Dietary fibers shape the gut microbiota. These prebiotics determine microbial structure and function; we truly are what we eat. Targeted Approach to Health Recently, researchers delved into how specific fibers may define the microbial picture in human guts. This targeted approach has … [Read more...] about A New Look at Prebiotic Fibers
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Microbes and Sleep Get Cozy
Poor sleep can have serious consequences including diabetes, cancer and heart disease. Microbes too can influence health via neural, hormonal and immune responses, as well as gut and blood-brain barrier permeability. Recent evidence suggests that the gut microbiome and sleep quality are … [Read more...] about Microbes and Sleep Get Cozy
Probiotics Influence Iron Status
Gut microbes play a big part in iron balance. Quick review: As a component of hemoglobin, myoglobin and various enzymes, iron status is vital to health. Deficiency leads to anemia, and excess can increase oxidative stress and insulin resistance. Gut microbiota interactions with iron Gut … [Read more...] about Probiotics Influence Iron Status
Melatonin and Microbes
Melatonin has long been tapped by tired travelers to adjust to new time zones. As a natural hormone in mammals, melatonin is now being explored for its role in disease, as demonstrated by its strong connection to gut microbiota and inflammation. Pointedly, metabolic disorders and intestinal … [Read more...] about Melatonin and Microbes
Probiotics Protect Bowel in Aspirin Use
A daily dose of aspirin may help your heart. But as with other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), these widely used analgesics and anti-inflammatories may not be as kind to your gut. Mucosal lesions, ulcers, perforations, and hemorrhage may occur but the extent is … [Read more...] about Probiotics Protect Bowel in Aspirin Use
For Better Sleep, Turn to Microbes
When humans sleep poorly, health suffers. Mental performance declines as risks of diseases including cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer’s rise. Thus the quest for a good night’s sleep brooks no limits; ergonomic mattresses, white noise machines and powerful drugs are just a few if not always … [Read more...] about For Better Sleep, Turn to Microbes