In the past, only patients over age 50 were told to consider the warning signs of colorectal cancer. But, recent studies show that colorectal cancer rates among people under age 50 are rising at a remarkable rate. So, no matter your age, there’s no better time than the present to learn about the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer – and how to reduce your risk of developing this condition. (more…)
If you’re looking to improve your gut health, take a closer look at the food on your plate. Diet plays a crucial role in many different bodily functions, including that of your gastrointestinal system.
You can take a shortcut to a healthier, happier gut with a range of superfoods. These are nutritious powerhouses that naturally support your gut function and ward off gastrointestinal distress.
Our go-to gut health superfoods include: (more…)
Alcohol is a common vice, often used to mark special occasions or complement a meal. However, there are several reasons to limit your alcohol intake, including the risk of liver damage, high blood pressure, and even certain cancers. But, many people don’t realize that alcohol can also compromise your gut health.
According to a study published in 2017, consuming alcohol in excess can lead to gut inflammation by affecting three important components of gut health: the gut microbiome, immunity, and intestinal permeability. (more…)
The human digestive system is complex, and several factors are crucial to its ability to function. Many people don’t know that one of these factors is an occasionally empty stomach.
That’s right: Your gut needs a periodic break from food to function at its best. This is called FASTING. In this blog, we’ll explain why and provide strategies for greater digestive health.
So, why exactly does your gut need a break from food for optimal function? The answer comes down to the migrating motor complex or MMC. It’s a cyclic pattern of contractions that takes place in your stomach and small intestine. (more…)
The health of your gut affects not only your digestive tract, but also your hormones, immune system, nervous system, and even your mental health. So, if you’re dealing with imbalanced gut bacteria (also known as dysbiosis), your overall wellness may suffer.
Thankfully, there are multiple ways to naturally heal your gut – no harsh treatments or medications are required. (more…)
Feeling bloated and gassy after a large meal is common – we all experience it now and again. However, if you’re struggling with gas and bloating after most meals, it’s time to dig deeper into the cause of your symptoms.
There are several possible causes of bloating and gas after eating, but the most common include:
Your diet may be the root cause of your gastrointestinal discomfort. Both processed foods and high-fiber foods can lead to gas and bloating if they’re eaten in excess. (more…)
Differentiating probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics can be confusing, to say the least. Although they sound similar, these substances serve different functions.
A “biotic” influences your microbiome, which is a colony of microorganisms and bacteria living in your body. It’s crucial to maintain a balanced microbiome, as it influences the health of your immune system and gastrointestinal system.
Probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics are required for a balanced microbiome. Here, we’ll go over the differences between these key ingredients. (more…)
If your colon isn’t included in your self-care routine, you may be doing yourself a disservice. Colon cleansing offers benefits that span every aspect of your health, from digestion to immune function and even mental health.
Especially for individuals struggling with constipation or digestive discomfort, colon cleansing is important to maintaining a high quality of life. In this article, we’ll explore colon cleansing and how it can enhance your overall health. (more…)
We all crave something sweet every now and again. But, given the health risks surrounding excess sugar intake, including inflammation, weight gain, and even high blood pressure, many people are opting for artificial sweeteners as alternatives.
Unfortunately, artificial sweeteners can present health risks of their own. In this article, we’ll present the key reasons to avoid sucralose, one of the most widely-used artificial sweeteners in the world.
The main risks of including sucralose in your diet include: (more…)
The vagus nerve delivers a variety of signals between the digestive system and the brain. It travels from the brainstem down through the neck to the abdomen, innervating areas of the face, throat, ear, and heart, as well as the whole digestive tract.
Additionally, the vagus nerve is considered the main part of the parasympathetic nervous system. This system drives what’s often referred to as the body’s “rest and digest” state. So, for the digestive system to work at its best, the body needs to be in a relaxed state. (more…)
