Aging is an inevitable part of life, but recent scientific advancements suggest that we might have more control over how we age than previously thought. Biological age, which reflects the true state of our bodies at a cellular level, can differ from chronological age, the number of years we have lived. Emerging research indicates that lifestyle and dietary changes can significantly reduce biological age, effectively making us younger from the

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Stress, a ubiquitous part of modern life, has profound implications on the aging process. Recent research has highlighted how chronic stress not only affects mental well-being but also accelerates biological aging, leading to earlier onset of age-related diseases. I've been immersing myself in this research for the past few weeks. There is such an intricate relationship between stress and aging, highlighting why managing our stress is so critical. I try

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The adrenal glands are part of the endocrine system and regulate the body's stress response through the HPA (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal) axis. Problems in the HPA axis can result in either underactivity (hypofunction) or overactivity (hyperfunction), impacting chronic disease risk. Functional medicine aims to find and treat the root causes of these dysfunctions to restore and promote optimal health. Misconceptions About "Adrenal Fatigue" Many refer to "adrenal fatigue" as if the adrenal glands wear

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The primary goal of functional testing is to identify and address the root causes of chronic health conditions rather than just managing symptoms. My Top Functional Tests That I Use in Practice: Detailed Stool Analysis: Focusing on the gut microbiome, pathogen detection, and immune response, the GI-MAP + Zonulin test by Diagnostic Solutions utilizes DNA-based technology to precisely quantify gut-affecting microorganisms. It includes Zonulin testing for intestinal permeability, making it an

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  Discovered in 1982, H. pylori is unique in its ability to survive the acidic environment of the stomach by producing urease, an enzyme that neutralizes stomach acid. This bacteria is typically acquired in childhood and can persist throughout life if not treated. H. pylori infection is common worldwide and is associated with various gastrointestinal disorders, including stomach cancer. In South Africa, diagnosis is made through stool or biopsy tests. Treatment

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  Nutritional psychiatry is a rapidly growing field that explores how our diet impacts our mental health. It's all about understanding that what we eat doesn't just affect our bodies—it also has profound effects on our brains and mood.  There are a few diets that have been studied for their impact on mental health, including a Modified Mediterranean Diet. However, in this blog I will address the Modified Ketogenic Diet which

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To identify the root cause of your health problems, Functional Medicine Testing uses advanced nutrient, blood, hormone, stool, saliva, and genetic tests.   Functional medicine practitioners commonly use specific lab tests to gain a better understanding of what is going on in your body's ecosystem. Functional Medicine Testing consists of advanced nutrient, blood, hormone, stool, saliva and genetic tests to identify the root cause of your health issues. Although it very much depends

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Approximately 463 million people have diabetes in the world. The International Diabetes Federation reported that there are 1.8 million South Africans living with diabetes. However, it estimates an additional undiagnosed population of 69% of the total number of diabetics. The African continent is expected to see the highest increase in diabetes globally by 2045 from 19 million to 47 million.   Whilst type 2 diabetes has several causes, genetics and lifestyle choices

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Many people who contract Covid-19 will recover in 2-3 weeks.  However, for some people, even those who have had mild Covid, symptoms can persist for months. This is called Long Covid and can include many symptoms that have originally been associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME.   What are some of the symptoms that are associated with Long Covid: Fatigue Shortness of breath Cough Joint pain Muscle pain and weakness Chest pain Brain

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With Covid-19 set to be firmly with us for 2021, this continues to be the time to focus on boosting immunity. Whilst research is still lacking on the effectiveness of nutritional interventions in Covid-19, we can certainly take what we know already on what impacts the immune system and our immunity. I plan to write  some blog posts over the next few weeks on different factors that impact immunity. The gut

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