Sleep apnea is a largely overlooked problem, and I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to address it. It causes all kinds of nasty stuff like blood sugar dysregulation, weight gain, stroke, heart attack, etc. if left unchecked. The loss of oxygen that occurs at night can have an impact on your blood markers. This means that your routine bloodwork can potentially pick up on an undiagnosed sleep apnea problem.
Read MoreBlood sugar can rise and fall for some individuals and can feel like a terrible roller coaster ride. Reactive hypoglycemia, also known as postprandial hypoglycemia, is when blood sugar drops after a meal. While it's not as widely known as diabetes, it can still significantly impact an individual’s daily life.
Read MoreDo you feel like you need another vacation when you get back from vacation? I certainly have, and have learned from this. In my opinion, this is a sign you’re doing it wrong.
Read MoreCreatinine is often associated with kidney function, and for good reason; it's a waste product filtered out by the kidneys. When creatinine levels rise, it typically signals that the kidneys might be struggling. However, high creatinine levels don't always indicate a serious health problem. In fact, there are several instances where elevated creatinine levels are perfectly normal or simply a reflection of factors unrelated to kidney disease.
Read MoreWhen we exercise, our body undergoes a series of remarkable physiological changes to ensure that our muscles get the oxygen and nutrients they need to perform efficiently. One of the most fascinating and lesser-known processes behind this adaptation is the “metaboreflex”. The metaboreflex is an essential cardiovascular reflex that plays a crucial role in regulating blood flow and maintaining homeostasis during physical activity.
Read MoreIf you wake up in the morning and you find your significant other sleeping in the next room, you probably have sleep apnea. Or, if like me, you think that your superpower is to be able to fall asleep instantly, you also likely have sleep apnea. That’s what is known as ‘sleep pressure’ and is a sign you are poorly rested.
Read MoreCancer is a complex and multifaceted disease, influenced by a wide array of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Among these, insulin, a hormone primarily known for regulating blood sugar levels, has emerged as a key player in cancer research. The relationship between insulin and cancer is multifactorial, involving metabolic pathways, cellular growth, and inflammation.
Read MoreAutoimmune disorders were once thought to be uncommon, but they currently impact 3%–5% of the world's population, with autoimmune thyroid disease and type 1 diabetes mellitus being the most common. Some are organ-specific, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and others that involve multiple organs, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It currently affects over 80 million people (1 in 5 people), which makes it more impactful than diabetes, heart disease, and cancer combined. This is the biggest threat to western culture.
Read MoreHydration plays a crucial role in managing swelling (edema) in the body. It helps with fluid balance, the lymphatic system, and electrolyte balance.
The lymphatic system is a vital system of the body that is often overlooked. For some reason, in every textbook it is depicted as green. In actuality, it is clear or murky white from proteins and lipids. It looks a lot like the vascular system and that is no mistake. Its main function is filtration of blood plasma in the capillary beds. So where the vascular system goes, so does the lymphatic system. It returns 3 liters of fluid to the blood every day. In this process, cellular debris and waste is filtered out. The lymphatic system also has a role in immune response, releasing T-cells from the bone marrow to the thymus to neutralize pathogens.
Read MoreWe’ve all been there; having a good night’s sleep and suddenly an extreme cramp in the calf. They can be excruciating and it’s hard to know what to do about them. While cramps can stem from various causes, one frequently overlooked factor is magnesium deficiency. Magnesium plays a crucial role in muscle function, and inadequate levels can lead to increased susceptibility to cramping. Here’s a closer look at the connection between magnesium deficiency and muscle cramps, along with practical steps to address and prevent them.
Read MoreGout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that typically attacks the big toe and ankle. Gout primarily occurs when there is an accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to inflammation and intense pain. Uric acid is a normal waste product that forms when the body breaks down purines, substances found in certain foods and also produced by the body. Normally, uric acid dissolves in the blood and passes through the kidneys into the urine. However, if too much uric acid is produced or if the kidneys do not eliminate enough of it, uric acid can build up, leading to gout.
Read MoreFor many, running is not just a form of exercise but a way of life—a pursuit that brings physical fitness, mental clarity, and a sense of accomplishment. However, beneath the surface of this seemingly straightforward activity lies a lesser-known phenomenon: foot strike hemolysis. This condition, though relatively rare, sheds light on the intricate relationship between endurance sports and the human body's physiological responses. Let's delve into what foot strike hemolysis entails, its causes, and its implications for runners.
Read MoreIn the intricate web of our body’s hormonal system lies a crucial regulator known as the HPA (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal) axis. This axis plays a pivotal role in how we respond to stress, regulate mood, and maintain overall health. However, when the HPA axis becomes dysregulated, it can lead to a cascade of symptoms and health issues. Let’s delve into what HPA axis dysfunction entails, its causes, symptoms, and how it can be managed effectively.
Read MoreIn the realm of gastrointestinal health, one term that has garnered attention in recent years is SIBO - Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. This condition, while not widely known, can significantly impact one's digestive system and overall well-being. Let's delve into what SIBO is, its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.
Read MoreCollagen, often touted as the body's scaffolding, is a crucial protein that provides structure and support to various tissues, including skin, bones, muscles, and tendons. Its importance extends beyond structural integrity, influencing skin elasticity, joint flexibility, and overall vitality. However, when the body fails to produce sufficient collagen, it can lead to a condition known as collagen deficiency. This deficiency can manifest in several ways, impacting both health and appearance.
Read MoreArthritis, a condition characterized by inflammation and stiffness in the joints, affects millions of people worldwide, causing pain and reduced mobility. While it's traditionally been viewed as a joint-specific issue, emerging research is shedding light on the intricate connection between arthritis and gut health. In particular, the concept of gut dysbiosis, an imbalance in the gut microbiota, is gaining attention for its potential role in exacerbating arthritis symptoms and even contributing to its development.
Read MoreIn the intricate symphony of human health, nutrition acts as the conductor, orchestrating the harmonious functioning of various systems within the body. While we often associate nutrition with fueling our muscles and organs, its impact on the lymphatic system remains a lesser-known but equally crucial aspect. In this blog, we'll delve into the fascinating relationship between lymphatics and nutrition, exploring how what we eat can influence the health and function of this vital system.
Read MoreAnemia of chronic disease (ACD), also known as anemia of inflammation, is a common type of anemia that often accompanies chronic infections, inflammatory diseases, and other long-term medical conditions. Unlike other forms of anemia, ACD is not primarily caused by nutritional deficiencies or blood loss. Instead, it is a result of the body's response to chronic disease.
Read MoreIron deficiency anemia affects more than 3 million people per year in the U.S. However, a lesser known problem is too much iron, or iron overload. Iron overload affects 200,000 people per year in the U.S. This can be much more devastating, and even deadly if it goes untreated because it “rusts” the organs. It affects men more than women because men accumulate iron over a lifetime, whereas women lose iron from menstruation. After menopause, iron overload can become a problem for women as well. Many women are anemic through their menstruating years and are told to take iron, but are rarely told to come off it after menopause which can induce iron overload. There is a line of evidence building that shows a correlation between the development of diabetes due to excess iron.
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