Insulin 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, […]
Read MoreLipids may still become oxidized despite sufficient serum levels of CoQ10, vitamin E/A, and beta-carotene. Serum levels indicate the presence of said micronutrients, not necessarily the activity and/or proper form of the same. For example, vitamin A (retinol) levels can be within normal ranges, but if retinol-binding protein (RBP) is low (transports retinol), retinol will not […]
Read MoreBoron (B) is a substance once used as a preservative in foods (i.e., 50 years ago) thought to be a beneficial element, but is currently not considered essential to the human diet (Gropper et al., 2018). Although B is not essential, said micronutrient does exert influence over selected physiological processes to include bone development, mediation […]
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