The Aesthetics Advisor

In recent years, it's become increasingly apparent that the composition of microbes in your gut — which is as distinct to you as your fingerprint — plays an enormous role in health and disease prevention. Your gut flora influences the function of various internal organs, such as your skin, lungs, breasts and liver. 1 For example, 2018 research 2  by the National Institute of Health shows gut microbes control antitumor immune responses in the liver, and that antibiotics — by depleting your gut of valuable bacteria — can alter the composition of immune cells in your liver and trigger tumor growth. Aside from cancer, dozens of other health conditions have been traced back to the influence of gut microbes as well, including obesity, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, Parkinson's and allergies, 3  just to name a few. One of the reasons for this is because your gut is the main residence of your immune system. 4 Disrupt your gut microbiome and you automatically...

Papaya (Carica papaya) contains papain, a proteolytic enzyme useful for breaking down both protein and carbohydrates. Papain is so powerful that papaya is often recommended as a natural meat tenderizer (1). While proteolytic enzymes act as natural anticoagulants by breaking down fibrin that forms blood clots, papain is a natural digestive enzyme that’s historically been used not only for improving digestion but also to relieve pain, inflammation and diarrhea. 2 As such, papaya — traditionally known as a “fruit of long life” 3  — has long been prized as a remedy for abnormal digestion by those living in tropical and industrialized countries alike. 4  Evidence also supports its use as an aid for a variety of digestive disorders. Papaya Supports Digestive Health Rich in fiber and with a high water content, this nutrient-dense fruit naturally supports a healthy digestive tract. However, its secret “ingredient” for digestion is papain. A study published in Metabolites explains: 5 “...

Probiotic supplements have long been promoted for their ability to improve your gastrointestinal health. However, as noted in a 2016 paper, 1   gut bacteria also “exert effects beyond the local boundaries of the gastrointestinal tract to include distant tissues and overall health.” For example, the probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus reuteri help upregulate the hormone oxytocin, a chemical messenger that plays important roles in the male and female reproductive systems and influences aspects of human behavior, including sexual arousal, recognition, trust and interpersonal bonding. 2 L. reuteri also upregulate systemic immune responses, thereby promoting wound healing, mental health, metabolism and myoskeletal maintenance. 3  Some of these effects are achieved through competitive inhibition, which is when beneficial bacteria crowd out harmful ones. Beneficial bacteria like L. reuteri also serve important signaling functions, and as a whole, you...