Almost 2/3 of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), who initiate biologic therapy (infliximab, adalimumab, vedolizumab, or ustekinumab) continue to experience persistent fatigue up to 1 year later. Ongoing inflammation was thought to be the main cause of IBD related fatigue, however research now suggests that gut dysbiosis and a less diverse microbiome may be the prevailing factor. According to
How many hours of sleep did you get last night? According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults aged between 26-64 years, should receive 7 to 9 hours of sleep but not less than 6 hours or more than 10 hours. In clinic, l will often discuss sleep quantity and quality. Although l consider sleep to be a non negotiable and
Feeling stressed, anxious, angry or sad while eating will have a short and long-term effect on the functions of the gastrointestinal tract. Research continues to report that exposure to stress results in alterations of the bidirectional microbiota-gut-brain axis interactions (“brain-gut axis”).⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀“The major effects of stress on gut physiology include: 1) alterations in gastrointestinal motility; 2) increase in visceral perception; 3) changes
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a prevalent syndrome, characterised by chronic widespread pain, fatigue and impaired sleep. Those that suffer from FM also have to contend with the fact that it is an “invisible disease” and not immediately apparent to others. FM can be debilitating and will often have a significant impact to the quality of life. It also continues to be
The old adage ‘breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dine like a pauper’ could be the best way to lose weight and stay healthy.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀A new study in the journal of Sleep (April 12 2019) demonstrated that a daytime eating schedule promoted weight loss and a positive profile for fuel oxidation, energy metabolism, and hormonal markers, compared with
There is an emerging amount of evidence in gastrointestinal research that associates gut microbiota with factors that impact host circadian-metabolic axis, such as light/dark cycles, sleep/wake cycles, diet, and eating patterns. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Researched published in the journal Microorganisms (January 31, 2019) outlines how “gut bacteria possess their own daily rhythmicity in terms of composition, their localization to intestinal niches, and functions.”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀“Current evidence
Energy drinks are a growing industry with a market value predicted to reach $61 billion by 2021. Although commonly promoted as supplements that can boost performance and cognition, it is well known that excessive consumption of energy drinks can result in numerous and detrimental side effects.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀It is estimated that about 30% of teenagers between the ages of 12 through 17
Is there a link between low vitamin D levels and resistant hypertension? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀A study published in the journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypertension (April 2, 2019) believes that there is, and found a statistically significant association between Vitamin D deficiency (levels lower than 20 ng/ml) and resistant hypertension (a blood pressure >140/90 mmHg despite the concurrent use of 3 antihypertensive agents
Burnout is now classified as a disease.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀“The World Health Organization (WHO), an agency which guides many health providers and organizations, now includes “burnout” in its International Classification of Diseases (ICD) Handbook, where it is described as “an occupational-related condition resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀According to the WHO, doctors can issue a diagnosis of burnout
Because I work at a holistic health center, people ask me regularly what the different treatment modalities feel like. So, like last week’s post about acupuncture, I’m going to give you an idea of what moxibustion feels like. If you’ve ever walked into an acupuncture office or holistic wellness center and smelled smoke and wondered what it is, chances are