In today’s episode, we share the “why” behind Down For Health—how it began, who it’s for, and the mission that drives everything we do.

At the center of this story is Nick, my brother. He is an actor, songwriter, martial artist, and a source of constant joy, resilience, and inspiration. Nick is the reason Down For Health exists.

We created this platform to support the Down syndrome community through:

• Accessible health education that empowers parents and caregivers
• Community support so no family has to navigate health questions alone
• Improved health outcomes through functional, evidence-informed guidance

Our purpose is simple: help individuals with Down syndrome thrive by giving families the tools, knowledge, and confidence they deserve.

Join us as we share the origins, mission, and vision of Down For Health.

Episode Summary

Seed oils are often labeled “pro‑inflammatory,” yet many studies show they can lower heart‑disease risk when they replace saturated fat. In this episode, we cut through the confusion, examining how seed oils, omega‑3s, and oil processing influence inflammation, cardiometabolic health, and overall well‑being for individuals with Down syndrome.

What You’ll Learn

🌱 Seed‑Oil Basics

• What counts as a seed oil (soybean, canola, sunflower, flax, sesame, more)
• How saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats differ

Cardio‑Metabolic Benefits

• 19 % drop in coronary events when soybean or canola oil replaces saturated fat (Mozaffarian et al., 2010)
• Flaxseed, canola, and sesame oils improve cholesterol, blood pressure, and oxidative balance

Inflammation & Omega Ratios

• Linoleic‑rich seed oils are largely inflammation‑neutral (Petersen et al., 2025)
• Omega‑3 sources (flaxseed, fish oil) reliably reduce CRP and IL‑6 and curb atherosclerosis risk

Processing Matters

• Refined, bleached, deodorized (RBD) oils lose antioxidants and may form oxidative by‑products
• Cold‑pressed, unrefined oils retain polyphenols and show neutral or anti‑inflammatory effects

Practical Tips for Families

• Swap butter or palm oil for cold‑pressed avocado, olive, or flaxseed oil
• Read labels—look for “cold‑pressed,” “unrefined,” “virgin,” and avoid “RBD”
• Prioritize omega‑3 intake via SMASH fish (salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, herring) or quality supplements
• Store delicate oils in dark bottles; refrigerate flax, hemp, walnut after opening

Key Takeaway

Seed oils, when minimally processed and used to replace saturated fats, offer clear cardiometabolic benefits and are not inherently inflammatory. Prioritizing quality oils and boosting omega‑3s gives the Down syndrome community added protection against chronic inflammation.

Sources:

K. Petersen, Mark Messina, Brent Flickinger (2025). Health Implications of Linoleic Acid and Seed Oil Intake.Nutrition Today

Lucas Fornari Laurindo, Lívia Fornari Laurindo, Victória Dogani Rodrigues, Jéssica da Silva Camarinha Oliveira, Beatriz Leme Boaro, and 8 more (2025). Evaluating the effects of seed oils on lipid profile, inflammatory and oxidative markers, and glycemic control of diabetic and dyslipidemic patients: a systematic review of clinical studies. Frontiers in Nutrition

J. DiNicolantonio, J. O’Keefe (2018). Importance of maintaining a low omega–6/omega–3 ratio for reducing inflammation. Open Heart

Somaia A Al-Madhagy, Naglaa S. Ashmawy, Ayat-Allah Mamdouh, O. Eldahshan, Mohamed A. Farag(2023). A comprehensive review of the health benefits of flaxseed oil in relation to its chemical composition and comparison with other omega-3-rich oils.European Journal of Medical Research

D. Mozaffarian, R. Micha, Sarah K. Wallace (2010). Effects on Coronary Heart Disease of Increasing Polyunsaturated Fat in Place of Saturated Fat: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. PLoS Medicine

Episode Summary:
In this episode, we explore how early gut health—especially during the first 1000 days of life—shapes brain, immune, and overall health in individuals with Down syndrome. 🌱

The gut microbiome plays a vital role in digestion, immune balance, and brain development. Research shows that people with Down syndrome often have lower microbial diversity, which may contribute to common challenges like digestive issues, immune dysregulation, and cognitive delays. But here’s the good news: early interventions such as breastfeeding, prebiotics, probiotics, and nutrient-rich foods can help build a stronger, healthier gut foundation. 🧠💪

We’ll dive into how factors like birth method, early diet, and antibiotic use influence the microbiome—and why supporting gut health early on may improve long-term outcomes for individuals with Down syndrome.

Key Topics:

• Why the first 1000 days matter for gut and brain development
• How the gut microbiome influences cognition and immunity
• Gut imbalances seen in Down syndrome
• The role of diet, antibiotics, and early-life exposures
• Simple, evidence-based steps to support gut health naturally

💡 Takeaway:
Healthy guts grow healthy minds. Supporting the microbiome early in life can help lay the foundation for better digestion, stronger immunity, and improved cognitive function in individuals with Down syndrome.

Sources:

• Ferranti, Erin P et al. “20 things you didn't know about the human gut microbiome.” The Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing vol. 29,6 (2014): 479-81. doi:10.1097/JCN.0000000000000166
• Biagi, Elena et al. “Gut microbiome in Down syndrome.” PloS One vol. 9,11 e112023. 11 Nov. 2014, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0112023
• Sorboni, Shokufeh Ghasemian et al. “A Comprehensive Review on the Role of the Gut Microbiome in Human Neurological Disorders.” Clinical Microbiology Reviews vol. 35,1 (2022): e0033820. doi:10.1128/CMR.00338-20
• Berding, Kirsten et al. “Diet and the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis: Sowing the Seeds of Good Mental Health.” Advances in Nutrition (Bethesda, Md.) vol. 12,4 (2021): 1239-1285. doi:10.1093/advances/nmaa181
• Ren, Shimeng et al. “Altered Gut Microbiota Correlates with Cognitive Impairment in Chinese Children with Down's Syndrome.” European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry vol. 31,1 (2022): 189-202. doi:10.1007/s00787-021-01799-2
• Fasano, Alessio. “All Disease Begins in the (Leaky) Gut: Role of Zonulin-Mediated Gut Permeability in the Pathogenesis of Some Chronic Inflammatory Diseases.” F1000Research vol. 9 F1000 Faculty Rev-69. 31 Jan. 2020, doi:10.12688/f1000research.20510.1
• Leong, K.S.W., McLay, J., Derraik, J.G.B., et al. “Associations of Prenatal and Childhood Antibiotic Exposure with Obesity at Age 4 Years.” JAMA Network Open (2020); 3(1): e1919681. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.19681
• Lu, Yankun et al. “Early-Life Antibiotic Exposure and Childhood Asthma Trajectories: A National Population-Based Birth Cohort.” Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 12,2 314. 3 Feb. 2023, doi:10.3390/antibiotics12020314