Blog
The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is an estimated 7 m long organ with a surface area of approximately 300 m2.1 The GIT is composed of intestinal epithelium producing a semipermeable barrier preventing entry of pathogens and blocking contact with constituents of the immune system.1 Ultimately, such a system maintains homeostasis, immune function, and digestion/absorption of nutrients. A…
Chronic diarrhea is also known as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), with a predominant symptom of diarrhea (IBS-D). IBS-D is characterized by abdominal pain, diarrhea and abdominal discomfort. The pathogenesis may be linked to factors such as visceral hypersensitivity, brain-intestine axis disorders, intestinal flora alternations, and intestinal motility abnormalities.1(888) In the following sections, this author will…
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a frequently diagnosed gastrointestinal disorder accounting for an excess of 2 million family physician visits in 2002 within the United States.1 Furthermore, IBS is a multifactorial and complex disorder often characterized by abdominal pain, discomfort, altered bowel habits, as well as bloating and gas.1(261) The pathophysiology of IBS can include…
In this author’s latest posts, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) was explored with a particular focus upon nutritional support (i.e., removal of triggering foods) to manage said condition in addition to use of digestive enzymes when and where indicated. In the following sections, this author would like to explore other nutritional themes that might be efficacious…
In this author’s most recent posts, IBS was explored with a particular focus upon nutritional support to manage said condition. In the following sections, this author would like to explore other nutritional themes that could prove useful in mitigating the pathophysiology and symptoms underlying IBS. As such, the following will consider digestive enzyme supplementation as…
Constipation is a condition that falls under a broader term known as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); a disorder that negatively affects millions of people, globally.1 IBS with constipation (IBS-C) can be caused by multiple factors, ultimately presenting as slowed gut motility, gas, and bloating.1(39),2 Left unmanaged, IBS-C can create psychological burdens, affect relationships, lower physical…
Costochondritis is a self-limited condition defined by inflammation of the costochondral junctions of the ribs near the anterior region of the chest.1 Generally, neoplastic (abnormal tissue growth)/rheumatologic (inflammation of joints)/infectious processes can induce said condition. Duodenal cancer is characterized by abnormal and malignant tissue growth within the regions of the duodenum (intestinal component directly attached…
As has been discussed in this author’s previous posts, consistent and optimal sleep quality and duration are paramount in maintaining health and homeostasis. Sleep hygiene, to include consistent sleeping times, dark rooms, cool temperatures, and the use of blue light-blocking glasses were covered as low cost/low risk interventions. However, when necessary and where indicated, an…
Chronic diseases continue to grow in number, now extending their reach into developing countries who have adopted Westernized foods and habits.1 Conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), stroke, osteoarthrosis, obesity, autism, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are but a sample of conditions associated with Westernized foods and culture, which have now migrated into other…
Sleep is a critical, yet often underappreciated, constituent of health and homeostasis. In many industrialized societies, however, a trend towards less hours of sleep per night has become more prevalent.1 Seven hours or less of sleep has been attributed to factors such as greater time associated with leisure activities and longer work schedules.1(148) Ultimately, such…