Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), also known as mucous colitis or spastic colon, is a chronic gastrointestinal (GI) disorder. Put simply, that means that your bowels behave abnormally without evidence of damage from the disease. IBS affects 10 to 15 percent of adults in the U.S. and can significantly compromise their quality of life.[1] (more…)
Long before you became a part of your community and, hopefully, a contributing member of society, there were the original communities, which were made of networks of bacteria. The inhabitants of these worked together to ensure the survival of as many members as possible. Today, these communities are called biofilms and they’re found almost anywhere they can survive. Fossil records indicate they’re at least 3.25 billion years old, and they’ve been with us ever since.[1] (more…)
Bacillus coagulans is a beneficial probiotic strain that helps to promote digestive health, reduce diarrhea caused by antibiotics, encourage a healthy immune system, normalize nutrient absorption in the body, and help balance gut flora. Similar to the Lactobacillus bacterium, Bacillus coagulans produces lactic acid inside the digestive tract. Lactic acid is helpful because it encourages the growth of healthy bacteria while inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria. Bacillus coagulans is available in fermented foods like kimchi or kombucha and some probiotic supplements. (more…)
The human body is a complex, interconnected ecosystem and the gut is where your body interacts the most with the outside world. Your gut acts as the frontline of your immune system, as it is constantly exposed to new microbes and molecules that come from the things you eat and drink. The processes that take place in the gut are involved in the central nervous system, brain, and even influence your mood. But you can’t begin a discussion about the gut’s importance without discussing the organisms that live there. (more…)
