Depression

Imagine someone starts noticing strange, seemingly unrelated symptoms. After a glass of wine — a sudden hot flush, nasal congestion, and a feeling of an oncoming cold. A bit of aged cheese — itching, heaviness in the stomach, bloating. After eating strawberries — a rash that disappears without a trace in a couple of hours.

In the morning — a dull headache “out of nowhere.” Throughout the day — bouts of irritability and anxiety. In the evening — insomnia and restless sleep. Sometimes after eating — a wave of fatigue so strong it feels like the body is “shutting down.” During stress or certain phases of the hormonal cycle — abdominal pain intensifies, dark thoughts appear, only to be suddenly replaced by a burst of energy and hyperactivity.

Sugar substitutes are substances used instead of sugar to provide a sweet taste in food and beverages. Their popularity stems from the desire to reduce calorie intake. Artificial and natural sweeteners allow people to enjoy sweetness without extra calories, which is especially appealing to those managing their weight, following a diet, or monitoring their body’s energy balance.

In addition, sugar substitutes help regulate blood glucose levels. People with diabetes often use them to avoid sharp spikes in blood sugar caused by regular sucrose. Some sweeteners have minimal impact on insulin response, making them a convenient alternative for controlling metabolic processes.

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.

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.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age.

While PCOS can present differently, its impact on health and quality of life can be significant. It’s important to recognize the signs and consequences of this condition to receive timely diagnosis and treatment.

What is depression?

Depression is a serious mental disorder characterized by a prolonged period of low mood, loss of interest in favorite activities, changes in energy balance, and a decreased sense of satisfaction with life. It affects overall physical and emotional well-being, the ability to function in daily life, and the quality of interpersonal relationships.

Depression can have different degrees of severity, and without timely treatment, it can become chronic and negatively impact the quality of life. However, depression can also be a symptom of other medical or psychological conditions. Distinguishing between depression as a symptom and depression as a standalone condition is usually based on the duration, frequency, severity of symptoms, and their impact on daily life.

There are cases where patients experiencing symptoms potentially related to thyroid dysfunction undergo standard testing for TSH hormone levels, and the results fall within the normal range. This often concludes the examination.

It is possible that, for this reason, many individuals in the Canadian province of BC remain undiagnosed for many years. They exhibit symptoms of thyroid dysfunction, yet specialists assure them that everything is fine, relying on the fact that thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are within the normal range.

Menopause is a natural physiological process in a woman’s life, characterized by the definitive cessation of menstrual cycles and reproductive function. This is a period when the ovaries stop producing eggs, and hormone levels such as estrogen and progesterone decrease.

Menopause officially occurs after a woman has missed menstrual cycles for 12 consecutive months. This usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55, although the individual onset of menopause can vary. If menstrual periods cease for any other reason (pregnancy or contraceptive use), it is not considered menopause.

RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport) is a condition characterized by insufficient energy intake to support the normal functioning of the body in athletes. It can occur when athletes do not consume enough energy through food to meet the demands of their intense training regimen. Studies have shown that up to 60% of elite athletes have symptoms of RED-s.