By Maile Combs, MS, and David Despain, MS Gut bacteria can influence how you think, feel, or handle stress. Scientists are now exploring how these microbes can affect mood and mental health. In any given year or at some point during their lifetime, nearly one in five U.S. adults and children are affected by mental […]
Clinical Corner
Endometrial Cancer: Role of the Microbiome
Sometimes called uterine cancer, endometrial cancer begins in the layer of cells lining the uterus. Due to emerging evidence that the uterus is not a sterile cavity, researchers have begun to investigate the endometrial microbiome and its possible role in endometrial cancer. Endometrial cancer, in brief The endometrium is dynamic tissue, responding to estrogen and […]
Probiotics: A Role in Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases worldwide, affecting about 50 million people. Most live in low to middle-income countries where prevention and treatment can be lacking. Head injury, stroke, infections, and congenital abnormalities can all lead to epilepsy. The disease can diminish quality of life and cause premature death. Epilepsy, in brief […]
Seeking Clarity on Postbiotics
Postbiotics are emerging as potent forces for health, just as with probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics. But unlike these related substances, the term postbiotic continues to cause no small amount of confusion. Postbiotics, an evolving definition Researchers working with probiotics observed that at times isolated factors produced by the probiotic activity elicited the desired response. They […]
“Probiowhatics”: New Webinar from IPA & The Gut Stuff
The International Probiotics Association, in special collaboration with The Gut Stuff, recently hosted “Probiowhatics?” — a webinar with a panel of probiotic experts and influencers. Lisa MacFarlane, co-founder with her twin sister Alana Macfarlane Kempner of The Gut Stuff, introduced the sessions with George Paraskevakos, Executive Director of IPA. “Probiowhatics” speakers Anthony Thomas, Ph.D., Director […]
Can Probiotics Improve Memory?
While some things in life are best forgotten, our memories build the framework of intelligence — cognitive, emotional, and social — enabling a rich existence. Memory is required to learn a language, drive a car, write computer code, keep a friend and, of course, remember where you put the keys. Decades of research have revealed […]