Iron Balance: From Absorption to Anemia, Understanding the Key Factors

Iron, Nutraceuticals, Other Health Conditions /

Iron is vital for the body, forming hemoglobin and aiding oxygen transport. Iron deficiency can cause anemia, but anemia is not always due to low iron intake. This article covers iron absorption, maintaining iron balance, and factors affecting it, besides insufficient intake. It also discusses nutrition and diets to combat iron-deficiency anemia without merely increasing […]

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Fats for Thought: How Omega-3 and Olive Oil Impact Depression

Depression and Anxiety, Mental Health /

Evidence suggests that inflammation plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of depression. We’ve previously delved into the role of lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which are cell wall components of gut bacteria, in triggering inflammation through the TRL4 cellular signal in immune cells. LPS in the gut can find its way into the bloodstream via chylomicrons, lipid

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The Power of Vitamin A: Beyond Vision and into Respiratory Health

Nutraceuticals, Vitamin A /

Vitamin A, also known as retinol, is a vital fat-soluble vitamin found in various sources. It can be obtained directly from animal-based foods like liver, milk, and eggs, or indirectly from plant-based sources containing carotenoids, such as carrots and sweet potatoes. However, the conversion of carotenoids to vitamin A in the body, especially from plant

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Enhancing Mood with Water-Soluble Vitamins: B-Complex and Vitamin C

Depression and Anxiety, Mental Health, Nutraceuticals /

Water soluble vitamins, including vitamin B and C are important for our mood.  A recent study conducted in the inpatient psychiatric unit of Massachusetts General Hospital of Boston found that vitamin C deficiency is highly prevalent in the psychiatric inpatients [1].  Strong evidence from clinical studies also suggests that supplementation of vitamin B could decrease

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The Key to Successful Aging: How to Boost Glutathione in Your Body

Glutathione, NAC, Nutraceuticals /

Earlier this week, a study in Ageing Research Reviews delved into how glutathione, an internal antioxidant also known as GSH, relates to aging [1]. This tiny but vital molecule plays multiple essential roles, including protecting our cells, helping with detoxification, maintaining balance in our bodies, and even controlling cell growth and death. GSH works closely

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What May Cause Leaky Gut?

Inflammation, Leaky Gut /

As we discussed in a previous post, symptoms of leaky gut, or increased intestinal permeability, are linked to various health conditions. However, what leads to leaky gut? The mystery behind leaky gut persisted until 2000 when researchers discovered a human protein called zonulin. Zonulin plays a crucial role in controlling intestinal tight junction proteins, which,

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CoQ10: A Natural Solution for Countering Statin Side Effects and Promoting Heart Health

CoQ10, Nutraceuticals /

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a fat-soluble compound found in living organisms, plays pivotal roles in cellular energy production and antioxidant defense. However, the body’s ability to produce CoQ10 diminishes with age, often starting in our late twenties or early thirties. Although our bodies can synthesize CoQ10 from amino acids, this process relies on several vitamins, including

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Does Leaky Gut really exist?  Exploring the Scientific Basis

Autoimmune Disorders, Inflammation, Leaky Gut /

Intestinal permeability, commonly known as “Leaky Gut,” refers to the condition where the intestinal barrier becomes compromised. This compromise permits microbes, their metabolites, toxins, and various other substances from the gut to traverse the barrier and gain entry into the body. Upon entering the bloodstream or reaching other organs and tissues, these antigens have the

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Can White Kidney Bean Extract Help Weight Loss and Blood Sugar Balance?

Nutraceuticals /

Recently, both amylase inhibitors and glucosidase inhibitors have emerged as potential approaches for weight loss and the treatment of diabetes. Starch is the arrangement of glucose molecules, and enzymes like amylase and glucosidase break it down into glucose. By inhibiting these enzymes, starch can’t convert fully into glucose, reducing blood sugar spikes and aiding weight

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Nutritional Strategies for Managing Allergic Rhinitis

Allergy /

Allergic rhinitis often shows up during the spring and fall seasons. Its main symptoms include occasional sneezing, clear runny nose, itchy nose, stuffy nose, and a reduced ability to smell. This condition predominantly affects children but can also impact individuals of all ages, significantly influencing their daily lives as well as their physical and mental

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Magnesium & Vitamin B6: A Natural Path to Beat Depression and Anxiety

Depression and Anxiety, Mental Health /

Magnesium and vitamin B6 are essential nutrients for our body. They play a key role in the way our brain chemicals work. Vitamin B6 and magnesium serve as cofactors for synthesizing serotonin in our brain, which affects our mood. Clinical Trials on B6 and Depression Vitamin B6 has different forms, and the active one is

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Navigating WHO’s 2023 Carb Intake Guidelines: Prioritizing Quality of Carbs for Health

Carbohydrate, Food & Nutrition /

On July 17, 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) released an important dietary guideline that sheds light on the quality of carbohydrates we consume. This guideline focuses on key aspects of carbohydrate consumption that have been carefully studied and discussed by experts from various countries, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Europe,

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Debunking the Concerns: A Critical Analysis of the Recent Erythritol Study on Cardiovascular Health

Food & Nutrition, Sweetener, Uncategorized /

Erythritol, a popular sugar alcohol and low-calorie sweetener, is widely used in various beverages, baked goods, sauces, candies, and other products. However, a recent study published in “Nature Medicine” has raised concerns about its potential impact on health. The study revealed that erythritol might lead to thrombosis, the formation of blood clots, and is associated

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Battling the Belly Bulge: Visceral Fat, the Stealthy Culprit Behind Your Waistline

Chronic Diseases, Waistline /

The waist circumference reflects your level of visceral fat, which is stored in organs such as the small intestine, large intestine, liver, heart, and kidneys. It is closely related to ectopic fat, which migrates from fat cells to non-typical fat storage sites like the liver and muscles. Ectopic fat has been identified as the primary

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St. John’s Wort: An Alternative Approach to Managing Depression

Depression and Anxiety, Mental Health /

St. John’s Wort is one of the most commonly used herbal nutraceuticals for treating depression. Its action is similar to SSRI drugs, as it can inhibit serotonin reuptake in the central nervous system, but it also contains polyphenolic substances, such as hypericin, which may provide better antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties compared to medications. Studies have

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T2DM: Insulin Resistance Indicator Predicts Diabetes Risk

Chronic Diseases, Type 2 Diabetes /

T2DM (Type 2 diabetes mellitus) is a chronic medical condition characterized by elevated blood sugar levels resulting from insufficient insulin production by the pancreas or the body’s reduced ability to use insulin effectively, known as insulin resistance. Elevated blood sugar levels can be toxic and lead to various malfunctions in our organs. Insulin resistance often

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Exploring Antidepressants and Treatment Strategies for Depression

Depression and Anxiety, Mental Health /

I am frequently asked about the appropriateness of taking antidepressants. Typically, I refrain from giving direct advice on the use of prescription drugs. Instead, I believe it is crucial for individuals dealing with depression to engage in open discussions with their healthcare provider to determine the most suitable treatment strategy for their specific situation. However,

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Improving NAFLD with Quality Carbohydrates

Chronic Diseases, NAFLD /

NAFLD (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease) is a prevalent liver condition where fat accumulates in the liver cells of individuals who consume little to no alcohol. While weight loss can help alleviate NAFLD, improving the quality of the diet, especially focusing on higher-quality carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, may also offer benefits for NAFLD

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Optimizing Vitamin D Supplementation: Latest Discoveries and Synergistic Effects

Nutraceuticals, Vitamin D /

In our previous post, we covered the basics of vitamin D. Now, we’ll explore how to effectively supplement vitamin D based on recent findings from the past few years, as sun exposure and dietary intake alone may not suffice. Some readers have shared their experiences, revealing that even when their vitamin D levels tested below

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Vitamin D Basics: Understanding Functions, Deficiency, and Replenishment

Nutraceuticals, Vitamin D /

The recognition of vitamin D has long been linked to preventing rickets, and in recent years, its role in assisting calcium absorption has also gained widespread acknowledgment. However, the functions of vitamin D extend far beyond these aspects. In this post, we will delve into the fundamentals of vitamin D, covering the cutoff points for

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Boosting Serotonin for Better Mood: A Comparison of Tryptophan and 5-HTP for Depression

Depression and Anxiety, Mental Health /

The cause of depression has been a topic of debate for years, but one widely accepted theory is an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. Among these neurotransmitters, serotonin is considered crucial, and the Serotonin Hypothesis is well-regarded. It is believed that three neurotransmitters (dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin) influence depression, with serotonin being

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Managing Fatty Liver Disease: The Impact of Weight Loss and Beyond

Chronic Diseases, NAFLD /

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a common liver condition where fat accumulates in the liver cells, not caused by alcohol consumption. It ranges from simple fatty liver to more severe conditions like non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which involves liver inflammation and damage. NAFLD is often associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and high blood pressure. If

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Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Exploring the Role of Diet in Managing Autoimmune Thyroid Disease

Autoimmune Disorders, Thyroiditis /

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is an autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD) mediated by immune cells and antibodies, TPOAb and TgAb, leading to the destruction of the thyroid cells.  The disease usually results in a decline in hormone production (hypothyroidism). Dysbiosis is Implicated in Hashimoto’s Disease A case control study found that the gut microbiota of Hashimoto’s patients differs

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Depression and Anxiety: Debunking the Sugar Myth on Mental Health

Depression and Anxiety, Mental Health /

Back in 1989, a “groundbreaking” study suggested that carbohydrates might help alleviate depression symptoms. [1] The theory, presented by Dr. Judith Wurtman, then the research director for women’s health at MIT, proposed that when we feel down or anxious, we tend to crave carbs like sweets or cakes. This is because depression can lead to

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The Gut, Oral Health, and Rheumatoid Arthritis: Exploring the Link

Autoimmune Disorders, Rheumatoid Arthritis /

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, leading to inflammation, bone damage, and cartilage breakdown. Recent research has uncovered a strong connection between the bacteria in our gut and mouth with RA. This article delves into how imbalances in gut and oral bacteria may contribute to the

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Slimming Down for Clearer Skin: How Calorie Control Helps Psoriasis

Psoriasis, Skin Health /

Psoriasis is a chronic, recurring, and inflammatory skin disease characterized by silver-white scales covering the skin and other skin inflammations. Although the symptoms manifest on the skin, psoriasis is not solely a skin condition; it is an autoimmune disease. While psoriasis cannot be completely cured by medication, many patients explore various dietary approaches to manage

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Understanding Hashimoto’s and Graves’ Disease: Two Sides of the Thyroid Disorder Spectrum

Autoimmune Disorders, Thyroiditis /

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (HT) was first discovered and reported by Professor Hashimoto of Kyushu University, Japan, in 1912, which led to the naming of the condition. Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Graves’ disease (GD) both fall under autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD) and share similar pathogenic mechanisms, including thyroid lymphocytic inflammation and the presence of positive serum thyroid autoantibodies.

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Depression and the Gut-Brain Connection: The Impact of LPS and Dietary Fats

Depression and Anxiety, Mental Health /

We have discussed how a bacterial metabolite called lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can enter the bloodstream and stimulate the immune system, causing inflammation in the body. This inflammation can lead to damage to the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and result in mental health issues like depression and anxiety. LPS and Blood Brain Barrier Now, let’s explore how LPS

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Demystifying Graves’ Disease: Understanding the Role of TRAb in Diagnosis and Management

Autoimmune Disorders, Thyroiditis /

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that can cause hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid. It results from an imbalance in the immune system, leading to the production of thyroid-stimulating antibodies [1]. It belongs to the group of autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD), which also includes Hashimoto’s disease [2]. Graves’ disease is the most common cause of

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Depression and Anxiety: Understanding the Impact of Gut Microbiota and Inflammation

Depression and Anxiety, Mental Health /

Modern medicine is highly specialized, and when it comes to conditions like depression and anxiety, it’s common knowledge to seek help from a psychiatrist or psychologist rather than a gastroenterologist. It doesn’t make sense to go to a digestive specialist for a problem in our head, right? It goes against what we generally understand. In

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Cracking the Code: Understanding Research in the World of Nutrition

Inflammation, Introduction to this Blog /

Unlike some other health blogs, this blog comes with references! Most of them are human clinical (intervention) trials, providing real evidence for dietary improvements. We’ve got to be smart about it, though. When you see conflicting conclusions from different studies, let’s break it down. Those lab experiments with animals or test tubes are just like

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Food as Medicine: Unleashing the Power of Nutrition for Better Health!

Inflammation, Introduction to this Blog /

“Food as medicine” has been gaining attention. In 2020, a paper titled “Food as Medicine” was published by an interdisciplinary team including Harvard, Tufts, and more [1]. They analyzed how food and nutrition can be used as interventions in healthcare. The paper searched the PubMed database and found at least 32 clinical intervention studies that

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Food: The Mighty Weapon Against Diabetes and Heart Troubles!

Inflammation, Introduction to this Blog /

Check this out: a study from 2021 had peeps going low-carb to ditch their meds and control diabetes [1]. They split 121 participants into two groups—one went low-carb, the other low-fat. But here’s the interesting part: they didn’t have to starve themselves! Calorie intake stayed the same (around 1800 calories). After six months, the low-carb

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From Annoying Gums to Awesome Grins: How Food Became My Dental Hero!

Inflammation, Introduction to this Blog /

I used to have annoying gum problems for years. My gums were always inflamed no matter how diligently I brushed my teeth, switched to an electric toothbrush, or used dental floss that could circle the globe ten times. I even remembered to use mouthwash before bed and made regular visits to the dentist. But guess

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Aging, Chronic Diseases, and the Not-So-Perfect Carriage Ride to Health

Inflammation, Introduction to this Blog /

Oliver Holmes, the dean of Harvard Medical School in the 19th century, wrote a poem called “The One-Hoss Shay,” describing a well-designed carriage that could run flawlessly for a century. However, one day, it suddenly fell apart, like a burst bubble [1]. This poem symbolizes the concept of graceful aging, where individuals strive to maintain

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