Nutraceuticals and Disease Prevention

Live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts.

Probiotics help change the balance of bacteria in your gut, promoting beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus.

Probiotics compete with harmful bacteria for food and space in your gut, preventing their growth.

Probiotics produce natural substances like bacteriocins and lactic acid that kill bad bacteria.

Probiotics stimulate your immune system, helping it fight off infections and diseases.

Probiotics can reduce cholesterol levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and help manage weight.

Probiotics are commonly used to treat irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhea caused by antibiotics.

Probiotics may reduce the severity of allergies like eczema, asthma, and food allergies.

Food-derived substances that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition, possibly playing a role in preventing disease.

Healthy fats found in fish oil, known to improve heart health by reducing triglycerides, lowering blood pressure, and preventing irregular heartbeats.

Nutrients like vitamin C and E, and flavonoids from fruits and vegetables, that protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation, linked to heart health.

Calcium and vitamin D are crucial for strong bones and preventing osteoporosis. Isoflavones found in soybeans can also support bone density, especially for women after menopause.

Curcumin, found in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may slow down cancer cell growth and prevent spread. Lycopene, found in tomatoes, also helps by neutralizing harmful molecules.

Beneficial bacteria found in yogurt and other fermented foods that maintain a healthy gut microbiome, potentially reducing gastrointestinal issues.

Non-digestible fibers that feed probiotics, supporting a healthy gut environment and reducing inflammation. They contribute to overall digestive health.

Polyphenols found in green tea, grapes, and berries can improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar, potentially preventing type 2 diabetes.

Molecules that gain electrons from other molecules, causing damage. Oxidants can contain oxygen (ROS) or nitrogen (RNS).

Unstable molecules with an uneven number of electrons, making them highly reactive. They can damage important cellular components.

Free radicals can be generated from external sources like cigarette smoke and radiation, or internal sources like cellular processes or infections.

Free radicals can damage DNA, lipids, and proteins, leading to cellular dysfunction and disease.

Molecules that donate electrons to neutralize free radicals and prevent oxidative damage.

Antioxidants produced naturally by the body, including enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and non-enzymes like vitamin D and glutathione.

Enzymes that help convert destructive free radicals into less harmful molecules. They act as the body's first line of defense against oxidative stress.

Non-enzyme molecules, such as vitamins and polyphenols, that help neutralize free radicals and protect cells from damage.

Compounds that directly neutralize free radicals, protecting cells from damage caused by oxidation.

Antioxidants obtained from sources outside the body, such as food or supplements.

A process where a medication alters the way nutrients are absorbed, processed, or eliminated by the body, or vice versa.

A blood-thinning medication that works by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, preventing blood clots.

A vitamin crucial for blood clotting, found in abundance in leafy green vegetables.

The process by which a substance (like a drug) is transported, metabolized, and eliminated by the body.

The effects of a drug on the body, including its desired effects and potential side effects.

The combination of factors that influence the effectiveness of a treatment, including dosage, duration, and the specific condition being addressed.

A carotenoid that may potentially reduce the risk of prostate cancer. It's found in tomatoes, watermelon, and other red-colored fruits and vegetables.

Fatty acids that are important for maintaining brain health, reducing inflammation, and potentially lowering the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. They are found in fatty fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds.

A type of supplement that is derived from soy products and may help support bone density, particularly in postmenopausal women.

A natural compound found in turmeric that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is often used to help manage symptoms of type 2 diabetes and other inflammatory conditions.

Warfarin is a blood thinner that needs careful monitoring to ensure its effectiveness and prevent complications. INR (International Normalized Ratio) is a blood test that measures how quickly blood clots. Frequent INR monitoring helps adjust warfarin dosage to maintain a safe and effective level.

Metformin, a common diabetes medication, can interfere with Vitamin B12 absorption. Long-term metformin use needs regular monitoring of vitamin B12 levels to prevent deficiency, which can lead to neurological issues.

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) reduce stomach acid, which can affect the absorption of minerals like magnesium, calcium, and vitamin B12. Long-term PPI use can cause mineral deficiencies, leading to bone problems or neurological symptoms.

Broad-spectrum antibiotics can disrupt the natural balance of gut bacteria, leading to a decrease in vitamin K and B vitamins produced by these bacteria. This disruption can cause deficiencies.

Grapefruit juice contains compounds that inhibit CYP3A4, an enzyme that metabolizes many drugs, including statins. Inhibition of CYP3A4 can increase drug levels, potentially causing toxicity.

High-fiber diets can bind to certain medications in the gut, reducing their absorption and effectiveness.

Calcium and iron supplements can bind to certain antibiotics, like tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones, reducing their absorption and effectiveness.

Probiotic supplementation, especially during and after antibiotic therapy, can help restore the balance of gut bacteria and promote the production of essential vitamins.