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RECOVERY

Environmental Toxins and Thyroid Function

In my last post, I provided information regarding the structure and function of the thyroid, in addition to the differences and utility of each thyroid hormone. In the following sections, I would like to briefly explore the impact of environmental exposures (EEs), toxins, and their affects upon thyroid health. Patrick (2009) indicated that EE of…

Thyroid Hormone Regulation and Health

Metabolic processes, in addition to normal growth and development, are heavily influenced by the endocrine system; a group of organs, which release hormones directly into the bloodstream (Reisner & Reisner, 2017). Such endocrine glands include the pituitary, adrenal cortex, medulla, pancreas, kidneys, parathyroid, and thyroid. Aberrations in the performance and function of said glands can…

Detoxification, Organic Acid Testing, and Glucarate

In recent posts, I have explored methods to improve individuals’ health through movement and nutrition protocols. Although such approaches are highly valuable, they do not account for another dimension known to affect homeostasis; environmental exposures (EE). Once toxins enter the body, it is essential that they are eliminated as they can create aberrations in health…

Low-Density Lipoproteins and Cardiovascular Risk

Atherosclerosis can be defined as the buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in and on the artery walls (plaque), which can restrict blood flow (Mayo Clinic, 2018). Said condition can manifest as early as childhood with the development and deposition of fatty cholesterol streaks along the endothelium (blood vessel wall) (Lee & Nieman, 2013)….

Poor Sleep and Insulin Resistance

Research has indicated that genetics and poor lifestyle choices can drive individuals towards insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes (Lee & Nieman, 2013). Thus far, we have been exploring methods to monitor and track individuals suspected to be at risk for said conditions. However, I would like to suggest another relevant measure that would help…

Processed Food, Poor Sleep, and Low Grade Chronic Inflammation

Modern Western diets, including macronutrient ratios and macronutrient quality, are substantially different than the hominin diets 10,000 years ago (Ilich, Kelly, Kim, & Spicer, 2014). Modern diets tend to include over 70% of total energy from refined sugars, refined vegetable oils, processed foods, and alcohol (Ilich et al., 2014). Of particular interest is the shift…

Open Reduction and Closed Reduction Internal Fixation: Pros and Cons

Malalignment or displacement (terms used to describe abnormal position of fracture fragments) of bones requires interventions, which stabilize and immobilize the tissue for optimal healing (Delforge, 2002). Two prominent methods that enhance bony union while reducing chances of malunion (i.e., healed fracture fragments in a malaligned/imperfect position) include the open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) and…

Medial Collateral Ligaments, and the Healing Process

Understanding the tissue healing process, without medical intervention, serves as a baseline to determine and compare the efficacy of modern-day therapeutic techniques. As a means of appreciating the undisturbed process of tissue healing, the following will examine the research of Frank, Woo, Amiel, Harwood, Gomez, and Akeson (1983) as it relates to medial collateral ligament…

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction; The “Ligamentization” Process

Ligament strength is essential to maintaining joint stability, and prevention of injury. Collagen, a structural protein constituting 65%-80% of the dry weight of ligaments and tendons, provides the majority of functional integrity and framework, as seen on the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) (Marumo, Saito, Yamagishi, & Fujii, 2005). Thus, finding a suitable tissue replacement for…