General Articles

Why don't supplements always work as expected? This is a good question, asked not only by experts: you have probably also wondered about it. How is it possible that the use of a nutritional supplement has a clearly positive influence for one person, while another does not notice any difference? The short answer: many factors are involved, not in the least human biochemical individuality. Continue reading →

What is an adaptogen? An adaptogen is a substance that interacts with the body in a positive way to restore balance (homeostasis) in circumstances of stress. This reduces the effects of stress on the body, making it less taxing. Modulating stress affects various systems and functions in the body. These involve hormones, neurotransmitters, mood and sleep. Adaptogens are mostly herbs. The following three criteria are used to identify an adaptogen: Continue reading →

As we wrote in our previous blog, there are many factors that affect the functioning of thyroid gland, ranging from seasonal changes to diet and medication. Thanks to new insights we have to add one major factor to the list: the intestinal flora. Continue reading →

Should one regularly check one’s stools? The answer is "yes" because it is a simple and effective way for checking one’s health. The physical appearance of your stool can tell you a lot. That's not surprising since the digestive system is integral to the proper functioning of your body. Continue reading →

In the areas surrounding Acciaroli, Italy, the local population on average reaches an extremely advanced age. This geographic spot, just below Naples, belongs to the so-called blue zones: areas where people on average live longer, healthier and happier lives than in other parts of the world. Japan’s Okinawa and Italy’s Sardinia, for example, are among these marked areas. Continue reading →

Spending time with friends and family is experienced as enjoyable by most people. It is not only enjoyable: social connectedness plays an important role in overall health and wellbeing. Continue reading →

The intestinal flora is a control center for various interlocking biological systems including the immune system, metabolism and neurobiology. This ecosystem’s health is integral to the healthy functioning of the host. Ecologically, in other words, we are part human part microbial soup. Continue reading →

We consist of bacteria—for 90% We have many different types of micro-organisms in our intestines. Some stay permanently while others are just passing through. Diet, but also the complex interplay between genes, biological, physical, psychological, social and environmental factors, determine the composition of the intestinal flora. The latter is therefore continuously changing although at any one time, the composition of the intestinal flora is as personal as a fingerprint! Continue reading →

The brain is like a garden The familiar term intestinal flora would suggest there is merit in extending it in comparing the brain with a garden. In this "garden" you have growing not plants but synaptic connections between neurons. These are the highways used by neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. Continue reading →

Until recently we knew very little about the action of enzymes. They speed up chemical reactions in cells to unprecedented speeds, as has long been known, but how they did it long remained a mystery. Not too long ago scientists discovered that they use an ingenious trick. Continue reading →