Summary Not all calories are equal—nutrient-dense foods support better health than empty-calorie processed foods. Proteins and complex carbs take more energy to be digested, while processed foods are rapidly digested and lead to blood sugar spikes. Processed foods can disrupt insulin and fat storage hormones, while whole foods promote hormone balance and satiety. High-quality foods reduce the risk of chronic […]
Summary Vitamin D, obtained mainly through sun exposure or dietary sources, is crucial for bone integrity, muscle health, and immune function. Maternal vitamin D deficiency has been linked to neurodevelopmental disorders such as schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Vitamin D plays a vital role throughout life with its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and other neuroprotective properties. Vitamin D […]
Summary Raynaud’s syndrome, a vascular disorder affecting extremities, leads to noticeable colour changes predominantly in fingers and toes. With approximately 5% of the population affected, the disorder is common. Primary Raynaud’s is less severe and often lacks an underlying medical condition, while secondary Raynaud’s is associated with autoimmune disease. In our most recent Facts&Reason article, we explored the autoimmune disease […]
Summary Scleroderma is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by excessive collagen production. It can affect only the skin, or both skin and internal organs. It leads to the thickening of connective tissue and potential complications in organs such as the lungs, heart, and kidneys, which can ultimately result in death. Early signs, like excessive vessels constricting (called Raynaud’s phenomenon) and […]
Colonization of the gut with various species of bacteria is essential for digesting nutrients and maintaining a healthy immune system. Beyond the gut, “good” bacteria are essential in many organs. Amongst other functionalities, bacteria produce vitamin B12, an essential factor which humans obtain from food. In a world where bacteria are often associated with sickness and infection, it is crucial […]
Summary The ketogenic diet consists of a low carbohydrate (<50g/day) and high fat intake to force the body into burning fat for the production of ketone bodies as an alternative energy source. The ketogenic diet was first introduced as a treatment for epileptic and diabetic patients. The rise of antiepileptic drugs steeply reduced the usage and research of the ketogenic […]
Summary Infant formula (IF) is similar in nutritional content to breastmilk and can be a supplement/alternative to breastmilk if breastmilk is not available. Unlike IF, breast milk contains compounds beneficial to infant immunity and biome. Breastfeeding decreases child mortality rate and infection rate (<2 years of age) and has long term protective effects against obesity and diabetes. Parenthood is a […]
Summary: The first oral contraceptive pill was introduced in the early 1960s, giving women the possibility to control their own fertility. Hormonal contraceptives can help reduce medical concerns like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Hormonal contraceptives can have side effects such as breakthrough bleeding, nausea, headaches, breast tenderness, and decreased libido. There are misconceptions surrounding fertility, […]
Summary: Ginger is the root of a plant called Zingiber officinale. It was widely used in folk medicine in Asia, India, Europe and the Middle East. Ginger has some potential health benefits, which are so far only evident in in vitro and animal studies. It is October and flu season is already upon us. Every year, around this time media […]
Summary: Probiotics are consumable living microorganisms and are often offered as a treatment for gastrointestinal syndromes. The use of probiotics has been proven to be beneficial in a selective number of cases but does require a fully individualised treatment. Long-term studies on the effects of probiotics are limited, and more research is needed to determine their overall efficacy and safety […]