The FUT2 gene is integral in gut health. FUT2 creates instructions for a process known as fucosylation. Fucosylation involves the addition of a fucose sugar molecule to the micro villi in the intestines. The FUT2 genotypes, termed “non-secretors”, do not secrete their blood type antigens into mucosal fluids, and lack terminal fucose on intestinal micro
You may have heard about homocysteine before. For many years now, elevated homocysteine has been strongly implicated as an independent risk factor in the development of cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death today, and researchers struggle to understand the many complicated causes behind this epidemic. Many researchers are still
***This article was originally published in 2014. It has been updated in 2023 to reflect the most up to date science. Bile is an essential substance produced in the liver and released by the gall bladder. Bile is derived from the amino acids Taurine and Glycine, and is a necessary emulsifying agent needed for fat
Recently on Facebook, I asked the all too important question: “If you ate a bowl of oatmeal and a banana, approximately how many hours would elapse before you start getting hungry?” This question is not intended to be some sort of paradox or trick question. It was posed specifically to evaluate the inherent metabolic distinctions
Within the past few years there has been an enormous explosion of information regarding genetics, nutrigenomics and methylation. Genetic testing companies offer amazingly inexpensive analyses of individual genetics profiles. These profiles are being used by people all over the world to understand their inherited genetic strengths and weaknesses. At the same time, clinicians of all
By far, the greatest number of email inquiries I receive are from people who have gut-related issues. Its not surprising at all. For years I have addressed the fundamental importance of gut and intestinal health. In fact, I have authored nearly 50 articles on this website all related to gut and intestinal health. Your gut
If you’ve been following my posts regarding my Functional Blood Chemistry & Nutritional Analysis course, you may recall my discussion regarding nutritional physiology. Every time that I would give lectures or webinars on functional blood chemistry analysis, afterwards I felt like there were missing pieces of information. I’ve always had a good way of teaching
Years ago, when I began interpreting blood chemistry reports for my clients, I quickly realized how important this skill actually was. I realized in many ways that until I had a firm understanding of blood chemistry, my ability to understand my clients health complaints was limited. I felt that in order to really appreciate and