Renovating the gut microbiota is increasingly known to help prevent and cure a variety of disorders. Now a recent review in Pharmacology and Therapeutics asks how the microbial community in the respiratory tract may impact disease. Indeed, the microbial composition of the airway flora is different … [Read more...] about Inspiring News
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Ignorance Not Always Bliss
Nearly 200 Canadian physicians, both urban and rural, were surveyed regarding natural health products (NHPs), a category in which probiotics are deemed "fashionable". Most thought that NHPs were probably of little benefit but not likely to be harmful. Most of the NHPs used were vitamins and … [Read more...] about Ignorance Not Always Bliss
Kefir: Easy to Make, Hard to Pronounce
Maybe we'd buy it more often if we could pronounce it. Is it key-FEAR or KEY-fur or KEH-fur? The majority voted for KEY-fur in a lively discussion over at babycenter community. To be safe, know all three when bewilderment greets you at the store. Now, on to less pressing matters. Kefir has … [Read more...] about Kefir: Easy to Make, Hard to Pronounce
Fecal Transplant Redux
Health practitioners are just now getting in the act of transplanting stool to reseed unhealthy colons. But it seems there is a contingent of do-it-yourselfers (DIY) who are unafraid to give it a go. Michael Hurst suffered with ulcerative colitis for over a decade and finally found relief with … [Read more...] about Fecal Transplant Redux
Play in the Dirt
Allergies are nothing to sneeze at. Their epidemic growth worldwide has public health officials scrambling for answers -- not to mention tissues. Simply put, allergies are immune system malfunctions: harmless allergens including food, pollen, mold or dust are seen by the body as threats. … [Read more...] about Play in the Dirt
Honorable Discharge
Clostridium difficile is a killer. Tens of thousands die each year worldwide from this stubborn infection. The bacteria set up shop after a course of antibiotics. Stronger antibiotics including vancomycin are given but sometimes people cannot permanently expel the tough spore-making … [Read more...] about Honorable Discharge