No food is a more powerful trigger of neurological issues and autoimmunity than gluten

No food is a more powerful trigger of neurological issues and autoimmunity than gluten, the protein found in wheat. The average American eats wheat at every meal and we’re seeing dramatic increases in gluten sensitivity today.   The term gluten comes from the Latin word for “glue” and it’s the glue-like quality that gives wheat…

Antibodies Don’t Determine Autoimmune Severity: You must interpret levels from your baseline

While elevated antibodies are used to diagnose autoimmunity, antibody levels do not necessarily reflect the severity of autoimmune expression. If your antibodies are elevated on a lab test, but you are managing your autoimmunity and feel good, you are probably in remission. If your antibody levels are lower and your autoimmune symptoms are raging out…

How insulin resistance promotes dementia and Alzheimer’s

We typically associate insulin resistance with obesity and type 2 diabetes, but insulin resistance is also a significant risk factor for dementia and Alzheimer’s. Insulin resistance in the brain promotes chronic, low-grade inflammation, cellular dysfunction, and impaired mitochondrial function, all contributing to neuronal damage and cognitive impairment. In fact, some researchers refer to Alzheimer’s as…

Gut inflammation is linked to depression

Depression is not an antidepressant deficiency. In fact, for the 40% of Americans complaining of gut symptoms, depression may be one of those symptoms. Studies have found that the inflammatory signals in the gut can travel to the brain, triggering depression. Clinically, I have seen many patients resolve their depression simply by dampening gut inflammation.…

Childhood brain issues affect gut health: ADHD, autism, and gut health

If a child’s gut problems seem stubborn and irresolvable, the role of the brain should be considered. In the early years of life, the brain consists of two types of tissues: gray matter and white matter. Gray matter houses the neurons and reaches its peak by around ages 6–8. White matter, which serves as the…

Does high-intensity exercise backfire on you? Check out the anti-inflammatory effects of isometric exercises

Exercise is one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory interventions. The higher the intensity of the exercise, the more antioxidants your body releases afterward to help quench inflammation. However, one must pay attention to the intensity and duration for exercise to be inflammatory versus pro-inflammatory. The intensity will impact factors such as hormone growth factors, natural…

My new study: Leaky gut increases odds of autoimmunity 30-fold

  A recent study I coauthored in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences found a damaged intestinal barrier, or leaky gut, can lead to 30-fold increased odds of developing autoimmunity. Leaky gut allows undigested food, microorganisms, toxins, and other pathogens in the gut to escape into the bloodstream. This can trigger systemic inflammation and promote…

Environmental chemicals and hypothyroidism

Environmental Chemicals and Hypothyroidism

Listen to the podcast on iTunes. (Also available on major podcast platforms). Watch the YouTube video. This article is an introduction to some concepts I explore in more detail in my course Hashimoto’s: Solving the puzzle. Failing to manage your Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism can worsen your reaction to the everyday toxins and heavy metals in our environment. Each…