Nutritional Intervention for College Students with Depression

Recruiting
Diet & Nutrition
Integrative Therapies
Experimental

This pilot feasibility study examines whether an 8-week nutritional intervention is acceptable and practical for college students experiencing symptoms of depression. The study investigates how sleep, meal timing, and diet interact to influence mood and daily rhythms in a population vulnerable to circadian disruption. Findings will inform the design of larger clinical trials evaluating lifestyle-based interventions for depression.

Study Activities

Participants take part in a 10–12-week study that includes a 2-week baseline assessment followed by an 8-week dietary intervention. Participants are randomly assigned to follow either a Mediterranean diet alone or a Mediterranean diet combined with time-restricted eating. The Mediterranean diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and healthy fats such as olive oil, while limiting red meat and highly processed foods. Study activities include completing questionnaires, wearing a sleep and activity monitoring device, and logging meals using a mobile app. The study includes four visits, two of which involve individualized dietary counseling delivered via telehealth, along with ongoing educational materials and optional additional support throughout the intervention period.

Participant Benefits

While direct benefits cannot be guaranteed, some participants may experience improvements in mood, sleep, or overall well-being. Participants will receive personalized dietary guidance from a registered dietitian and may receive up to $150 in compensation for completing study requirements.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible participants are college students aged 18 years or older who are experiencing symptoms of depression.

Principal Investigator(s)

Michael McCarthy, MD, PhD

 

Study Duration
10-12 weeks
Study Compensation
$150
Email
timedstudy@ucsd.edu
Phone Number
(858) 247-1409
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Primary Center
KCIR

Effects of Cannabidiol (CBD) Versus Placebo as an Adjunct to Antipsychotics in Early Psychosis

Recruiting
Integrative Therapies
Mind-Body
Natural Products
Observational

This 6-week double-blinded trial examines whether individuals in the early stages of psychosis (EP) respond to 1000 mg of endocannabinoids (CBD) with the aim of improving positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms of psychosis. Researchers are exploring the possibility that CBD might reduce anxiety, and perhaps normalize biological stress response. Symptoms, eating behaviors, metabolic parameters, cannabinoid, and biomarkers of inflammation and cortisol are measured at baseline, 3 weeks and end of study in a population with a diagnosis of first episode psychosis who are stabilized on antipsychotic medication.

Principal Investigator(s)

Kristin Cadenhead, MD

Heline Mirzakhanian, Ph.D
Cris Achim, MD, Ph.D  

Email
krupp-wellness@health.ucsd.edu
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Primary Center
KCIR

RCT of a Nutritional Intervention for Endometriosis

Recruiting
Diet & Nutrition
Integrative Therapies
Lifestyle Medicine
Observational

This study aims to determine whether increasing consumption of a Whole-Food Plant-Based (WFPB) diet is effective at improving quality of life and pain, and decreasing inflammation in women with endometriosis. Study outcomes will be measured before and after a 3-month intervention, which includes dietary counseling, education materials, recorded cooking classes, and health coaching sessions.

Study Activities

The purpose of this randomized controlled study is to investigate the effectiveness of a 3-month dietary intervention on the quality of life, pain, and inflammation in women with endometriosis. The intervention includes learning and adapting to the Whole Food Plant-Based diet. The diet consists of key plant foods and eliminates animal-based products and processed foods. The study activities also include three visits to complete questionnaires aimed at addressing the study's clinical objectives and to provide blood samples for inflammatory biomarker analysis.

Participant Benefits

Dietary orientation and expert nutrition counseling; WFPB diet education materials and resources; food basket, recipes, and manuals to learn and practice healthy eating.

Eligibility Criteria

Women between 18-45 years old with a diagnosis of Endometriosis who are in stable health condition and medications for the past 3 months

Additional Information

Additional study eligibility and participation requirements may be reviewed with the study coordinator. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us for screening.

Principal Investigator(s)

Sanjay Agarwal, MD

Study Duration
12 weeks/3 months
Email
krupp-wellness@health.ucsd.edu
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Primary Center
KCIR

Time-Restricted and Healthy Eating for Liver Diseases

Recruiting
Diet & Nutrition
Integrative Therapies
Lifestyle Medicine
Experimental

A feasibility and safety study of a time-restricted, healthy eating intervention in patients with liver disease. This twelve-month intervention will focus on prolonged nightly fasting combined with a healthy diet. Successful completion of this feasibility study will provide preliminary data for a larger trial to examine the effects of non-pharmaceutical integrative treatment on liver diseases.

Study Activities

Participants will receive nutritional counseling and health coaching on nightly fasting and healthy eating habits throughout the 12-month study. The interventions include wearing a continuous glucose monitor and an accelerometer, meeting virtually with a dietitian four times, attending four clinic visits in La Jolla, and completing assessments and questionnaires. Participants will also track their eating times daily in the Guava Health Tracker app.

Participant Benefits

While direct health benefits cannot be guaranteed, prolonged nightly fasting could improve sleep, stabilize blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and enhance metabolic health. Benefits include dietary orientation, expert dietary counseling, education materials, recipes, and access to the Guava health management app. Eligible participants who complete all study visits and requirements may receive up to $200 in compensation.

Eligibility Criteria

Participants may be English or Spanish speaking, must be 18 years or older, have a BMI greater than 27 kg/m², currently practice nightly fasting of less than 12 hours, and be diagnosed with metabolic liver disease (including MASLD, MASH, or cirrhosis) or hepatocellular carcinoma (early to intermediate stages).

Additional Information

Additional study eligibility and participation requirements may be reviewed with the study coordinator. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us for screening.

Principal Investigator(s)

Nicholas Webster, PhD

Isabel Newton, MD 

Study Duration
12 months
Study Compensation
Up to $200
Email
krupp-wellness@health.ucsd.edu
Phone Number
619-929-0828
Sign Up Link
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Primary Center
KCIR

Weight Management: Dissemination and Implementation of Shared Medical Appointments at UC San Diego Health

Recruiting
Diet & Nutrition
Integrative Therapies
Lifestyle Medicine
Observational

The UCSD Supervised Lifestyle and Integrative Medicine (SLIM) Program for the treatment of obesity is a virtual SMA program that has a curriculum based on USPSTF recommendations for intensive lifestyle change and meets the requirements of ITLC outlined in the American College of Lifestyle Medicine position statement on ITLC.

It is run by the UC San Diego Center for Integrative Medicine, and in-person assessment visits take place at the UC San Diego Center for Weight Management. The program consists of 12 visits, covering all six pillars of Lifestyle Medicine. There are 2 pre-intervention visits for initial assessments and tailored recommendations and 2 follow-up assessments.

Study Activities

Participation includes 12 virtual group appointments, 2 pre-intervention visits, and 2 post-intervention assessments, focused on lifestyle education and personalized weight management support.

Participant Benefits

Education and tools for long-term weight management through evidence-based lifestyle interventions and support from an integrative health team.

Additional Information

Additional eligibility requirements may be reviewed with the study coordinator, please contact us for screening.

Study Duration
6 months
Email
krupp-wellness@health.ucsd.edu
Phone Number
858‑413‑7728
Sign Up Link
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Primary Center
KCIR

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Anti-Inflammatory Diet Randomized Trial

Recruiting
Diet & Nutrition
Integrative Therapies
Experimental

Dr. Monica Guma from the Division of Rheumatology at UC San Diego, together with the Center for Integrative Nutrition and Research, is conducting a study of a 3-month long program to test nutritional changes for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Study Activities

There will be four, one-hour, face-to-face visits required. Participation will also involve education and support in the adoption of a healthy and nutritionally balanced anti-inflammatory diet. The program includes a detailed baseline orientation, expert nutrition counseling and education, and telephone coaching.

Participant Benefits

Education and support in adopting a healthy and nutritionally balanced anti-inflammatory diet.

Eligibility Criteria

Any patient with rheumatoid arthritis without food allergies can participate.

Additional Information

If you are interested in the study and would like further details, please contact the Nutrition Rheumatoid Arthritis Study Coordinator. You may also review the study flyer here.

Additional eligibility requirements may be reviewed with the study coordinator, please contact us for screening.

Principal Investigator(s)

Monica Guma, MD, Ph.D

Study Duration
3 months
Email
z2manalo@health.ucsd.edu
Phone Number
858-822-3745
Sign Up Link
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Primary Center
KCIR

Integrative Prehabilitation Program for Patients Facing Surgery

Recruiting
Diet & Nutrition
Integrative Therapies
Lifestyle Medicine
Mind-Body
Observational

This study supports patients undergoing gastrointestinal cancer surgery with a comprehensive integrative care plan. The program includes services before and after surgery and is led by UC San Diego experts in mindfulness, dietetics, and exercise physiology.

Study Activities

A treatment development and feasibility study assessing a 3–5 month integrative pre- and post-habilitation program. The program includes mindfulness sessions with a mindfulness coach (MC), dietary counsel visits with a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), and physical fitness consultation visits with an exercise physiologist. The study activities consists of mostly virtual visits and surveys, but also includes in-person visits to complete questionnaires and physical evaluations.

Participant Benefits

All services are provided at no cost. Pre- and post-surgical oral nutrition supplements are provided. Participants may experience improved surgical outcomes, reduced anxiety, and enhanced overall well-being.

Eligibility Criteria
  • Adults ages 18–75 undergoing major abdominal surgery for gastrointestinal cancer
  • Must enroll at least 4 weeks—and no more than 3 months—prior to surgery
Additional Information

Additional eligibility requirements may be reviewed with the study coordinator, please contact us for screening.

Principal Investigator(s)

Jula Veerapong, MD

Jenn Lee, MD

Study Duration
3-5 months
Email
krupp-wellness@health.ucsd.edu
Phone Number
858-413-7728
Sign Up Link
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Primary Center
KCIR
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