Through Health and Back

29/06/2023

Do genes really matter? 🧬

When it comes to nutrition and chronic 😷, at-home genetic testing is all the rage. Why wouldn’t you invest in a test that shows you the perfect foods to eat for you and which supplements you should take for life (or not at all)?

But should we take those tests and make them as laws that govern our every (nutritional) move?

If you’re not familiar with genetics vs epigenetics, this post is for you. 🧬

21/11/2020

Curious about a common cause amongst chronic illnesses?



https://www.instagram.com/p/CH20Kw2Dpov/?igshid=1rdyr5z7a5cld

12/09/2020

Does , , , , or describe you? What if I told you a food could be causing it? Take a look at this post—it might save you a whole lot of pain!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CE_7WsRH0VI/?igshid=1gyt3kx7s54dm

A lot of people complain of chronic or . What if it was coming from a food you were eating? Maybe this post will shed some insight...

04/02/2020

Ever feel anxiety about the pressures to eat organic ALL THE TIME, and the dilemma of forking over the extra money? If you’re on a budget and want to eat healthier foods, some fruits and vegetables have preference to be eaten organically over others. Why? The pesticide loads are higher in some, and much lower in others.

Produce that has been shown to have lower pesticide levels is considered “cleaner”. The top fifteen “cleanest” produce items are evaluated every year, and are included on a list known as the “Clean Fifteen”.

https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/clean-fifteen.php

Produce that’s pretty heavy on the pesticides that you may want to buy organically (okay, please do) is ranked on a list annually as well. It’s known as “the dirty dozen”. For both lists (remember, they update annually) check out these links!

https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php

Pesticides like glyphosate in the US have been shown to be linked to autism, neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s and autism, autoimmunity, cancer, and other metabolic disorders. Stay clean, eat right!

Check out EWG's Dirty Dozen list to help decide when you should splurge for organic produce – part of our annual Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™

03/02/2020

Let me preface this with: food is mood! Have you ever had a low day, eaten some protein, and felt your mood go up a level? It’s not in your head!⠀⠀⠀
Neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin are most commonly known for their roles in mood. Deficiency in either can contribute to depression and/or anxiety.⠀⠀⠀
is synthesized from an amino acid known as L-Tyrosine. Without it, we’re unable to make it. Dopamine is needed for feeling good, and happiness.⠀⠀⠀
Similarly, is synthesized from the amino acid L-Tryptophan. Serotonin is responsible for mood regulation, and is also later converted into (sleep!).⠀⠀⠀
Both need amino acids to be synthesized, which it’s why it’s so crucial to consume good quality sources of protein. This could be a possible explanation for why vegans and vegetarians report mood disorders.⠀⠀⠀
Melatonin is synthesized from serotonin. and —NTs involved in focus and wakefulness—come from dopamine.⠀⠀⠀
Various vitamins and minerals such as D, C, Bs, zinc, magnesium and copper are also crucial cofactors to make these transitions. Inhibited SNPs like and MAO also play a role. ⠀⠀⠀
Other NTs like GABA (relaxation), glutamate (stimulation), choline (memory), and other NTs need adequate amino acids and cofactors to be produced.⠀⠀
Without them, NT synthesis suffers (and mood too).Eating ⠀
a whole food-nutrient-dense, properly prepared diet is 🔑 for healthy functioning. Supporting digestion to properly absorb these nutrients is equally as important!⠀⠀⠀

28/01/2020

What’s on the right side of your body, regenerates from 1/3 of itself, and helps controls blood sugar, detox, digestion, hormone metabolism, and energy? The liver!

The liver is a main player in detox. Smell sensitivity, motion sickness, yellowed skin, indigestion of fats, acne, and can indicate liver burden. Liver detox has two (arguably 3) phases.

In phase I, harmful substances are (often) neutralized with enzymes (like P450) and antioxidants. In phase II—known as conjugation—harmful chemicals and drugs are made water soluble to be eliminated.

Phase I and II require vitamin C, sulfurous amino acids, B vitamins, and fat-soluble vitamins. Without them, toxins back up. Weight gain, 👎🏻 cognition, infertility, inflammation, and fatigue can result.

Most well-known of the liver’s functions is breakdown of aldehydes—byproducts in alcohol that make you feel drunk. If you’re intoxicated or hungover easily, that’s a liver 🚩(phase II)!

The liver breaks down glycogen (stored glucose) and converts it into energy when not eating (as in b/w meals). If often hangry, it can indicate liver stagnation.

Weight gain around buns/thighs, PMDD/PMS, and estrogen dominance hints at a slow liver as it processes estrogens.

The liver produces bile, which breaks down and emulsifies fats. Oily or floating stools and heaviness and indigestion after a fatty meal all can indicate a sluggish liver.

Consuming nutrient-dense foods supportive of phase I/II detox, hydrating, sweating, and 💩 ing regularly all support the liver. Drinking sparingly can help, too 😉

23/01/2020

My favorite mineral? I think, I think... it’s zinc! Given I LOVE all things digestion, zinc could be seen as the “catalyst” for all things stomach acid. It’s a necessary cofactor in HCL production.

Estrogen dominant? Zn is necessary for detoxification and elimination of estrogen. Chronic use of birth control can leave one more susceptible to ED.

Zinc helps regulate copper (Cu) levels, keeping toxicity at bay. Excess of either/both estrogen or Cu can lead to 👎🏻 zinc status.

As Zn is needed for HCL production, low Zn = low HCL. If we don’t have HCL, we can’t breakdown meats to get the Zn for more HCL. It’s a vicious cycle 🔂.

Struggling with fertility? Zinc is essential for s***m quality in males, and the conversion of testosterone to its active form. It’s also important in thyroid function.

Zn is needed for immune health: it regulates NK cells, neutrophils, and macrophages, helps maintain innate immunity, and is needed for healthy T/B lymphocytes.

Zn helps to maintain inflammation levels by moderating cytokine production. It functions in some instances as an antioxidant.

Zinc is needed in health of hair, skin, and nails. Flaking nails with white spots and breaking hair can indicate zinc deficiency.

Healthy collagen is only possible with zinc—it activates proteins in its synthesis (those collagen supplements are 🗑 w/o Zn).

Phytates in improperly prepared plant foods can block its absorption, as can smoking of 🚬. Loss or lessened taste 👅 and smell 👃🏽 are often linked to low zinc levels.

Before pondering Zn supps, make sure HCL is sufficient. Support digestion, consume readily-available superfoods like meat and seafood (esp. oysters!) and re-evaluate.