Communication between the brain and the gut goes far beyond the “stomach grumbling” heard by your head when it’s hungry. Indeed, the discovery of a gut-brain axis is opening new avenues for questions on how the microbiota may influence the brain response to stress and its expression as anxiety, mood disorders or depression. Researchers at […]
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Gut Microbes Affect Bone Mass
Gut microbes are well-known to affect metabolism and immune function. Involvement is far-reaching, we learn from research, linked to diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, hypertension, allergies, autism, anxiety disorders as well as the familiar gut disorders including irritable bowel and Crohn’s and much more. More surprising is recent research showing that gut microbiota (GM)may be regulators […]
Sourdough Part II
The unique flavors and excellent shelf life of sourdough bread owe much to the lactic acid bacteria produced through fermentation. The million dollar question: do the probiotics survive the hot baking ovens? No. The big surprise here is that the probiotic benefit doesn’t die with them. While alive, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) produce organic acids […]
Probiotics for Potty Problems
Bowel “habits” can be anything but routine for elderly people in nursing homes. As nursing charts reveal, constipation and diarrhea are common troubles. The crucial menu for relief offers high-fiber choices of whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Often these foods are more difficult for older people to chew, swallow and digest. Puree, everyone? Medications are […]
Sweet on Sourdough
Contrary to what some in the foodie culture may think, San Francisco did not invent sourdough bread. The city does have a lactobacillus named after it: Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis, a key player yet only one of many species found percolating in sourdough bread. In fact, sourdough bread has been a delicious staple since agriculture began, many […]
Microbes and Obesity: What is Known?
Obesity rates are soaring. This pandemic ranks as one of the world’s most damaging public health crises. Solutions of all kinds are being explored as the cost to health and budgets—both personal and national– hits unprecedented figures. Where do prebiotics and probiotics fit? A recent review from Europe succinctly covers the present state of knowledge. […]