Did you know, a recent study showed that children given vitamin D daily were less likely to catch the flu (influenza A)? And that children taking probiotics were half as likely to develop eczema (atopic dermatitis) than those who didn’t? How can parents empower their child to stay healthy into their adolescent years (and beyond!) andContinue reading “Healthy children, naturally”
Category Archives: Emotional/ Psychological Health
Lack of face-to-face interaction almost doubles depression risk
We all know the importance of staying connected and in touch with others, but it turns out not all forms of contact are equal. A recent study has found that adults aged 50 or above who rarely see friends or family in person are almost twice as likely to develop depression compared with those whoContinue reading “Lack of face-to-face interaction almost doubles depression risk”
Antibiotic use in infancy linked to disease later in life
Antibiotics are the most common prescription drug given to children nowadays, and in a new study in the journal Cell Host & Microbe, researchers discuss the connection between antibiotic use in infants, imbalance in gut bacteria and the development of disease later in life. “Previous studies showed links between antibiotic use and unbalanced gut bacteria, and others showed linksContinue reading “Antibiotic use in infancy linked to disease later in life”
Optimal pregnancy: steps to a healthy, full-term baby
Ever wonder why some women sail smoothly through pregnancy? Want to carry a healthy baby to full term and reduce the risk for pregnancy-related complications? It turns out that what you do during pregnancy has a huge impact on your pregnancy journey and your baby’s health. Nutrition and other lifestyle factors during the early periods in theContinue reading “Optimal pregnancy: steps to a healthy, full-term baby”
Recurrent miscarriage, other ailments may be linked to MTHFR gene mutation
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR for short) is an enzyme that is responsible for the process of methylation in every cell in your body. Methylation is a core process that occurs in all cells. People with a genetic defect in the MTHFR gene may be at an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, several types of cancer, chemicalContinue reading “Recurrent miscarriage, other ailments may be linked to MTHFR gene mutation”
Is brain health linked to gut bacteria?
There is now strong evidence that links conditions such as autism, ADHD and depression to the the gut microbiome, i.e. the microorganisms that live in the gut. Recently, neuroscientists presented evidence for this link in a symposium at the Society for Neuroscience meeting in Washington DC called “Gut Microbes and the Brain: Paradigm Shift inContinue reading “Is brain health linked to gut bacteria?”
Sleeping pills and anti-anxiety drugs linked to Alzheimer’s disease
A study published last week in the British Medical Journal has found that people who take benzodiazepines are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder marked by progressive cognitive impairment and memory loss. People who used benzodiazepines for 3 months or longer had up to a 51% higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s comparedContinue reading “Sleeping pills and anti-anxiety drugs linked to Alzheimer’s disease”
Five worst ingredients in food
Buying processed food may be more convenient than making wholesome meals from scratch, but are you aware of the hidden ingredients lurking in foods that may wreak havoc on your health? There are literally thousands of food additives out there, and a lot of them are at the root of many health problems. Here areContinue reading “Five worst ingredients in food”
Autism (and other health conditions) linked to the gut?
New research published in December 2013’s Cell has revealed a possible link between the symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and the gut. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition often marked by decreased social interaction or impaired social skills. Researchers have found that changes in gut bacteria affected autism-like behaviour in mice. Many of the behavioural abnormalities, including anxiety-likeContinue reading “Autism (and other health conditions) linked to the gut?”
Bad breath? Bloated? Gassy? Time to heal your gut.
Many people take breath mints regularly in hopes to cover foul breath. Others experience bloating and discomfort after meals, but never wonder why their body is sending them this message. Loose or unformed stool (diarrhea) alternating with periods of constipation is rather common for busy people living in Hong Kong and other metropolitan cities. IfContinue reading “Bad breath? Bloated? Gassy? Time to heal your gut.”
Dr. Ardyce Yik ND 