Probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive support compounds that nurture the gut microbiome and digestive wellness.
27 itemsThe updated hygiene (Old Friends) hypothesis explains how reduced microbial diversity may shape gut–immune development and influence autoimmune risk in T1D, MS, RA, and Hashimoto’s.
A focused, evidence-based look at turkey tail’s PSK and PSP extracts, how their beta-glucans may modulate immunity, and what clinical research suggests about using them as adjuncts to therapy.
Many people order serum or stool zonulin tests to assess “leaky gut.” This focused review explains what zonulin does, why assays are controversial, how results compare with validated permeability tests, and practical, evidence-informed alternatives.
Do fermented foods act like proto‑psychobiotics? A focused, evidence‑based review of kimchi, kefir, miso, the vagus nerve, and Lactobacillus/Bifidobacterium research for mood and anxiety.
A focused, evidence-based review of L‑glutamine for exercise‑induced gut permeability in athletes, bridging modern research with traditional nutrition perspectives.
A focused look at how mushroom beta‑glucans engage Dectin‑1 and other receptors to modulate innate immunity, why extraction methods matter, and where human evidence stands.
Is zonulin testing a reliable way to assess intestinal permeability? This evidence-based review explains the science, assay controversies, and practical takeaways.
A focused, evidence-based look at Bifidobacterium longum 1714 (and NCC3001) as psychobiotics for stress and anxiety, how they may work via the gut–brain axis, and how traditional fermented foods fit in.
A focused, evidence-based look at turkey tail mushroom’s PSK/PSP beta-glucans, how they may modulate immunity, what clinical research suggests, why extraction matters, and how this aligns with TCM.
A focused, evidence-based guide to the lactulose–mannitol test for intestinal permeability: how it works, what an abnormal result may mean, key limitations, how it compares with zonulin assays, and what trials show about modulating the test.
Alpha-galactosidase can reduce gas after beans and crucifers by targeting GOS. Here’s what randomized studies and food-science research suggest—plus where the enzyme won’t help.
A focused look at fermented foods as proto‑psychobiotics. Evidence on Lactobacillus/Bifidobacterium strains, the vagus nerve, and traditional ferments like kimchi, kefir, and miso—and what this may mean for mood.
A focused look at molecular mimicry—how gut microbes and infections may trigger autoimmunity—and what current evidence shows across conditions like T1D, RA, and thyroid autoimmunity.
A focused, evidence-based look at turkey tail mushroom’s PSK/PSP and immunity—mechanisms, clinical adjunct data, extraction methods, and how TCM perspectives align with modern research.
A focused, evidence-based review of bovine colostrum for intestinal permeability—what human trials show in NSAID and exercise stress, where evidence is stronger (infectious diarrhea) vs. still emerging, and how traditional perspectives align.
A focused, evidence-based look at when digestive enzymes truly help food intolerance—lactase, alpha-galactosidase, and sacrosidase—versus where marketing outpaces data.
A focused look at how psychobiotics may influence anxiety via the vagus nerve, highlighting strain-specific human evidence and the role of fermented foods as proto‑psychobiotics.
A focused, evidence-based explainer on molecular mimicry—how immune responses to gut microbes may cross-react with self and contribute to autoimmune disease.
A focused look at how mushroom beta‑glucans may modulate innate immunity and the gut‑immune axis, why extraction methods matter, and what clinical research suggests.
A focused, evidence-based explainer on zonulin and intestinal permeability: what elevated zonulin means, testing limits, and interventions that may help.
Research-backed look at lactase supplements for lactose intolerance—what works, what doesn’t, and how it compares to lactose-free milk and fermented dairy.
Do lactase supplements actually help lactose intolerance? A focused look at what randomized trials, systematic reviews, and traditional practices suggest—plus where expectations should be set.
A focused, evidence-based look at molecular mimicry as a gut-driven mechanism in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis—what’s known, what’s emerging, and how traditional perspectives align.
A focused, evidence‑based look at L‑glutamine for exercise‑induced gut permeability—what the research shows, how it ties to the gut–muscle axis, and where traditional practices like bone broth fit.
Live beneficial bacteria that support gut microbiome health, digestion, and immune function.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic, relapsing disorder of gut–brain interaction characterized by abdominal pain associated with altered bowel habits, without structural disease that explains the symptoms. Western medicine classifies IBS using the Rome IV criteria: recurrent abdominal pain, on average, at least 1 day per week in the last 3 months, associated with two or more of the following—related to defecation, associated with a change in frequency of stool, and associated with a change in form (appearance) of stool—with symptom onset at least 6 months before diagnosis. Subtypes are defined by predominant stool pattern: diarrhea-predominant (IBS-D), constipation-predominant (IBS-C), mixed (IBS-M), and unclassified. Pathophysiology is multifactorial: visceral hypersensitivity, altered motility, immune activation and barrier dysfunction, dysbiosis, bile acid malabsorption in a subset, and central modulation via the gut–brain axis. Psychosocial stressors and early life adversity can amplify symptoms through bidirectional brain–gut signaling. Evidence-based Western management is multimodal and personalized. First-line lifestyle strategies include regular physical activity, sleep optimization, and diet. The low-FODMAP diet—temporary restriction of fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides and polyols—has strong evidence for reducing global IBS symptoms when delivered in a structured elimination and reintroduction program (best studied by Monash University). Soluble fiber (psyllium) is recommended in IBS-C and some mixed phenotypes, while insoluble fiber may worsen symptoms. Pharmacologic options are matched to subtype and dominant symptoms: antispasmodics (e.g., dicyclomine, hyoscyamine) for cramping; loperamide for urgency/diarrhea control (not for global symptom relief); bile acid sequestrants in suspected bile acid diarrhea; non-absorbed antibiotic rifaximin for IBS-D; secretagogues such as linaclotide and plecanatide for IBS-C; lubiprostone (women with IBS
IBS and anxiety frequently travel together through a shared gut–brain axis. IBS is a disorder of gut–brain interaction defined by recurrent abdominal pain with altered bowel habits, while anxiety e...
