#66: Behind the Scenes of Functional Nutrition Research with Ellen Lovelace & Paige Reagan

In this episode of the RWS Clinician’s Corner, Margaret Floyd Barry takes us behind the scenes into the dynamic world of research and curriculum development in the functional health space. Margaret sits down with two of Restorative Wellness Solutions’ powerhouse instructors, Ellen Lovelace and Paige Reagan, for a candid conversation about the challenges, surprises, and daily realities of translating emerging science into practical, safe, and effective tools for clinicians.

 

In this interview, we discuss:  

  -Specific ways that Ellen & Paige demonstrate curriculum leadership and research support for RWS

  -How to respond to new studies or challenges to existing curriculum 

  -How to decide which sources to trust

  -How to evaluate clinical research (red & green flags)

  -Addressing research limitations and gaps 

  -Using research tools and AI in gathering evidence

 

The Clinician’s Corner is brought to you by Restorative Wellness Solutions. 

Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/restorativewellnesssolutions/ 

 

Connect with Ellen: 

Website: www.abalancedtable.net

Facebook: www.facebook.com/abalancedtable

Instagram: www.instagram.com/abalancedtable

 

Connect with Paige:

Website: www.naturallynourishedwellness.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/paigereaganntp

 

Timestamps:

00:00 From Russian Studies to Health Advocacy

07:56 Curriculum Accuracy and Depth Focus

12:57 Using AI for Study Validation

19:20 Evaluating Research Article Credibility

25:24 Animal Study Relevance and Limitations

28:03 "Pediatric Research Gaps in Drug Trials"

33:55 "Teaching Deepens Understanding"

41:17 Questioning AI for Balanced Answers

44:47 Effective Research Strategies and AI Limitations

52:04 Verify Before Believing Headlines

55:52 "Unpaywall: Access Free Academic Papers"

01:00:33 "The Clinician's Corner Podcast"

Speaker bios:

Ellen Lovelace, Lead Instructor & Curriculum Development

Master RHP, MPH, FNTP, Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®

Ellen (she/her) has been actively working to educate and improve the public’s health for almost 20 years. Ellen received her Masters in Public Health from The George Washington University, and went on to run everything from tuberculosis prevention programs in Russia to dental health education programs along the Texas/Mexico border. She was also the founding Executive Director of the women’s health program at Stanford University. When Ellen became drawn to a more holistic model, she received her certifications as a Nutritional Therapy Consultant and a Master Restorative Health Practitioner. She is the owner of A Balanced Table Nutritional Therapy in San Jose, CA, her private functional nutrition practice.

Ellen focuses on cutting through the confusion and nutrition “noise,” digging to the roots of clients’ dysfunction, and figuring out the best way for them to eat, drink, and thrive. She uses the IRH functional analysis tools daily, and is excited to share her passion for these methods. Ellen believes that only by focusing on root causes, combined with whole foods nutrition, can true wellness be achieved. Ellen is also a passionate animal lover who volunteers at a wildlife rescue facility, and can often be found smelling of skunk while covered in Mastiff drool. 

 

Paige Reagan, Instructor and Research

Master RHP, FNTP

Paige has spent most of her career working in Research and Development in the areas of clinical research, regulatory affairs, and medical writing. She has a wide range of experience in the therapeutic areas of cardiovascular health, pulmonary arterial hypertension, diabetes, bone health, osteoarthritis/rheumatoid arthritis, and urology, among others. Her work has contributed to numerous regulatory approvals as well as publications in major medical journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine, Lancet, Circulation, and American Heart Journal.

Paige has since earned certifications as a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and Master Restorative Health Practitioner. She is owner of Naturally Nourished Wellness, a small practice specializing in gut health and the downstream effects of poor digestion. She strives to find balance between the holistic and mainstream approaches and aims to provide her clients with the best of both worlds, using her critical thinking skills from years in research combined with objective laboratory testing and her passion for the restorative power of whole foods and simple lifestyles. She spends her free time exploring the outdoors with her family, swinging kettlebells, and creating baked goods with healthier ingredients.

 

Keywords:

functional nutrition, public health, research process, curriculum development, clinical research, regulatory affairs, medical writing, gastrointestinal healing, lab testing, food sensitivities, evidence-based practice, study design, randomized controlled trials, observational studies, animal studies, peer review, PubMed, Google Scholar, AI tools in research, ChatGPT, consensus, study citations, clinical anecdote, sample size, funding bias, meta-analysis, systematic reviews, biostatistics, clinical protocols, dietary supplements

 

Disclaimer:

The views expressed in the RWS Clinician’s Corner series are those of the individual speakers and interviewees, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Restorative Wellness Solutions, LLC. Restorative Wellness Solutions, LLC does not specifically endorse or approve of any of the information or opinions expressed in the RWS Clinician’s Corner series. The information and opinions expressed in the RWS Clinician’s Corner series are for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. If you have any medical concerns, please consult with a qualified healthcare professional. Restorative Wellness Solutions, LLC is not liable for any damages or injuries that may result from the use of the information or opinions expressed in the RWS Clinician’s Corner series. By viewing or listening to this information, you agree to hold Restorative Wellness Solutions, LLC harmless from any and all claims, demands, and causes of action arising out of or in connection with your participation. Thank you for your understanding.