Spore-based probiotics are genuinely a new category of their own, and they have multiple applications in helping people solve their digestive and gut issues. But what gives spore-based probiotics their name? Spore-based bacteria are better thought of as spore-forming bacteria. Spores are dormant life forms that have the ability to germinate or seed bacteria.[1] When … [Read more...]
The connection between the gut and Hashimoto’s disease
Hashimoto’s disease is the most common autoimmune condition globally.[1] It entangles both the gut and the brain symptomatically. Common examples of these symptoms are constipation and brain fog. But what about the gut when it comes to the triggers of Hashimoto’s disease? In this article, we will look at the gut's contribution in sustaining and perhaps even … [Read more...]
FIR Episode 47: A Beginner’s Guide to Probiotics – Part 2
Welcome to part two of one of the most downloaded Free and Inspired radio episodes – A Beginner’s Guide to probiotics. In part one of the guide, which you can listen to here, find out what a probiotic is and some tips and tricks to get started if you’ve never taken them. In this episode, discover some of the conditions where probiotics have evidence behind them and where … [Read more...]
How to choose the right probiotic for you.
Is there a way to choose the right probiotic for you? The value of the global probiotics market in 2021 was just under sixty billion US dollars.[1] That’s a lot of options when it comes to choosing the right probiotic for you. A basic search for probiotics on iHerb, the popular online supplement retailer, can deliver up to five hundred confusing options. For example, … [Read more...]
Article: What steps to take when your IBS is out of control?
IBS can get out of control, take over your day and hijack your mind in such a short time. I did a radio spot on RTHK national radio here in Hong Kong, where we introduced how IBS can affect people. To explain the context of how it affects people, I asked the following question: Can you imagine feeling progressively more unwell with every meal you eat, every day, for … [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...]
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...]
FIR Episode 28: Is the gut the missing link for your hormones?
Women with hormone issues such as premenstrual symptoms like cramping, bloating or unexpected emotional changes typically have gut symptoms at the start or different times during their cycle. "I didn't know there was a connection between my gut and my hormones." In this Free and Inspired radio episode, discover why the link between the gut and hormones may be the missing … [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 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...]
Article: Is there a connection between the gut, your brain and chronic pain?
The answer is yes, there is a connection between the gut, your brain and chronic pain. Around 2 billion people are living with chronic pain worldwide.[1] For most people living with chronic pain, it is often considered a symptom of another condition. Usually, unfortunately, this leaves it inadequately treated. In my early years of practice, I saw many fibromyalgia … [Read more...]