Gut Health

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…)

These days, consumers are more aware of harmful substances in commercial products than ever. From cleaners to toiletries and even food, consumers’ growing demand for non-toxic products is leading to safer, healthier goods. 

But, we’re yet to discover all the toxic substances in commercial products, as we learned from a recent study from the Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF). The results of this study revealed that commercial dishwashers could be sabotaging your gut health even before you fill your plate with nutritious, gut-loving foods.  (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. 

How Does Alcohol Impact 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. 

Meet The Migrating Motor Complex

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…)

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…)

Though the gut and the brain aren’t positioned near each other within the human body, the two are closely connected. Your gut can significantly impact your mental health, contributing to issues including anxiety and depression. 

Here, we’ll discuss the link between the gut and the mind, as well as strategies for promoting optimal gut health.  (more…)

Constipation is one of the most common digestive problems in the U.S. An estimated 16 out of 100 American adults experience symptoms of constipation, and 33 out of 100 adults over the age of 60 have constipation symptoms. 

Understanding what causes constipation, to begin with, can help you avoid this digestive issue. Here, we’ll discuss constipation and the factors that most frequently cause it.  (more…)

Your digestive system plays a crucial role in your body’s overall function. Whenever you eat or drink, the organs of the digestive system break down what you consume and convert it into fuel for energy, development, and ultimately support your body’s repair processes. 

Unfortunately, digestive issues are common and can be presented in many forms. Discomfort, bloating, and gas are three common symptoms that often accompany digestive concerns. 

Understanding the possible signs of digestive issues can put you on the road towards better gastrointestinal health. These reasons include: (more…)