A toxin is a poisonous substance capable of causing death or serious debilitation.1 Westernized societies have levels of toxic agents dramatically higher than those of the pre-industrialized era, which now exists in food, air, water, pharmaceuticals, xenobiotics (man-made chemicals), and endotoxins (toxins from microbes and metabolic reactions).2 Such a ubiquitous distribution of compounds place individuals […]
Read MoreCrohn’s disease (CD) is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by chronic relapse and inflammation along the intestine.1 CD is an autoimmune disease exhibiting an exaggerated immune response followed by a lowered tolerance towards food antigens and bacteria native to the gut.1(3899) Such processes eventually manifest as a chronic inflammatory response1(3899) Other factors also contribute to […]
Read MoreThe intestinal wall, as has been discussed in previous posts, is composed of intestinal epithelium forming a semipermeable barrier preventing entry of pathogens and blocking contact with constituents of the immune system.1 Ultimately, such a system facilitates normal digestion/absorption, immune function, and overall homeostasis. However, disruption to the intestinal barrier can induce unfavorable changes to […]
Read MoreAs 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 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 […]
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