Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease characterized by inflammatory, demyelinating, and autoimmune events affecting more than 2 million people worldwide (Reich, Lucchinetti, & Calabresi, 2018).Brum, Comini-Frota, Vasconcelos, and Dias-Tosta (2014) stated that although the etiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) has not been clearly uncovered, there does exist environmental and genetic factors thought to manifest the […]
Read MoreOptimal vitamin D levels, as measured by 25-hydroxyvitamin D, remains to be somewhat equivocal, thereby affecting recommended oral doses of vitamin D3. Since research indicates the critical relationship of vitamin D to optimal health, it behooves one to consider the nuances and implications of recommending supplemental vitamin D to individuals. The following will explore the […]
Read MoreVitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, is the precursor/pre-vitamin to 1,25-(OH)2D; the active form within the body, known as calcitriol (Chaplin & Jablonski, 2013). Vitamin D3 can be derived from sun exposure as well as foods such as fatty fish (i.e., salmon and sardines), plants (i.e., shitake mushrooms), fortified foods (i.e., milk, yogurt, butter, cheese) […]
Read MoreCD is characterized by chronic intestinal inflammation, followed by periodic intervals of remission (Soares-Mota et al., 2015). Part of controlling said inflammation is through lowering the concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) along the gastrointestinal tract. Such a process is known to reduce tissue damage associated with CD. Furthermore, as part of a complex of […]
Read MoreVitamin E is a fat-soluble compound along with A, D, and K. Said vitamin is most widely recognized by its anti-oxidant capabilities and capacity to maintain and protect cell membranes and lipoproteins (Gropper, Smith, & Carr, 2018). As a means of appreciating vitamin E’s role as an anti-oxidant, the following will briefly consider its structure, […]
Read MoreVitamin D3 has been widely recognized as a key player in controlling metabolic bone disease. Less known to the public is said vitamin’s role in anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating capabilities (Raman, Milestone, Walters, Hart, & Ghosh, 2011). Interestingly, many tissues and cells, to include the immune system, contain vitamin D receptors (VDRs), indicating a need for its […]
Read MoreIn recent posts, I have covered omega-3 oils and their benefits. In recent years, a particular form of omega-3 (krill oil) has been researched and promoted for its particular health benefits. Such benefits include reduced hyperlipidemia, inflammation, and arthritis (Kwantes & Grundmann, 2015). As such, the following will consider krill oil, its safety, and comparative […]
Read MoreVitamin D is a micronutrient that has been associated with significantly reducing all-cause mortality, and has been implicated in many diseases of modern civilization (Cannell, 2008). Furthermore, and most relevantly, vitamin D interacts with more that 200 genes and multiple organs, indicating its broad reach and influence upon human physiology (Cannell & Hollis, 2008; Wang, […]
Read MoreIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects between 11% and 14% of the population characterized by altered gut motility (constipation/diarrhea), visceral hypersensitivity, abnormal brain-gut interaction, autonomic dysfunction, and immune activation (Lin, 2004). Although a diverse range of symptoms exist, 92% of said population exhibit bloating (Lin, 2004). Researchers have postulated that in order for bloating to occur, […]
Read MoreIn my last post, I covered the utility of low carbohydrate/high fat diets. However, one must be cautious to assume such diet is beneficial for all individuals as bio-individuality and circumstance might demand a different intervention. Some individuals exhibit an intolerance to fats in the diet, manifested as loose stools, gut discomfort, and low energy […]
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