Why Omega-3s Are Important? – InVite Health Podcast, Episode 569
This supplement is extremely important in overall health but specifically heart, brain, and eye health. Listen now to Allie Mights Podcast on omega-3.
Recent Posts
An Anti-Aging Supplement, Quercetin – InVite Health Podcast, Episode 567
Jerry Hickey, Ph dives into research about the importance of Quercetin and how the supplement helps the Anti-Aging process.
Digestive Health, Part 4 On Stool Tests
Stool
Written by Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
For further questions or concerns email me at carcidiacono@invitehealth.com†
We started talking about the important blood and breath lab tests for digestive health. Today we will continue with talking about lab work, diving into stool tests and any more physical type of tests that are commonly done.†
Stool Tests
Stool tests are a fantastic way of seeing what is going on in the digestive tract. They look for blood in the stool, which can come from different parts of the digestive tract. Blood in the stool can be a possible symptom of colon cancer, diverticulitis and/or diverticulosis, ulcers, fissures, Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis, hemorrhoids, or polyps. †(1)
A stool culture can also show any bacteria present in the stool. Many labs will offer comprehensive stool analysis where you find out more information. Stool cultures can be used to test for fungus (Ex: yeast such as Candida Albicans is a type of fungus), bacteria, and parasites. Unfortunately, parasite tests are rather inaccurate since there is a tendency toward false negatives, giving them a poor reputation despite being beneficial tests to take.† (2)
Stool analysis can also test the immune health of the digestive tract. This tests the total intestinal Secretory IgA (SIgA), the main antibody or type of immune cell in the digestive tract. Research has indicated that high SIgA can indicate parasites or food sensitivities, causing the immune system to work harder than it should. Unfortunately, the test doesn’t indicate the cause of the higher than normal immune response, but it can help point a medical practitioner in the right direction. Lifestyle changes such as stress or poor nutrition can cause a decrease in SIgA. (3) The immune system in the digestive tract also includes calprotectin and myeloperoxidase. These can also be found by doing a stool analysis.†
Alpha 1 antichymotrypsin and lysozymes are also markers found in stool that are indicators of inflammation in the digestive tract. (4) Chymotrypsin is a marker in the stool for pancreatic enzymes. (5) Fecal elastase is one of the important tests to rule out pancreatitis. (6) Cologuard is a new test that is being marked for those at low risk of colon cancer. It is basically a stool test that looks for DNA markers associated with colon cancer as well as blood. Just an aside here it is very important to read all the instructions that come with the kit. Certain foods can cause a false positive. Ironically I had a private client do this test and she ate all the foods on the list and had a false positive. (7) Surprisingly there is a great deal of information in the stool. These tests mentioned are very comprehensive and basically tell us if there is blood in the stool, an overgrowth of pathogens, how our digestive enzymes are working and if there is inflammation in the digestive tract.†
Structural tests are more physical in nature. These include endoscopes, colonoscopies and physical exams. Endoscopes and colonoscopies are similar, utilizing an endoscope, a tube with a camera, to look inside of the body. The main difference between an upper endoscopy and colonoscopy is an endoscopy goes through the mouth while a colonoscopy goes through the rectum. Endoscopes and colonoscopies look at the structural integrity of the digestive tract. (8) Colonoscopies rule out issues such as colon cancer, polyps, ulcerative colitis, Crohns, diverticulosis or diverticulitis, and hemorrhoids. It can also rule out severe celiac disease, which can show damage to the digestive tract. (9) Endoscopes are important to rule out GERD, Barrett’s esophagus, a result of long term GERD, hiatal hernias, ulcers, gastritis and even certain cancers. † (10)
Your annual physical exam from your primary care provider (PCP) is also important. Conditions such as external hemorrhoids and hernias, gallbladder issues, pancreatic issues, liver dysfunction, high blood pressure, certain cancers and other conditions can be found by a routine physical exam. (11) If you are having any issues with your digestive tract it is very important to talk with your doctor or get an annual physical exam if you have not yet gotten one. The doctor can then recommend next steps which can include any of the tests covered.†
Additionally, it is always a good idea to look at your stool if you feel something may be going on. Your doctor will most likely ask you to describe your stool so they can make an informed decision on next steps. Next week we’ll be covering the topic of constipation!†
Source
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/14612-rectal-bleeding
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stool_test
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immunoglobulin_A
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-89384-0
https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/chymotrypsin-in-stool/
https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/stool-elastase/
https://www.cologuard.com/
https://www.newchoicehealth.com/colonoscopy/colonoscopy-vs-endoscopy
https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/what-can-a-colonoscopy-detect/
https://www.healthline.com/health/endoscopy#uses
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK405/
A Healthy Take on Muddy Buddies or Puppy Chow – Healthy & Helpful Tips with Melissa
Uplifting the Muddy Buddies on the back of the Rice Chex Cereal. This is a Healthy snack you will not regret making for your family to snack on!
The Best Way To Heal A Canker Sores? – InVite Health Podcast, Episode 567
Canker Sores can be so painful, wouldn’t you love to learn how you can simply heal them. Well learn today by listening Melissa’s Podcast today!
Knowledge is Power: Learn More About the Brain Health Program
Written by Melissa Bistricer, RDN
For further questions or concerns email me at mbistricer@invitehealth.com
Did you know that the brain is mostly made up of fat and is the fattest organ in the human body? The human brain has the ability to generate ~23 watts of power when awake. If you feel a cognitive dysfunction, this can alter the brain function leading to complicated issues such as memory loss, or decreased energy. So, let’s learn about the ways we can help improve your brain function.†
What is Brain Health?
Brain health is defined as the preservation of optimal brain integrity with cognitive function.1 Brain function can be affected as we age with a stable function called mild cognitive impairment and then progressing to worse stages like brain diseases such as Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. There are changes as individual’s age and make lifestyle adjustments to positively impact the brain.†
Mild cognitive impairment is generally expected as we get older and age.2 Individuals with mild cognitive impairments still have the ability to perform normal functions. Some minor memory loss can occur and is often called “senior moments.” Even though some individuals with mild cognitive impairment remain stable, half of them progress to Dementia. Though, there are ways to prevent the progression by controlling risk factors with lifestyle modifications. Lifestyle modifications that are discussed to benefit brain health can be exercise, cognitively stimulating activities, sleep, and nutrition.† 3
Brain Health Nutrition Therapy
The MIND diet has been studied and is recommended for individuals with cognitive decline. The MIND diet is a combination of the Mediterranean and DASH diet. The focus being on wholesome fruits, vegetables and whole grains. It focuses mainly on leafy vegetables 7 days a week, 2 or more servings of berries a week and fatty fish like salmon 1 time a week or more. In the MIND diet it is recommended to avoid trans-saturated fats, hydrogenated oils, and saturated fats.†
Vitamins, Minerals & Herbs
Krill oil is shellfish derived that supplies EPA and DHA important omega-3 fatty acids. Fatty acids have to support healthy blood vessels function and circulation as well as brain health.†
A study provides insight that omega-3 polyunsaturated fats have an effect on cognitive function in the elderly population. This has been studied specifically with krill oil, a mostly omega-3-fatty acids with phosphatidylcholine.†
Acetyl-L-Carnitine, also called Alcar, provides energy to the mitochondria of the cells. The mitochondria is known as the “powerhouse” of the cells. Alpha-lipoic acid, also called ALA, is an antioxidant naturally produced in the body to help support glutathione. Alcar + ALA are combined together at InViteⓇ Health to help counteract oxidative stress in the body. Alcar has been studied for its numerous effects specifically on the brain and muscle metabolism. Alcar protects against neurotoxicity and may be an effective treatment for certain forms of depression.4 Preclinical studies suggest that ALA has free radicals, reduces inflammation and protects the brain cells from conditions like stroke, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease.† 5
Resveratrol Max HxⓇ has naturally sourced active trans-resveratrol in the formula and powerful antioxidants like grape seed extract and quercetin. Resveratrol comes from the skin of red grapes commonly known as the “red wine antioxidant.”†
Resveratrol is a long-term treatment with adequate dosages with improved bioavailability and can possibly exert clinically significant protective effects against cognitive decline in humans.†
RESVERATROL AND BRAIN PROTECTION – INVITE HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 445 >> Listen now!
Grape Seed Extract contains flavonoids and is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Polyphenols and flavonoids maintain cellular proteostasis which is closely involved with amyloid diseases, in particular, neurodegenerative diseases. 8 Grape Seed Extract is valuable in therapeutic agents. Amyloid disease is an abnormal protein produced in the bone marrow causing deposits in any tissue or organs.†
Brain Health Program
Krill oil Advanced supports cardiovascular and brain health with the use of EPA, DHA, Astaxanthin and Omega-3 phospholipids †
Alcar + ALA supports for energy, memory, nerve health and metabolism †
Resveratrol Max HxⓇ supports brain health, cardiovascular, pulmonary and metabolic health †
For further questions or concerns related to dietary and nutritional supplement recommendations email me at mbistricer@invitehealth.com
Sources
1. Wang Y, Pan Y, Li H. What is Brain Health and why is it important? The BMJ. https://www.bmj.com/content/371/bmj.m3683#:~:text=Definition%20of%20brain%20health,-Currently%2C%20there%20is&text=Brain%20health%20 may%20therefore%20be, that%20effect%20 normal%20brain%20function. Published October 9, 2020. Accessed March 31, 2022.
2. Gauthier, Serge, et al. “Mild cognitive impairment.” The lancet 367.9518 (2006): 1262-1270.
3. Mintzer J, Donovan KA, Kindy AZ, Lock SL, Chura LR, Barracca N. Lifestyle Choices and Brain Health. Front Med (Lausanne). 2019; 6:204. Published 2019 Oct 4. doi:10.3389/fmed.2019.00204Mintzer J, Donovan KA, Kindy AZ, Lock SL, Chura LR, Barracca N. Lifestyle Choices and Brain Health. Front Med (Lausanne). 2019; 6:204. Published 2019 Oct 4. doi:10.3389/fmed.2019.00204
4. Smeland OB, Meisingset TW, Borges K, Sonnewald U. Chronic acetyl-L-carnitine alters brain energy metabolism and increases noradrenaline and serotonin content in healthy mice. Neurochem Int. 2012; 61(1):100-107. doi:10.1016/j.neuint.2012.04.008
5. Alpha lipoic acid. Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation. https://www.alzdiscovery.org/cognitive-vitality/ratings/alpha-lipoic-acid#:~:text=Preclinical%20research%20 suggests%20that%20 ALA, multiple%20sclerosis%2C%20and%20Alzheimer’s%20disease. Accessed April 1, 2022.
6. Konagai C, Yanagimoto K, Hayamizu K, Han L, Tsuji T, Koga Y. Effects of krill oil containing n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in phospholipid form on human brain function: a randomized controlled trial in healthy elderly volunteers. Clin Interv Aging. 2013; 8:1247-1257. doi:10.2147/CIA.S50349
7. Cicero AFG, Ruscica M, Banach M. Resveratrol and cognitive decline: a clinician perspective. Arch Med Sci. 2019; 15(4):936-943. doi:10.5114/aoms.2019.85463
8. Mahdipour R, Ebrahimzadeh-Bideskan A, Hosseini M, et al. The benefits of grape seed extract in neurological disorders and brain aging [published online ahead of print, 2022 Mar 28]. Nutr Neurosci. 2022; 1-15. doi:10.1080/1028415X.2022.2051954
