Vitamins and Their Uses

Boosting butyrate through dietary fiber is a long game focused on systemic anti-inflammatory support. While research suggests butyrate has protective effects on intervertebral disc tissue, it is important to distinguish between “healing” a structural injury (like a herniated disc) and managing the localized inflammation that causes pain and prevents recovery. To maintain therapeutic levels of […]

Dealing with a herniated (or “blown”) disc can be incredibly intense, especially when the pain radiates or causes weakness. The good news is that the body has a remarkable, natural mechanism for healing these injuries – often without the need for surgery. When a disc herniates, the soft inner material (the nucleus pulposus) pushes through […]

Research from 2024 and 2025 increasingly identifies short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) – particularly butyrate – as significant modulators of pain. While the field is still evolving, SCFAs appear to influence both the inflammatory and neurophysiological aspects of pain management through several distinct pathways. Mechanisms of Action SCFAs don’t just act as a energy source for […]

The connection between the gut and the spine is a rapidly emerging field of study known as the “Gut-Disc Axis” or the “Gut-Spinal Cord-Immune Axis.” Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) – primarily acetate, propionate, and butyrate – act as the primary chemical messengers that bridge the gap between your microbiome and the health of your intervertebral […]

The relationship between the Short-Chain Fatty Acid (SCFA) butyrate and sleep is a fascinating look at the “gut-sleep axis.” When you consume prebiotic fibers that your gut bacteria ferment into butyrate, you aren’t just feeding your colon; you are sending biochemical signals that help reset your internal clock and balance the hormones that govern wakefulness. […]

Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) is a powerhouse hormone that serves as a primary mediator of growth hormone (GH) effects.1 While its role in building skeletal muscle and dense bone is well-known, its influence extends to nearly every system in the body, acting as a “master regenerator.”2 Recent research confirms a profound connection between the […]

Research indicates a strong connection between gut health and the production of Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1).1 This relationship is primarily mediated by the “gut-liver axis,” where the metabolites produced by a healthy microbiome – specifically Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) – act as signaling molecules that trigger the systemic release of this vital growth hormone.2 […]

Can Cayenne feed gut bacteria and support better cardiovascular health? Yes, cayenne pepper (specifically its active compound, capsaicin) provides significant support for both the cardiovascular system and the health of your gut microbiome.1 Cardiovascular Benefits Cayenne pepper is often referred to as a “circulatory stimulant” because of its rapid effect on blood flow.2 Research highlights […]

The difference between local honey and “big box store” honey often comes down to two factors: processing and adulteration. While local honey is typically a raw, whole food, mass-produced honey is often treated as a commodity where consistency and cost-cutting are prioritized over nutritional value. 1. Why is Honey “Cut”? The primary reason big-box honey […]

In general, pure honey uncut from the honeycomb does not cause gut dysbiosis; in fact, scientific evidence suggests it does the opposite. Rather than disrupting the microbiome, raw honey and honeycomb typically act as prebiotics, supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria while inhibiting pathogens.1 However, because honeycomb is a complex, raw food, there are specific […]