Gut health, once an afterthought, has in recent decades taken center stage in Western medical research and wellness studies, and for good reason. Some 50 trillion microorganisms reside in the human gut, and the makeup and diversity of this microbiome can be responsible for digestive issues such as constipation, bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, as well as systemic problems such as brain fog, joint pain, neurotransmitter imbalance, poor immunity, and Hashimoto's (autoimmune thyroid) disease. For thousands of years in Eastern medical traditions, gut health has held a central position of importance. In traditional Chinese medicine, the spleen and stomach transform the nutrients we digest into qi and blood, two vital sources of life. In Ayurveda, the agni, or digestive fire that resides in the gut, is central to health.
Detoxifying, Enzymatic, Antimalarial, Bug Bite Relief—Papaya Does a Body Good
Papaya (Carica papaya) also known as "pawpaw" is native to Mexico and dates back more than 1000 years. The many varieties of papaya range in weight from half a pound to ...
The Power of Probiotics (+ 2 Kombucha Recipes)
Editor's Note: Effervescent and salubrious, kombucha is a perfect summer thirst quencher. In "Delicious Probiotic Drinks," Julia Mueller introduces the art of fermentation with easy-to-follow fun recipes you can brew at home. ...
An Important and Overlooked Cause of Alzheimer’s
Dentists could play a critical role in helping us avoid dementia, but most of them don't even know it
Periodontal Disease Doesn’t Start in the Mouth
Periodontal disease does not start in the mouth! But it can spread from the mouth to everywhere else in the body. It is true that irritations in the mouth from ...
Frankincense: A First Aid Essential Oil With Anti-Arthritic, Analgesic, Anti-Microbial Effect and Mores
Herbal First Aid: Treat Acute Injuries With Natural Medicine (Part 4)
Five Best Practices For a Healthy Microbiome
Three years ago I wrote an article entitled, “New Chinese Medicine Tools to Replenish and Repair Our Gut” for the OM Newspaper. In that article I discussed recent research and ...
Eat This Special Fiber for Good Gut Health
Most everybody knows about probiotics. These are foods and supplements that help strengthen the immune system, and improve digestion. A lesser known trend in the world of gut health is called ...
Boost Gut Health With Kimchi-Braised Chicken (Recipe + Video)
By Chef Bao This Kimchi Braised Chicken recipe is the cure for dinnertime boredom. Tender chicken smothered in a savory, spicy, and super delicious kimchi sauce. Kimchi is made from ...
Don’t Underestimate How Your Brain Impacts Your Gut
Have you ever felt a little nauseous before giving a presentation or experienced some stomach pain during stressful events? If you have, it should be a clear indication of how ...
Gluten Often Causes Brain Symptoms, Not Gut Symptoms
Despite well-established research, few people know the common neurological consequences of gluten
Brain Fog May Be Treated by Healing the Gut
“Brain fog” is a frequently mentioned symptom in recent years.When people describe themselves as having brain fog, they often mention poor memory, difficulty concentrating and slow thinking. In addition to ...
Link Between Alzheimer’s and Gut Is Confirmed
Alzheimer's disease continues to be a leading cause of death in the U.S., with 1 in 3 seniors dying with Alzheimer's or dementia—more than the number killed by breast and ...
Ask a Doctor: What Is Leaky Gut?
Intestinal permeability can lead to a host of problems, but it's also treatable
Irritable Bowel Syndrome: In Depth
What Is IBS? IBS is a chronic disorder that affects the large intestine and causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping, constipation, and diarrhea. As many as one in five ...
An Intro to Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
When bacteria proliferate in the wrong place, instead of aiding digestion, they can disrupt it
4 Symptoms of Candida Overgrowth
Here is an incomplete list of symptoms and other clues that are likely to be caused by too much yeast in your body.
The Critical Differences Between A1 and A2 Milk
If dairy is a problem for you, you may be able to change to healthier but less available A2 milk
Cultural Immersion: Choosing the Right Yogurt
People have been turning milk and other substances into an endless variety of yogurts for centuries