Lodaer Img

Michael McIsaac, MS, MS, CSCS

Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals: Exploring Their Value

Food-as-medicine is a paradigm and model used in the restoration of health and prevention of disease. Considering that research has implicated poor dietary habits (i.e., excess consumption of ultra-processed foods, alcohol, and vegetable oils) to the advent and progression of metabolic syndrome and other diseases, it is imperative that solutions are employed to mitigate such […]

Read More

APOE4 Gene and Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that emanates within the brain, which over time, dramatically lowers the patient’s quality of life.1 Furthermore, it is predicted that the number of AD patients will double in the next 20 years. Therefore, early and accurate diagnosis of AD is paramount before said condition worsens.1(2959) One means of […]

Read More

Hypogonadism and Prostate Cancer

In this author’s last post, prostate cancer (PC) growth and proliferation was explored as well as its relationship to low vitamin D (measured as 25-hydroxyvitamin D, or 25OHD) levels. In the following sections, this author would like to continue elucidating other conditions and mechanisms behind malignant tumor growth within the prostate, to include hypogonadism; a […]

Read More

Vitamin D3 and Prostate Cancer

Vitamin D3 (VD) is largely known as a key nutrient in controlling metabolic bone disease. However, VD’s role in immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory capabilities has become increasingly recognized.1Interestingly, many tissues and cells, to include the immune system, contain vitamin D receptors (VDRs), indicating an intimate relationship between said nutrient and cell function.1(49) However, large portions of humans […]

Read More

Ketogenic Diets and Brain Cancer

Cancer is a leading cause of disease and mortality accounting for more than 8.8 million deaths in 2015, worldwide.1 Gliomas, an often-malignant type of brain cancer, are a frequently diagnosed form of tumor with an estimated 23,800 new cases identified for 2017.1(136) As such, it is imperative to develop interventions that manage and/or prevent the […]

Read More

Avocado Oil and Health Benefits

Avocado is a fruit known as Persea americana, which contains a large concentration of minerals (phosphorous/magnesium/potassium) and lipids.1 The avocado tree finds its origins in tropical and/or subtropical climates with the largest producing countries including Dominican Republic, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and Indonesia.1(381) Furthermore, the avocado industry is predicted to rise at a compound annual growth […]

Read More

Olive Oil and Health Benefits

Special diets for special needs acknowledge the concept of bio-individuality, and the preference to mold food choices based on the signs, symptoms, goals, and health outcomes of each individual. One diet of particular interest is that of Mediterranean origin, otherwise known as the Mediterranean diet (MD). Such a method of eating is characterized by generous […]

Read More

Anti-inflammatory Diets and Depression

Depression is a condition that affects more that 4.4% of the population, or 322 million individuals, globally.1 Furthermore, associations between chronic inflammation and a range of neurological diseases, to include depression, have been established. Finally, research has elucidated particular dietary approaches and nutrients which modulate inflammatory factors and events, inducing a range of anti-inflammatory properties.1(2045) […]

Read More

Coconut Oil; Exploring the Facts

In this author’s last post, two dietary strategies (Mediterranean diet and low carbohydrate/ ketogenic diet) were explored and considered for their influence upon health biomarkers and outcomes. A common element found from both diets included the daily consumption and use of oils as part of their respective regimens. In the following sections, this author would […]

Read More

Small Intestinal Fungal Overgrowth (SIFO) and Nutritional Interventions

Small intestinal fungal overgrowth (SIFO) is a condition characterized by an excessive population of fungal microorganisms inhabiting the small intestine (SI).1 SIFO exhibits a broad range of symptoms to include gas, diarrhea (leading to nutrient deficiencies), belching, indigestion, and bloating.1(1) Left unmitigated, such symptoms can negatively effect individuals’ quality of life and health. However, detection […]

Read More