As discussed in previous posts, the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is an approximate 16-foot long organ system; a gateway facilitating immune function and entry of key macronutrients and micronutrients into the inner systems of the human body.1Approximately 30% of total daily caloric intake is devoted to the GIT in addition to a unique and independently working […]
Read MoreSmall intestinal fungal overgrowth (SIFO) is a condition defined by an excessive concentration of fungal microorganisms inhabiting the small intestine (SI). Such a condition is often found amongst immunocompromised individuals or those who use antibiotics with symptoms ranging from belching, indigestion, bloating, diarrhea (leading to nutrient deficiencies), nausea, and gas (Erdogan & Rao, 2015). However, […]
Read MoreSmall intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is characterized by an overpopulation (in excess of 105– 106) of bacteria in the small intestine and stomach (Khalighi et al., 2014; Nabanan & Fauzi, 2015). Several urinary organic acid biomarkers are available which help determine the presence and overpopulation of such bacterial species. Such knowledge is critical as it […]
Read MoreGut dysbiosis is a condition characterized by a disruption in the ratio and number of microorganisms (known as the microbiome) in the small and large intestine to include bacteria, parasites, viruses, and fungus (Huang, Gao, Yu, Zhu, Ding, & Qin, 2019). Such aberrations in gut function are linked to altered nutrient digestion/absorption, reduced immune/barrier function, […]
Read MoreFat is a macronutrient necessary for several key physiological roles in the body. Specifically, fatty acids (carbon bonds ranging from 4-24 with a carboxyl group) which form fats, is a large energy source and provider of cell membrane constituents (Calder, 2015; Lord & Bralley, 2012). Fatty acids (FAs) also have biological roles that include tissue […]
Read MoreIn my last post, I outlined possible causes of metabolic syndrome (MS) as well as pathophysiological manifestations of said condition, to include dysregulation of fatty acid synthesis (dyslipidemia). One cause of dyslipidemia includes an overabundance of insulin production, which is also a marker of MS (Lord & Bralley, 2012). However, it is also possible that […]
Read MoreInsulin resistance (IR) can be thought of as an early biomarker in the development type 2 diabetes (T2D). Such a condition presents as higher than normal levels of insulin required to dispose of blood glucose (Lord & Bralley, 2012). Generally, if fasting serum insulin levels are above 10IU/mL, such a condition may indicate the beginnings […]
Read MoreMetabolic syndrome (MS) is a term that identifies an aggregate of physiological abnormalities which increases the risk of liver disease, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and cardiovascular disease (Agyemang-Yeboah, Eghan, Annani-Akollor, Togbe, Donkor, & Afranie, 2019). Physiological abnormalities that constitute MS include dysregulated glucose metabolism, high blood pressure, abdominal obesity, and abnormal lipid profiles (Agyemang-Yeboah et […]
Read MoreDigestion and absorption processes occurs along the entirety of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and demands participation of several physiological and biochemical events at each segment. In my last posts, I considered optimal functioning of accessory organs (i.e., liver, pancreas), their secretions, optimal acidity, as well as intestinal lining and its relationship to immune health and […]
Read MoreThe gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is an estimated 16-foot long system, which includes the upper digestive tract (esophagus, oral cavity, stomach) in addition to the lower digestive tract (small and large intestine) and accessory organs (liver, gallbladder, pancreas) (Gropper, Smith, & Carr, 2018). Such a system serves as a semipermeable gateway connecting the outside environment to […]
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