What is gluten? Gluten is a protein found in many grains such as wheat, semolina, spelt, kamut, rye and barley. Gluten is what gives bread its airy and fluffy texture and dough its sticky texture. Because most of our historical association with gluten “sensitivity” is celiac disease (with its typical severe diarrhea and malabsorption symptoms), many …
In the center of your chest, there is a small, muscular tunnel that separates the end of your esophagus from your stomach. It’s a muscle called your lower esophageal sphincter (LES). When you’re eating, this muscle should be relaxed and open so that food can travel to your stomach. But at all other times (unless …
With the onset of COVID-19, some people are trying to boost their immune system and one way they are doing that is by focusing on gut health. How is gut health and immunity related? Well, approximately 70 percent of our immune cells are located within the walls of our gastrointestinal tract (gut). Beneficial or good …
Thanks to the seasonal change, we are once again entering another allergy season. Like many, you may suffer from seasonal sneezing, nasal congestion, sinus headache, weepy eyes, or post-nasal drip. Our immune system can react with alarm to the protein contained in pollen and develop antibodies to these “foreign invaders.” Exposure to them then causes your mast …
With the novel coronavirus in full swing, many folks are trying to boost their immune system through lifestyle changes, eating whole foods and taking probiotics. Regarding probiotics, it is important to understand what they are and how to make informed decisions on obtaining high quality formulas. All of the probiotics I mention in this article …
Most people I know are abiding by the social distancing and quarantine recommendations associated with the Coronavirus-19 pandemic. People are scared about how quickly the virus is spreading and how lethal it is to those most vulnerable. This fear leaves many wondering what else they can do to protect themselves, their families and friends. Outside …
Are you one who struggles every winter with colds or the flu? Some colds can hang on for over a month and the aches and chills of a flu are the worst. Want to know how you can do to boost your immune system? Well, don’t worry—I have you covered. There are several things you …
Beyond Cholesterol: 8 Tests That Measure Your Cardiovascular-Disease Risk
Magnesium is an electrolyte and is vital for optimal body function. It’s responsible for over 300 enzyme reactions and is found in all tissues — but mainly in your bones, muscles, and brain. You must have it for: cellular energy, brain function, good bone mineral density, mood regulation (lower anxiety and increase relaxation), reduced inflammation, …
We need strong stomach acid, hydrochloric acid (HCl), for optimal digestion. Stomach acid helps with protein breakdown, aids in mineral (e.g., iron, magnesium, chromium, selenium) and Vitamin B12 absorption, and serves as a barrier protecting against various microorganisms that might otherwise colonize the gastrointestinal tract. Strong stomach acid also signals the release of pancreatic and …
