NUTRITION
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition affecting approximately 21 million females between 14-44 years of age within the United States, with recurrence rates as high as 58%.1 The genesis of BV occurs from an imbalance of normal anaerobic lactobacillus populations relative to anaerobic bacteria in the vaginal fluid; a condition known as dysbiosis.2 Ultimately, if…
Functional constipation (FC) is a condition in which a complete understanding of its pathophysiology remains equivical.1 Conventional thoughts behind FC involves slow transit time and/or pelvic floor impairment, however, Cirillo et al1(1489) stated that there are wide variations behind the precise identification of the dysfunction. Currently, most individuals with FC experience significant impairments to quality…
The liver is an organ critical for the purposes of energy production as well as the storage of glycogen, lipid-soluble vitamins (i.e., vitamin A, D, E, K), copper, iron, triglycerides, and detoxification of the blood.1 As such, mild aberrations in liver function can induce illness, and in severe cases (i.e., liver cirrhosis), death.2 Considering the…
As mentioned in the introduction, IBS can have multiple causes and its pathophysiology can include increased intestinal permeability, heightened visceral sensitivity (low threshold for gastrointestinal-related pain), and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).1(263-264) Furthermore, IBS falls into four categories based on stool form: IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D), IBS with constipation (IBS-C), IBS with a mixed pattern (IBS-M),…
Helicobacter pylori (HP) is characterized as a gram-negative bacterium with a considerable reach, affecting more than 50% of the world’s population.1 The genesis of HP is associated with gastric B-cell lymphoma, gastric adenocarcinoma, peptic ulcers, non-atrophic gastritis, atrophic gastritis, and micronutrient deficiencies to include B12, iron, folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin E.1(12809,12811)…
In this author’s last post, the pathophysiology of functional dyspepsia (FD) was explored as well as the implementation of botanicals, such as ginger and perilla, in managing the same. In the following sections, this author would like to continue reviewing other botanicals that show promise, such as wormwood, in treating and managing FD as well…
Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a condition characterized by bloating, early satiety, belching, nausea, vomiting, and recurrent/chronic fullness of the upper abdomen.1 Furthermore, FD affects as much as 40% of the Eastern industrialized nations and has presented a socioeconomic burden to society while threatening human quality of life and overall health.1(1),2 Most relevantly, standard modes of…
Hypertension (HT) is the most prevalent risk factor for ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular accidents, which has been discussed in this author’s previous posts.1 Generally, HT is associated with low levels of antioxidants and reduced fibrinolysis (the process of preventing blood clotting).1(503) Considering that drugs used to manage mild HT have been known to cause…
Hypertension (HT) is a condition and form of cardiovascular disease (CVD) which has generally manifested in adults. However, HT currently affects an approximated 3-5% of children and up to 10-11% of adolescent populations, worldwide.1 Furthermore, HT has been estimated to affect 1 in 3 Americans, or approximately 76,400,000 individuals and has accounted for as many as…
Cardiovascular disease (CD) is a condition which causes the most deaths, worldwide, and is estimated to cost 818 billion in medical costs by 2030 in the United States alone.1 Thus, it is imperative to develop preventative strategies which aim to reduce cardiovascular complications, costs, and deaths. As outlined in this author’s previous posts, natural products,…