Cellular stress and disease
Much like us, cells also experience stress from various sources and the outcome can translate into serious diseases, we call this cellular stress. Key Points Cellular stress can be caused by several factors, including chemicals, UV light, lack of oxygen or nutrients and extreme temperatures. Cellular stress can lead to diseases like diabetes, atherosclerosis, […]
Body and Mind: Drivers of Stress (Stressors)
Our body has a way to deal with the many different stressors found in our environment. Anything from variation in temperature to infections, changes in our diet or use of drugs are considered stressors. Psychological factors are also important, and they include any alterations of our optimal state of mind. All these stressors, psychological or […]
Understanding Stress and How It Affects Our Health
Stress is a well-known term in our modern society, used to depict an overwhelming feeling of strain or mental pressure that results from adverse or demanding circumstances. However, stress also affects our biology, and even our cells. Key Points Homeostasis can be defined as an ideal state of equilibrium. Within our body, biological homeostasis […]
Autoimmune Disease and Inflammation
The immune system is the body’s first line of defence against bacteria, viruses and other pathogens, as well as against environmental toxins that may harm the body. The immune system is made up of a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs, as well as biochemicals. Together and in concert, the components of the immune […]
Treatment for Autoimmunity Using Functional Medicine
Autoimmune diseases involve various conditions where the immune system malfunctions and attacks the body’s healthy cells. Any body part can be affected by autoimmunity, including the skin, joints, organs, blood vessels, or nerves. People with an autoimmune condition may experience one or more of a wide range of potential symptoms, including abdominal pain, fatigue, pain […]
Understanding the Causes behind Autoimmune Diseases
1. Introduction Autoimmune diseases involve a broad range of conditions in which the immune system malfunctions and mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues, leading to chronic inflammation, tissue damage, and organ malfunction. More than 100 different autoimmune diseases attack virtually any part of the body, from the skin and joints to inner organs, tissues, and […]
Cardiovascular Disease and Functional Medicine
1. Introduction Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) involve multiple health conditions affecting the functioning of the heart and associated blood vessels. CVDs are one of the world’s most common diseases, causing a broad range of health problems and leading to nearly 18 million deaths each year, according to the World Health Organization. Heart attacks and strokes cause […]
Functional Medicine Lab Testing for Heart Disease
Cardiovascular System: Basics The cardiovascular system comprises the heart and a network of blood vessels (the circulatory system), which transports blood throughout the body. Some of the key points about the structure and function of the heart are described below: The heart comprises four chambers: two upper chambers called atria (atrium for singular) and two […]
Digestive disorders
1. Introduction Digestive disorders are much more than just bloating or pain in the gut—they usually involve more than one organ and can lead to serious, long-lasting, and potentially deadly conditions. Maintaining a healthy and optimally functioning digestive system is essential for the proper function of virtually any part of the body. What is the […]
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Introduction Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a relatively common pathology affecting the digestive system, particularly the lower portion of the gastrointestinal tract, including the small and large intestines. Worldwide, it is estimated that 11% of the general population suffers from IBS, whereas in Australia, about 30% of the general population experience symptoms of IBS, according […]
Endocrine Hormones
1. Introduction Hormones are commonly known as the body’s chemical messengers, as they regulate the function of multiple organs and tissues across the body. One of the essential hormones in the body is produced by the endocrine system, which includes various organs, including the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, pineal gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, […]
HPA Axis
1. Introduction – the HPA System Every day, we face multiple challenges, which lead to a wide range of reactions involving various systems in our body. These challenges are commonly known as stressors, and they cause alterations to the body’s normal functioning. Some examples of stressors include toxins and allergens, which are widely known as […]