Reflux Remedies
Soothing heartburn naturally In last week’s post we described the real cause of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and explored why conventional strategies for managing the condition can come with negative health risks over time. Today we’ll take a look at some simple, natural, remedies for alleviating reflux at its root cause, primarily by (1)…
Acid Reflux 101
The real cause of GERD, and why we need stomach acid Most people think that acid reflux is caused by an excess of stomach acid. This is a common medical myth, and one that has resulted in widespread misunderstanding of the condition and how to best treat it. To properly understand what happens in…
Fighting Depression and Anxiety Through the Gut
Vagus nerve stimulation for mood support (Part 2 of 2) Last week’s post examined the vagus nerve (the tenth cranial nerve) and the important role it plays in connecting the body to the brain. We explored how breath, laughter, and exercise all “tickle” the nerve to send soothing, calming signals to the brain and…
Got Gas? Digestive Enzymes May Help
Flatulence is not funny for those who suffer Shall we chat about flatulence? Given the time spent on this topic in comedy routines, you’d think it was hilarious. But it’s not that funny for people who suffer from the embarrassment and discomfort of excessive gas. A multinational survey, including nearly 6,000 people, recently showed…
How the Microbiome Is Revolutionizing the Pursuit of a Healthy Life
What’s good for the microbiome is good for the body We often think of the human body as made of human cells, but it’s time to revise that perspective. As it turns out, the number of microbial cells in our bodies exceeds the number of human cells.[1],[2] We have ignored them far too long….
NSAIDs: A Pain in the Gut
The gut-protective effects of curcumin and probiotics Millions of people use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to alleviate the pain of arthritis, headaches, and other painful conditions.[1] Well-known NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin. Many other NSAIDs (diclofenac, etc.) are available by prescription. Although NSAIDs may relieve pain, their use is associated…
How the Gut Microbiome Influences COVID-19
Can probiotics reduce the risk? The COVID-19 pandemic has swept the globe, killing nearly five million people to date. The disease has a broad range of outcomes, however, with many people developing only mild to moderate symptoms like sniffles, cough, shortness of breath, and fever.[1] This extreme range of symptoms is caused by variations…
Are Gluten-Free Diets Just a Fad?
Understanding celiac disease, wheat allergy, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, & other gluten-related disorders It used to be quite rare to meet somebody who avoids gluten – the protein found in wheat, rye, spelt, semolina, and triticale. Nowadays, however, gluten free dieting is all the rage. In 2016, 8% of North Americans followed a wheat- or…
Hypothyroidism and Gluten-Free Diets
Why gluten and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis don’t mix Evidence shows that eating wheat and gluten may drive the autoimmune destruction of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is the body’s master of metabolism, regulating important functions like digestion, energy production, mental sharpness, sweating, skin healing, fat burning, and heart rate.1 What is hypothyroidism? Is it the…
What is Bowel Tolerance?
A guide to dosing vitamin C, magnesium, and other nutrients We often talk about taking vitamin C and magnesium to “bowel tolerance” – but what does that mean? Dosing a supplement to bowel tolerance means taking the highest dose of that supplement possible without causing loose, watery stools (diarrhea).[1] If you’re taking vitamin C…
Lactobacillus plantarum DR7: A Probiotic For Stress Relief
When I was a young athlete, I would get sick to my stomach before every big game, race, or match. The stress I felt always manifested in my gut. Many people experience feelings of a “nervous stomach” because our brain and our gut are so intricately intertwined. Sayings like “trust your gut”, “feel it…
Butyrate: A Postbiotic for Colon Health
How butyrate modulates inflammation and overall health Our gut depends on trillions of bacteria to facilitate digestion, immunity, and many other functions. Until recently, however, the mechanisms by which the microbiome regulates so many aspects of human health have remained elusive. There are at least three nutritional strategies to support the microbiome and overall…
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