Potassium (K) is a micronutrient that is a constituent of a larger body of electrolytes which includes sodium (Na), chloride (Cl), phosphorus (P), and calcium (Ca).1Such electrolytes work as an aggregate to facilitate movement of nutrients in a cell, pH balance, nerve conduction, and fluid balance.1 Although K deficiencies can emanate from sweating, imbalances with […]
Read MoreValue can be defined as a means of rating usefulness, importance, or general worth of a thing.1 Science, or the scientific method, can be thought of as s state or a means of knowing that is distinguished from misunderstanding or ignorance.2 Though value is a paradigm that is qualitative and subjective in nature, and the apparent […]
Read MoreFree radicals (FRs) are generated during normal metabolic processes in addition to exposure to pathophysiological states.1 Such species are unstable and induce unfavorable cellular changes, if left unchecked, to include DNA damage; a destructive process associated with the genesis of cancer.1(317) Antioxidants are substances that can control the effects and propagation of FRs thereby down-regulating […]
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 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 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 […]
Read MoreIodide (I) is a non-metal responsible for many roles to include thyroid hormone synthesis; a substance influencing several physiological processes to include stimulation of oxygen consumption, body heat production, nervous system development, and maintenance of basal metabolism (Gropper, Smith, & Carr, 2018; Weng, Liu, Ye, Pan, & Xia, 2014). Thus, adequate consumption I is essential […]
Read MoreMitochondria are organelles found within cells responsible for energy (ATP) production. Such is achieved via conversion of food (carbohydrates, fats, proteins) through oxidation and enzymatic reactions (Reisner & Reisner, 2017). As such, it is paramount said enzymes are present and in adequate concentrations, which is achieved by appropriate levels of key precursors; zinc (Zn) and […]
Read MoreZinc (Zn) is a micronutrient and essential cofactor/metal in many enzymes to include alkaline phosphatase, carbonic dehydratase, and polymerases and is obligatory for cell division and DNA synthesis (Crook, 2011). Deficiencies in Zn can cause several maladies such as increased risk of infections, infertility, impaired brain development, dermatitis, alopecia, low testosterone, and impaired smell/taste (Crook, […]
Read MorePotassium (K) is a micronutrient, which is a constituent of a larger family of electrolytes to include phosphorus (P), chloride (Cl), calcium (Ca), and sodium (Na) (Gropper, Smith, & Carr, 2018). When in balanced concentrations, electrolytes facilitate nerve conduction, movement of nutrients within a cell, pH balance, and fluid balance (Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, 2018). […]
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