Digestive Health

It's common knowledge that our bodies are comprised of cells, however most people are unaware that we also rely heavily on the presence of bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microbes. In fact, these microbes are just as common as human cells. Each person's body is comprised of up to 40 trillion human cells and up to 38 trillion microbial cells...

You may be aware that your body is exposed to bacteria every time you eat something, but what you may not know is that your digestive system relies on some of that bacteria to function. The "good" bacteria that you ingest helps to form the gut microbiome in your gastrointestinal tract. This system relies on a continued supply of bacteria...

Capsaicin is the compound in chili peppers that give them their spicy kick, but ongoing research has found that it does even more than that. A new study confirms capsaicin slows cancer, backing up previous research indicating that this spicy compound may hold the key to more successful treatments. Specifically, researchers found that the compound has a powerful effect on...

The gut microbiome is filled with bacteria and other microbes that assist in the digestion of the foods we eat. While there are some bacteria that are harmful to us, many of the bacteria in our digestive tract are beneficial, helping to withdraw nutrients and vitamins from our foods through the digestion process. In addition, these bacteria help to boost...

The immune system is a complex defense system our bodies employ to protect us from germs and other foreign invaders in the environment. Our immune system is triggered by antigens, which are foreign proteins found on cells. Once an antigen is detected, our white blood cells produce the antibodies specifically engineered to attack and destroy that particular antigen. As this...

Each year, the research supporting the importance of maintaining a healthy balance of gut bacteria for good overall health grows. However, many of the previously known health effects of a healthy microbiome involved the digestive system. Could your gut bacteria also affect how well your immune system protects against infection and even prevent autoimmune disease? New research suggests that gut...

Although some regions are still in the icy grips of winter, the days are slowly getting longer, signaling the start of a bright new season. Traditionally, spring is a time of new beginnings. Whether you are going strong on your New Year's resolutions or adjusting your habits for other reasons this season, a spring detox can help you shed unwanted...

Could mental disorders like dementia be connected to gut bacteria? This seemingly unlikely correlation may not be so far-fetched: New research suggests that an imbalance of healthy gut bacteria could be one of the possible causes of dementia, a mental condition that primarily affects the elderly. Gut Bacteria and Dementia Defined The gut's microbiome is made up of trillions of...

Since their development in the 1940s, antibiotics have been the medical go-to for eradicating and counteracting the effects of bacterial infections. In fact, at one time antibiotics were even viewed as something of a miracle drug that would possibly bring an end to all infection worldwide. Unfortunately, that hasn't been the case; although after nearly 80 years doctors frequently prescribe antibiotics to...

Consuming large quantities of red meat has long been thought to have a negative impact on heart health. In the past, it was assumed this correlation was due to higher levels of saturated fats or cholesterol present in red meat, as opposed to other meats like chicken or fish. Now, a new study reveals that red meat boosts heart disease...