The Pattern Library

Understanding probiotics is essential for gut health, but these compounds don't tell the whole story. The conversation around digestive wellness often centers on bacteria, but the latest research highlights the importance of what these bacteria actually produce. Probiotics vs. Prebiotics vs. Postbiotics Here's the distinction that changes everything: probiotics are the live bacteria themselves, prebiotics are the food that feeds them, and postbiotics are the beneficial compou

If you are interested in how the oral microbiome and bacteria travel throughout the body, this video explains the biological connection between your mouth, gut, and brain. We look at the mechanisms behind systemic inflammation and immune evasion. We analyze how environmental factors and specific lifestyle triggers can create breeding grounds for harmful bacteria, potentially affecting long-term cognitive health. By understanding the gut-brain axis, you can better grasp why ma

Did you know that the oral microbiome, specifically P. gingivalis bacteria may influence brain health and contribute to Alzheimer's disease risk? I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Iman Abdeshahian, a Dentist at Holistic Dental Wellness Center. Patients within QC Natural Health got to compile their questions for him, and he answered everything from fluoride to mouthwashes to mercury fillings. I want to share every detail with you! Here is transcript of our podcast to

Your gut microbiome actually changes during menopause. Here's why that shift matters, and how food as medicine can support your body through it.

Your gut and brain are in constant communication — and when that connection breaks down, it can show up as anxiety, brain fog, or low mood long before any digestive symptoms appear. In my recent DrTalks interview, I share how the vagus nerve, microbiome, and intestinal permeability connect, and what it actually takes to heal both.

If you've ever been told your symptoms are "just stress," this one's for you. A conversation about what your gut is actually trying to tell you — and the simple practices that can help.

15 years ago, I used to lie on my bed with textbooks on my belly because I was so bloated. I didn't know it then, but what was happening in my gut was deeply connected to what was happening with my hormones. I just didn't have the language or the science yet. There's a huge connection between gut health and hormone balance. I had the absolute pleasure of geeking out with Dr. Heidi and Dr. Serena, the brilliant duo behind the Hormone Heroines podcast, to dig into one of my fav

Of all the digestive conditions, heartburn is definitely one of the most firey. It's caused by stomach acid back-flowing into the esophagus, called gastroesophageal reflux or GERD. A little bit of reflux is normal at most meals, but a lot of reflux and at increased frequency can lead to discomfort and tissue damage. A common thought is that heartburn is caused by too much stomach acid. Brace Yourself... Usually it's the opposite! Not having enough stomach acid can make the m

Fascinating Research! A question I frequently encounter is: "Should I incorporate a probiotic into my routine?" Probiotics are beneficial...

Many individuals hold the belief that if a product or substance is labeled as "natural," it automatically guarantees safety. Unfortunately, that's not the case. "Natural" is an unregulated word in the FDA world, so it could mean just about anything. I carefully suggest a wide range of natural products and supplements to my patients, always with a specific purpose and utmost caution. It's important to approach these recommendations thoughtfully and with care. Even seemingly ha

Before we dive in, here's an anatomy check on what's inside the abdomen. After the stomach - where food is churned - food enters the...

I should really say the "The Quick & Clean". Never the less, here's the skinny on the Migrating Motor Complex. In our office visits,...

Intermittent fasting has becoming increasingly popular as a dietary pattern than focuses not on what to eat but when to eat. This way of eating has become popular as practice to improve your health. Intermittent Fasting (IF) is the idea of restricting your feeding window and increasing your fasting window. For example, if you eat breakfast at 9am and finish dinner at 7pm, that's a 10-hour feeding window and a 14-hour fasting window. Feeding windows can be as small as you'd l

Did you know that the bacteria in your gut can migrate across the intestinal barrier, activate immune cells, and cause inflammation throughout your body? Studies indicate that it is indeed true, however here's what you should know... Until now, we have been unable to determine which gut microbes breach the intestinal barrier or are most associated with inflammatory disease. Scientists from Cedars-Sinai and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease have discover

Research update! Be forewarned that this article is dense! Long story short is that nerve cells in our gut that experience pain may be...

Did you know that couples have more similar microbiomes than siblings?? After months and even years in a close relationship, people start...

It's almost here! This online course launches November 1st, & I want you to have a first dibs discount! We'll dive into all of the facets of the gut-brain axis, including : - The science behind the Gut-Brain Connection - An in-depth look at the Nervous System - Mindful Eating - The Microbiome & How to Create More Microbiome Diversity - Meditation Techniques for Digestive Health Be sure to subscribe below to get your $50 off discount code in your inbox on November 1st Take a

Do you ever breathe through your mouth, even when you're not running or doing something strenuous? It's possible that you'll do it...

You’ve heard of the terms “anxious belly”, “butterflies in your stomach”, or “a gut feeling”? These are more than just phrases! There is science to back them up! This October, I'll be leading a workshop where we’ll explore the intersection between mind & body, specifically how this relates to gut health & emotions. We have learned a lot about the brain-gut axis in the past decade. There is now more evidence that shows how the gut microbiome interacts with the brain. This supp

I recently had the pleasure of being interviewed by Subkit in early June. We discussed what I do here at QC Natural Health, what it's...