Billions of bacteria live in the colon, most times quite amicably. But when pathogens move in, healthy probiotic organisms fight against bad actors aiming to wreck the neighborhood. These pathogens, as demonstrated in animal studies, interact with the immune system, produce metabolites linked to cancer, and release factors toxic to DNA. Dysbiosis in Colorectal Cancer […]
Articles
Alzheimer’s Disease May Begin in the Mouth
A healthy salivary microbiota is now recognized as vital not only to teeth and gums but also to remote organ sites including the brain. Not surprisingly, the oral cavity hosts a varied menu of microbes. In prior research, bacteria in the oral cavity had been linked to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Lipopolysaccharide, a component of P. […]
For Better Sleep, Turn to Microbes
When humans sleep poorly, health suffers. Mental performance declines as risks of diseases including cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer’s rise. Thus the quest for a good night’s sleep brooks no limits; ergonomic mattresses, white noise machines and powerful drugs are just a few if not always fruitful fixes. Growing evidence suggests that the gut microbiome […]
Probiotics Show Value in Colds and Flu
Probiotics become more popular once the cold and flu season starts. Is that attention warranted? Increasingly, the evidence is affirmative. Research suggests that good bacteria, whether through fermented foods or supplements, have a beneficial role in respiratory infections including colds and flu. Probiotics boost respiratory health by: Reinforcing intestinal walls against pathogens Shoring up the […]
Meatless Burgers: The Gut Reaction
With meatless burgers heating up the food scene, it’s time to revisit the effects of a plant-based diet on our health, with an emphasis on microbiome impact. An excellent review published in September 2019 reviewed effects of a plant-based diet on metabolism and cognition. After winnowing down the field, the researchers from Berlin and Leipzig […]
UPDATE: Probiotics Resource Center at SupplySide West 2019
The International Probiotics Association (IPA) is thrilled to present the Probiotic Resource Center (PRC) at SupplySide West in Las Vegas this October 15-19. SupplySide West/ Food Ingredients North America offers resources for health & nutrition professionals from the dietary supplement, food, beverage, personal care and sports nutrition industries. This year over 1,300 exhibitors and 140 […]