Monica Mathis

Dysentery is the cause of 20% of deaths resulting from diarrhea [1]. It stems from an infection of the intestines that leads to diarrhea with blood or mucus. The two main causes of dysentery are the Shigella bacteria (found primarily in western countries) and the amoebic parasite called Entamoeba histolytica (found in tropical areas) [2]. In the United States, approximately 450,000 Shigella caused infections occur each year [3]. Yet majorly, Shigella affects children in low to middle income countries, with about 99% of the cases occurring in those countries out of which 69% affects children. The leading reason for this is poor sanitation and overcrowding [4]. Dysentery-causing bacteria was first discovered by Kiyoshi Shiga in 1898, and in the following 100 years, researchers studied this, leading to the explication of the Shigella pathogen. Interestingly, this led to Shigella being one of the best models for studying invasive bacterial pathogens and has helped in our unders...

We all know how it feels to lie awake all night, unable to turn off our brains or still our bodies. When those nights happen, you already know how you'll spend the next day-- exhausted, irritable, and dreaming of climbing back between the sheets. Though many of us experience these nights of tossing and turning, studies show missing out on the recommended 7 to 9 hours of shut-eye every night can do more to your body than just cause a long, irritating day. The lasting effects of sleep deprivation are genuine and can have a major impact on your life and overall health. Losing sleep puts a strain on your mental function and your physical health. Scientific research has discovered direct links between poor sleep and a number of wellness issues, from weight gain to a weakening immune system. Keep reading to find out common causes of sleep deprivation and how it can impact particular functions and systems within your body. Root causes of sleep deprivation Typically, sleep deprivation...

Vitamin B3, or niacin, is a water soluble vitamin known to be crucial in food processing, helping in turning food into usable energy [5]. Being water soluble, any excess amount present can be easily taken out through urination, thereby reducing any chances of niacin build up in the body. Niacin helps in converting nutrients into energy, form and repair DNA, and produce antioxidant effects as well [4]. There are two common forms of niacin, nicotinic acid and nicotinamide. Looking closer, it is the amino acid tryptophan that is responsible for converting into nicotinamide [4].  Niacin has been found to reduce LDL (“bad cholesterol”) while increasing HDL (“good cholesterol”). Additionally, it has shown to produce improvements in coronary artery disease as well [2].  Recommended Intakes Based on the recommended intakes set by the Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) and presented by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), this table shows the Adequate Intakes for niacin (vitamin B3...

There are plenty of tricks to improve sleep. You can try acupuncture, cryotherapy, prolotherapy, vibration therapy, compression, magnets, kinesio tape, foam rolling, electrostimulation, photobiomodulation, PEMF treatment, inversion, enzymes, magnesium, and much more.     Focusing on sleep is integral because it does more for you than any biohack, supplement, or recovery program can. Getting your "8 hours" is extremely important to looking and feeling your finest. But not all of us are adept at it. It's still important you do it. In this article, we'll review some of the side effects of lack of sleep, how the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is important, and how to sustain your ECS with the right food, herbs, and supplements – even with CBD. Effects of Sleep Deprivation In this age of social media interaction and technology growth, combined with maintaining work, exercise, and friendships, sleep is frequently on the back burner. And a big part of lack of sleep is due ...

We all want to look good as we age. Thankfully, there are some powerful ways to do it. The right nutrients we eat and lifestyle choices we make lead to healthy and balanced skin. But if it is not planned and managed correctly, it can create new issues. Strenuous exercise, too much time outdoors without skin protection, and the wrong low-fat, high-carb nourishment fads of the past can do lasting damage. Even Ironman triathlons can be a problem.      Thankfully, you can reverse skin damage and safeguard yourself from future skin issues. This article will review biohacks that prevent wrinkly, dull, or drooping skin due to any daily behaviors.   What Contributes To Skin Damage And Aging? Aging of the skin takes place intrinsically (inside) and also extrinsically (on the surface). The common hard-charging, high-achiever is likely experiencing both kinds of skin aging because of inflammation and free radicals. Intrinsic aging refers to the structural changes of th...

Keeping a healthy microbial balance in your gut is crucial for your whole body function. These microbes help maintain homeostasis and disable harmful substances. Their presence on the intestinal lining allows for appropriate absorption of nutrients and the removal of toxins [2]. But when exposed to, for example, chronic stress and constipation, toxin exposure, poor diet, or antibiotic consumption, a lot of the microbes are killed. As a result, the gut is exposed to the “bad” bacteria  that essentially cuts holes in the intestines, leading to this so-called leaky gut syndrome. Now, the food particles consumed along with potential toxins, leak into the bloodstream. When your immune system encounters these displaced substances, it attacks and this causes inflammation and irritation [1].  Causes behind leaky gut While there are numerous causes to this syndrome, some of the possible reasons could be due to:  Genetic predisposition [2] Treatments [4] Chemotherapy medica...

If your digestive enzymes aren't functioning well, you may be missing out on the performance-boosting benefits of your supercharged diet plans. Your digestive tract uses enzymes to break down the food you eat to fuel your body. Bloating, malabsorption or trouble transitioning to a new diet plan can all be indicators of deficient enzymes. Enzymes are now more common in supplements, but with a lot of brand names on there, it's hard to know where to begin. Keep reading for a jump-start overview of enzymes: what they are, why they are important, and which ones are right for you.   WHAT ARE DIGESTIVE ENZYMES? Enzymes are proteins your body produces that create chemical reactions your body needs. Your pancreas, tummy, salivary glands, and your small intestine all release enzymes that help you break down food into nutrients your body can take in. Enzymes additionally shield your digestive tract by breaking down inflammatory substances such as lectins, which contribute to leaky gu...

A 2010 British Medical Journal meta-analysis revealed that "Risks outweigh benefits for calcium supplements." The study shows the number of cardiovascular and stroke events caused by calcium supplements in patients over 65 is too high to condone usage. Data from 15 trials from a total of 12,000 people show a 30% rise in risk. The seven researchers who reviewed the literature state that the danger of bone issues is modest, but that with such a large number of people taking calcium supplements, "even a small increase in the incidence of cardiovascular disease could translate into a large burden of disease in the population." They follow this by saying the data "suggest that a reassessment of the role of calcium supplements in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis is warranted." If you know a bit about calcium supplements, it's apparent why they don't work. Of each calcium supplement taken orally, just 4% to 15% is consumed by the body. Th...

Found in central and western India, tropical Africa and Australia, Gymnema sylvestre is a medicinal climbing plant used in traditional, homeopathic models of medicine. It's a slow growing plant, and its leaves are usually elliptical or oval and its flowers are small and yellow. With anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and sweet suppressing qualities, it has been used for numerous ailments. Primarily, research has been directed towards its sweet suppressing properties as an antidiabetic [3]. In Hindi, Gymnema sylvestre is known as Gurmar, which literally means “sugar destroyer” [2].  Uses Diabetes - a common complication caused by the body’s inability to use or produce insulin appropriately [1].  The antidiabetic molecules have been identified as a group of gymnemic acids after isolating from the leaves of the plant [3].  Gymnemic acids have the ability to delay the absorption of glucose in the blood as the atomic arrangement of the molecules is similar to gluc...

Believe it or not, your skin is permeable and absorbs pretty much everything you apply to it, which explains why "transdermal" skin patches exist. These patches are 95% even more reliable than certain medications orally. Drugmakers know the fastest way to introduce a drug into your blood is through your skin. Certain skin areas are more effective than others – especially those with high blood flow and bigger sweat pores. Your armpits are good examples, and this is why you should be careful about the deodorant you choose. Here are ingredients to avoid. # 1) Aluminum: It stops sweat by swelling cells to close your sweat ducts. Be aware of aluminum chlorohydrate, lightweight aluminum zirconium, and any phrase with "aluminum" in it. This metal may accumulate in your body over time and may lead to Alzheimer's. # 2) Triclosan. You can easily find this in air fresheners. It is a carcinogenic chemical that can reside in your body fat. Even though it is antibacteri...

Like kale and coconut oil, apple cider vinegar (ACV) has a long history of benefits that led to its popular reputation. More healthy than dressings on salads and foods, apple cider vinegar is loaded with good bacteria and healthy nutrients for cholesterol balance, glucose moderation, and improved nutrients absorption. Let's review the benefits of apple cider vinegar, including its weight-loss and overall wellness benefits. WHAT IS ACV? Proclaimed by many health experts as a magic bullet for health and an effective wellness potion, apple cider vinegar has long been used as a solution for a wealth of issues from battling growths to boosting cardio health.  Apple cider vinegar is a hard cider made from fermented apple juice that then turns into vinegar. Fermentation utilizes bacteria and yeast to transform carbohydrates or alcohol directly into acids. ACVs extensive dual fermentation breaks down almost all sugar from the apples and creates one of the cider's most important sub...