Your body is full of trillions of bacteria, viruses and fungi. They are collectively known as the microbiome. While bacteria are often associated with disease, they’re actually extremely important for your immune system, heart, weight and many other aspects of health. This article serves as a guide to the gut microbiome and explains why it’s…

Constipation is a common problem affecting an estimated 20% of the population (1). Delayed colonic transit, or a decrease in the movement of food through the digestive system, is one of the most common causes. A low-fiber diet, old age and physical inactivity can also contribute to constipation. While remedies for constipation typically include laxatives,…

Bone broth protein has become a popular supplement among health enthusiasts. It is often touted for its wide variety of nutrients that may boost your immune system, improve joint health and benefit your skin and digestion. This article reviews bone broth protein, and whether you should try it. What Is Bone Broth Protein? Bone broth…

Certain foods that are safe for humans can be harmful to dogs. Because dogs have a different metabolism than people, feeding human foods to dogs can be very dangerous for their health and may even be fatal in some cases. This article reviews seven food items that have been proven toxic to dogs — so…

Nightshade vegetables belong to the family of plants with the Latin name Solanaceae. Potatoes, tomatoes, peppers and eggplants are all common nightshade vegetables. Many are rich sources of nutrients and serve as staple foods for various cultures. However, some think that certain groups of people may be better off eliminating nightshades. They claim that harmful…

The paleo diet is one of the most popular diets around. It consists of whole, unprocessed foods and emulates how hunter-gatherers ate. Advocates of the diet believe it can reduce the risk of modern health issues, pointing out that hunter-gathers did not face the same diseases that people today do, such as obesity, diabetes and…

Cod liver oil is a type of fish oil supplement. Like regular fish oil, it’s high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are linked to many health benefits, including reduced inflammation and lower blood pressure (1, 2). It also contains vitamins A and D, both of which provide many other health benefits. Here are 9 scientifically…

The human gut is home to over 100 trillion bacteria, known as the “gut flora.” Having a healthy gut flora is incredibly important for your overall health. Interestingly, many diet, lifestyle and other environmental factors can negatively affect your gut bacteria. What Are Gut Bacteria and Why Are They Important? Hundreds of species of bacteria…

Creatine is one of the most popular exercise performance supplements. Numerous studies have shown that it increases strength and muscle mass (1, 2, 3). Extensive research has also demonstrated that it’s safe to consume (1, 4, 5). But while you may already know that creatine is safe and effective, there seems to be confusion about…

Oregano is a fragrant herb that’s best known as an ingredient in Italian food. However, it can also be concentrated into an essential oil that’s loaded with antioxidants and powerful compounds that have proven health benefits. Oregano oil appears to be useful both when consumed or applied to the skin. Interestingly, it’s an effective natural…