Maintaining a healthy digestive system is essential for our overall health and wellbeing. Consuming foods that are difficult to digest can lead to various gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea. Fortunately, there are plenty of healthier options you can choose which are easy to find and will improve your digestion. Here are some foods you can swap out for healthier alternatives to support a healthy digestive system: Swap White Bread for Whole-Grain White bread is made from refined grains and lacks essential nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Swa ..read more

As we start to settle into our habits for 2023, take a look back on your New Year’s resolutions. If you are already disappointed in your progress, maybe it is time to adjust your goals! Resolutions can be harsh and rooted in self-criticism. Instead of thinking about goals that you would like to accomplish in a limited amount of time, try to focus on lifestyle changes that will support you through 2023 and for many years to come! Your gut health is of the utmost importance, as it relates to many other aspects of your overall health. Here are some reasonable lifestyle changes you can adopt that ..read more

Staying active in the winter is challenging. The air is freezing outside and the short days mean that productivity levels are low. If you struggle during the winter months, you’re certainly not alone. Here are some suggestions for self-motivating in the cold. Even the simple act of wearing a pair of sneakers while you’re inside can help you get up and outside. Make sure that you’re dressing appropriately for the weather - wearing a hat and gloves is a simple way to retain heat while outdoors. Though this may seem like an obvious tip, the proper attire can make your winter walks far more enjoya ..read more

Inflammatory bowel disease is a problem for more than 1.4 million patients in America, and is still not yet fully understood by scientists and researchers. Though we have come a long way in answering some of the most pressing questions about the disease, there is still no definitive answer on its causes and most effective treatments.  IBD vs IBS Though they can have similar symptoms, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is not the same as the more common irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBD refers to a disease which includes the conditions Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, while IBS is a ..read more

The American College of Gastroenterology estimates that over 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month, and at least 15 million experience it daily. If you fall into the group that experience heartburn daily, you might be suffering from acid reflux. What is Acid Reflux? Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is one of the most common causes of gastric discomfort. Also commonly referred to as acid reflux, GERD occurs when stomach acid flows from the stomach into the back of the esophagus. When the acid from your stomach touches your esophagus, it ca ..read more

You have probably seen products in the grocery store being advertised as rich in pre or probiotics. They are continually trending in the nutrition world and are often used to market dairy products such as Greek yogurt or kefir. Although they seem pretty mainstream and similar in spelling, they are quite different in their function when it comes to balancing your gut health. Understanding the differences will allow you to make informed choices for your diet and choose options that work for your lifestyle. What Are Probiotics and Prebiotics?  Probiotics are live bacteria found in some foo ..read more

Summer is the best time of year for fresh healthy fruits and vegetables, but it can also come with the temptation of snacks and drinks that may upset your stomach. So how do you know which foods to choose this summer? Here are some of the best and worst summer-specific foods for good gut health and digestion. Best Summer Foods  Asparagus Asparagus is a prebiotic containing high levels of fiber! Choosing asparagus as a side to your summer meals is a fantastic choice, especially when you choose it over fries or chips. Asparagus is also easy to grill, making it a great addition to your back ..read more

The digestive system is one of the most essential systems in our body. It works by helping us consume food, break down nutrients and distribute them throughout the body to manage important bodily needs that require energy, growth, and cell repair. It also works to collect and eliminate waste efficiently, maintaining a natural balance of all other functions.  Sometimes, our digestive system may experience an imbalance or condition that causes it to function differently and improperly, leading to life-altering symptoms and needed lifestyle changes. 20 million people suffer from chronic dige ..read more

From eating a meal that doesn’t sit right in our stomachs to being diagnosed with a specific condition that requires a lifestyle and diet change, GI issues are more common than you may think. Nearly 1 in 5 Americans experience gastrointestinal issues at some point during their lives. Understanding the commonality of these issues allows you to better treat them while realizing that you are far from alone if you have, or currently, experience these issues.   There are numerous GI issues that affect millions of people per year, but these are the top 5 most common issues along with ways to tr ..read more

The gut is one of the most complex parts of the human body. Over the last couple of decades, it has become an increasingly important part of the conversation around its impact on overall health and the effect it can have on numerous parts of the body outside of the digestive system. In fact, many studies have linked gut health to integral roles in human mood, emotions, mental health, immune system function, skin conditions, and even cancer.  Having a balanced gut microbiome is the first step in achieving a healthier body. Although our goal is to achieve a healthy balance in the gut, many ..read more