H.pylori infection has affected up to 4.4 billion individuals worldwide, based on a study in 2015.[1] Regionally, prevalence is around forty-five per cent in China[2] and over fifty per cent in South Korea. Estimates in Hong Kong have one in two people infected acutely or previously as a child.[3] This prevalence rate differs globally, with rates around forty per … [Read more...]
Bloated, Full, and Tired?
Imagine waking up in the morning with a flat stomach, wondering if today was the day you don’t get bloated after your first meal. As time goes on, the bloating develops, the fullness and distension appear, and just as 11 a.m. rolls around, your eyes start to get heavy in the last meeting before lunch. “How did things get like this?” The rest of the day becomes a matter of survival as you have to second guess each task after your lunch, which briefly elevates your energy levels but makes the beach ball in your tummy worse.
For some, that isn’t a matter of imagination; it’s happening every day, and the thought that it may not get better is too regular. For most of my patients, this was their day before they found me. Their situation is why I named this section bloated, full and tired. Every article and podcast episode focuses on those who experience these symptoms regularly, who want to understand why things aren’t changing, and some potential natural solutions for solving it.
FIR Episode 39: Half the world has H.pylori, do you?
Based on a study in 2015, H.pylori infection has affected up to 4.4 billion individuals worldwide. How come so many people have had this, and I’ve never heard of it? There are a few reasons. Most of the time, the higher prevalence rates are in developing countries, with the African continent estimated to have up to an eighty per cent infection … [Read more...]
Article: The oral microbiome – A window to mental and digestive health?
The oral microbiome is a collection of bacterial colonies found in different parts of the mouth, including areas such as the teeth and the tonsils.[1] The oral microbiome is the second most diverse bacterial environment, only to the large intestine and the colon. In fact, the digestive tract and the mouth combined house around sixty per cent of the total bacteria in our … [Read more...]
FIR Episode 36: The oral microbiome and your digestive and mental health
The health of the oral microbiome can influence most of the common conditions we see in the brain, the gut and everything in between. For example, did you know that cardiovascular and Alzheimer's disease are linked with your oral health? This Free and Inspired radio episode will explore the silent epidemic occurring “right under our noses.” Learn about how the … [Read more...]
FIR Episode 31: A Beginner’s Guide to SIBO
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, or SIBO as an acronym, is one of many modern ways of handling and, in some cases, explaining irritable bowel syndrome and its symptoms. In this Free and Inspired radio episode, get a beginner’s look at small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Some estimates have SIBO positive in up to seventy per cent of IBS cases. One study … [Read more...]
Article: Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) – A Beginner’s Guide
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, or SIBO as an acronym, is one of many modern ways of handling and, in some cases, explaining irritable bowel syndrome and its symptoms. A meta-analysis and systematic review (where researchers combine studies for better conclusions) brought together twenty-five separate studies confirming the link between IBS and SIBO.[1] Some … [Read more...]
Article: Probiotics – A Beginner’s Guide
When it comes to questions in the clinic, probiotics and their uses are top of the list. Probiotics are one of the most frequent over the counter formulas patients are using or interested in using before attending their first consultation with me. Their popularity isn’t isolated to my patients either. One review estimates that yearly sales of probiotics will eclipse US$64 … [Read more...]
FIR Episode 30: A Beginner’s Guide to Probiotics
In this episode, we’ll look at what makes a bacteria probiotic, some evidence of its benefits, and how to choose the best probiotics for you. Probiotics are one of the most frequent over-the-counter formulas patients are using or are interested in using. Their popularity isn’t isolated to patients either. One review estimates that yearly sales of probiotics will eclipse … [Read more...]
Article: Are the digestion and microbiome the missing link for hormone issues?
Your digestion and microbiome influence your hormone issues in a significant way. This article will explain why they may be the missing link in premenstrual symptoms, irregular cycles, and everything in between. "I didn't know there was a connection between my hormones and my digestion." I know, right? That's why I'm excited to write this article. Women living with … [Read more...]
Article: Constipation 101 – Causes, Solutions and where you can start
The number of people living with constipation increases in China[1] and affects anywhere from three to twenty-seven per cent of people in Europe[2] and the USA[3]. Whilst constipation affects mainly females and progresses with age, many children are also affected, with a quarter of visits to a paediatrician looking to address constipation without an … [Read more...]
FIR Episode 27: Constipation 101 – Solutions to help if nothing works.
In this episode, we will tackle solutions for the most common digestive symptoms - constipation. We’ll be looking at common causes of constipation, solutions, where you can start, and your options if you have tried the most straightforward solutions. Are you constipated or just having a challenging bowel experience? Most people living with constipation describe the … [Read more...]
FIR Episode 24: Can the gut and the brain be the solution to your skin issues?
Would you believe two dermatologists first spoke about the brain, gut, and skin connection in 1930? It’s only recently that the brain-digestion-skin link is helping people break free of their long-standing acne and skin issues. In this Free and Inspired radio episode, Philip breaks down how the gut, brain and skin interact with each other for either better or … [Read more...]
Article: Can the gut/brain link be the answer to your acne and skin issues?
In this article, I’m here to tell you that the brain and digestion can be the answer to your acne and skin issues. Would you believe two dermatologists first spoke about the brain, gut, and skin connection in 1930?[1] I’ve been excited to write this article. I feel that this relationship has been in the literature for a while; it’s only recently that the brain-digestion-skin … [Read more...]
FIR Episode 23: Is there a link between the gut, brain and chronic pain?
In this Free and Inspired radio episode, Philip explores the connection between your gut, brain and chronic pain. “In my early years of practice, I saw many fibromyalgia patients. From my point of view, the level of debilitation is second to none. One of the critical facets I witnessed then almost fifteen years ago is the need for a multidisciplinary approach to chronic pain … [Read more...]
FIR Episode 18: Can probiotics strengthen my immunity?
“I wondered if probiotics could help strengthen my immunity?” The answer is yes, probiotics can strengthen your immunity. In this Free and Inspired radio episode, we’re getting up to date with how different probiotics might help you build your immune response. Philip also helps you learn more about how the immune system works. For instance, did you know that … [Read more...]