NUTRITION
In this author’s last post, low stomach acidity (high pH), micronutrient maldigestion/malabsorption, causes/symptoms of high pH, and solutions to mitigate such conditions were considered. However, low stomach acidity can induce systemic affects where other physiological disruptions occur along the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, to include gut dysbiosis (Pizzorno & Katzinger, 2012). As such, the following will…
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…
Sears (2017) stated that heart disease, among other maladies, is a condition driven by inflammation. Sources of inflammation are widespread to include environmental (i.e., heavy metal exposure), lifestyle (i.e., sleep deprivation and stress), and nutrition (omega-6 rich processed foods) factors (Ilich, Kelly, Kim, & Spicer, 2014; Irwin, Olmstead, & Carroll, 2016; Umamaheswaran, Dasari, Yang, Lutgendorf,…
Lipids may still become oxidized despite sufficient serum levels of CoQ10, vitamin E/A, and beta-carotene. Serum levels indicate the presence of said micronutrients, not necessarily the activity and/or proper form of the same. For example, vitamin A (retinol) levels can be within normal ranges, but if retinol-binding protein (RBP) is low (transports retinol), retinol will not…
Boron (B) is a substance once used as a preservative in foods (i.e., 50 years ago) thought to be a beneficial element, but is currently not considered essential to the human diet (Gropper et al., 2018). Although B is not essential, said micronutrient does exert influence over selected physiological processes to include bone development, mediation…
Iodide (I) is a non-metal responsible for many roles to include thyroid hormone synthesis; a substance influencing several physiological processes to include stimulation of oxygen consumption, body heat production, nervous system development, and maintenance of basal metabolism (Gropper, Smith, & Carr, 2018; Weng, Liu, Ye, Pan, & Xia, 2014). Thus, adequate consumption I is essential…
Chromium (Cr) is a metal found in a ubiquitous fashion amongst soil, water, and air (Gropper, Smith, & Carr, 2018). Several oxidized states of Cr exist, however, researchers consider Cr3+ the most biologically relevant form (Vincent & Lukaski, 2018). Cr3+, also known as trivalent chromium, is the most stable of the oxidized forms often bound…
Selenium (Se) is a micronutrient that is a component of larger proteins (i.e., selenoproteins) involved in such processes as redox reactions, antioxidant activity, reproduction, immune function, and thyroid metabolism (Thomason, Chisholm, McLachlan, & Campbell, 2008). Deficiencies in Se have been associated with viral infections, inflammatory disorders, male infertility, altered immune function, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and…
Mitochondria are organelles found within cells responsible for energy (ATP) production. Such is achieved via conversion of food (carbohydrates, fats, proteins) through oxidation and enzymatic reactions (Reisner & Reisner, 2017). As such, it is paramount said enzymes are present and in adequate concentrations, which is achieved by appropriate levels of key precursors; zinc (Zn) and…
Zinc (Zn) is a micronutrient and essential cofactor/metal in many enzymes to include alkaline phosphatase, carbonic dehydratase, and polymerases and is obligatory for cell division and DNA synthesis (Crook, 2011). Deficiencies in Zn can cause several maladies such as increased risk of infections, infertility, impaired brain development, dermatitis, alopecia, low testosterone, and impaired smell/taste (Crook,…