Diet and Nutrition

You’ve probably heard about Ozempic from multiple sources — both influencers and celebrities. This medication has become a hot topic across social media, TV shows, and interviews. Stars often share their weight loss secrets, and Ozempic frequently makes the list.

However, keep in mind the possibility of paid promotion. In show business, name-dropping certain drugs on stage or in media can be part of a well-orchestrated marketing strategy. Companies are willing to pay large sums for such mentions to create the impression that their product is the celebrity choice. This is part of modern reality, where the lines between real experience and advertising can blur.

The second part of the article focuses on the diagnosis of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), continuing the discussion of essential topics not covered in Part One. In that part, we reviewed the core symptoms and causes of SIBO. Now we focus on diagnostic tools that help identify this condition and guide optimal therapy. Distinguishing between the different types of SIBO — hydrogen, methane, and hydrogen sulfide — requires accurate diagnostic methods to select the correct treatment. Importantly, diagnosing SIBO not only confirms the condition but helps rule out other diseases with similar symptoms.

SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) is a condition where bacteria that are normally present in small amounts in the small intestine—or that typically reside in the large intestine—begin to proliferate in the small intestine. SIBO disrupts normal digestion and nutrient absorption.

Symptoms of SIBO include bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation. However, it’s not just discomfort—SIBO can significantly impact quality of life, leading to chronic fatigue, skin issues, weight loss, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. The underlying cause of SIBO is often another condition, and SIBO is a dysfunction of the gut that results from this primary issue.

Scurvy is a disease known since the days of long sea voyages when sailors suffered from the lack of fresh food. The disease manifested itself in fatigue, anemia, bleeding gums, bruising, and swollen joints. The link between the disease and a deficiency of something found in “acidic fruits” was established by Scottish doctor James Lind in 1747. His research showed that including citrus fruits in the diet effectively prevented and treated this condition, saving the lives of many sailors.

Folate, or vitamin B9, plays a vital role in the functioning of the body. It is essential for the synthesis of DNA and RNA, regulates methylation, and supports normal cell growth and development. A deficiency of folate in the brain can lead to serious consequences, including cognitive and neurological disorders.

Upon consumption, folates are absorbed in the intestine and transported to various organs via the folate receptor alpha (FRα). Under normal conditions, the folate level in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) should be 2-3 times higher than in blood. However, in some individuals, blood folate levels may remain within the normal range while the delivery of folate to the brain is inadequate.

Iron deficiency is a condition in which the level of iron in the body decreases, leading to insufficient amounts for normal hemoglobin synthesis. Although iron deficiency itself is not anemia, it can cause various unpleasant symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, and cognitive decline. If iron deficiency progresses, it can lead to the development of iron deficiency anemia, which poses a serious health risk. Iron deficiency anemia can develop not only due to a lack of iron but also as a result of other factors that interfere with the body’s ability to absorb or utilize iron.

Epigenetic marks play a crucial role in maintaining health throughout life by regulating biological processes and predisposition to diseases. Understanding when and how these marks can change opens new opportunities for the prevention of chronic diseases and improving quality of life. In the first part of the article, we examined the theoretical aspects of epigenetics, how and when these changes occur, and their impact on health. In the second part, we will focus on practical approaches: how to influence epigenetics through nutrition, lifestyle, and other available strategies. Particular attention will be given to critical periods such as pre-pregnancy preparation, childhood, adolescence, and aging when external factors can have the most significant long-term effects on health.

In recent years, research in genetics and epigenetics has garnered increasing attention, opening new horizons for understanding health and chronic diseases. Genetics studies hereditary traits and variations in DNA structure, while epigenetics examines changes in gene activity that do not alter the DNA sequence itself. One of the key aspects of epigenetics is that these changes can be reversible. This opens up new opportunities for developing treatments for diseases where changes in gene expression play a crucial role, such as autoimmune diseases, cancer, or metabolic disorders. Moreover, epigenetic modifications can be passed from parents to offspring, influencing the health of future generations. Understanding the mechanism of epigenetic regulation presents new prospects in medicine, particularly concerning the impact of the environment, nutrition, and lifestyle on health.

Methylation is a crucial biochemical process occurring in all cells of the body. It involves adding a methyl group (CH₃) to molecules such as DNA, proteins, and lipids, significantly influencing their functions and activities. Methylation regulates various physiological mechanisms, including gene expression, detoxification, mood regulation, energy production, immune system function, and cellular maintenance. Particularly important is the role of methylation in the liver, where it helps neutralize and eliminate toxins, which is essential for overall health.

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a crucial water-soluble vitamin that plays a key role in maintaining nervous system health, red blood cell formation, and DNA synthesis. It is essential for normal brain and nerve function, as well as for energy production in the body. Vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal products such as meat, fish, dairy, and eggs. Adequate intake is vital for normal bodily function, as a deficiency can lead to serious health issues.