How do lectins and phytates affect Celiac Disease?
How do lectins and phytates affect those with Celiac disease? This article discusses possible reactions.
How do lectins and phytates affect Celiac Disease? Read More »
Nutrition
Food sensitivities are a symptom
A food allergy and a food sensitivity are two very different things. Food Allergy A food allergy is an IgE mediated immune response. There are three types: 1. IgE-mediated (Example peanuts, shellfish) IgE-mediated food allergy symptoms normally occur immediately in connection to certain foods. The symptoms can be hives, difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, coughing, and others. An example is an allergy to peanuts or shellfish. 2. non-IgE-mediated (Example Celiac Disease) Non-IgE mediated conditions can have delayed symptoms.A food sensitivity, on the other hand, does not involve IgE antibodies. 3. mixed IgE/non-IgE-mediated (Example: Atopic dermatitis/EOE) IGE Skin Prick testing IgE skin prick testing is a reliable, trusted, and proven method of testing for true food allergies. So what causes food sensitivity? A food sensitivity is the symptom of an underlying problem. Just like when you get a headache and you take a pain killer. The pill works to stop the pain, but the cause of the headache is still there. Food sensitivities indicate a deeper problem, such as: • Low stomach acid • Lack of certain digestive enzymes • Poor diversity of good gut bacteria or an overgrowth of bad gut bacteria • Intestinal permeability • Certain medications/antibiotics • The poor functionality of certain genetic variations • Mold exposure • Histamine intolerance • A combination of any of the above IgG testing IgG tests are not endorsed or recommended by any of the well-known and trusted main allergy organizations. They are also not scientifically proven. The production of IgG antibodies to foods is a normal immunologic reaction. IgG food sensitivity tests are dangerous since they require the person to eliminate many different foods or food groups in order to “fix” the problem. However, doing so can cause further problems such as nutritional deficiencies and an unbalanced gut microbiome. Sources: Gocki J, Bartuzi Z. Role of immunoglobulin G antibodies in diagnosis of food allergy. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2016 Aug;33(4):253-6. doi: 10.5114/ada.2016.61600. Epub 2016 Aug 16. PMID: 27605894; PMCID: PMC5004213. Beyer K, Teuber SS. Food allergy diagnostics: scientific and unproven procedures. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol. 2005 Jun;5(3):261-6. doi: 10.1097/01.all.0000168792.27948.f9. PMID: 15864086. Hammond C, Lieberman JA. Unproven Diagnostic Tests for Food Allergy. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2018 Feb;38(1):153-163. doi: 10.1016/j.iac.2017.09.011. PMID: 29132671. Stapel SO, Asero R, Ballmer-Weber BK, Knol EF, Strobel S, Vieths S, Kleine-Tebbe J; EAACI Task Force. Testing for IgG4 against foods is not recommended as a diagnostic tool: EAACI Task Force Report. Allergy. 2008 Jul;63(7):793-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2008.01705.x. Epub 2008 May 16. PMID: 18489614. Carr S, Chan E, Lavine E, Moote W. CSACI Position statement on the testing of food-specific IgG. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2012 Jul 26;8(1):12. doi: 10.1186/1710-1492-8-12. PMID: 22835332; PMCID: PMC3443017. https://www.jaci-inpractice.org/article/S2213-2198%2817%2930704-3/fulltext#sec2 https://www.aaaai.org/tools-for-the-public/conditions-library/allergies/igg-food-test https://www.aacc.org/science-and-research/scientific-shorts/2022/what-is-the-clinical-utility-of-food Gargano D, Appanna R, Santonicola A, De Bartolomeis F, Stellato C, Cianferoni A, Casolaro V, Iovino P. Food Allergy and Intolerance: A Narrative Review on Nutritional Concerns. Nutrients. 2021 May 13;13(5):1638. doi: 10.3390/nu13051638. PMID: 34068047; PMCID: PMC8152468.
Food sensitivities are a symptom Read More »
Vitamin A: uses and benefits
{vision, gene expression, reproduction, embryonic development, growth, immune function} What is Vitamin A? Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin obtained through diet. It includes retinol, retinyl palmitate, and beta-carotene. There are two forms: Preformed vitamin A (retinol and retinyl ester) is derived from animal sources such as meat, dairy products, and fish. Provitamin A (beta-carotenoid) is derived from colorful fruits and vegetables. Required for: cell growth immune function Eye health fetal development skin health response to inflammation Helps reduce oxidative stress protection against disease male and female re-productivity Toxicity Toxicity can occur because of the long half-life of Vitamin A in the body. Toxicity symptoms include dry skin, headaches, anorexia, nausea, bone pain, and cerebral edema. Toxicity occurs when a very high dose of Vitamin A has been taken. Therefore you should always consult with your health care provider before taking Vitamin A supplementation for correct dosage. Deficiency symptoms: night blindness xerophthalmia (dry eyes) severely reduced immune competence delayed growth inflamed skin infertility and trouble conceiving respiratory infections slow wound healing Good Food sources Food sources include: sweet potato, spinach, pumpkin and carrots, squash, watermelon, asparagus and broccoli amongst others. DNA TESTING: The DNA Health Skin and DNA Core tests will tell you how well your body metabolises Vitamin A Sources: McEldrew EP, Lopez MJ, Milstein H. Vitamin A. [Updated 2023 Jul 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482362/ Debelo H, Novotny JA, Ferruzzi MG. Vitamin A. Adv Nutr. 2017 Nov 15;8(6):992-994. doi: 10.3945/an.116.014720. PMID: 29141980; PMCID: PMC5683001. Cite this Page Institute of Medicine (US) Panel on Micronutrients. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2001. 4, Vitamin A. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK222318/
Vitamin A: uses and benefits Read More »
Vitamin C uses and benefits
{immune health, antioxidant, increases oxytocin release , collagen and more} What is Vitamin C? Vitamin D is an essential water soluble vitamin. Essential meaning your body can’t produce it. You need to obtain it through food and/or supplements. The name for Vitamin C is ascorbic acid. It is essential for collagen, carnitine and neurotransmitters biosynthesis. Ascorbic acid is easily absorbed but not stored in the body. It has to regularly supplemented through diet or tablets to maintain the ascorbic acid pool in the body. It is absorbed by the small intestine by means of active transport and simple diffusion. Vitamin C is widely distributed in all the body tissues. Its level is high in adrenal gland, pituitary gland, and retina. Its level decreases in kidneys and muscles. Whatever the body doesn’t use, is extrected via urine. Required for: collagen formation carnitine biosynthesis catecholamine synthesis producing dopamine transforming cholesterol into bile acids inhibiting nitrosamine formation in the stomach. enhancing the absorption of iron preventing scurvy immune system defense wound repair and healing oxidation At risk of deficiency: the elderly smokers Taking medications such as aspirin, indomethacin, oral contraceptives, tetracyclines, and corticosteroids. Those who have renal failure due to filtration of water-soluble vitamin C during dialysis conditions like gingivitis, asthma, glaucoma, collagen disorders, heatstroke, arthritis, infections Deficiency signs: easy bruising fatigue and low mood keratosis pilaris (chicken skin) coiled/corkscrew body hairs spoon-shaped fingernails slow healing of wounds painful joints weak bones bleeding gums and tooth loss weak immune system iron deficiency anemia Did you know? Vitamin C acts a cofactor for oxytocin. It helps stimulate the secretion of oxytocin from the pituitary gland into your bloodstream. Oxytocin is what helps us feel affection and love. According to one study, Vitamin C supplementation effectively increased work motivation and attentional focus and contributed to better performance on cognitive tasks requiring sustained attention. DNA TESTING: he DNA Health Skin and DNA Core tests will tell you how well your body metabolises Vitamin C and the genetic variants you carry that use Vit C in oxidation, and collagen formation. Sources: https://nutritionj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1475-2891-2-7 PMC4959991/ PMC8783887/ PMC6071228/
Vitamin C uses and benefits Read More »
Carbohydrates and your hormones
Carbohydrates are one of three main macronutrients your body needs to function. Your body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose. Which is the main source of energy for your body’s cells, tissues, and organs. Glucose can be used immediately or stored in the liver and muscles for later use. There are three main types of carbs: sugars, starches and fiber. Carbohydrates are often blamed for weight gain, diabetes and insulin resistance. And this is true of a diet high in simple carbohydrates. Carbs are divided into two groups: simple or complex. ?Simple: used immediately for energy, normally contain more sugar and are often refined and processed. These often give you a blood sugar spike. ?Complex: sustained form of energy which stabilizes your blood sugar. Stable blood sugar equals balanced hormones. Complex carbs can be found in whole grains, (whole grains means it still has the endosperm and husk and thus essentially all the nutrients and fiber intact), legumes, vegetables, and fruit, dairy products. ⚠️Carbohydrates are essential for producing and balancing hormones. Reducing total carbs long term can result in an increase in cortisol which can lead to adrenal fatigue and a dysregulation of the HPA axis. When we don’t give our body enough fuel to use for energy, we put stress on the adrenal glands which in turn can lead to a thyroid issue. ✅️Include complex carbs such as sweet potato,green beans, whole grains like buckwheat, gf oats, brown rice, quinoa. ✅️Limit simple carbs such as sugars, cakes, pastries, cookies for occasional treats. And lastly, genetics. Some of us are more genetically built to favor carbs and do well on a diet that includes complex carbs. (Which can include a low carb diet, not a no-carb diet) For example those with the A allele of the PLIN gene show protection against obesity when there is a higher intake of complex carbohydrates. Others are more suited to a low fat diet or Mediterranean way of eating. What’s key to remember is that the human body needs carbohydrates, but carbohydrate requirements differ from one person to another,based on many factors such as age, activity level, phase of life, genetics. Remember: your diet is one of the key foundation to hormone health. How to tell if your carbohydrate intake is too low: You are tired and sluggish You struggle to concentrate You don’t feel satisfied after a meal You have constant cravings Your menstrual cycle is haywire Headaches Constipation Low carbs can also mean a decrease in fiber. Fiber is essential for a healthy gut microbiome and to avoid constipation which in turn means less nasty estrogens recirculating in your body. For more information on what type of diet is best suited to your genetics, why not take the DNA Diet genetic test? This test looks at certain genetic variations and let’s you know what type of diet is best suited to your personal needs.
Carbohydrates and your hormones Read More »
What you need to know about Collagen
What is Collagen? Collagen is a protein your body makes. It is essential for healthy joints and skin elasticity. Collagen’s strong fibers work like glue to hold things together in your body: muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, organs, and skin. Different types There are many different types of collagen in your body and each perform a different function. Type I builds skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Type II helps to make cartilage, the flexible tissue between bones and in your ears and nose. Type III helps create muscles and blood vessels. Collagen loss Collagen decreases with age and the fibers become thinner and weaker. The age we start to lose collagen is around 25. After the age of 40, you lose around 1% per year. By the age of 80, collagen production has decreased by 75% Other factors also contribute such as: too much sun exposure (ultraviolet rays can cause collagen to break down in the skin) Smoking causes oxidative stress low levels of vitamin C, which can lead to scurvy. Genetic conditions such as Osteogenesis imperfecta which can can lead to weak bones. Do collagen supplements work? Studies show that hydrolyzed collagen can decrease joint pain, increase bone mineral density, reduce wrinkles and improves skin elasticity and hydration. PMID: 18416885 PMID: 29337906 PMID: 33742704 Takeaways: • Anyone over the age of 25 can benefit from a collagen supplement. • Remember it should be hydrolyzed collagen containing type 1 and 3 • Topical skin care products containing collagen are ineffective. Topical collagen molecules are too large to penetrate and will remain on the surface of your skin. • protect your skin from sun exposure by wearing a sunscreen when in the sun. • Get a genetic test that gives you lifestyle, diet and supplement recommendation according to your genetics. Take the DNA Skin test which will let you know how well your body does in this regard.
What you need to know about Collagen Read More »