In a position trailing many countries in the developed world, the United States is taking steps to limit the routine use of antibiotics for cows, pigs and chickens. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that antibiotics will no longer be used to make animals grow bigger—and more profitable—but will be reserved to fight infections. […]
Articles
Gut Microbes Implicated in OCD
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a devastating disorder known to be triggered by stressful life events but the actual cause is unknown. This is from Mayo Clinic online: “Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by unreasonable thoughts and fears (obsessions) that lead you to do repetitive behaviors (compulsions). With obsessive-compulsive disorder, you may […]
Indulge in Health for the Holidays
However you celebrate the holidays, be sure to add some probiotic goodness to your festivities. Yogurt is a delicious place to start. It can be easily stirred into sweet or savory dips and soups for both flavor and nutrition. Also, banana and pumpkin breads will benefit with a moist addition such as yogurt or buttermilk. […]
Probiotics Under Study in Cystic Fibrosis
A devastating lung disease which strikes in childhood, cystic fibrosis causes recurrent airway infections. Treatment involves copious antibiotics; this leads to disturbed microbial populations. Could probiotics help? A pilot study in Israel found that probiotics reduced pulmonary exacerbation rates in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Ten CF patients were supplemented with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG for six months. This […]
Probiotics for Low Birth Weight Infants
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a significant cause of death for low birth weight premature infants. NEC means abdominal distension, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and bradycardia; it is reported in 10 to 25% of preterm infants and may affect 1/3 to1/2 of all low birth weight infants. The mortality ranges from 20 to 30% and those who […]
Can Probiotics Help Diabetic Foot Ulcers?
With the explosion in cases of diabetes (the International Diabetes Federation predicts 1 in 10 worldwide could have diabetes by 2030), complications of this chronic condition will soar. Diabetic foot ulcer is one which requires vigilance and thoughtful care. Delayed wound healing and higher rates of infection can occur and lead to more serious events. […]