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Urologists located in Mesa, AZ

Introducing our Nutritionist, Meghan Doherty

Meghan Doherty Clinical Nutritionist

Every one individual is not the same, therefore there is no program that will be “one size fits all”. I customize EVERY plan to tailor your personal and physcial needs. My primary goal is to educate you, implement a plan of action and thus create your strongest, greatest self both physically and mentally. Muscle is the key to our metabolism (the more you have the more you burn) and that includes MIND MUSCLE. So keep practicing daily to create long-lasting habits. 

My blog will be your source for motivation, nutrition topics, services we provide, recipes, exercise and other fun facts/tips! You can also request to view my offsite blog (meghaleanllc.wordpress.com) which are offered to all our patients!

Continue to look here for more blog posts from me! 

-Meghan Doherty

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Urologists located in Mesa, AZ

Best Avocado Toast

Best Avocado Toast AZ
Best Avocado Toast AZ

Best Avocado Toast:

Ingredients
  • 2 slices artisan whole grain bread
  • 1 Ripe Avocado
  • mini heirloom tomatoes red & yellow sliced in half
  • lemon infused extra virgin olive oil or EVOO
  • pinch of sriracha salt or pink Himalayan salt
  • pinch of crushed red pepper, optional
  • 1 tsp. crushed hemp seeds or crushed chia seeds
  • micro greens (or sprouts; best from Sprouts or Trader Joes)
Directions:
  1. Toast 2 pieces of artisan bread
  2. Cut avocado in half, remove pit, and scoop out avocado on a plate. Use a fork, press avocado till smooth, and spread avocado on toast.
  3. Slice heirloom tomatoes in half, place on top of avocado.

  5. Sprinkle with sriracha salt (or pink Himalayan salt) and crushed hemp seeds.

  6. Place some micro greens on top.
  7. Enjoy, yum!
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Urologists located in Mesa, AZ

Got Stones?

Nephrolithiasis-Got stones
Nephrolithiasis-Got stones

Got Stones?!

The incidence of kidney stones, also known as “Nephrolithiasis”, are very common in the United States and treatment can be costly. Of course, our urology team is here to help treat your stones, but prevention is just as imperative as ridding them.

If you have had them, you are aware that kidney stones are usually very painful to pass and may require surgery to remove. There are 4 types of stones, and 2 of which may be directly related to dietary/fluid intake. Adequate evaluation and management can prevent recurrence of stones. Prevention should be individualized in both its medical and dietary management, keeping in mind the specific risks involved for each type of stones. Recognition of these risk factors and development of long-term management strategies (such as a diet plan) for dealing with them are the most effective ways to prevent recurrence of kidney stones.

This is where your nutritionist is here to assess your diet/lifestyle, establish a plan of action and follow-up with you to prevent/treat these occurrences.
Although NOT all stones can be prevented via diet or lifestyle, oxalate and uric acid stones can be averted by knowledge of what foods are best to eat and avoid.

There is no one size fits all plan, but you could assume a nutritious diet is beneficial to EVERYONE. Although I agree with that statement, it is possible that your particular vegetable intake may be doing more harm than good.

To learn more about stone prevention, set a free consultation with our nutritionist, Meghan!
480-219-1010
[email protected]

 

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Urologists located in Mesa, AZ

Cranberry

CRANBERRY JUICE
CRANBERRY JUICE
Are Urinary Tract Infections really treatable by drinking cranberry juice!?!
CRANBERRY JUICE-EVU-AZ

Various studies have demonstrated that cranberry juice, tablets, and extract are not the “cure-all” to naturally treating or preventing UTI’s. Moreover, the studies were faulty due to participants that dropping out or not fully complying to study standards. However, a study from 2008 found cranberry products significantly reduced the incidence of UTIs at 12 months (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.90) compared with placebo/control (water). Your best bet is to try our line of cranberry supplements if you have had success with cranberry and UTI treatment in the past. 

THE QUESTION IS!: IS CONSUMING CRANBERRY JUICE REALLY WORTH INCREASING BLOOD SUGAR JUST TO “POSSIBLY” WARDING OFF THE CHANCES OF GETTING A FUTURE UTI?!

There are many low-sugar cranberry products on the market, but the research does not conclude a strong correlation between preventing UTIs in from recurring. Also, it is found that antibiotics are more effective in treating infection than cranberry products. However, taking antibiotics can actually kill the “good bacteria” in your gut, leading you to resistance and infection in the future. 
Good News! Probiotics are bacteria in the body that are beneficial to one’s health. Probiotics are “good bacteria,” and though primarily thought of as aiding in the digestive system, probiotics are active in many parts of the body, including the bladder. Probiotics, which promote good microorganisms in your gut, have shown promising results in several trials for recurrent urinary tract infections (RUTI). Certain strains are found in the human flora helped to “prevent” infections in 100 women and ease their symptoms.
If you do need an antibiotic, check out our line of probiotics which can help prevent RUTIs, among many other benefits such as antibiotic resistance. 

Fun Fact: Probiotics naturally occur in several foods such as yogurt, kefir, miso, kombucha and sauerkrat.

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Urologists located in Mesa, AZ

B12 Injections

B12/MIC Shots

B12/MIC Shots:

Vitamin B12 combined with MIC in an injection is used to facilitate weight loss and boost energy, aiding in the use of food for energy and in the breakdown of fat.

Read on for more benefits of this vitamin combo shot.

What is the function of Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is a co-factor in the transfer of methyl groups in the body, important in the synthesis of DNA. B12 is also important for carbohydrate metabolism. A symptom of B12 deficiency can be neurological problems because the nervous system uses carbohydrates as a main fuel source. In addition, B12 deficiency can result in Megaloblastic Anemia, a type of anemia in which the red blood cells grow without dividing, becoming enlarged.

What are symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency?

  • Low energy
  • Tingling sensation or numbness in hands or feet
  • A swollen, red cracked tongue
  • Mood changes
  • Trouble concentrating and remembering things
  • Megaloblastic anemia

People at risk for Vitamin B12 Deficiency:

  • People with a deficiency of intrinsic factor. Intrinsic factor is produced by the stomach lining and is necessary for the absorption of Vitamin B12 Removal of a portion of the stomach (i.e. post-gastric bypass surgery)
  • Pregnancy
  • Malabsorption diseases (Celiac Disease, Colitis, Crohn’s disease)
  • Lack of or deficiency of stomach acid. Stomach acid is necessary for making Vitamin B12 available from food. People taking heartburn medication, such as proton pump inhibitors, are at a higher risk for B12 deficiency and may benefit from alternative therapies to control/eliminate the heartburn or have regular Nutrient IV therapies and/or Vitamin B12 injections
  • Elderly
  • Vegans
  • Vegetarians
  • People with tapeworms
  • Alcoholics Excessive use of antibiotics
  • Excessive use of anti-convulsant medication
  • Daily consumption of Aspirin may increase the risk for vitamin B12 deficiency. Discussing alternative therapies or having regular nutrient IV therapy and/or vitamin B12 injections can help.
  • Taking the diabetic medication, Metformin, is associated with a higher risk for Vitamin B12 deficiency. Never stop your diabetic medication without a physician’s advice. Diabetics on Metformin can benefit from regular nutrient IV therapies and/or regular B12 injections to replenish their Vitamin B12 levels.
  • Liver Disease
  • Cancer

What is the quickest, most effective way to correct a Vitamin B12 deficiency?

The best way to correct a deficiency of Vitamin B12 is through a Vitamin/Nutrient IV that contains vitamin B12 and/or via vitamin B12 injections. When administered intravenously or through injection, the Vitamin B12 is not subject to gut absorption and the entire dosage administered is available to the body for use. Any excessive amount not used by the body is flushed out in the urine due to vitamin B12 being a water soluble vitamin.

What does MIC stand for?

  • MIC stands for Methionine, Inositol, and Choline.

Methione: An essential amino acid, meaning that it cannot be synthesized in the body. Methionine helps form SAM (S-adenosyl methionine), which is the “activated” form of methionine. SAM does the following:

Breaks down estrogens Carnitine synthesis (the fat carrier molecule of the body)

  • Choline synthesis
  • Creatine synthesis
  • Epinephrine synthesis
  • Melatonin synthesis (aids in sleep, a powerful antioxidant)
  • Nucleic acid synthesis- a component of DNA Breakdown of histamine
  • Glutathione synthesis (the major detox antioxidant of the body)
  • Maintains cartilage health

Inositol: A B vitamin and a primary component of cell membranes. Inositol does the following:

  • Transports fats through the body
  • Helps convert food into energy
  • Helps neurons communicate better with the body’s nervous system
  • Vital for hair growth
  • Inositol combined with choline produces lecithin, aiding in the breakdown of fats such as cholesterol

Choline: Similar to the B vitamins but not “officially” a B vitamin, yet often placed in the B vitamin category. It is an essential nutrient which is water soluble. Functions of choline in the body:

  • Normal functioning of all of the body’s cells.
  • Brain and nerve function.
  • Liver metabolism.
  • Transportation of nutrients thoughout the body.
  • Has been linked to a decreased risk for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
  • Decreases the risk for heart disease as it helps break down fat such as cholesterol.
  • Helps prevent accumulation of fat in the liver- often known as Fatty Liver Disease.
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Urologists located in Mesa, AZ

Fall Superfoods

Fall Superfoods
Fall Superfoods

Fall Superfoods

The weather is getting cooler, but your produce choices are heating up.

Try these autumn superfoods next time you are at the farmer’s market! 

Fall Superfoods-Apple-AZ

Apples

Sweet or tart, apples are satisfying eaten raw or baked into a delicious dish. Just be sure to eat the skin—it contains hearty-healthy flavonoids. Health benefits include:

• Full of antioxidants 
• 4 grams of dietary fiber per serving

Harvest season: August-November

Try this recipe: Apple and Gorgonzola Salad With Maple Dressing
Fall Superfoods-cabbage

Brussels sprouts

Made the correct way, these veggies taste divine. They have a mild, somewhat bitter taste, so combine them with tangy or savory sauces, like balsamic vinegar. Health benefits include: 

• 1/2 cup contains more than your DRI of vitamin K 
• Very good source of folate 
• Good source of iron 

Harvest season: September–March

Try this recipe: Sauteed Brussels Sprouts With Parmesan and Pine Nuts
Fall Superfoods-Raddish

Parsnips

Though these veggies may resemble carrots, they have a lighter color and sweeter, almost nutty flavor. Use them to flavor rice and potatoes or puree them into soups and sauces. Health benefits include: 

• Rich in potassium 
• Good source of fiber 

Harvest season: October–April

Try this recipe: All You‘s Oven-Roasted Parsnips and Carrots
Fall Superfoods-Pears-AZ

Pears

The sweet and juicy taste makes this fruit a crowd-pleaser. Cooking can really bring out their fabulous flavor, so try them baked or poached. Health benefits include: 

• Good source of vitamin C and copper 
• 4 grams of fiber per serving 

Harvest season: August–February

Try this recipe: Spinach, Pear, and Goat Cheese Salad With Pecans
Fall Superfoods-Turnip

Rutabaga

A cross between a turnip and a cabbage, rutabagas are a popular Swedish dish. To utilize their earthy flavor, add them to casseroles, puree them with turnips and carrots to make a sweet soup, or roast them with ginger, honey, or lemon. Health benefits include: 

• Good source of fiber 
• Good source of vitamin C 

Harvest season: October–April.
 
Fall Superfoods-Curliflower

Cauliflower

The sweet, slightly nutty flavor of cauliflower is perfect for winter side dishes. It’s wonderful steamed, but it can also be blended to create a mashed potato-like texture or pureed into soup. Health benefits include: 

• Compounds that may help to prevent cancer 
• Phytonutrients may lower cholesterol” “Excellent source of vitamin C 

Harvest season: September–June

Try this recipe: Golden Potato Cauliflower Soup

Squash

Unlike summer squash, winter squash has a fine texture and a slightly sweet flavor. Because of its thick skin, it can be stored for months. It tastes best with other fall flavorings, like cinnamon and ginger. Health benefits include: 

• Contains omega-3 fatty acids 
• Excellent source of vitamin A 

Harvest season: October–February

Try this recipe: Acorn Squash and Kale Over Penne
Fall-Superfoods-Pumpkin

Pumpkin

A type of winter squash, pumpkin can be used for much more than jack-o’-lanterns. Its sweet taste and moist texture make it ideal for pies, cakes, and even pudding! Health benefits include: 

• Rich in potassium 
• More than 20% of your DRI of fiber 
• Good source of B vitamins 

Harvest season: October–February

Try this recipe: Pumpkin Waffles With Maple Walnut Syrup

Sweet potatoes

These veggies are for much more than Thanksgiving casseroles. More nutritionally dense than their white-potato counterparts, try roasting them—they’ll taste delicious, and you may maintain more vitamins than boiling. Health benefits include: 

• Excellent source of vitamin A 
• Good source of iron 
• Anti-inflammatory benefits 

Harvest season: September–December

Try this recipe: Oven-Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges

Turnips

Tender and mild, these root vegetables are a great alternative to radishes and cabbage. To flavor these veggies, use fennel, bread crumbs, or even brown sugar. Turnip leaves, which taste like mustard leaves, are easy to cook and dense in nutrients. Health benefits include: 

• The roots are a good source of vitamin C 
• Turnip leaves are an excellent source of vitamins A, K, and folate 

Harvest season: September–April

Try this recipe: Braised Roast With Root Vegetables
Fall-Superfoods-Pomegranates

Pomegranates

This slightly sour fruit has gotten a lot of press as an antioxidant powerhouse. The juice provides a tangy base for marinades, and the seeds can be tossed into salads to amp up the flavor. Health benefits include: 

• A UCLA study showed pomegranate juice has higher antioxidant levels than red wine 
• Good source of vitamin C and folate 

Harvest season: August–December

Try this recipe: Persimmon and Blue Cheese Salad With Walnuts
Fall-Superfoods-dates

Dates

This Middle Eastern favorite is a sweet fruit that is perfect braised in stews, chopped up in desserts, or stuffed with cream cheese or almonds. Health benefits include: 

• Low in fat 
• Good source of fiber 
• Good source of potassium 

Harvest season: September–December

Try this recipe: Oatmeal Date Chocolate Cookies
Fall-Superfoods-Kiwi

Kiwi

Use this sweet fruit to add a tropical flavor to your recipes. It’s great mixed with strawberries, cantaloupe, or oranges and can be combined with pineapple to make a tangy chutney. Health benefits include: 

• More vitamin C than an orange 
• Good source of potassium and copper 

Harvest season: September–March

Try this recipe: Cooking Light’s Kiwi Colada

Grapefruit

The signature tartness of grapefruit provides a contrast to other citrus fruit. Add it to mixed greens, combine it with avocado and shrimp, or enjoy a fresh glass of its antioxidant-rich juice. Health benefits include: 

• More than 75% of your daily recommended intake (DRI) of vitamin C 
• Good source of lycopene 
• Contains pectin, which has been shown to lower cholesterol 

Harvest season: September–April

Try this recipe: Ginger Citrus Fruit Salad

Tangerines

The small and sweet citrus fruits are positively refreshing for fall recipes. Our favorite flavor combos include almonds, dates, and honey. Juice them with oil, vinegar, and ginger for a to-die-for dressing. Health benefits include: 

• Good source of vitamin C 
• Good source of beta-carotene 

Harvest season: November–April
 
Resource: www.health.com
 
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Urologists located in Mesa, AZ

Recipe: Pesto Egg Bites

Pesto Egg Sous Bites
Pesto Egg Sous Bites

Pesto Egg Sous Bites: 

Pesto Egg Sous Bites-EVU-AZ

Ingredients

  • Cooking spray
  • 18 cherry tomatoes, quartered
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) feta or goat cheese
  • 6 large Eggland’s Best eggs
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) milk
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon (22.5 ml) refrigerated pesto
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) freshly ground black pepper, to taste 

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 24-serving mini-muffin pan with cooking spray. Evenly divide the quartered tomatoes among the muffin cups, and top each with 1/2 teaspoon feta or goat cheese.

Crack eggs in a large, glass measuring cup or bowl. Add milk, pesto, salt and pepper; whisk to combine.  Divide mixture evenly among muffin cups.

Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes or until the muffins are set. Cool for 2–3 minutes; remove the muffins from the pan and cool on a wire rack.

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Urologists located in Mesa, AZ

5 Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Soup

Spicy Thai Pumpkin Soup
Spicy Thai Pumpkin Soup

Spicy Thai Pumpkin Soup

Spicy Thai Pumpkin Soup
 
 

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons red curry paste
  • 4 cups (32 oz) chicken or vegetable broth, low sodium
  • 2 15-oz. cans pumpkin puree (or 1.5 16-oz boxes)
  • 2 cup coconut or almond milk, unsweetened
  • 1 large red chili pepper sliced

Instructions

  1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook the curry paste for about one minute or until paste becomes fragrant. Add the broth and the pumpkin and stir.
  2. Cook for about 3 minutes or until soup starts to bubble. Add the milk of choice and cook until hot, about 3 minutes.
  3. Ladle into bowls and garnish with sliced red chilis. Garnish with cilantro leaves if desired
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Urologists located in Mesa, AZ

Identify What Your Food Cravings Mean

food cravings-EVU-AZ

What are your food cravings telling you?

food cravings-EVU-AZ

Foods and liquids all correspond to our mood…whether it is due to hormone imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, stress or adrenal fatigue.  Chewing ice can even symbolize something deeper. When your your sweet tooth or cravings are out of control, it’s because you want to feel BETTER: more energetic, happier, or more relaxed. Your cravings are for the food that will produce the desired effect. If you were actually HUNGRY for a cookie–you would not need to go back for a second one. That is the difference between cravings and hunger. They give our brains different cues. 
HUNGER is caused by our primal instinct to survive, and fuel our bodies and brain. CRAVINGS are caused by chemical or hormonal imbalances or food insecurities.

Every food contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids, textures, smells and other mood- and energy-affecting properties. Some are stimulants, some are depressants, and some activate the pleasure and reward seeking center in our brains. Sugar, for example, releases dopamine and gives the body an instant satisfaction and high. 

Chocolate: Magnesium deficiency; Low Oxytocin; Hungry for Love
 The feel-good chemical in chocolate is phenylethylamine (PEA) is the chemical that the brain creates when we’re feeling romantic love. No wonder why chocolate is sold most on Valentines’s Day! An oz of dark chocolate boosted the levels of serotonin and dopamine, also known as “feel good chemicals,” in participants’ brains. In addition, chocolate contains magnesium and theobromine, two compounds shown to reduce levels of stress hormones and promote muscle relaxation.

Dairy: Calcium/Vitamin D Deficient; Antidepressants; Trouble Sleeping or Focusing
Tyramine (found in cheese) is an upper, while choline (in eggs) has a soothing effect. L-tryptophan (which helps promote sleepiness contained in milk) combined with carbs stimulates the production of serotonin, creating a happy sensation. This combination is found in ice cream, pizza, creamy sauces, and a long list of other common foods. Since most dairy contains choline, it helps promote memory, and proper brain functioning. Meanwhile, sour cream and cheese contains Tyramine and pyrazine, (also found in pickled foods, and coffee) are the main ingredients in antidepressants and asthma bronchodilators. 

Salty Snacks: Stress or Electrolyte deficiency
Craving salt foods is a sign of adrenal weakness. Your adrenals manage your stress response-including anger. Often salty snacks are also crunchy – the crunch gives your jaw a physical outlet for stress (people usually hold anger in by clenching their jaw). Further, salt cravings can mean that you are deficient in sodium and magnesium or potassium—which are important electrolytes for 

Spices: Excitement, Euphoria
Chances are if you like to spice up your food, you like the rest your life to follow suit. Feeling stuck, bored or generally dull might make your body convert this frustration into cravings for spicy foods. Mint also heightens senses and alertness. Sensation seekers have been correlated with cravings for spicy, crunchy or sour foods with strong cravings.

Breads, Rice and Pasta: Comfort
Comforting and calming…Carbs  induce relaxation and also release dopamine. They give a sense of fullness in times of need when all you REALLY NEED is to phone a friend or go for a walk.

Fatty Food: Fear, Anxiety, Low-fat diet
These kinds of cravings indicate a fear of feeling empty or being alone and need more satiety. Fat is also associated with comfort–since our mother’s breast milk has natural fats. Low-fat diets also may contribute to craving fats. Whether it is the good stuff (salmon, all-natural peanut butter) or the bad stuff (fried foods, vegetable oils, fatty meat), you need efficient fat in your diet in order to avoid cravings.

Ice: Iron deficiency
People who crave or chew ice frequently and like snow cones or shaved ice on a regular basis are typically anemic or have iron or zinc deficiencies. 

Citrus (lemon) or vinegar: Low Stomach Acid
 If you commonly crave acidic foods, you could be low in stomach acid. Strong stomach acid is your body’s first line of defense and serves the purpose of sterilizing your food, disinfecting the stomach, and breaking down your foods (particularly proteins). When your stomach acid isn’t adequate, it starts a cascade of digestive dysfunction leading to digestive discomfort, food intolerances, and constipation.

Red meat: B12, Zinc or Iron Deficiencies 
You could be low in iron, zinc, or amino acids (building blocks of proteins). If you regularly consume steaks, beef, etc, and still have daily cravings, you might not be digesting it correctly. This may be a sign that you are a type A blood type OR a type O blood type and avoiding the meat. Certain blood types have enzymes that break down or do not break down red meats.

 

Learn more from Meghan at EVU center.

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Urologists located in Mesa, AZ

Probiotics

What is the Purpose of Your Daily Probiotic?

First, do you know what a probiotic is? Everyone is taking them these days…but what exactly are they and do you really need to take a supplement? Probiotics are beneficial bacterium (most popularly in strains: lactobacillus and bifidobacterium) that are most bioavailable in the gut flora. Probiotics come in many strains and are found in yogurt, tempeh, kombucha, miso kefir, pickles, fermented foods and sauerkrat to name a few. 
SMALL-INTESTINES-EVU-az

By now you’ve probably heard of the microbiome, the community of trillions of microorganisms that live inside and on your body. But did you know that microbes are so fundamental to life that they outnumber human cells by 10 to 1?

Our microbiome is full of all kinds of microbes, both good and bad. When our microbiome is balanced, the good guys work hard to keep us vibrant and healthy. However, when too many of the bad guys are hanging around, the good bacteria lose their footing and can’t do their jobs properly. Probiotics work to replenish the beneficial bacteria in our body and provide a myriad of important health benefits.

Here are just SOME of the reasons why taking a daily probiotic supplement is one of the best things you can do to improve your overall health and wellness.

1. Promote a healthy microbiome

Modern diets are filled with preservatives, sugar, dyes, pesticides and additives. This kind of exposure to antibiotics in both medicine and food (including fruits/veggies)  can wreak havoc on your body’s delicate balance of bacteria. Even aging, stress, environmental toxins, and medications (such as antacids, birth control, and steroids) can have indiscriminate effects on your healthy microflora balance.

When the good guys are overwhelmed, your microbiome can quickly shift and create issues that are less than ideal. Luckily, consuming probiotic supplements can increase your body’s levels of healthy bacteria and encourage optimal conditions in your body.

2. Balances immune system

Approximately 80% of your immune system is located in your gut! Because so many of your immune cells inhabit your intestinal tract, a healthy and balanced immune response is largely dependent on strong communities of beneficial bacteria existing within the gut environment. A high-quality supplement (preferably with multiple strains of good bacteria) works to crowd out the bad guys and support the foundation of your health at its core.

3. Enhance nutrient absorption

No matter how “healthy” you eat and how many superfoods you consume daily, your body won’t be able to benefit from them if your gut environment isn’t teeming with healthy bacteria. You see, enzymes and digestive bacteria break down the food you eat into molecules that make their way into your bloodstream to nourish your body. Inadequate or unbalanced microbial populations in the gut can derail this process and can even lead to malabsorption of critical nutrients. 

A daily supplemental probiotic may help your body naturally absorb all of the nutrients from your food and the additional supplements that you are taking. 

4. Improve your mood

Your “gut feeling” is more than just a hunch. In fact, your mental and emotional balance hinge on a healthy gut environment.   The good guys in your intestinal tract produce hundreds of nervous system chemicals that regulate your moods. Indeed, almost 95% of your body’s serotonin—the happiness chemical also found in the brain—is manufactured by your gut bacteria, so replenishing them often is one of the best things you can do to support healthy emotional function.

5. Maintain a healthy body weight

According to recent research, having a healthy balance of microflora in your gut helps speed up your metabolism and can even encourage weight loss. In one study, women who took probiotics over a six month period lost more weight, and were able to maintain and continue that loss, than those taking a placebo. An unbalanced gut can also lead to changes in mood and hormone levels that trigger “comfort food” cravings, leading to unwanted extra pounds.

6. Fight bad breath/body odor

You may be surprised to learn that our mouths and skin are home to an incredible amount of bacteria. This bacteria may cause odors. Studies show that certain probiotics, like Streptococcus salivarius K12, can help support the oral microbiome by suppressing the growth of bad breath-causing microbes. Unlike mouthwash or mints that simply mask bad breath odor, probiotics can help overcome this occasional, yet embarrassing, issue by encouraging long-term equilibrium of oral bacteria. There are also proven benefits that it can clear skin (whether taken internally or topically).

7. Lowers inflammation

It can help with pain and inflammation. By supporting immune system, probiotics can help to alleviate temporary inflammation—improving the health of your bones, joints, skin, and other areas of your body. In a study published in Gut Microbes, researchers measured participants’ levels of acute inflammation before and after taking Bifidobacterium supplements. By the end of the 8-week trial, inflammation levels significantly decreased in the probiotic group, proving that these good bacteria can effectively keep temporary inflammation in check. 

8. Reduces tired/foggy brain/fatigue

A foggy brain has a lot to do with digestion. Fatigue (and the resulting irritability) are often signs of poor digestion, which occurs as a result of an unhealthy gut. Scientists administered Lactobacillus plantarum to mice for six weeks. At the end of the trial, the mice showed increased grip strength, muscle weight, and endurance; and decreased fatigue. Taking beneficial probiotics can help give you energy and support your body’s ability to properly digest and process all the healthy nutrients you eat so you can regain your vitality.

9. Balance your blood sugar

Did you know that probiotics can help balance blood sugar levels? Yes, gut bacteria communicate with your cells to send chemical messages throughout your body. This communication process, in turn, enables your body to support and maintain healthy glucose levels. Taking a daily probiotic ensures that enough of the good guys are working on your behalf to optimize all of your body’s processes. 

10. Improve the appearance of your skin

 Your skin is your largest organ, and it protects your body from countless external threats. But, what many people don’t realize is that your skin is an important reflection of your internal health. Skin problems can result from nutritional and hormonal imbalances, as well as immune system disruptions, all issues that begin in the gut. By helping you to better absorb the nutrients from your foods and supporting immune system response, probiotics can reduce temporary inflammation and help you achieve healthier-looking skin that glows.