Digestive
Celiac disease (CD) can be defined as an inherited autoimmune disease estimated to affect 1 out of every 133 asymptomatic people (Gaillard, 2016). Individuals with CD who consume gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and their derivatives) damage absorptive villi of the duodenum, leading to malabsorbtion of important nutrients (Gaill ard, 2016). Non-celiac gluten…
Celiac disease (CD) is a common digestive disorder that affects approximately 1% of European and North American populations (Chang, Burke, & Golub, 2011; Zimmer, 2011). Infants with CD are genetically susceptible and are reactive to foods containing a particular form of protein known as gluten. Such reactions from gluten cause an immune-mediated inflammatory response, damaging…
It has been indicated that optimal maternal nutrition, or lack thereof, affects the composition of breast milk. However, most research has reported an association between breast milk quality and nutrition without directly assessing dietary habits of the mother. Therefore, the following will consider the research concerning said connection between milk composition, supplementation, contraindications, and maternal…
Gastrointestinal (GI) function is paramount in providing optimal health and a strong immune system. Ultimately, the GI tract acts as a gateway connecting the outside environment to the delicate internal systems of the human body. Thus, aberrations in gut barrier function and permeability can and does lead to disruptions in homeostasis, including fertility (Fasano &…
Increased intestinal permeability (IP) is correlated to several pathologies such as allergies, metabolic, and cardiovascular disturbances. As was discussed in previous posts, substances that are normally unable to cross the epithelial barrier gain access to the systemic circulation (i.e., leaky gut) (Rapin & Weirnsperger, 2010). One particular cause of leaky gut is processed food consumption, and…
Optimal gastrointestinal (GI) function is central to a strong immune system and overall health; it is the gateway between the outside environment and the delicate internal systems of the human body. Ultimately, dysfunction of the gut barrier can give rise to a host of maladies negatively affecting homeostasis. One such condition is known as celiac…
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) can be defined as the excessive increase in the number of bacteria in the stomach and small intestine (Khalighi et al., 2014). Such overgrowth can lead to gastrointestinal problems, altered bowel movements, and altered pH. Moreover, SIBO can induce steatorrhoea (excess fat in feces), vitamin B12 (involved in brain/nervous system…
In addition to nutritional interventions, physical activity has also been shown to help control symptoms and complications of non-alcohol fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (Miyake et al., 2014). In the following sections, NAFLD and its relationship to exercise will be explored as another viable means of controlling the disease. Miyake et al. (2014) explored the connection…
The liver is the largest organ in the body providing several vital functions such as storing glycogen, copper, iron, triglycerides, and lipid soluble vitamins (Reisner & Reisner, 2017). The liver is also responsible for synthesizing certain proteins such as albumin, which facilitates coagulation and inflammation, in addition to binding proteins for storage of substances (Reisner…
Calculi, commonly known as stones, can form anywhere along the urinary tract; a condition known as urolithiasis (Reisner & Reisner, 2017). Stones are characterized by high concentrations of uric acid or calcium salts, and emanate from three primary factors: high concentrations of salts in the urine, infection of the urinary tract, and urinary tract obstruction…