If the world seems crazier these days, it just may be. Our brains are not impervious to 21st century revolutions in eating, environment and entertainment. In the case of the latter two, industrial pollution and synthetic chemicals in our midst (environment) as well as screens and comfy couches by which to passively observe (entertainment) have emerged […]
Articles
Yogurt May Curb Appetite
Ah, yogurt. How do we love thee? Let me count the ways. Sheer deliciousness: Creamy and clean, like rolling around in the snow as a kid. Never boring: OK, some processed yogurts are patently predictable and that’s why some people prefer supermarket yogurt, but make your own at home and the result is always a […]
Early Antibiotics Impact Future Health
We are born alone. But soon bacteria, viruses and others crowd in, creating our first microbiota. These essentials will determine many aspects of our future health. A mission this monumental is sadly given little planning or thought. Vaginal delivery which immediately seeds the newborn with its mother’s microflora is preferred yet often mothers and their […]
Seasons Change Our Microbes
Cold weather seems to pack on the weight. Are we eating more hot apple pie or just not going outside to exercise? (Answer: both.) Seasonal variations affect our weight, our moods—and now our microbes. Early evidence comes from a group known as the Hutterites, who were chosen as research subjects because their diets are similar […]
Extremes of Life: The Microbial Arc
Childhood has never been longer than it is today. Launching offspring into adulthood often continues into three decades of life; physical growth and mental development carry on. It is surprising then that our microbiota may reach adulthood by age 2 or 3. Toddlers are climbing about with a set of microbes that will stay remarkably […]
Probiotics Take a Stab at Cancers
The Big C strikes without warning. As diagnosis comes earlier and more often, whether due to sensitive imaging, increased awareness or even more toxic causes, we are being asked to accept cancer as a price of living. Fair enough. But know this: we are not without some control. Changing our behavior can prevent 30% of cancer […]