Gut Health

“Trust your gut.” Most people have heard this advice since childhood, whether it came from parents or a coach before a big decision. Now, researchers have figured out there is something real behind it. The gut and the brain are linked in an ongoing conversation. When digestion is running smoothly, people often notice steadier moods and clearer thinking. Gut feelings, it turns out, might actually be physical signals from inside the body. At Body Flow Wellness, this connection guides many approaches to well-being. (more…)

As the medical community learns more and more about how gut health impacts overall well-being, interest in the human microbiome has exploded. Here, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about the microbiome, how it affects your health, and what you can do to protect it. 

What is the Human Microbiome?

The human microbiome is a collection of around 100 trillion microbial cells that live on and in the body, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. While some of these microbial species are found in the mouth, nasal passages, and even on your skin, a large portion of them live in your gut. The human large intestine alone contains an estimated 100 billion to one trillion cells per milliliter.  (more…)

As we gear up for the holiday season, there’s no better time to dive into the topic of alcohol—and how it impacts your gut. One national survey found that 47% of surveyed men and 40% of surveyed women engaged in binge drinking to ring in the New Year. For those who don’t binge drink, holiday parties and family gatherings may still tempt you to imbibe more than usual. 

Beyond its various negative health effects, including liver disease and an elevated risk of many chronic conditions, alcohol can compromise your gut. Read on to learn more about the connection between alcohol and gut health to make educated decisions this holiday season.  (more…)

Do you experience digestive discomfort after eating certain foods? You may be struggling with food intolerance. Impacting up to 20% of the population, this condition triggers various gastrointestinal symptoms and makes it difficult to enjoy certain meals. 

In this article, we’ll explore the topic of food intolerance and provide valuable tips to alleviate your symptoms. (more…)

Whether due to chronically elevated stress levels, a poor diet, an imbalance of harmful bacteria, or excessive alcohol intake, leaky gut syndrome can wreak havoc on your gastrointestinal health. This condition is becoming more prevalent in today’s world, and many people aren’t even aware that they have it. Over time, this can lead to persistent discomfort and may even contribute to chronic health problems.  (more…)

Drink more water: It’s one of the oldest health tricks in the book. But, did you know that it could play a role in preventing cognitive decline?

Dehydration can have short and long-term complications for your brain, contributing to brain fog, low mental clarity, and even shrinking brain cells. Keep reading to learn more about how dehydration can lead to cognitive decline – and signs that you need to up your hydration levels.  (more…)

Christmas is a time of joy, love, and giving. It isn’t, however, the best time for your gut. Many of the festive indulgences that we love to enjoy during the holiday season (namely sweet and fatty treats) can wreak havoc on your gut health. 

We’re here to help. You can still make the most of Christmas cheer while protecting your gut with these simple tricks: (more…)

Laxatives are a common type of medication used for constipation. They work by softening stools and/or stimulating bowel movements. Since most laxatives are available over-the-counter, some people use them often for convenient relief from constipation.  

While laxatives are widely considered safe, they’re not intended for frequent or long-term use. There are several possible dangers of laxative misuse, including an increased risk of dementia, according to a new study from UK Biobank.  (more…)

Cravings are often thought of as unhealthy, as they tend to be for fatty, sugary, or salty foods. However, cravings can be your body’s way of communicating what it needs. By understanding the different types of food cravings and how they work, you can take control of your health and even improve your nutrition. 

In this article, we’ll help you decode common food cravings and how to manage them.  (more…)

With IBS, carefully avoiding potential triggers can help you steer clear of stomach pain, cramping, bloating, gas, and other uncomfortable symptoms. From coffee to fried foods to dairy products, there are several IBS triggers to keep in mind. But, is alcohol one of them?

Can Alcohol Trigger IBS Symptoms?

In short, yes! Alcohol is a major IBS trigger, gastrointestinal irritant, and potential colon carcinogen. It can cause GI discomfort in anyone but is particularly harmful to people with IBS.  (more…)