The “gut-brain axis” opens up a whole world of possibilities. If the brain talks to the gut (I’m anxious!) then maybe the gut talks back. New research into what are known as “psychobiotics” suggests that bacteria in the gut can indeed change cognition and emotion. One example: In a report in Proceedings of the National […]
Articles
Diverticulosis: Keep it Simple
Diverticulosis is a common condition in developed countries that results from damage of the colonic mucosa. Age and genetic tendencies increase the odds; smoking and obesity are also risk factors. One major dietary factor is a menu high in animal fat yet low in fiber. This is how fiber deficits come into play: decreased fiber exposes […]
Lovely Preserved Lemons
Fermented lemons are a delicious way to add probiotics and tang to many dishes: pilafs, tagines, roast chicken, salad dressings, hummus and more. Even better, they are so easy to make at home. All you need are about 3 pounds of large lemons. Look for organic lemons because you will be eating the rind which […]
Probiotics Target the Sweet Spot
As diabetes numbers follow the soaring global obesity rates, public health centers everywhere need solutions for both prevention and treatment. Researchers in Brazil looked to probiotics for a possible answer. Effects of Probiotics on Glycemic Control and Inflammation in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-controlled Study appeared April 2015 in The FASEB Journal […]
Out of the Mouths of Babes
Streptococcus mutans is just like the rest of us—trying to make a living with a few holidays along the way. Its daily bread is those crumbs of food left in our teeth. But S. mutans really loves the sticky sweets that hide from toothbrushes. Gummi bears and sugary colas are like a trip to Mallorca […]
Probiotics: Keeping Cholesterol in Check?
Cholesterol has a bad reputation. Clogging arteries, damning up blood supply and eventually, on some fine day, causing a heart attack. This means cardiac tissue death, reduced pumping ability, forays into stents, balloons, and bypasses and for some of the worst cases, heart transplants. Cholesterol though has a purpose. And it is not to kill us […]