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…
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…
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG: A Probiotic for All Ages
The benefits of L. rhamnosus GG for gut health and immunity Today’s probiotic story began in 1983, when Drs. Sherwood Gorbach and Barry Goldin, colleagues at Tufts University, were poring over stool specimens from healthy adults – a task few of us would envy. They managed to isolate “a strain of bacteria of a…
Hemicellulose – A Natural Immune Enhancer?
Plant and Mushroom Blend Provides Gut and Immune Support Hemicellulose isn’t a new thing. In fact, it is as timeless as the plants and fungi that cover the face of our planet. Within plants, much like cellulose, hemicellulose is structural in function. It differs from cellulose in that it is a polysaccharide comprised of…
The Healing Power of Colostrum
From infants to top-notch athletes to the critically ill, this “first milk” provides immune and gastrointestinal benefits What’s the nutritional superfood almost all of us have had at some time in our life, and new mothers, dairy farmers, and Ob/Gyns know best? It’s colostrum, the first milk that comes at birth. It actually comes…
Taking a Month Off Alcohol: What Will a Month Booze-Free Do for You?
A trend growing in popularity takes center stage, with clinical studies backing its benefits Perhaps you’ve seen it proudly announced on social media, “I’m going a month booze-free,” by a friend or acquaintance. Or maybe it has infiltrated your sphere because of news stories on outlets such as NPR, the BBC, Fortune, or the…
Probiotic Benefits of Saccharomyces boulardii
Natural support for gut health from a probiotic yeast Probiotics are “live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.”[1] You may be familiar with probiotic supplements that contain lactobacilli and/or bifidobacteria, which are families of beneficial bacteria.[2] However, there is also a yeast species that qualifies as…
Mending the Leaky Gut
Natural strategies to support intestinal integrity My neighbor’s fence is beyond beautiful, but serves little to no practical purpose. With its widely spaced slats, the fence affords any passerby an only slightly fettered view of the yard and its goings-on. A cat, rat, or even small dog could easily pass back and forth across…
Leaky Gut = Fatty Liver
How poor digestive integrity can cause liver disease The concept of the “gut-liver axis” is not a new one: it was first described in 1987 when a group of researchers found that patients with cirrhosis had high rates of antibodies in their blood against foods like egg, whey, and casein.[1] Since that time, the…
Fighting Fatty Liver, Part 1 of 2
How the gut, microbes, inflammation, and diet affect the liver, and what to do about it The fatty liver epidemic Sedentary lifestyles, nutrient-poor diets, chemical exposures, and an excess of sugar and refined foods are wreaking havoc on and in our bodies more than ever before. And the effects aren’t just cosmetic – beyond…
Probiotics and the Human Microbiome: Beyond the Gut
Dr. Don Brown, ND, discusses cutting edge research on the use of probiotics Biography: Naturopathic physician Dr. Donald Brown is one of the leading authorities in the U.S. on evidence-based herbal medicine and the safety and efficacy of nutritional supplements and probiotics. He currently serves as the Director of Natural Product Research Consultants in…
Fatty Liver Disease: Thyroid Function and Gut Health as Disease Risk Factors
Factors beyond diabetes and obesity which may contribute to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease Perhaps you had a recent screening physical for work, or you hit that magic age of 50 when your doctor suddenly wanted to test “everything” to assess your overall health and disease risk factors. Either way, one of…
Subscribe for Updates
Get a FREE Downloadable Stress Support Guide
Categories
- Botanicals (56)
- GI Health (53)
- Healthy Aging (121)
- Immune Support (39)
- In The News (39)
- Kids Health (21)
- Stress and Relaxation (50)
- Uncategorized (1)
- Video (9)
- Vitamins & Minerals (51)
Recent Posts
Latest Issue of FOCUS Newsletter Available Now!
