Articles

Introduction Human athletic achievement continues to advance, with runners, cyclists, and swimmers repeatedly surpassing barriers once thought insurmountable. Yet what truly sets the limits on human performance? Is it simply the capabilities of our muscles, lungs, and hearts? Or is there more to the story? Recent research suggests that the brain plays a far more…

ApoB Particles Take Center Stage There is now overwhelming evidence that atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is driven primarily by atherogenic lipoproteins containing apolipoprotein B (ApoB). ApoB is the main structural protein enveloping lipid molecules to form lipoproteins that traffic cholesterol and other hydrophobic substances through circulation. As contemporary cardiovascular guidelines have embraced, it is the penetration…

The Natural History of Human Running Humans evolved specific anatomical adaptations as we transitioned from walking to running around 2 million years ago. Key developments include longer Achilles tendons to store energy, bigger calf muscles to produce force, and medial longitudinal arches to distribute forces in the feet. Early forms of footwear dating back 10,000…

Blue Light-Sleep Connection Called Into Question For years, the notion that blue light from electronic devices suppresses natural melatonin production and disrupts sleep patterns has been widely accepted. However, new evidence is leading to a reconsideration of this belief. Recent studies have failed to show significant impacts on melatonin levels or other sleep markers when…

In the United States, a silent epidemic is sweeping the nation, affecting an astonishing 93.2% of the population. This widespread issue is not a viral outbreak or a contagious disease but rather a condition known as poor metabolic health. Characterized by insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, and type 2 diabetes, this metabolic crisis is associated with a…

Belly fat, also known as visceral fat, is a hidden health hazard that many people don't take seriously enough. While it's often seen as just a cosmetic issue, the truth is that excess belly fat is linked to a wide range of serious health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's, and even certain types of…

Introduction Inflammation is a natural part of the body's healing process, playing a crucial role in protecting us from injuries and infections. However, when inflammation becomes chronic and hidden, it can lead to a host of health issues and diseases, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's, depression, autoimmune diseases, and gut problems. In this article,…

Autoimmune diseases, a group of more than 100 conditions characterized by the immune system attacking the body's own tissues, have become increasingly prevalent in recent years. Despite affecting millions worldwide, conventional medicine often falls short in effectively addressing these complex disorders. Functional medicine, however, offers a unique perspective by focusing on identifying and treating the…

Pausing Supplements Before Labs for Accuracy When patients are taking various vitamins, minerals, herbs, or other supplements, it can impact lab test results. This often leads to the question of whether or not patients should stop taking certain supplements in the days leading up to lab testing. There is no definitive rule, but generally the…

The Accidental Discovery and Versatile Effects of Metformin Metformin was originally developed as an anti-diabetic medication, but research now suggests its health benefits extend far beyond blood sugar control. First used in humans in the late 1950s, metformin enhances insulin sensitivity and was noted to improve cardiovascular outcomes in type 2 diabetes. In more recent…

The Promise of Metabolic Therapies Cancer remains one of the most complex and deadly diseases worldwide, but the tide may be turning with emerging metabolic therapies that starve tumor cells of fuel sources and induce internal oxidative stress. Therapeutic ketosis shows particular promise through several key mechanisms: Lowering glucose availability – Many cancers thrive on…

In the field of medicine, there is a growing recognition that our physical and mental well-being is profoundly influenced by factors beyond our individual biology. Increasingly, researchers and healthcare professionals are exploring the complex interplay between trauma, social conditions, and health outcomes. This article delves into the fascinating science behind these connections and examines how…