RECOVERY
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is considered the most exposed organ to the outside world, coming into contact with thousands of organisms and substances from the ingestion of food each day (Lopetuso, Scaldaferri, Bruno, Petito, Franceschi, & Gasbarrini, 2015). It also provides a complex barrier from the outside world to the delicate internal systems of the…
In this author’s last post, polycysctic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) was explored and its relationship to metabolic syndrome. The following will continue to explore PCOS and its relationship to low-grade chronic inflammation (LGCI) and obesity. Sirmans and Pate (2014) indicated that weight loss could help control PCOS (control inflammation). Of particular interest is the biochemical relationship…
Flat screen televisions, smartphones, laptops, and Ipads are commonplace technologies in homes. However, the aforementioned devices emit a wavelength (< 550 nm) known as blue light. Such light, even with brief exposure, has been shown to hinder melatonin production; a key hormone responsible for causing and regulating sleep (Burkhart & Phelps, 2009). If blue light…
Poor indoor air quality is a chief cause of illness for individuals (Williams, 2012). Buildings are generally tightly sealed designed to conserve energy. However, contaminants from paint, carpets, and other building materials become trapped and circulate causing symptoms such as headaches, sore throat, and respiratory problems (Williams, 2012). Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are common indoor air pollutants…
Emphysema and chronic bronchitis often occur together. When they do, such a disorder is known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (Reisner & Reisner, 2017). COPD is often characterized by dyspnea (shortness of breath) and cyanosis (blue skin from reduced hemoglobin in blood). Individuals suffering from COPD will frequently have shortness of breath (emphysema), especially upon…
Cells represent the basic functional units of an organism (Reisner, Reisner, & Crowley, 2017). Comprehending the underlying nature of cell function, and dysfunction, provides insights into the homeostasis of the organism as a whole. As a means of appreciating cell behavior, the following sections will provide a brief overview of mechanisms behind stem cell aging…
Tendinopathy is characterized as an overuse injury, occurring in close proximity to the tendinous regions of muscle bellies (Andres & Murrell, 2008). Unlike tendonitis, which is characterized by inflammatory markers, tendinopathy has minimal-to-no inflammation present (Andres & Murrell, 2008; Mayo Clinic, 2016). Thus, it is imperative to discern the two pathologies and appropriately characterize the…
A fracture can be defined as a break in the structural continuity of bone, followed by a loss of integrity (Delforge, 2002). Healing of bone fractures contains within it 3 primary stages: hematoma/inflammation, cellular proliferation, and remodeling (Delforge, 2002). Such stages are comparable to soft tissue healing which include inflammation, fibroplasia, and scar formation (Delforge,…
When looking at a lumbar spine fusion surgery, does the spine change movement patterns above and below the site of the fusion thereafter? Such a question is relevant since moving spinal segments (i.e., immediately above and below a fixation) beyond their natural ranges (i.e., flexion, extension, rotation) might have deleterious long-term effects. The following sections will…
Inflammation is a natural immune response to neutralize and clear foreign bodies and damaged cells in a biological organism (Ilich, Kelly, Kim, & Spicer, 2014). The immune response can have several etiologies such as overconsumption of omega-6 rich foods, food sensitivities, poor sleep, stress, toxic environments, and intense physical activity (Ruiz-Nunez, Pruimboom, Dijck-Brouwer, & Muskiet,…