Q and A: about health and research

 In recent years, there has been growing concern over the health impacts of processed ingredients found in gluten-free and packaged foods. While avoiding gluten is essential for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, the substitutes used in gluten-free products are not always benign. Among the most discussed are food fillers, gluten-free industrial starches, and corn-derived maltodextrin. Understanding how these ingredients affect gut health is important, particularly for individuals with digestive issues or inflammatory conditions. 1. Food Fillers: What Are They and How Do They Affect the Gut? Food fillers are ingredients added to processed foods to enhance texture, volume, shelf life, or cost-effectiveness. Common fillers include gums, starches, and synthetic additives. While these ingredients are generally recognized as safe, they can cause digestive distress in some people. Fillers may contribute to gut inflammation indirectly by disrupting the gut microbiome or ir...

In the search for answers to complex, chronic, or poorly understood health conditions, the mainstream medical system often focuses on symptoms rather than root causes. As many patients have experienced, pharmaceutical intervention is typically the first (and sometimes only) solution offered, while deeper investigation into biological dysfunction is frequently overlooked. A striking example of this oversight lies in the realm of cytokines —the molecular messengers of the immune system that play a central role in inflammation, tissue damage, and even mental health disorders like depression and anxiety . The Crisis of Surface-Level Treatment As discussed in Dr. Clare Craig's book “EXPIRED” (chapters 8 and 9), much of modern primary care is shaped by pharmaceutical influence, which can skew clinical decision-making toward symptom management rather than disease resolution. This creates a cycle in which the root cause remains unresolved, leading to persistent or new symptoms. Cytokin...

Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is an essential water-soluble nutrient vital for numerous biological processes. Its critical roles include DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, neurological function through myelin synthesis, and one-carbon metabolism, particularly in methylation reactions such as the conversion of homocysteine to methionine. A deficiency in this vitamin can lead to a spectrum of clinical manifestations, ranging from hematologic abnormalities to irreversible neurological damage, including funicular myelopathy—a rare but serious spinal cord disorder. This article explores the relationship between vegetarian and vegan diets, vitamin B12 deficiency, and the risk of neurological complications, with a focus on the mechanisms, clinical presentation, prevention strategies, and the emerging insights provided by proteomics. Vitamin B12 and Dietary Sources Unlike most vitamins, B12 is synthesized exclusively by microorganisms and accumulates in animal tissues. Natural dietary s...

Introduction GLP-1 (Glucagon-like Peptide-1) and GLP-2 (Glucagon-like Peptide-2) are peptide hormones derived from a common precursor, proglucagon , and secreted by enteroendocrine L-cells in the distal small intestine and colon. These hormones are released in response to nutrient intake , including carbohydrates, fats, and importantly, proteins . Though they are co-secreted, GLP-1 and GLP-2 have distinct physiological roles in regulating metabolism and gastrointestinal health. This article examines the structure and function of GLP-1 and GLP-2, their medical applications , and their relevance to plant-based (vegan) diets —with special attention to the potential benefit of increased protein intake in optimizing their natural activity. GLP-1 (Glucagon-like Peptide-1) Function GLP-1 is a central regulator of glucose homeostasis and appetite control . Key actions include: Stimulating insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells in a glucose-dependent manner, reducing the risk...

Selecting a single image from Jared Younger's work can effectively illustrate the general function of inflammatory activity in the midbrain's grey matter, as well as its cumulative impact on overall neurological function. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hb_tzJQfjeM&t=1s Medical Advocacy Statement: The Need for Deeper Recognition and Diagnosis of Brain Inflammation In my ongoing search for meaningful explanations related to my personal experience with brain inflammation, I have repeatedly encountered a troubling pattern: medical discussions and literature often prioritize observable, "organic" symptoms while overlooking or downplaying the underlying causes of those symptoms. This imbalance can obscure the full clinical picture and lead to treatment strategies that fail to address the root of the problem. Additionally, recommended interventions frequently omit consideration of pharmaceutical interactions or the risk of triggering new or worsening symptoms...