One thing stands out when watching an old movie. Very few actors had perfect teeth. Today most young people in developed countries look as though they just stepped out of Photoshop. Orthodontics of course are widespread. But there is one other thing that is drastically different. Fluoride. This mineral which is added to water […]
Articles
Probiotics May Change Your Drug Dose
Medications affect different people in different ways. Now scientists think that gut microbes and enzymes may be one reason. This review explores mechanisms including biotransformation, bioactivation, and biodegradation as well as up- or down-regulation of the epithelial transporters. These reactions may lead to overdosing or underdosing. Read more about this new thinking here in […]
Probiotics in Chronic Stress
Probiotics have been shown to reduce the ill effects of chronic stress on intestinal function. Researchers from the Netherlands wondered if mast cells played a part. In recently published work with rats, they were able to see protective effects of probiotics when mast cells were present.
Kiwi: The Beauty Inside
Kiwifruit turns up everywhere these days. Once considered an exotic fruit, this furry brown nugget with brilliant and juicy green flesh dresses many a fruit salad across the globe. No wonder its scientific name is Actinidia deliciosa. It is often called just kiwi but that more accurately describes a flightless bird of New Zealand as […]
Skinny Genes
Fecal microbiota from adult human twins–one obese and one not–were transplanted into germ-free mice fed low-fat mouse chow or diets representing typical U.S. menus. The obese phenotype was transmitted. And notably, mice with the lean twin’s microbiota prevented the increased body mass in cagemates harboring an obese twin’s microbiota. The diet changed the outcome. Read […]
Probiotics May Soothe Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which immune and inflammatory response causes pain along with cartilage and bone degradation; it can lead to significant disability and compromises quality of life. People with RA often suffer from gastrointestinal disturbances: bloating, gastric pain, nausea and constipation and diarrhea. And interestingly, they have microbiota that differ […]