by Ashley Jordan Ferira, PhD, RDN The digestive system begins in the mouth, which is home to 700+ unique species of bacteria.1 Research has shown that salivary2 and gastrointestinal (GI)3-4 microbiota possess diurnal rhythms; whether these daily patterns are a result of circadian biology and/or eating behaviors is unknown. The composition of one’s habitual diet has been shown to impact human GI microbiota, and emerging research suggests that eating frequency and timing of meals may also play a role,3-4 however,…

by Lewis Chang, PhD Gut microbiota, a community of trillions of microorganisms living in the gastrointestinal tract, play an important role in health and disease in humans. A loss in species richness and diversity in the microbiota has been associated with many metabolic disorders and disease states.1 Nutrition can have a significant impact on the microbiota composition. The Mediterranean diet is known for its various health benefits.2 However, little is known on how the Mediterranean dietary pattern affects the composition…

by Bianca Garilli, ND Body mass index (BMI) is used in the medical community for defining anthropometric height/weight characteristics.1 An individual’s BMI categorizes them as normal, overweight or obese and is often used as a risk factor for various chronic health issues including coronary artery disease (CAD).1 It has become apparent however that BMI is a gross estimate of adiposity; BMI is a poor indicator of percent of body fat and does not indicate site of body fat distribution, an…

by Lewis Chang, PhD A yearlong lifestyle intervention that utilized a ketogenic diet significantly improved HbA1c, body weight, and multiple cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), according to data from a clinical study published in two journals.1,2 CVD is the leading cause of death among patients with T2D.3 As the prevalence of T2D continues to increase rapidly worldwide, effective interventions to address T2D and CVD risk are critical. A low-carbohydrate diet is one of…

by Bianca Garilli, ND  Traumatic brain injury (TBI) research has grown rapidly in the past decade as awareness of the high prevalence and its potential devastating consequences have become clearer.1 TBI may result in varying degrees of paralysis, loss of consciousness, amnesia and even death. Death was the most common outcome for those diagnosed with moderate and severe TBI where severity of TBI was classified according to the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). The two most common causes of TBI globally…

by Lewis Chang, PhD Clostridium difficile, or "C. diff", is a bacterium that can cause infection in at-risk individuals, triggering symptoms ranging from mild diarrhea to severe pseudomembranous colitis. Major risk factors for C. diff infection include depletion of protective gut microorganisms due to antibiotics use (e.g. fluoroquinolones), compromised immune system, age, healthcare environment, and certain medications. Hospitalized older individuals with recent antibiotic exposure and those admitted to long-term care facilities are particularly susceptible for C. diff infection.1 Two fluoroquinolone-resistant…

by Bianca Garilli, ND Sleep plays an important role in foundational health with inadequate amounts contributing to risks associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D), metabolic syndrome, hypertension and cardiovascular disease.1 One study reviewing the relationship between insufficient sleep and chronic health issues concluded, “Sleep duration of less than 6 hours is a risky behavior for the development of chronic diseases, particularly stroke and cancer, and should be therefore addressed in public health campaigns.”2 Studies have shown that the risk…

by Bianca Garilli, ND In the constant quest for improving performance, ultra-endurance athletes often alter exercise and dietary habits hoping to optimize peak physical and mental health. With this goal in mind, the ultra-endurance athlete community has turned its attention to the potential benefits of a low-carbohydrate diet. This is in stark contrast to the previously long-held approach of consuming a high-carbohydrate diet before, during and after exercise.1 Crucial to peak performance is the availability of adequate glycogen throughout the…

by Lewis Chang, PhD Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Increased intake of EPA and DHA is beneficial for cardiovascular health, cognitive function, mental health, maternal and child health, immunity and inflammation. EPA and DHA supplements are becoming more and more popular across a wide diversity of people; from healthy individuals to vulnerable populations with impaired health. Higher omega-3 concentrations may compete with fatty acids such as arachidonic acid for metabolizing enzymes. The interaction results…

by Bianca Garilli, ND, IFMCP Endurance-trained athletes must maintain excellent physical fitness in order to regularly perform activities requiring large quantities of sustained energy. Nutrition plays a major role in their ability to achieve superior athletic goals. However, athletes often do not meet recommended nutritional requirements based on sport, age and sex.1 A study conducted in 146 endurance athletes from Lithuania found that 80.8% of endurance athletes used lower than recommended amounts of carbohydrates in their diet, while more than…