gut health Articles - Dr. Group's Healthy Living Articles

Prebiotic vs Probiotic – What’s the Difference?

By Dr. Edward Group, DC
Updated Apr 1, 2024

You may have seen probiotic yogurt advertised as having "live active cultures." This indicates that the yogurt contains living, beneficial organisms intended to help your body with digestion. Many people wonder if there's any truth in that or if it's just a marketing ploy. Well, considering the nature of advertisers, you might be surprised to know that although "probiotics" has become a hot buzzword in health food advertising, it's not just a bunch of hype. In fact, probiotics do promote healthy digestion. What's not often discussed is that, like all […]

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Abdominal Massage for Constipation: Benefits & Directions

By Dr. Edward Group, DC
Updated Oct 12, 2023

Abdominal massage used to be the go-to treatment for constipation. It’s a safe and natural way to ease that stopped up feeling, and the gas and bloating that often go with it. When you massage your stomach in the right way, you induce peristalsis — the wave-like motions of your intestines that push everything through. This means that it takes less time for waste to get out of your body. The great news? You can massage your own abdomen, have your partner do it, or find a therapist who specializes […]

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The Gut-Immune System Connection

By Dr. Edward Group, DC
Updated Oct 5, 2023

The digestive system doesn’t get enough credit. Not only does it break down the food you eat, but it also plays a major role in keeping you healthy. There’s a strong connection between your gut and your immune system. In fact, over 70 percent of your body’s immune system is in your gastrointestinal tract![1] You've most likely heard of probiotics, the "good bacteria" many people take as supplements. Yet every person has a whole ecosystem of microbes in their gut. Known as the microbiome, it’s composed of bacteria, viruses, fungi, […]

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6 Ways to Boost Immune Health Through the Gut

By Dr. Edward Group, DC
Updated Oct 5, 2023

Many positive lifestyle choices can help balance your gut and boost your immune system. Making gut-friendly changes to your diet, choosing the right supplements, and generally prioritizing wellness can promote gut and immune system health. Here are a few proven ideas. 1. Follow a Whole Food, Plant-Based Diet A plant-based diet that consists of healthy whole foods gives your gut the nutrients it needs to work well. Eating plant-based proteins may increase immune-boosting gut bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus.[1] A healthy diet strengthens the immune system by supporting gut balance. […]

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The Gut-Brain Connection: Boost Mental Health Through the Gut

By Dr. Edward Group, DC
Updated Sep 26, 2023

Have you ever thought of improving your mental health through the gut? If not, you should be. Your gut is where digestion begins, but it's also connected to your brain and at least 70 percent of your immune system. You simply can't be healthy if your gut isn't healthy. The "gut" is a general term that describes the entire digestive system. This includes the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, small intestine, and large intestine (aka the colon). Your gut is packed with bacteria and home to 2,000 different species that […]

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