Author: Dr. Kara Marcella Barro, M.D.

Licorice consumption in pregnancy has been controversial because of its association with causing harm to the developing offspring, as claimed by several studies. One of the culprits in excessive weight gain among pregnant women is overeating sweets. Aside from chocolates, some women will suddenly crave other sweet treats, such as licorice candy which is popular in Scandinavian countries. However, some studies also oppose these claims by saying that not all licorice is unsafe, and that the said negative effects are dose-dependent. In this article, let us find out whether consuming licorice during pregnancy is safe or not. What is Licorice?…

Vitamins are organic substances that naturally occur in food. Out of the 13 known, 8 make up the B-group of vitamins. The vitamin B-complex comprises vitamin B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folate), and B12 (cobalamin). Vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal foods. It is a key player in the function and development of nerve and red blood cells. Methylcobalamin is the active form of Vitamin B12 and is the most abundant form in the circulation. In this article, let us learn more about the potential health benefits, uses, and side…

Cistanche supplements are a medicinal plant grown and extensively used in traditional Chinese medicine. Several studies have claimed that it possesses antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties, hence the increase in the rate of its supplement production by different companies. One of the goals of the pharmaceutical industry is to stay relevant in the market by manufacturing effective products with the least side effects. However, because of the trend observed over the years wherein newer synthetic medicines come and go from the market shelves, the competition for innovating traditional medicines has become tighter. This is because traditional medicine, despite lacking clinical…

Probiotics have long been popular in the market because of their scientifically-proven benefits in promoting a healthy gut and enhancing immunity. Taking probiotics is not a new concept, especially among the health-conscious. Those who are interested in practicing a healthy lifestyle would consider probiotics as one of the essentials. But there is more to probiotics than just regulating the good bacteria in the gut. It has other documented effects on the different body systems that have become topics of interest in recent studies. The lesser-known sex-specific benefits of probiotics are the relatively newer indications among its consumers. Both men and…

The continuous innovations in the food and drug industry have resulted in new products being released in the market all the time. A quick visit to your local pharmacy today will show you that there is a corresponding medicine for every ailment you may complain about. But if you are the practical and conservative type, an all-in-one product that would treat various conditions with the least side effects is the obvious choice. And medicinal herbs have been consistently in demand for that exact reason. The common Mullein has been long established as an effective anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral plant species.…

One of the signs that point to an individual’s good overall health status is a healthy gut. In humans, a healthy gut consists of a well-balanced mixture of gut flora—the so-called good and bad bacteria.  Prebiotics is a type of dietary fiber that provides nourishment to the beneficial bacteria living in our gut. If you seek to improve your gut health, taking prebiotics may be a good and practical idea. In this article, learn more about prebiotics and how you can take them to maximize their benefits for a healthy gut. What are Prebiotics? Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that…

Eating a well-balanced meal regularly is the most practical way of staying healthy. A complete meal with varied food items ensures the consumer gets the recommended daily doses of the necessary vitamins and minerals to keep the body functioning well. This includes the appropriate amount of the often-neglected micronutrients, such as Magnesium, which is essential in many bodily processes. But in reality, there are people who inevitably are unable to follow the ideal regular meal plan for different reasons. This can eventually lead to different health problems due to the deficiency of the necessary vitamins and minerals. Fortunately, food science…

Sleep is a basic human need, like food and water, and getting enough sleep is essential for the daily functioning of a healthy human being. Studies have shown that lack of adequate sleep has been linked to several chronic health problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and even depression. To get that good night’s sleep regularly, taking melatonin supplements has been proven helpful. Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland into the blood circulation and is involved in controlling an individual’s sleep–wake cycle. In this article, let us discuss how taking synthesized melatonin as…

As the pandemic continues to spread, the practical need for new treatments is an urgent priority. The increasing demand necessitated fast and readily available alternative options, which is where traditional medicine comes in to offer support. Elderberry has long been used for common colds and the flu. Many have resorted to using this plant’s fruit extract because of its efficacy against these conditions. In this article, we’ll explore more about the elderberry plant and how it works to fight off common respiratory conditions. What is Elderberry? The elderberry plant, scientifically known as Sambucus nigra, is from a family of shrubs…