Fat 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 […]
Read MoreGastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition affecting as much as 48% of Westernized countries (Ebrahimi-Mameghani, Sabour, Khoshbaten, Arefhosseini, & Saghafi-Asl, 2017). Such a health problem, left unmanaged, can lead to and produce other conditions such as gastrointestinal bleeding and esophageal stricture (narrowing). Thus, detection and management of said condition is paramount. As a […]
Read MoreIn this author’s last post, low stomach acidity (high pH), micronutrient maldigestion/malabsorption, causes/symptoms of high pH, and solutions to mitigate such conditions were considered. However, low stomach acidity can induce systemic affects where other physiological disruptions occur along the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, to include gut dysbiosis (Pizzorno & Katzinger, 2012). As such, the following will […]
Read MoreOptimal gastrointestinal (GI) digestion and absorption processes are essential in providing cells and tissues with usable forms of micronutrients. When functioning properly, the GI tract participates in maintaining and protecting health, performance, and longevity. However, when dysregulated, such a system can negatively affect homeostasis. One pathophysiological manifestation of the GI tract, known as hypochlorhydria (low […]
Read MoreSears (2017) stated that heart disease, among other maladies, is a condition driven by inflammation. Sources of inflammation are widespread to include environmental (i.e., heavy metal exposure), lifestyle (i.e., sleep deprivation and stress), and nutrition (omega-6 rich processed foods) factors (Ilich, Kelly, Kim, & Spicer, 2014; Irwin, Olmstead, & Carroll, 2016; Umamaheswaran, Dasari, Yang, Lutgendorf, […]
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