Our bodies are incredibly intelligent machines. They can communicate with us, sending signals and symptoms to indicate that something might be wrong. However, in our fast-paced lives, we often neglect or dismiss these signs, only for the issue to worsen over time. Paying attention to our body’s messages and taking appropriate action before it is...
Gut bacteria, also known as the microbiome, refers to the trillions of microscopic organisms that reside in our digestive tract. These organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes, play a crucial role in our overall health and well-being. If these bacteria are out of balance, it can cause illness and disease. These are the...
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a commonly diagnosed chronic gastrointestinal disease defined by irritation in bowel habits and abdominal pain in the absence of other known causes (Weaver et al., 2017). People who suffer from IBS not only have to deal with the physiological symptoms of gastrointestinal distress, but approximately 40–60% experience psychological disorders that play...
At one point or another, everyone experiences the physical pain of loss. Whether it’s the passing of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or even simply the stress of having a fight with a friend, emotional anguish can often be felt throughout your entire body. And while dying of a broken heart seems...
Professionals sometimes refer to our gut as the “second brain” of our bodies. Beyond just the physical sensations we have when trying to make a decision (aka the “gut feeling”), our gut has a large influence on our overall mental and physical well-being. But what exactly is our “gut” and how do we improve our...
Horseradish root is a cruciferous vegetable that is in the same family as mustard, wasabi, cabbage, broccoli, and kale. Thought to have originated in Eastern Europe, experts believe this hearty vegetable has been in cultivation for less than two thousand years [1]. Most people recognize horseradish as that pungent, nose, and eye-burning condiment often used...
When you get a cut, you bleed for a short time until the blood coagulates into a more solid state to stop it from flowing. This is a good thing because it prevents you from losing too much blood and plays a part in our healing process. A blood clot, however, occurs when this happens...
Many sugars and sweeteners are marketed as healthy alternatives to regular sugar. Those looking to cut calories and reduce sugar intake often turn to these products when searching for an easy substitute to sweeten baked goods and beverages. However, in some cases, these replacements may do more harm than good when it comes to your...
Mononucleosis is an often harmless infectious illness caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. It is known as “the kissing disease” because it’s contagious and spread mainly through saliva. The virus is very common and a lot of people are exposed to it in adolescence. The symptoms of mono are similar to that of the flu and...
There are many positive aspects of getting older. You have more life experience to make you more confident in who you are, and you’re typically more well-established and financially secure. Of course, it has its drawbacks, particularly when it comes to your physical health. While good eating habits are always important, they become even more...
Do you remember the last time you came down with a cold, and you ended up with a nasty, chesty cough that seemed to linger long after your sinuses had dried up? There’s a chance you may have had bronchitis. What is Bronchitis? Bronchitis occurs when your bronchial tubes, which are the tubes that carry...
The gut microbiome is made up of hundreds of thousands of microorganisms, bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi. It plays an important role in nutrient and mineral absorption, the synthesis of vitamins, enzymes, and amino acids, and the production of short-chain fatty acids [1]. Thanks to recent technological advancements, researchers are now able to learn a...
