GENERAL OVERVIEW Thyroidectomy is a procedure whereby part, or all, of the thyroid gland is removed.1 Such a surgery is conducted to address and treat thyroid disorders to include: overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), thyroid gland enlargement (goiter), and thyroid cancer.1 If partial thyroid gland removal is undertaken, the remaining glandular tissue is likely to continue […]
Read MoreECONOMICS OF COFFEE Coffee consumption is the leading beverage, worldwide, just behind water, with its 2019 sales exceeding that of 87 billion dollars within the United States alone.1,2 Coffee remains one of the most widely and globally traded commodities, supporting the livelihoods of over 100 million individuals, and 26 million farmers across 52 countries.2(1) The […]
Read MorePLASTIC BASICS Plastics tend to constitute an estimated 10% of total household waste, most of which are disposed of in landfills.1 Plastics are made of a wide variety of synthetic and semi-synthetic organic substances, which allow for various molded objects and shapes. Due to the multiple uses and durability of plastic, production is high; in […]
Read MoreWHY DOES SLEEP MATTER? Adequate sleep is critical to maintain homeostasis; sufficient and consistent sleep is necessary to maintain metabolic, cerebrovascular, and cardiovascular health in addition to mental health, mood, and cognitive function.1 Left unchecked, poor sleep can induce deleterious effects upon physical health, general well-being, and public safety.1(2115) Ultimately, fractured sleeping patterns have been […]
Read MoreWHAT IS SELF-MASSAGE? Self-massage is a technique, which often implements foam rollers, massage balls, and massage bars (otherwise known as instrument assisted self-massage, or IASM) to induce sweeping and direct pressure upon soft tissue (i.e., muscles); a process, which induces friction, and stretching.1 IASM techniques have gained popularity over time due to their ease of […]
Read MoreWHAT IS CONSTIPATION? Constipation is generally understood as the infrequent passage of stool and/or difficulty passing stool.1 Said condition is often accompanied by incomplete evacuation, bloating, and abdominal discomfort.1(236) Specifically, Jani and Marsicano1(236) stated constipation can be diagnosed through Rome IV criteria as: fewer than 3 bowel movements per week manual help to aid defecation […]
Read MoreIn past articles (please see links below), I have examined lifestyle, exercise, nutritional, and supplement interventions to support neurological conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Emerging evidence is suggesting the potential efficacy of an eating protocol known as time-restricted feeding (TRF) to help manage such conditions. As a means of appreciating TRF and its […]
Read MoreSleep quality and duration continues to pose challenges in Westernized societies. Such is largely influenced by shift work, sleep disorders (sleep apnea, insomnia), and poor sleep hygiene (i.e., inconsistent sleep times, sub-optimal bedroom temperatures, blue light from electronic devices).1 Left unchecked, inadequate and inconsistent sleep quality and duration can drive inflammatory events, increase oxidation, […]
Read MoreRisk factors for severe COVID-19 symptoms include 65+ years of age, obesity, metabolic syndrome (i.e., diabetes, heart disease, stroke), and weakened immune systems (i.e., recovery from chemotherapy, HIV).1 In previous articles, I covered SARS-CoV-2 viral pathophysiology and micronutrient/lifestyle interventions which interfered with replication, oxidation/inflammation, and thrombosis. Although said nutrients are helpful upon contact of the […]
Read MoreIn several of my last posts, information was provided characterizing the virulence, infectivity, general pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2, and the ultimate manifestation of viral infection; COVID-19. Other posts have covered interventions to support the immune system including the utility of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D3, quercetin, zinc, vitamin C, and emerging uses of ivermectin. In […]
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