Immunobiotics for Immune Health
The case for killed probiotics From yogurt to miso, kombucha to kefir, the friendly bacteria found in fermented foods play an important role in our health: there is no shortage of studies demonstrating the efficacy of probiotics (or “good bacteria”) in helping a myriad of conditions.[1] Most probiotic foods and supplements work by delivering…
Mastic Gum for Oral Health and More
The things we know now about this gum that the Greeks have seen in practice for over 2,500 years Ancient lore and cutting-edge science often converge in the arena of natural plant-based medicine. There is perhaps no better example of this than mastic gum, an aromatic, white resin derived from the Pistacia lentiscus tree….
Bouncing Back After Antibiotic Use: Probiotics to the Rescue!
Restoring balance and healthy function to the gut and beyond Chances are if you are the owner of a human body, you’ve taken at least one course of antibiotics in your lifetime. Whether it was bubble-gum flavored amoxicillin for that ear infection in childhood or penicillin for the case of strep throat that roared…
Leaky Gut 101
Why intestinal permeability causes so much harm, and what to do about it Brilliantly packed within the body, the intestinal barrier covers a surface area of over 4,000 square feet and requires about 40% of the body’s energy expenditure. But what happens when it starts to break down? What is leaky gut? Hold up…
Mastering Irritable Bowel Syndrome – Knowledge is Power
From enzymes to eating habits, there is hope Everyone has episodes of digestive discomfort from time-to-time. Unfortunately, some of us experience digestive problems chronically. It’s then that the doctor is seen, and most often, the diagnosis is irritable bowel syndrome, commonly known as IBS.[1] The physician’s recommendations may include a gentle laxative, fiber, water,…
Gut Microbiota Diversity in the Young and Old
A factor in disease conditions and aging? In recent decades, there has been an explosion of information regarding the role that the human microbiota plays in both health and disease. Projects such as the National Institutes of Health Human Microbiome Project,[1] and similar collaborative efforts in other countries, have focused on the collection of…
Leaky Gut, Autoimmunity, and Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) – Oh My!
Harm from one kind of bacteria, healing from another What’s LPS, and why should I care? Lipopolysaccharide, or LPS, is the major component of the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria. LPS contributes to the structural integrity of the bacteria, protecting the membrane from certain kinds of chemical attack. LPS is of crucial importance to…
It’s Not Just Antibiotics that Potentially Harm Gut Health
Which of these prescription medications are YOU taking? Most people are aware that antibiotic medications can alter the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut. In addition to the science we have proving this, many of us have personally experienced upset bellies and changes in stool patterns upon taking an antibiotic. However,…
Stomach Acidity, Dietary Intake, and the Microbiome
The gut microbiome, stomach acidity, sloths, and you. In recent years we’ve seen an explosion in the research on the importance of the collection of trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi living in the human body, collectively known as the microbiome. We now know that a vast array of health conditions such as obesity,[1]…
Grape Seed Polyphenols and the Gut Microbiota
Digestive health affects the healing potential of these potent antioxidant polyphenols Grape seed extract (GSE) by no means is new to the nutraceutical world, yet we are still unveiling the myriad of benefits from the antioxidant-like nutritional compounds found within it. We are also gaining broader knowledge of the mechanisms by which individual responses…
Addressing Allergies: A Multi-Pronged Approach
Strategies for soothing itchy eyes and silencing sneezes Much like the majority of chronic, and even acute, health conditions we may face, there are many approaches to the treatment of allergies. The immune system is one major focus, but the health of the gut, management of environmental triggers, correction of nutritional deficiencies, and the…
Enzymes to Help with Accidental Gluten Consumption
Many products that claim to support gluten digestion might not be fully doing the job! Celiac and other types of gluten sensitivity Celiac disease (CD) is the most studied and broadly recognized disease associated with the immune reaction to gluten consumption. Celiac disease is a multifactorial disease characterized by an inflammatory response to ingested…
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