Eleise Britt, MSc Nutrition

Armour Thyroid vs. Synthroid: An Unbiased Look at The Evidence

Eleise Britt (MSc Nutrition) — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 19:17:10 +0000

Armour Thyroid and Synthroid are medications used to treat hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid). Synthroid is the most commonly prescribed, however some claim Armour Thyroid produces better results. So, which is the best treatment for you? This article looks at the evidence for both to help you decide. What is Hypothyroidism and How is It Treated? Armour Thyroid and Synthroid are medications used to treat hypothyroidism. In this condition, the thyroid gland is underactive, meaning insufficient amounts of thyroid hormones are produced. Three main hormones are measured to determine if the thyroid is functioning properly: thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), Thyroxine (T4) and, in certain circumstances, triiodothyronine (T3). You can read more about these hormones in these guides to interpreting TSH levels and T4 and T3 levels. It’s important to remember that the thyroid gland produces mainly T4, even though the active[Discover More...]

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Food Chemicals and the FAILSAFE Diet (RPAH Diet): The Beginner’s Guide

Eleise Britt (MSc Nutrition) — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 12:39:33 +0000

The FAILSAFE diet is an elimination diet to test for food chemical sensitivities. It’s also commonly called the RPAH diet. This article takes a closer look at what it is, how it works and who might benefit from it. What is the FAILSAFE/RPAH Diet? FAILSAFE stands for Free of Additives and Low in Salicylates, Amines and Flavour Enhancers. RPAH stands for Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, a prominent Australian hospital where the diet was first developed. Both names are interchangeable, but for this article we will refer to is as the FAILSAFE diet as this is more commonly used. The aim of the FAILSAFE diet is to determine if certain food chemicals are the cause of negative physical reactions, typically digestive issues. The initial phase eliminates major sources of food chemicals (more on that below). You can choose to follow a[Discover More...]

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L-Arginine Supplementation: Splitting Fact From Fiction

Eleise Britt (MSc Nutrition) — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 09:53:39 +0000

[Last updated 12th June, 2019] L-arginine supplements are popular among athletes. Many believe that L-arginine can increase oxygen delivery to muscles and decrease lactic acid build-up. There are also claims that it can help with a number of health conditions such as blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. This article looks into what L-arginine is, what it does and whether there is evidence to back up these claims. What is L-Arginine and What Does It Do? L-arginine is one form of the amino acid arginine. Arginine is produced in the body. However, under certain conditions, such as in infancy or in times of severe illness, we don’t produce enough arginine. Therefore, it’s classified as a conditionally essential amino acid (1, 2). L-arginine is crucial to many important metabolic processes, including: Image source. NO acts as a cellular messenger,[Discover More...]

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Magnesium Citrate and Oxide: Benefits, Dosage and Side Effects

Eleise Britt (MSc Nutrition) — Fri, 27 Oct 2017 08:15:45 +0000

[Last updated 7th March, 2023] Magnesium is an essential mineral thought to several potential health benefits. This ranges from improving energy levels to treating constipation. This article explores the uses and possible side effects of the most common forms, magnesium citrate and magnesium oxide. Why is Magnesium Essential? Magnesium is critical for many processes in the body, including energy metabolism, DNA production and bone structure. The body contains around 25-30 grams of magnesium. Half is stored in your bones, the other half in muscles and soft tissue. As little as 1% is found in extracellular fluid (1, 2). Dietary sources of magnesium include green leafy vegetables, legumes, almonds and many other fruits and vegetables. Magnesium can also be taken orally as a supplement or medication. Summary: Magnesium is critical for energy metabolism, DNA production and bone structure. What is Magnesium[Discover More...]

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High-Fiber Foods and Digestive Health: More or Less?

Eleise Britt (MSc Nutrition) — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 08:41:33 +0000

Fiber is an essential part of a healthy diet, especially for optimal digestive health. But conflicting information about what type of fiber and how much to eat can be confusing. This article breaks down what fiber is and how it can protect you from digestive disorders and discomfort. What Is Fiber? Fiber is a type of carbohydrate, alongside sugar and starch. It’s found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains and legumes. Unlike starchy carbohydrates and sugars, fiber contains chemical bonds that can’t be broken down by digestive enzymes in the body. This is why it reaches the large intestine (the gut) mostly undigested. While the bulk of fiber ends up being excreted, some of it will be digested by gut bacteria in a process called fermentation. This produces certain fatty acids and gas. Summary: Fiber is a type of[Discover More...]

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Does Weight Loss Tea Work? A Sales-Free Look

Eleise Britt (MSc Nutrition) — Wed, 08 Mar 2017 02:19:34 +0000

Weight loss teas claim to suppress appetite, increase fat burning and boost metabolism. But do they work? This article takes a sales-free look at the scientific evidence. What Is Weight Loss Tea? Weight loss teas, such as Iaso Tea, are usually a blend of tea and herbs, depending on the brand. They’re said to help with weight loss by enhancing fat burning, increasing metabolism and suppressing appetite. Many are also marketed as ‘detox teas’ and ‘fit teas’, with claims they increase energy and cleanse your body of toxins. Most of these teas come with a recommended exercise and eating plan to be followed in addition to drinking the tea every day or two. They are generally expensive and heavily marketed on social media. Summary: Weight loss teas are a blend of tea and herbs that are claimed to enhance weight loss[Discover More...]

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