Goji berry, also called Lycium barbarum, Fructus lycii or Gouqizi, has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for thousands of years. In TCM literature, the herb is known for balancing “Yin” and “Yang” in the body, nourishing the liver and kidney and improving visual acuity. Goji berry fruits have a variety of biological […]
We love sodas. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost one-third of Americans drink at least one sugar-laden soda or other sweetened drinks every day. We love the cool and sizzling sweet taste of the soda, which comes mostly from “high fructose corn syrup,” a main sweetening ingredient in soda drinks. […]
Postpartum depression (PPD) is undeniably distressing. And this isn’t helped by the fact that finding appropriate treatment can be difficult. Women often dismiss antidepressant drugs due to the risks associated with breastfeeding and psychological therapy can be perceived to carry social stigma. But there’s a very natural and easy treatment that can suit everyone: exercise […]
We have now discovered many benefits of exercise for cardiovascular health, weight loss, stress management, and mood lifting. Mounting evidences are suggesting that exercise can boost brain function and protect against dementia. This makes great physiologic sense: increased blood flow to the brain means more oxygen and nutrients in and toxins out. But are those […]
A stroke occurs when blood flow to brain tissues is disrupted, killing brain cells by robbing them of oxygen and nutrients. The most likely cause is blockage of an artery in the neck or head. When a portion of the brain is damaged, patients are often left with some disability, such as paralysis, loss of […]
I traveled extensively in the past few weeks. Usually, when traveling, I try to take time to relax through yoga and meditation and control my stress level. However, in this round of trips, I became negligent in keeping up with my exercise routine. And, this morning, two pimples popped up on my chin. This is […]
In the previous post, we learned about the brain-gut-skin theory proposed by two dermatologists, John Stokes and Donald Pillsbury, in 1930s. Here is the gist of the theory: stress produces stress hormones, which leads to low acid production in your stomach, which leads to the changes in your gut microbiota population, which leads to local […]
Boswellia is a large branching tree native to India, Northern Africa, and the Middle East. The trunk is tapped for its resin, which is purified and used in herbal preparations. The resin, known as frankincense, has been used in religious and cultural ceremonies since antiquity.
Gut microbiota is the name given today to the microbe population living in our intestine. Our gut microbiota contains tens of trillions of microorganisms, including at least 1000 different species of known bacteria with more than 3 million genes (150 times more than human genes). Microbiota can, in total, weigh up to 2 kg. One […]
You must have noticed that your acne tends to flares up around stressful times—before a big test, a big meeting or during travel. Often, the skin problems are accompanied with bowel movement problems. I have experienced the phenomenon all my life and have heard many similar experiences from others. For a longest time, I have […]