Body Fat / Skin
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…
The skin is the largest organ of the body and provides a dynamic barrier against toxic chemicals, physical injury, and infectious microorganisms.1,2 The main cells of the skin layer/barrier are keratinocytes constituting approximately 95% of total tissue content.2(1) Living within the physical barrier, keratinocytes carry out critical immune functions to include synthesis and secretion of…
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…
In this author’s last post, two dietary strategies (Mediterranean diet and low carbohydrate/ ketogenic diet) were explored and considered for their influence upon health biomarkers and outcomes. A common element found from both diets included the daily consumption and use of oils as part of their respective regimens. In the following sections, this author would…
Obesity is increasing both in number and reach across North America, other Westernized countries, Asia, the Near and Middle East, Western Pacific regions, and Sub-Saharan Africa.1 Weight as a topic has become pervasive and viewed in moral terms during public settings, media discussions, and policy discourse.2 However, as such platforms increased discussions regarding obesity/morality, said condition…
Nutrigenomics can be defined as the study of the interaction between genes and the nutritional environment.1 Such a field has been proposed as a new model in healthcare in which genotyping (studying the differences in gene make-up of one individual and comparing it to other individuals) can help determine the best choices of foods and…
Obesity is an epidemic estimated to effect more than one third (36%) of adults in the United States.1One driver behind such an epidemic is the chronic overconsumption of food. In this author’s last post, cognitive and behavioral recommendations were briefly explored to facilitate liberation from conditioned hypereating (CH) and consumption of ultra-processed food and drinks…
Over consumption of ultra-processed foods and drinks (UPFDs) continues to be a phenomenon in Westernized countries, and is linked to several conditions to include metabolic syndrome; an aggregate of risk factors (dysregulated glucose metabolism, high blood pressure, abdominal obesity, and abnormal lipid profiles) that lead to cardiovascular disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes (T2D).1 A…
Testosterone is an anabolic steroid synthesized from cholesterol, which is metabolized into pregnenolone and then into androstenediol or androstenedione; precursors to testosterone.1 Testosterone is responsible for maintaining function of several systems to include the immune system (lowers inflammation), neurological system (improves cognitive function), musculoskeletal system (maintains muscle mass), and aspects of the circulatory system (improves…
In this author’s last several posts, underlying factors behind obesity and metabolic syndrome were considered to include reductions in physical activity, overconsumption of ultra-processed foods and drinks (UPFDs) and their relationships to addiction. The terms satiety and satiation are widely used to facilitate comprehension and research involving appetite control.1Satiation can be defined as processes and…