Relief of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Symptoms with a Low FODMAP Diet Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common gastrointestinal condition worldwide, affecting an estimated 13-20% of Canadians. This often-debilitating functional disorder presents with symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation and/or diarrhea. Patients’ symptoms can vary widely and there is no one-size-fits-all management [...]
Diet That’s Good for the Gut & the Heart Cardiovascular disease, which mainly includes coronary heart disease and stroke, is a worldwide health concern. In coronary heart disease, fatty deposits build up in the heart’s blood vessels, slowing the blood supply and potentially leading to a heart attack (myocardial infarction). A stroke occurs when narrowed [...]
A Traditional Chinese Medicine Look at Summer Foods Have you ever thought about looking at foods from a different perspective? Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) was founded on centuries of observing nature and the human body’s reactions to trying different things, which is the very essence of science. TCM emphasizes the consumption of local, seasonally available [...]
Stomach Ulcer Diet Ulcer disease is a condition in which open sores develop in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. They can occur in the upper portion of the small intestine (duodenal ulcer), stomach (gastric ulcer), and esophagus (esophageal ulcer). Contrary to long-standing common belief, stress does not cause ulcers. Instead, the leading cause of [...]
Inflammatory Bowel Disease and the Balanced Dinner Plate All together, a familiar message is beginning to come through: a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, nuts, and vegetables, and not heavily based on certain types of meat (such as red, processed, or fried) might decrease an individual’s risk for developing IBD and might also [...]
Prunes vs. Psyllium for Reducing Constipation In a study, published in Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics,1 researchers compared the effectiveness of a popular natural supplement, psyllium (Metamucil®), to a natural food remedy that humans have been consuming for thousands of years, dried plums (prunes). They concluded that prunes are superior in providing safe, effective relief of mild [...]
Health Canada Warnings Contaminated Natural Health Products Health Canada warns consumers to use caution when purchasing natural health products, especially if they are buying them online or from an unknown source. There is an increasing problem with products that may not have been approved for sale in Canada, but which are readily available [...]
Food Allergy vs. Intolerance: Know the Difference Understanding the difference between food allergies and food intolerances can leave a person justifiably confused. With these medical conditions having potential overlapping symptoms (e.g., cramps, upset stomach, diarrhea, skin rash, and headache), it is easy to see why the line separating the two is so often blurred. Allergy [...]
Are You Getting Enough Zinc? Zinc is a trace element and an essential micronutrient for humans. Essential micronutrients are vitamins and minerals that are required in small amounts by the body for optimal health. Since the body is unable to synthesize these micronutrients, a dietary source is necessary. Early during digestion, zinc ions present in [...]
Headline Foods Do They Deserve the Spotlight? In today’s world, with an overabundance of information in the media, and especially on the internet, it can be challenging to decipher truth from fiction. Over the past decade, a growing interest has developed around food, especially how certain foods have wonderful properties to increase our health and [...]
