All Posts in Category

Digestive

Managing Dyspepsia (Indigestion) With Peppermint Oil and Caraway Oil

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a common condition diagnosed by clinicians, which is defined as recurrent/chronic epigastric discomfort in the absence of a disease.1 FD is not considered life-threatening, however, it does tend to negatively affect individuals’ productivity and overall quality of life.1(1) The the precise etiology and pathophysiology of FD remains largely unknown, with symptoms…

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Connection to Gut Function, and Solutions

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is a thyroid disease whereby antithyroid antibodies and T-lymphocytes (part of the adaptive immune response) infiltrate and destroy cell components of the thyroid gland.1 Eventually, the thyroid gland loses its capacity to produce sufficient amounts of hormones necessary for normal function; an inevitable process which leads to hypothyroidism.1(661-662) As a means of…

Bariatric Surgery, Biomarkers, and Nutritional Considerations

Obesity is one of the most prevalent healthcare challenges, worldwide.1 Currently, Handzlik-Orlik et al1(383) stated that bariatric surgery (BS) is considered one of the most effective methods of achieving long-term weight loss, particularly when all other medical interventions have failed. However, BS is associated with complications to include micronutrient deficiencies.1(383) As such, it is essential…

Vitamin D3 and Crohn’s Disease

As mentioned in this author’s previous posts, Crohn’s disease (CD) is a condition characterized by chronic and inflammatory episodes, which can affect any section of the digestive tract.1 Thus far, this author has outlined steps to reduce inflammation, improve digestion/absorption, reduce intestinal permeability, and improve repair of the gastrointestinal tract. In the following sections, vitamin…

Gut Health and Rheumatoid Arthritis: Connections and Solutions

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease, which effects the connective tissues of the body with a particular locus about the joints.1 RA is characterized as a chronic, disabling, and deforming condition affecting multiple joints, especially along the hands and feet.1(731) The onset of RA is known to be driven by environmental and genetic…

Crohn’s Disease: Support With the Four R Program

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a condition characterized by chronic and inflammatory episodes, which can affect any section of the digestive tract.1 Furthermore, 30-65% of CD patients exhibit a secondary condition known as intestinal permeability (IP); a pathophysiological aberration in tight junction (TJ) integrity.1(1000) TJs represent the space between intestinal cells (enterocytes) that, in normal and…

Supporting Digestion With Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy

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 (IBS-D): Support With the Four R Program

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…

IBS Support: How the Four R Program Can Help

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…

Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Supporting Intestinal Barrier Function with Glutamine

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…