One of the most common (and unpleasant) side effects many patients complain about when using prescription antibiotic drugs is antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD). [1] One possible countermeasure to this longstanding and potentially serious concern may lie in the use of probiotics. While this may sound like a common sense solution to natural and holistic healthcare experts, much of the mainstream medical community is just now catching on to the idea. [2] (more…)
Xylanase (pronounced zy-lan-ase) is a naturally-occurring enzyme that can have beneficial impacts on human health and digestion.[1] Fungi and bacteria produce xylanase, and it's produced by insects, crustaceans like snails, and even seeds.[2] Mammals, including humans, do not produce xylanase, but some of our gut bacteria do. Scientifically speaking, it is an enzyme that breaks down xylan, a type of hemicellulose, by cleaving the molecule’s beta 1,4 backbone into a simple sugar called xylose. Xylan is the second most common polysaccharide in nature and is a component of plant cell […]
Uncontrollable gas (flatus or flatulent gases) is known as flatal incontinence. This condition is defined as involuntary flatulence at least once or more per week. The big concern: it can happen anywhere. Involuntarily ‘breaking wind’ while at the store, restaurant or at the office creates embarrassing situations. It can erode self-confidence. It can negatively impact one’s relationships. Worse yet, the feeling of being powerless to control oneself can stress and isolate an individual. Unfortunately, it's a concern that afflicts women around the world. (more…)
Commonly found in many fruits, such as bananas and apples, pectinase in an enzyme that plays a key role in the digestive processes, and perhaps more importantly, in total physical well-being and anti-aging. (more…)
If you're into health food, you may have heard of kombucha. Kombucha is a lightly fermented tea which has achieved considerable popularity among the healthy eating crowd. Advocates claim it enhances cognition, stimulates immune function, supports weight loss, can be applied as a therapy for almost any ailment, and even promotes longevity. [1] [2] But, before you dive into your first cup, it's a good idea to know why it’s good and what to look out for. (more…)
