Small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a complex disorder of the digestive system that may have many different root causes, making it difficult to diagnose and treat. The primary diagnostic test for SIBO is a non-invasive hydrogen breath test. SIBO affects millions of people, many of whom are unaware of the disorder. Living with SIBO…
Dietary supplements for thyroid health can address underlying nutrient deficiencies, stress, and hormonal imbalances, all of which can be root causes of a thyroid disorder. Approaching hypothyroidism with supplements, in addition to lifestyle changes, can often help people to avoid the need for medications in the future. We’ll talk about diagnosing the different root causes…
Primary hypothyroidism is a condition characterized by an underactive thyroid. Your thyroid gland produces a lower than average amount of thyroid hormones, like T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). The prevalence might be higher than you expected. 5 out of every 100 adults in the United States have hypothyroidism. Up to 60% are unaware they have…
Your thyroid gland is an essential part of your endocrine system that secretes hormones that regulate metabolism, heart function, digestion, muscles, brain development, and bone health. In this article, we’ll talk about typical thyroid hormone levels, which tests are important, and what to do if you have hypothyroidism. What are thyroid hormones? Thyroid hormones are…
Sometimes “going” doesn’t go so well. If you’ve never experienced pain when you’re urinating, the experience can be jarring. Dysuria is a relatively common experience and can be caused by many different factors. Dysuria is the medical term for painful urination. Sometimes it can feel like simple discomfort, a burning sensation, or even itching as…
Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic bladder condition characterized by pelvic pain, bladder pain, urinary frequency (feeling the need to urinate frequently) and urgency (feeling the strong need to urinate), and bladder pressure. It’s also known as painful bladder syndrome. What are the different types of IC? The different types of IC are ulcerative IC…
Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder that is eventually fatal. According to the CDC, Alzheimer’s is the 6th leading cause of death in the U.S. Although there are some natural treatments, preventing cognitive decline is key. Alzheimer’s is characterized by the presence of amyloid-beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in brain cells (or neurons). Over…
Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic condition that causes bladder pain, bladder pressure, pelvic pain, and urinary urgency. Although many have not heard of IC, this autoimmune disease affects up to 12 million adults in the United States alone. Below, we talk more about IC symptoms, causes, treatments, and when to see a doctor. What…
Autoimmune disease occurs when your immune system attacks your own body. Autoimmunity may lead to diabetes, skin disorders, thyroid disease, and more. Autoimmune conditions affect a surprising percentage of the population. Since the end of World War II, autoimmune disease has been on the rise. Research suggests environmental triggers for autoimmunity — specifically, factors that…
There are several methods of treating IBS, including IBS medication. What is IBS? Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of the large intestine. Don’t get it confused with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The symptoms of IBS are: Abdominal pain Bloating Cramping Excess gas Blood in stool Fatigue Depression and anxiety Diarrhea or constipation According…