Inositols are signalling molecules found in almost all human tissues with 99% of them being in the myo-inositol form, while the remainder exist as d-chiro inositol. With each form having a particular function, different tissues maintain specific ratios of myo- to d-chiro-inositol based on their associated activity. Myo-inositol is most known for its role in the signalling pathways of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), while d-chiro inositol is most well-known for its ability to increase androgen levels in the ovaries. However, these two versions of inositol have one thing in common: they both play a role in insulin

In recent years, there has been much talk about the importance of the gut microbiome for our overall health. Consequently, we now systematically associate the terms microbiome and microbiota with communities of microorganisms inhabiting our digestive system while forgetting that humans do not host one, but several microbiotas including the skin, the oropharyngeal and the vaginal microbiota. Often overlooked, the vaginal microbiota performs several important functions and deserves some TLC, so let us learn about our friendly bacteria and how to take care of them! Discovering the Vaginal Microbiota The composition and proper functioning of the vaginal microbiota contributes to

Endometriosis is characterized by the abnormal growth of uterine tissue outside of the uterus. Lesions, called endometriomas, are typically found in the pelvic cavity around the ovaries, but ultimately occur anywhere. A diagnosis of endometriosis is possible when a (typically premenopausal) woman has been consistently experiencing moderate to severe pelvic pain. This can happen during menses, ovulation, intercourse, and even with bowel movements. Heavier bleeding patterns and longer periods are also common.   If you suspect endometriosis your doctor may send you for a pelvic and transvaginal ultrasound to see what’s going on in there—or if you’re already working with a

This Valentine’s day, before you give your heart away, make sure its strong and healthy. Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death in North Americans.  Cardiovascular health refers to the proper structure and functioning of the heart and blood vessels circulating and returning blood throughout the body. The broad term ‘heart disease’ includes congenital diseases, blockages of the blood vessels supplying oxygen to the heart tissue itself, and electrical rhythm disorders. According to Statistics Canada Heart Health: Researchers have been able to identify the factors that can lead to the development of such conditions, classifying them as non-modifiable; those

It’s not breaking news that what you eat can affect how you feel. The food you introduce to your digestive tract has to provide your required nutrients. Meanwhile there are trillions of microorganisms in that digestive tract that interact with your food, liberate or produce nutrients and even provide signals to your immune system and brain. Specific nutrients are used to make neurotransmitters—the chemical signals that influence our mood (among other things), and when we aren’t providing the body with these specific compounds such as omega-3 fatty acids, B-vitamins, … it can really play with your emotions, or leave you

Wine, beer, spirits—alcohol is an incredibly common substance indulged in by many people, from the occasional “celebratory” drinker to those who enjoy a drink with dinner or at the end of the day. There are binge-drinking partiers and those who abuse alcohol. We also each have our own unique alcohol tolerance which comes down to our genetics and liver function. Alcohol is technically a toxin, but one that in reasonable amounts can be metabolized and detoxified by the human liver. But that doesn’t mean that alcohol can pass through our body without other effects, including those on our hormone systems.

Caloric restriction (CR) has been found to be the most reliable intervention to prevent age-related disorders and extend lifespan.[1] Aging and dietary restriction interact through partially overlapping mechanisms in the activation of the conserved nutrient-signalling pathways, mainly the insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IIS) and the Target Of Rapamycin (TOR).[2] Adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase signaling, and Sirtuin are also being investigated as underlying pathways that mediate the benefits of caloric restriction.[3] How specific nutrients of dietary regimens and their balance interact with different genes and pathways is not fully understood and it is currently being uncovered. This area of research is

Testosterone is the primary hormone involved in muscle-building, fat-burning, libido, and it also strongly affects mood and energy. Testosterone concentrations tend to decline with advancing age, both in men[i] and in women.[ii] Low testosterone, also known as androgen deficiency (AD), is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality[iii] along with a whole array of symptoms ranging from persistent unexplained fatigue to decreased sexual desire.[iv] However, certain aspects of testosterone are less desirable. Testosterone converts to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by the action of the 5 alpha-reductase (5-AR) enzyme at target tissues.[v] DHT is the most potent natural androgen in humans.[vi]

Testosterone is the primary sex hormone in men (and anyone with testicles) responsible for sexual development and maturation. It’s what causes facial hair growth and voice deepening during puberty. Testosterone stimulates the growth of muscle, bone, and the production of blood cells. It also helps regulate metabolism, sperm maturation and increases libido (sex drive). As great as testosterone sounds, there are issues with having too much or too little of this hormone. Today we’re going to focus on the causes and effects of low “T.” Around the age of 40 years, testosterone levels naturally start to decline. However, there are

It seems like just yesterday when we discovered the wonderful microbiome and its impact on our health. Since then, the numerous benefits of probiotics became mainstream and hit the mass market. More recently, we have been introduced to the concepts of prebiotics and postbiotics to complement the action of probiotics, but some confusion remains. Let’s dive into the amazing universe of the ‘biotic’ family of terms (probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics and postbiotics) which coalesce around microbes or their substrates.[i] Probiotics Probiotics are live non-pathogenic microorganisms which have demonstrated beneficial effects on human health.[ii] They consist of lactic acid bacteria, such as Lactobacillus

The function of our cells naturally declines as we age. This means that their ability to make cell energy (called ATP) becomes less effective, while their ability to protect against or repair cell damage goes down. They become more susceptible to damage from things you expose your body to, including the foods and beverages you consume. The consequence is that those cells can’t divide and replicate as well as they used to, their function is compromised and meanwhile, your body will have a harder time clearing out damaged cells. This leaves you more susceptible to metabolic disorders, like type 2

If your kid isn’t getting their essential nutrients (like vitamin D, calcium, B vitamins, etc.) and macromolecules (proteins, fats, carbohydrates and fiber) from food sources, you may need to provide a supplement for them. In other cases, your kid might love healthy food and eat the same foods as parents or caretakers, but if they’re in daycare or school and you want to boost their immune system, you may provide a supplement for that, like probiotics.  Supplementing kids with vitamins, nutrients and probiotics can be challenging when it comes to compliance. Every kid, and their individual tastes, are different. Yes,

Every day your immune system is hard at work, defending you from infectious bacteria, viruses and parasites and more. This complex system is made up of a variety of cells and signalling molecules that work together to help keep you healthy. Most of the time you don’t even notice that your immune system is at work. That is of course until pesky microbes slip through the defenses and your immune system goes into overdrive to try to catch up.  In fact, many of the uncomfortable symptoms you experience like fevers, runny nose and sneezing are actually your immune system’s strategies

After the fun and sun of summer, back-to-school season is here again. For students, the return to bedtime and homework routines and new academic and social challenges can result in increased stress, combined with the change in environment, meeting and interacting with new people. All together these changes can mean increased exposure and lower our defenses to flu bugs, viruses and other infections, that can spell sick days for the whole family if we aren’t careful. Stacking the Immunity Odds There are some natural and straight-forward ways to ensure your family’s immune system is up to the test of the

One of the key attributes of any probiotic or for that matter prebiotic and postbiotics is the ability to generate short chain fatty acids (SCFA’s). Unfortunately, very few prebiotics and probiotics will generate any significant amount of SFCA’s that will impact health in any demonstrable way. In most cases it is assumed that the probiotic will generate SCFA’s but there is little proof. Short chain fatty acids have been recognised for their health promoting effects for some time. The three that are widely acknowledged are, acetic, propionic, and butyric acids. All three have their own unique properties and functions. It

Obesity and related disorders are at an epidemic proportion. The rising number of people who are overweight or obese in countries around the world has created a growing need for effective solutions. Despite many supplements on the market there is still an urgent need for a better, more proven, and a more effective product. With the increased awareness of the gut-brain connection, probiotics may offer an opportunity to tackle this problem. Recently, a novel bacterial strain isolated from healthy babies has been selected, fully evaluated and screened for its scientifically validated weight management solution. This strain is called Bifidobacterium lactis​

Recently there is a huge interest in molecule called NAD+, especially in healthy antiaging. Why the sudden interest? First, it isn’t sudden, this interest has been brewing up since the late 1990’s and then more recently when several papers were published which jolted the scientific community into frenzy as to the uniqueness of NAD+ in terms of healthy ageing. Before, we can get into specifics we first need to consider another closely related molecule called NADH and its role in cellular bioenergetics. Back in early 1990, a scientist by the name of Dr George Birkmayer out of Austria was building

Eye strain used to be something you experienced from trying to read without proper lighting. It was something our parents used to warn us about when we played too many video games or sat too close to the television. In today’s day, that could still be the case, but changes in screens, light technology, and the increased use of digital devices has us experiencing eye strain earlier and more frequently. The digital era has us questioning the health effects of blue wavelengths of light, since we can’t seem to pry our eyes away from screens, including laptops, monitors, tablets and

Why are Bees so Important? What’s all the buzz about regarding bees, pollinators and our reliance on them to eat? Well, when one out of every three bites of food you eat requires pollination and you ponder how many mouths there are to feed on this planet, you can quickly see why we need to protect the busy bees, butterflies, moths, wasps and other pollinators who help feed us, one flower-visit at a time. Many fruits, vegetables, and nuts rely on pollinators for their production. In fact, without these species, 70% of plants would be unable to reproduce or provide

Getting your kids to eat a healthy meal can feel like summiting Mount Everest. Many children will go through one or many ’picky-eater’ phases. Every child is different and it’s totally normal to encounter times where they’ll only eat one food group or food colour. While you might worry that they’re not getting enough nutrients, they almost always grow out of these phases. While you’re waiting for this to happen, we have a few tips that might help get your kids more interested in trying new things. This will definitely take time and patience – so pick your battles. If