organic acid
Meaningful and accurate assessment of health status often requires analysis of symptoms, and signs. Symptoms can be thought of as subjective reports from a patient regarding a physical disturbance or disease, while a sign can be defined as objective evidence of disease ascertained from biomarkers.1 Biomarkers can be characterized as a measure of pathogenic processes,…
Gut dysbiosis is a condition characterized by a disruption in the ratio and number of microorganisms (known as the microbiome) in the small and large intestine to include bacteria, parasites, viruses, and fungus (Huang, Gao, Yu, Zhu, Ding, & Qin, 2019). Such aberrations in gut function are linked to altered nutrient digestion/absorption, reduced immune/barrier function,…
Organic acid testing can help detect and facilitate stalled healing and general health problems. Furthermore, such tests help determine if vitamins are functioning adequately within the body (Rogers, 2006). Folic acid, a synthetic version of folate, can be monitored for its effectiveness by an organic acid known as formiminoglutamate (FIGLU). The following will explore the…
In recent posts, I have explored methods to improve individuals’ health through movement and nutrition protocols. Although such approaches are highly valuable, they do not account for another dimension known to affect homeostasis; environmental exposures (EE). Once toxins enter the body, it is essential that they are eliminated as they can create aberrations in health…
Organic agriculture can be defined as a means of production that promotes agro-ecosystem health, to include biological activity, biological cycles, and biodiversity.1 Promotion of said goals is achieved by implementing off-farm inputs, and mechanical/biological methods instead of synthetic materials.1(704) Furthermore, evidence has suggested that such practices are correlated to improved health. As such, the following…
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…
Optimal 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…
INTRODUCTION You have probably heard friends talking about how yogurt, cheese, sauerkraut, or kimchi is “good for your gut” But what do they mean, and what are they talking about exactly? It turns out that your friends are likely correct, and these foods, known as probiotics, can be good for you and your health. Keep…
INTRODUCTION Sucralose is an artificial sweetener that was manufactured in the late 1980s by Tate & Lyle Company and the Queen Elizabeth College (University of London).1 Sucralose is a derivative of the natural sugar sucrose, whereby 3 hydroxyl groups (OH) are replaced by chlorine (CL) atoms.1(325) Such modifications have enabled sucralose to increase its sweetness…
The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency is common within the elderly population; between 10-40% of individuals in advanced age are diagnosed with inadequate levels of said micronutrient.1 As such, it is imperative to restore B12 levels back to optimal ranges. However, inappropriate consumption of B12 can induce deficiency or potential toxicity. As a means of appreciating…