Research is Dr. Sears’ biggest priority
By Mary Perry
Tips and tricks to keep you in the Zone
Whether you’ve read his books, attended his Webinars or know him personally, there is no question that Dr. Sears is a guru in the field of anti-inflammatory nutrition. If you ask a question, the answer is grounded in science, and just when you think you’re one scientific step ahead, he’ll know what you’re talking about, has read the article in question or has a blog in the works.
What you may not know is that his passion for research extends beyond writing books and manuscripts. In 2003, Dr. Sears founded the Inflammation Research Foundation (IRF), a non-profit foundation dedicated and committed to providing resources and grants for both education and medical research projects. With contributions coming solely from Dr. Sears, the Inflammation Research Foundation funds short-term clinical research studies aimed at using new nutritional interventions to manage chronic diseases associated with inflammation. Since funding at the government level is highly limited, this is a resource that researchers can use to gather the preliminary data they need to get future funding at the government level. In addition, it affords researchers more latitude with the scope of the trials they choose to conduct.
Dr. Sears surrounds himself with researchers whose expertise has much to offer the field of anti-inflammatory nutrition, and here are the ones he has chosen to comprise his current Scientific Advisory Board for the Inflammation Research Foundation.
Carol Johnston, PhD
Carol Johnston, PhD, is professor of Nutrition at Arizona State University and director of the Nutrition Program. She received the Grace Goldsmith Award for significant achievements in the field of nutrition by a scientist under the age of 50 years sponsored by the American College of Nutrition in 2004 and the Mark Bieber Professional Award sponsored by the American College of Nutrition for academic accomplishments in 2008. Her research areas include vitamin C and dietary interventions in obesity and diabetes. She has published more than 75 scientific publications.
Don Layman, PhD
Don Layman, PhD, is professor emeritus of nutrition in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at the University of Illinois. He is recognized as one of the leading researchers in the role of branched-chain amino acids in the treatment of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and enhancement of protein synthesis. He has published more than 80 scientific publications.
Robert McNamara, PhD
Robert McNamara, PhD, is an associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. His laboratory investigates the role of omega-3 fatty acid deficiency in the pathoetiology of recurrent neuropsychiatric disorders using animal models, postmortem brain tissue, and preclinical and clinical neuroimaging techniques. His lab is currently investigating the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on functional brain activation patterns and symptom severity in children and adolescents with recurrent affective disorders, including major depression and bipolar disorder. Dr. McNamara has published more than 70 scientific publications
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Camillo Ricordi, MD
Camillo Ricordi, MD, is one of the world’s leaders in cell transplantation for the treatment of diabetes. He is the Stacy Joy Goodman Professor of Surgery, distinguished professor of Medicine, professor of Biomedical Engineering and Microbiology and Immunology and serves as scientific director and chief academic officer of the University of Miami Diabetes Research Institute. He has authored more than 600 scientific publications and has been awarded 11 patents.
(Mary Perry is a registered dietitian and clinical researcher serving as clinical trials director for both Zone Labs and the Inflammation Research Foundation. Under the direction of Dr. Sears, Mary oversees various clinical trials, investigating the effects of anti-inflammatory diets. More importantly, Mary develops the lifestyle programs that enhance the adherence of individuals to anti-inflammatory diets. Prior to joining Zone Labs, Mary served as a research dietitian for Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. She completed her undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Connecticut.)