Recently, there has been a lot of attention in the media about the overuse of antibiotics and their associated negative side effects. In some cases, this is justified because antibiotics can affect the composition and function of the human gut microbiota, usually through a loss of bacterial diversity that may lead to dysbiosis. While oftentimes [...]
Our microbiome is formed through childhood and reaches its adult composition by the age of two. It develops and adapts with us throughout our lives and alters its own composition in response to our changing environmental conditions [1]. Several environmental factors influence the microbiome, but dietary intake may be one of the most immediate and [...]
With the widespread attention paid to maintaining a healthy gut, it might come as a surprise that there is no clear definition of a “healthy microbiome.” This might lead you to wonder, what does a healthy gut look like? Unfortunately, that question is difficult to answer in one sentence. Since everyone’s microbiome is very unique, [...]
A gluten-free diet (GFD) is a diet that omits all sources of wheat, barley, and rye. While it has long been the only treatment for those with Celiac disease, it has recently become very popular among non-celiac individuals with gastrointestinal discomfort. Today it is one of the most popular diets worldwide [1]. However, the question [...]
The lining of the GI tract is the body’s largest barrier to the outside environment. As the first line of defense against the potentially harmful substances present in the foods we ingest, it provides a permeable barrier that limits what substances can cross into the body while allowing nutrients to be absorbed. The spaces [...]
When it comes to gut health, there is a list of common terms you may see and hear and think “what does that mean?” In this post, we’re going to define some of those words so you can finally understand their meaning and how it affects you. Is there a word you want to know [...]
There seem to be two primary camps among health gurus: intermittent fasters and those who eat all day long. In the context of gut health, who’s correct? Should we be intermittent fasting or eating six meals a day? Let’s take a look. About Intermittent Fasting for Gut Health Intermittent fasting is the practice of constraining [...]
Our mothers have a huge impact on who we are and on the choices we make, right down to what we eat. Her voice stays in our head from childhood – haunting and motivating us at the same time. But we have more than our mother’s voice driving our behaviors and choices in life. We [...]
Leaky gut is a popular topic. The connection between gut health and overall health and well-being is well documented. Leaky gut even sounds horrific, but what exactly is leaky gut? The clinical term for leaky gut is intestinal permeability. Put simply, intestinal permeability refers to the movement of undesirable substances from inside the gastrointestinal tract [...]
It’s January and the holidays are now behind us - we should be happy, right? Yes and no. While many of us spent the month of December wishing the stress of preparing meals, visiting family and shopping for gifts would end, there is a common let-down phase that follows the busy month. This is often [...]
