewed on issues of digestive health.
He has received numerous awards including the 2025 OANP Living Legends Award and the 2019 GastroANP Borborigmus Award for outstanding leadership in Naturopathic Gastroenterology.
His medical textbook is Functional Gastroenterology: Assessing and Addressing the Causes of Functional Digestive Disorders, Second edition, 2017. His newest book, Let’s Be Real About Reflux: Getting to the Heart of Heartburn, is written for both health practitioners and patients. It is a deep dive into underlying mechanisms and natural treatment of gastroesophageal reflux.
Dr. Sandberg-Lewis lives in Portland, Oregon with his wife, Kayle. His interests include mandolin, guitar and voice; birds and bicycling; writing and lecturing
HEATHER ZWICKEY
HEATHER ZWICKEY
Heather Zwickey, PhD, is recognized internationally as an expert and educator in the fields of integrative medicine, natural therapies and the immune system. Dr. Zwickey has been leading natural medicine research for 20 years. She has a Ph.D. in immunology and microbiology from the University of Colorado and completed her postdoc at Yale School of Medicine. Heather is on three NIH-funded research grants and has more than 100 publications. Heather speaks at conferences world-wide, sharing her enthusiasm for integrative medicine and science. She’s won many awards for teaching and currently teaches at the National University of Natural Medicine. Dr. Zwickey’s research focuses on Parkinson’s disease, nutrition, neuroinflammation, the microbiome, and the gut-brain axis. Dr. Zwickey is currently the Vice President of Research and Academic Excellence and Chief Academic Officer at the National University of Natural Medicine.
JOSHUA FARAHNIK
JOSHUA FARAHNIK
Dr. Joshua Farahnik is a Naturopathic Doctor and clinical researcher specializing in complex chronic conditions with an emphasis on gut, brain and environment. He was born and raised in Los Angeles, and after living in New York, San Francisco, and Seattle, he now splits his time between CA and WA, where his practice focuses on the management of Parkinson's Disease, with a sub-specialization in Environmental Medicine. Dr. Farahnik completed naturopathic medical school at Bastyr University, and he has been working alongside Dr. Laurie Mischley in clinical and research capacities since 2018. He also holds a Masters of Public Health (with a focus in epidemiology and biostatistics) at the University of Washington and is currently working on a PhD in Integrative and Functional Nutrition.