Innovations in Research

Our muscles are capable of amazing, precise and coordinated force; from lifting a teacup to explosive movements such as sprinting and power lifting. Muscles allow for tremendous function so that we can explore our full physical potential. Approximately 40% of our body is composed of skeletal muscle but there are several other types of muscles including smooth and cardiac muscle (Guyton and Hall 2006). There are almost 700 individual muscles in your body and they come in all shapes and sizes (Tortora and Grabowski 2003). The smallest skeletal muscle in your body is located in your middle ear and is

Over the past few years, what we used to call our good gut bacteria or intestinal flora has been the object of growing scientific investigations and public interest. It is now widely accepted that a healthy microbiome is one of the key-element to our overall health and the use of probiotics supplements and fermented foods have become common practice. However, we might not be so familiar with the best practices when it comes to feeding our microbiota and maintaining a healthy microbiome. Let’s explore some simple ways to achieve that! Getting acquainted with our wonderful microbiom Did you know that

By: Dr. Robyn Murphy, ND Your genes are the same throughout life, so genetic testing could technically be done from the point of conception; however, this seems somewhat invasive. Joking aside, this question comes up frequently from savvy parents looking to make the best lifestyle and dietary choices for their kids for prevention as well as optimizing their potential. Some key information is available to parents using genetic testing. 1.  Dietary restrictions Genetic testing is exceptionally helpful for parents who want to know if their child is at risk for Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. It is especially helpful if a

By: Dr. Robyn Murphy, ND The verdict is in, your genes are not your destiny. Advances in genetics and epigenetics have evolved through observations that environmental factors influence genetic expression to directly impact an individual’s health. Epigenetic changes are reversible while effects of genetic variations are modifiable. 1,2 Today, in the midst of personalized medicine, understanding an individual’s genetic blueprint provides simple yet powerful strategies to significantly make a difference in one’s health. While science reveals how general lifestyle strategies in diet, exercise and stress reduction significantly impacts epigenetic modifications and thus gene expression and risk for disease; it is

By: Dr. Robyn Murphy, ND Are your genes your destiny? This common question is top of mind for most, especially for those who are considering genetic testing. Questioning whether or not you really want to know, in fear that nothing can be done. Well, the simple answer is, NO, your genes are not your destiny. While this may be due to a number of factors, such as the impact of the gene, the main topic of this article is discussing how epigenetics and particular lifestyle strategies can positively influence health, and that knowing your genes may just be the missing

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is another level of security, a defence system that the body layers onto the existing security organization that is keeping us safe, whilst making sure checks and balances are in place. The ECS is a vast signalling network that communicates with other well-known systems including the nervous, immune, hormonal or the endocrine, and other networks, but also some that are rather more obscure, like the lymphatic or the enteric nervous system sometimes called the “second brain”. The ECS’s job is relaying important and timely information between these systems, but it also primes and prepares the body

You have a choice among plant based supplements, chemical based supplements and animal based supplements. Plant based supplements are considered the top choice among physicians and researchers. Here’s why. What Are Plant Based Supplements? Plant based supplements are derived from natural sources as opposed to chemical sources. Natural sources for plant based supplements include herbs, flowers, leaves, stems. bark, seeds, nuts, spices, vegetables, fruits, and other naturally-occurring botanical ingredients. Nutrients are extracted from the botanicals through a variety of means, depending on the botanical and depending upon the desired results. These nutrients are then formulated in accordance with regulatory guidelines

The scientific community has known for some time that different people respond differently than others to similar environments, and this is also the case with nutrition. After all, we’ve all heard a friend say that a particular diet worked wonders for them, but when we try the same program, we don’t see the same success. Wouldn’t it be great if there were a way to know whether your genetic blueprint was compatible with a particular diet or exercise regimen? Or whether you have specific sensitivities to certain foods? And what if you could understand your genetic susceptibility to stress or