Incorporating Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in modern day society: over-the-counter supplement and TCM formulae

Note: I did not have any formal training in TCM practices. The TCM ingredients described below are mostly plant-based. In this article, ying/yang balance or the principle of ‘jun, Chen, zuo, shi’ (arbitrarily translated as principle/auxillary) won’t be discussed. Nowadays, various herbal extracts were available in health stores as ‘health supplements, which are not subjected … Read more

Meta-analysis on the safety profile on taking melatonin supplement

Melatonin is an important hormone regulating our sleep. It is produced in the pineal gland in our brain and can also be manufactured and sold as supplement in forms of pills and capsules. In European countries, melatonin supplements are available only with prescriptions, however, in U.S., oral supplements of melatonin are available over-the-counter. In U.S., … Read more

More evidence showing maltodextrin, a food additive, may cause inflammation in gut

A new study published in February added another piece of evidence suggesting that maltodextrin, a thickener/filler found in prepackaged food, may have harmful effects on the gut of people prone to Inflammatory bowel diseases. Maltodextrin is a FDA-approved food additive, commonly used as a thickener or filler in prepackaged food. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is … Read more