What Does Gut Bacteria Have To Do With Your Liver?
By Kathi Head, ND for Thorne Research

Fatty liver disease has reached epidemic proportions in the developed world, including the U.S. and Canada. In this condition, excess fat cells are stored in the liver, causing liver inflammation as well as potential scarring and damage. It can be caused by obesity, insulin resistance, high triglycerides, or other health-related causes. But, did you also know that the microbes that inhabit your gut can have a profound effect on the health of your liver?

The Problem
It's well known that the human microbiome—the gut flora, plus all their metabolites—play a huge part in the health of your gut. But, it turns out that the microbiome can also affect the liver. When you have gut dysbiosis, too much of the wrong bacteria, it can cause inflammation in the gut. Read more

*Due to the manufacturer's online marketing policy, we cannot show the discount for Throne Research products on our website, so call in your order at 800-634-1380 Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-7:00 PM or Saturdays from 9:00 AM-5:30 PM EST.

New Research: Not Milk? Then Check Your Iodine!
By Jen Morganti, ND, NEEDS Education Director

Iodine is a micronutrient that is essential in thyroid hormone production and critical to brain development in babies. Fish and seaweed are rich in iodine, but these foods are not very prominent in the American diet. Most Americans get iodine from fortified salt and dairy products, particularly cow's milk. 

But what if you are avoiding dairy due to sensitivity or outright allergies? Many Americans have been drinking significantly less cows' milk over the past few decades, as a variety of new milk alternatives have filled the shelves. Consumption of soy, almond, coconut, oat, rice, hazelnut, and hemp "milks" have increased steadily as many consumers discover they have milk allergies or feel it is difficult to digest due to lactose sensitivity. Likewise, some consumers simply prefer dairy alternatives due to taste preference or they want to avoid the antibiotics and hormones that are present in conventional dairy products. 

With this trend away from drinking cows' milk, nutritionists have become more concerned about adequate iodine intake. A study recently published in the British Journal of Nutritionexamined the nutrient content of cows' milk and dairy alternatives to compare iodine levels in the various products (all sold in the UK). They examined 47 different non-dairy beverages along with several brands of organic and non-organic cows' milk. A few of the alternative products were fortified with iodine, but most were not. Read more

Ask Our Wellness Educators

Dear NEEDS Wellness Educators, 
I am generally a healthy person and usually eat a decent diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables. But this holiday season was packed with celebrations and family events, which always involves eating! For the past few weeks, I have been eating too much sugar, processed foods, and consuming too much alcohol. It was fun at the time, but eating poorly has left me feeling tired, lethargic, and a few pounds overweight. I feel like I need a little boost to get back on track. Can you please help me create a detox program so I can cleanse my body of toxins and get my energy back? 
~CP, Florida 

Dear CP, 
Post holiday cleansing is always a good idea! Detoxification is the body's way of breaking down and metabolizing the toxins and unwanted materials that have been absorbed through the intestines, lungs, and skin. Although detoxification is a naturally occurring process in various organs, at times the body can be overburdened and have a difficult time keeping up. Read more

*Due to the manufacturer's online marketing policy, we cannot show the discount for Happy Bodies products on our website, so call in your order at 800-634-1380 Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-7:00 PM or Saturdays from 9:00 AM-5:30 PM EST.