Innovations in Research

How to increase butyrate levels and achieve health effects beyond the gut! Our gut or the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is a fascinating microcosm, busy generating a complex and diverse set of chemicals that greatly impact our overall health and wellness. Besides the common duties of elimination and absorption, our GIT also helps metabolize or break down and change existing molecules whilst generating new ones, which can be both friend and foe. Whilst the small intestine is largely responsible for digestion and absorption, the large intestine or the colon, is the epicenter of generating these chemicals. This is because the colon

Curcumin is a well-studied herb, and as such there are thousands of different products on retailer’s shelves. Moreover, there are dozens of different brands with serious marketing dollars towards differentiating their brands and, touting their effectiveness. Curcumin belongs to a group called curcuminoids comprising three slightly different molecules that are extracted from the root or rhizomes of the Curcuma plant. Curcumin comprises over 80% of this group and is the most researched molecule, and therefore, everyone refers to curcumin when they really mean the curcuminoid group. Virtually all the products on the market consist of this curcuminoid group, and not

While researchers do not yet know why, they doknow that the rate of autism is increasing. According to the 2018 Report of the National Autism Spectrum Disorder Surveillance System, an estimated 1 in 66 children have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).[i] ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder and refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviours, speech, and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and differences.[ii] There is not one form of autism but rather many types, caused by different combinations of genetic and environmental influences.[iii] Currently, physicians diagnose the neurodevelopmental

We put on weight when we regularly consume more calories than we use through our normal bodily functions or expend during our daily physical activities. Over 60% of adult Canadians are overweight or obese and obesity is one of the major risk factors for a number of diseases. Unfortunately, losing weight by eating fewer calories and burning more energy is easier said than done. Many of our lifestyle habits make it difficult to shake those extra pounds. When we are stressed, it’s easy to reach for the sugary pick-me-up, or skip out on a few extra hours of much needed

By: Dr. Robyn Murphy, ND Your genes are the same throughout life, so genetic testing could technically be done from the point of conception; however, this seems somewhat invasive. Joking aside, this question comes up frequently from savvy parents looking to make the best lifestyle and dietary choices for their kids for prevention as well as optimizing their potential. Some key information is available to parents using genetic testing. 1.Dietary restrictions Genetic testing is exceptionally helpful for parents who want to know if their child is at risk for Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. It is especially helpful if a

Definitions PEA (N-palmitoylethanolamide): An endogenous fatty acid amide synthesized and metabolized by cells that binds to cell receptors. It influences a multitude of physiological functions and has potent anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Endocannabinoid System: A lipid communication network that has critical physiological functions and serves a vital purpose for our health and well-being through signaling processes, homeostasis and hormone regulation. Lipids and the ECS In 1929, scientists George Oswald Burr and his wife, Mildred Burr, discovered that omega 6 fatty acids were essential for health. This kicked off science’s interest into lipids, and by the 1960s a new age of lipid

The upper dosage of Vitamin E, according to the NIH is 1,500IU for a 19+ year old Male/Female. AOR’s Total E provides roughly ~400mg per softgel of a mixed tocopherol and tocotrienol blend. For information regarding the benefits of supplementing with this blend, please visit (www.aor.ca/products-page/total-e/) This is an interesting question, because I have noticed numerous new research articles that have been recently published about vitamin E. One such study by experts at the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University is titled, “Excess Vitamin E Intake Not a Health Concern”. The lead researcher, Maret Traber, an internationally recognized expert

Spring is (finally) in the air for most of us but, unfortunately, so is pollen, and that translates into seasonal allergies and irritating, cold-like symptoms for millions of North Americans. Also known as “hay fever”, seasonal allergies occur when outdoor moulds release spores and trees, grasses and weeds release pollen. When those of us who are allergic breathe them in, our immune systems treat them as invaders and release histamines from our “mast cells” into our bloodstream to fight them. Histamines are organic compounds involved in local immune and inflammatory responses. They defend your immune system by causing a chain

Every now and then there are discoveries that can be called true paradigm shifts in nutrition. NOx technology is exactly that, a monumental paradigm shift. Nitric oxide (NO) is a small, very simple molecule made up of just two atoms, nitrogen and oxygen. After extensive research in 1998, the Nobel Prize in medicine was awarded to three researchers in elucidating the mechanism of action of NO which at the time was called endothelial relaxing factor (EFR) or relaxer of blood vessels. Since then, the research into the biology of NO has progressed with zealous fervor. NO has been shown to

Over the decades, authorities have published public dietary and nutritional guidelines in an attempt to inform individuals about the healthiest choices to optimize health and prevent disease. However, conflicting and sometimes contradictory messaging has often led to more confusion than clarity. With so many different types of diets and supplements available it is difficult to know if they are really right for you. We have all heard some people say that certain diets work wonders for them but unfortunately not all see the same success.  Part of the reason there are wide variations in individual responses to different diets and

Probiotics, defined as ‘live microorganisms, which when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host’, are finally becoming an option for gastroenterologists in Canada, after being available for many years in Japan, Europe and the United States of America. Unfortunately, Health Canada and the US Food and Drug Administration have not controlled the use of the term ‘probiotic’ or put into place United Nations and World Health Organization guidelines. The net result is that a plethora of products called ‘probiotics’ are available that are not truly probiotic. This situation can be confusing for consumers, and even some

There is a special feeling associated with conquering a challenging workout. As part of an active daily lifestyle, it is healthy to safely test our body’s boundaries of strength and endurance. This challenge is different for everyone; attempting more weight or repetitions at the gym, extending your long run by a few extra kilometres, or holding onto those new yoga poses as long as possible. Overcoming these new obstacles not only leaves us with a great sense of accomplishment but also feeling very sore the next day! To reduce muscle soreness and improve muscle function for further training, a proper