Gut Health

As we gear up for the holiday season, there’s no better time to dive into the topic of alcohol—and how it impacts your gut. One national survey found that 47% of surveyed men and 40% of surveyed women engaged in binge drinking to ring in the New Year. For those who don’t binge drink, holiday parties and family gatherings may still tempt you to imbibe more than usual. 

Beyond its various negative health effects, including liver disease and an elevated risk of many chronic conditions, alcohol can compromise your gut. Read on to learn more about the connection between alcohol and gut health to make educated decisions this holiday season.  (more…)

Do you experience digestive discomfort after eating certain foods? You may be struggling with food intolerance. Impacting up to 20% of the population, this condition triggers various gastrointestinal symptoms and makes it difficult to enjoy certain meals. 

In this article, we’ll explore the topic of food intolerance and provide valuable tips to alleviate your symptoms. (more…)

Whether due to chronically elevated stress levels, a poor diet, an imbalance of harmful bacteria, or excessive alcohol intake, leaky gut syndrome can wreak havoc on your gastrointestinal health. This condition is becoming more prevalent in today’s world, and many people aren’t even aware that they have it. Over time, this can lead to persistent discomfort and may even contribute to chronic health problems.  (more…)

Drink more water: It’s one of the oldest health tricks in the book. But, did you know that it could play a role in preventing cognitive decline?

Dehydration can have short and long-term complications for your brain, contributing to brain fog, low mental clarity, and even shrinking brain cells. Keep reading to learn more about how dehydration can lead to cognitive decline – and signs that you need to up your hydration levels.  (more…)

Christmas is a time of joy, love, and giving. It isn’t, however, the best time for your gut. Many of the festive indulgences that we love to enjoy during the holiday season (namely sweet and fatty treats) can wreak havoc on your gut health. 

We’re here to help. You can still make the most of Christmas cheer while protecting your gut with these simple tricks: (more…)

Laxatives are a common type of medication used for constipation. They work by softening stools and/or stimulating bowel movements. Since most laxatives are available over-the-counter, some people use them often for convenient relief from constipation.  

While laxatives are widely considered safe, they’re not intended for frequent or long-term use. There are several possible dangers of laxative misuse, including an increased risk of dementia, according to a new study from UK Biobank.  (more…)

Cravings are often thought of as unhealthy, as they tend to be for fatty, sugary, or salty foods. However, cravings can be your body’s way of communicating what it needs. By understanding the different types of food cravings and how they work, you can take control of your health and even improve your nutrition. 

In this article, we’ll help you decode common food cravings and how to manage them.  (more…)

With IBS, carefully avoiding potential triggers can help you steer clear of stomach pain, cramping, bloating, gas, and other uncomfortable symptoms. From coffee to fried foods to dairy products, there are several IBS triggers to keep in mind. But, is alcohol one of them?

Can Alcohol Trigger IBS Symptoms?

In short, yes! Alcohol is a major IBS trigger, gastrointestinal irritant, and potential colon carcinogen. It can cause GI discomfort in anyone but is particularly harmful to people with IBS.  (more…)

Candida is a form of yeast. It’s naturally found in small amounts in some areas of the body, including the belly and mouth, as well as the vaginal tract in some women. But, when candida growth exceeds the normal amount, it can lead to a fungal infection. 

Understanding the possible symptoms of candida overgrowth is key to receiving treatment early before the infection grows. Six key symptoms of candida overgrowth are: (more…)

The health of your gastrointestinal system can impact many aspects of your overall well-being, including your skin, immunity, and mental wellness. But, in taking a closer look at your gastrointestinal health, we can gather invaluable insight into your body’s overall condition. More specifically, your bowel movements can offer important clues about how well your body is functioning. 

In Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medical system, gut health is considered imperative to optimal well-being, and bowel movements are a key indicator of one’s physical, mental, and emotional health. This article will discuss how the doshas in Ayurveda can help us understand normal bowel movements for each individual.  (more…)