How did gluten become such a pariah? With its presence blamed for common gut problems, gluten-free products have swept the marketplace. However, for better or worse, eliminating components or categories of foods from diets will impact health. Our task is to learn how microbes figure in the equation. But first, listen to a simplified story […]
Articles
Common Emulsifier Messes with Microbes
On sticky summer days, ice cream doesn’t stand a chance. Decades ago, manufacturers created a novel workaround for the rapid meltdown: synthetic emulsifiers firm up shape and slow liquefaction. Polysorbate 80 is one of many emulsifiers engineered into processed foods, beauty products and medications. Emulsifiers are Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS) according to the U.S. […]
Research Grows for Probiotics in Obesity
Support for use of probiotics in obesity and metabolic disease is growing. Individual studies reveal that rectifying gut microbe disturbances (dysbiosis) can benefit such patients. However, broad population studies are not as available. To that end, researchers in Portugal recently looked at one large cross-sectional study to assess population-based prevalence of probiotic intake and metabolic […]
Probiotics Figure in Kidney Stones
Small things can cause great pain. As urine streams through our kidneys, minerals may sludge off and form stones, what is known as nephrolithiasis. Irritation and discomfort—sometimes substantial– may result if these nuggets are not flushed out. Drinking lots of water helps but in persistent cases, shock waves (lithotripsy) or surgery may be necessary. Knowns […]
In Targeting Cancer Cells, Postbiotics Let Normal Cells Live
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have proven value that is widely accepted across the arc of human health. Whether involved in infections, immunity, chronic diseases metabolism, LAB are generally regarded as safe and beneficial. Also, numerous animal, human and epidemiological studies have revealed the effects of LAB on colon, bladder, liver, breast, and gastric cancers. […]
Microbes Matter in IBS
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a challenge; it is the most common reason for referral to gastroenterology clinics. Researchers in Malaysia published Microbiome and Irritable Bowel Syndrome – A Review on the Pathophysiology, Current Research and Future Therapy. The excellent overview appeared June 2019 in Frontiers in Microbiology journal. Highlights for our purposes were the […]