Most readers are unaware that medical doctors receive less than 1% of their total training in medical school learning about nutrition and the impact of food on the gut. Integrative medicine, the practice that merges Western and functional medicine, is on the rise. Medical doctors are increasingly frustrated over Western medicine not having all the answers for their patients. Patients are weary of being told their autoimmune concerns or other conditions cannot be treated.

 However, the tide is turning in the understanding of health and how it can be improved. There are several known factors that affect well-being, like nourishing foods, mindfulness and meditation, adequate sleep, stress reduction, healthy relationships, drinking water, exercise, and ongoing learning and stimulation of the mind.

Colette Brown has been a licensed clinical aesthetician since 2001. She is the director of education at Columbia Skincare where she leads the professional products division. In her role, she oversees education and treatment protocol training and supports research and development with new product development. Brown possesses a deep passion and understanding of the healing benefits of topical probiotics and how they contribute to the overall health and wellness of the skin’s microbiome. Based in Beverly Hills, California, Brown has a Bachelor of Art in education, is a certified holistic practitioner through the Kresser Institute, a licensed phlebotomist, and has certifications in advanced skin care procedures.