Let’s address the myth of “good” bacteria in the intestine. So often, intestinal bacteria are referred to as some sort of miracle germ that improves health and function. They are proclaimed to produce nutrients, increase your ability to absorb nutrients, improve your mood, create an appropriate appetite, help you lose weight, etc., etc. But is…
Are you looking forward to Thanksgiving dinner but dreading that overstuffed, sleepy feeling that usually hits around pie-eating time? Consider replacing some of those rich or “heavy” sides with healthy Thanksgiving dishes that are easy to digest and packed with good nutrients. A good place to start is by tapping the power of root vegetables.…
The problem with eating fried foods and fast foods is not simply that they are high in fat. It’s that they are high in a certain type of fat: PUFAs. In my recent posts on The Truth about Clogged Arteries and The Many Causes of Heart Disease, I’ve encouraged readers to eat a diet that…
Heart disease has many contributing factors, including poor dietary habits, elevated stress, intestinal bacteria—and magnesium deficiency. It’s important to note that, despite popular belief, cholesterol alone is not to blame for causing clogged arteries and other forms of cardiovascular disease. In fact, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that cholesterol-lowering statin drugs are not the solution to…
Low-carb dieting may be an attractive option if you want to lose weight quickly. However, it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. Before you commit to this type of diet, make sure you are aware of the potential consequences. My last post on The Low-Carb Diet Dilemma noted that one of the many risks…
The low-carb diet is a concept that has been widely used in the weight loss industry for a long time now. It is quite successful in producing weight loss in individuals who have difficulty doing so. It also typically allows for increased caloric intake and greater satiety in the process. This makes it a very…
A healthy balance of intestinal bacteria (a.k.a. gut bacteria or gut flora) is extremely important when it comes to your health. If you read my previous posts on intestinal bacteria and how they affect your health, you know that it’s not so simple as feeding or increasing the so-called “good” bacteria in your gut. Remember:…
Fish oil supplements containing omega-3 are not as beneficial as many popular health studies have claimed. If you look more closely at the science behind these studies, you’ll find that adding fish oil to the diet does not truly increase heart health or produce a healthier omega-3:6 ratio. To learn more about why fish oil…
There are several myths about lactose intolerance floating around out there. My last post was devoted to understanding lactose intolerance, its symptoms, and the physical factors that affect your individual level of tolerance for digesting lactose. This post will explore popular myths stemming from misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and unproven theories about the nature of this condition.…
Over the holidays, many people fall into the pattern of overeating, feeling guilty, and then trying to repent by setting strict resolutions come New Year’s Day. Why do we believe the only way to make up for indulging in “bad” foods this time of year is to set unrealistic expectations for later? This attitude of…