Healthcare professionals commonly give nutritional recommendations based on an entire population, only sometimes changing these according to age, sex, and pregnancy. Over the last 20…
The balance of homocysteine in the body is critical. Too much as we start to see neurodegenerative disorders, inflammation, and even cardiovascular disease. Homocysteine can be tricky to balance as it requires an understanding of how homocysteine is produced. Research is showing now a link between homocysteine metabolism, specific pathologies, and its influence on our genes.
The mitochondria is the “powerhouse of the cellâ€. It obtained this nickname by being the creator of ATP, or the energy our body produces to carry out functions. However, the mitochondria is responsible for so much more than that. More recently, studies have been showing a link between mitochondrial health and degenerative age-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and others. Mitochondrial dysfunction can be linked and grouped into three categories: neurodegenerative diseases, immune diseases, and hepatic diseases.
We have found that approaching the body as a whole rather than treating it as compartments gives patients the most relief. As research develops, it is found that over 125 clinical conditions have been identified as having inflammation along with oxidative stress as a contributing factor to the diagnosis! Oxidative stress impacts our bodys chemical pathways and genes!
Every single cell in our body requires energy to complete its functions. The energy our body creates and uses is known as ATP. ATP is created in the mitochondria and relies on a mixture of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to source its fuel. This energy is created in an essential process called The Krebs Cycle. Similar to other functions throughout the body, when inflammation occurs important process can become hindered and not performed to their greatest extent. We have the ability to maximize our Krebs Cycle by the food we eat, ultimately leading to a postive alteration in our genes and reduced inflammation throughout our body.
As humans, we share genetic similarities and differences. Our genes are associated with our cellular defense and the risk we have for diseases. Additionally, part of our genetic differences include the rate in which enzymes in our bodies operate. Enzymes are important when it comes to cellular health as they determine the speed and activity of genes. Our diet heavily impacts our genetic expression and the metabolic pathways involved in all cellular functions. In order to reduce muscle pain, improve skeletal and overall health, diet needs to be considered as one of the top forms of medicine.
As humans we need ATP to sustain life. ATP is the energy our bodies use to perform cellular functions. To properly create ATP we need a combination of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins (macronutrients). To take these substances and convert them into ATP, our body uses a metabolic pathway referred to as the Citric Acid Cycle. The Citric Acid Cycle is what supplies the body with its primary energy. Without proper energy production from the Citric Acid Cycle we feel fatigued, muscle pain, and our body may suffer from inflammation. Organic acids are a result obtained from metabolic pathways such as the Citric Acid Cycle. We have the ability to assess your body’s energy production by measuring Organic Acids with diagnostic lab testing.
A neurotransmitter is a chemical messenger that regulates physical processes. Neurotransmitters are responsible for movement, pain, stress, emotions, cognition, energy, cravings, and more. Neurotransmitters imbalances are not only found in the brain but they are excreted outside of the Central Nervous System as well. Neurotransmitters play a role in influencing our digestion, nutrient absorption and impact our musculoskeletal system. When neurotransmitters are off-balance, individuals experience headaches, mood swings, anxiety, fatigue, pain, and depression. Using diagnostic lab technology, we have the ability to test our patients for neurotransmitter deficiencies.
There is no doubt or lack of research stating that genes impact our health. We realize now that genes are heavily influenced by environmental and…
Stress & Inflammation are responsible for the majority of chronic health conditions. When stress becomes too frequent, the communication between the signals in the body misfire. This leads to an increase in hormone production and a decrease in body functions (example: the Krebs cycle). We evaluate the stressors occurring in your life, pair them with top of the line diagnostic testing, and create a personalized plan for you to ensure your body receives the healing it needs.
Cancer survivors have a lot on their minds, one being a recurrence. Studies have shown that natural supplements, diet, and exercise can help decrease risk of recurrence. A Mediterranean diet is based on a large diversity of plant-based foods and can help your body receive optimal nutrients post-treatment. Additionally, supplements like curcumin, green tea, vitamin D, and fish oils coupled with 150 minutes of exercise per week help reduce your risk.
Testing biomarkers can help practitioners determine and create a more efficient personalized plan. The LRA test by ELISA/ACT was created to test 4 separate types of immune trigger markers. These include Actue Antibodies (IgE), Humoral Antibodies (IgA, IgM, IgG), Immune Complexes, and T-Cell Regulation. These factors are all extremely important when it comes to reversing symptoms related to thyroid issues, joint pain, lupus, diabetes, IBS, and more. Accurate testing leads to accurate results!
The immune system is one of the hardest working systems in the body. It is constantly working in the background, searching the body for bacterias and any potentially harmful pathogens. The first attacker in the line of defense is secretory IGA (SIgA). SIgA is the predominant immunoglobulin that is produced in the lining of the gut. Some functions of SIgA include trapping mucus, neutralizing enzymes and other toxins, inhibiting the adherence of pathogens, having interaction with antimicrobial factors like lactoferrin, all while being tolerant of the friendly flora. Any type of infection will lower SIgA. It is important to note that other factors that reduce SIgA include stress, a poor diet containing low levels of nutrients, genetics, the integrity of your gut lining, and age.Â
Autoimmune diseases are a much larger problem than they were 10 years ago. Now, autoimmune diseases are reaching an epidemically high level with over 50 million people diagnosed. All autoimmune diseases are linked to one common condition, inflammation. An autoimmune disease is when the immune system is under constant inflammation from frequently recurring triggers. Those diagnosed with an autoimmune disease have one or more of these stressors overly present in their life:
-Chronic Emotional and Cognitive Stress
-Unhealthy Coping PatternsÂ
-Poor NutritionÂ
-Gastrointestinal Stress
-Adrenal Stress
-Hormonal StressÂ
-Inflammatory and Infectious Stress
-Toxic Stress
Biomarkers are one of the essential ways practitioners are able to assess the flora residing in the gastrointestinal tract. Genova breaks down lab results into a D.I.G. method, representing Digestion and Absorption, Inflammation and Immunology, and Gastrointestinal Microbiome. These are all key factors in determining, diagnosing, and treating leaky gut, intestinal permeability, and other health conditions. These are important when determining overall health status. This is a great way to get started on repairing your gut for optimal health!
SIBO is the overgrowth of commensal organisms in the small intestine. SIBO stands for Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth. The overgrowth of bacteria leads to intestinal permeability, opening up an entirely new list of complications propagated by systemic inflammation. Some diseases associated with SIBO are acne, diabetes, celiac, and more! If you experience uncomfortable gas, bloating, abnormal bowel movements, headaches, or skin rashes SIBO could be related! Get tested to find out if SIBO is affecting you.
Can bacteria be impacting your mental health? Throughout the past 10 years, the evidence is coming to light showing that there is a link and relation to certain bacterias and aspects of mental health. Research has shown that increased levels of clostridia are linked to disorders such as autism, depression, and more. It is important to keep an eye on your digestive tract and gastrointestinal health, as uncomfortable symptoms may be an indicator that something needs to be evaluated by a health care professional.