While humans have been eating probiotics by way of cheeses and yogurts for tens of thousands of years, use of supplements for beneficial bacteria is only decades old. Most studies concentrate on immediate effects of pills and capsules. No reliable data exists on “longer-term consumption” of probiotics, a period of time only now relevant. […]
Trendspotting @ Natural Products Expo West 2018
With more than 3500 exhibitors and 80,000 bodies, the Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, California is no day at the beach. But it’s close—about 10 miles as the seagull flies. And palm trees, yoga breaks, and eternal sunshine are all part of this amazing expo where trends are hatched. IPA’s hungry reporter shares the latest on […]
IPA Live From Natural Products Expo West 2018
Anaheim in California usually evokes mouse ears, storybook characters and other Disney fantasia. In March though, many thousands flock there for dreams of success in being or finding the next big thing in the natural product sector. IPA’s George Paraskevakos and Elisa Fernandez travelled to the Natural Products Expo West in March to sample the wares and connect with […]
Probiotics in Pregnancy May Prevent Baby’s Eczema
Eczema in infants is painful to see and even worse for them. Soaring in numbers, this allergic skin disease is caused by genetic defects and foreign substances, often food. But surprisingly, it’s not only the diet of the baby which figures. Probiotics in the mother’s diet before birth may prevent some cases. A new large […]
‘Tis the Season for Asparagus: Indulge!
Asparagus sprouts up early in spring. Ignore the unique scent it imbues to urine; it’s just that digestion releases asparagusic acid which metabolizes into sulfur-containing compounds. Proust rather liked it. Asparagus “…transforms my chamber-pot into a flask of perfume.” Marcel Proust (1871–1922) Take advantage of this delicious and rich prebiotic source to feed your healthy microbes. Asparagus delivers […]
Bowel Prep for Colonoscopies Disrupts Microbes
Colonoscopy is the gold standard for finding and removing polyps which could cause colon cancer. Prepping for the test requires imbibing volumes of laxative solutions to cleanse (via diarrhea) the bowel for better viewing. Not fun, but the doctor needs to see a clear picture. One interesting question which rarely comes up is how do […]