Medications such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen are common non-steroidal pain therapies. They are also used for fevers and in higher doses to combat inflammation. Recent research from Temitayo Olumakinwa Obanla at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University explored whether these drugs interfere with viability and functionality of probiotics. The study looked at effect on […]
Articles
Kefir Is Easy To make
Kefir is less well known than many fermented products. But the number and variety of helpful bacterial and yeast strains can far outnumber those found in the more popular yogurt. In addition, it is much easier to make. Yogurt requires a few steps to kill the bacteria in milk before inoculating with yogurt culture. But […]
Put Mushrooms on the Prebiotic List
Mushroom caps get all the attention. Whether grilled (see recipe below), sautéed or blended into soups, these low-calorie, no-fat fungi add pungent flavor to any meal. But, wait—don’t discard the bases or stems just yet. Usually tossed into animal feed, these leftovers may have some value as prebiotics. Researchers in Taiwan showed that polysaccharides […]
Sleeping Beauty
People sleep less these days. The average in the early 1900s was about 9 hours; today, fewer than 7 hours is the norm for much of the developed world. Quick review: All life forms respond to the cycles of light and dark in one day in what is called “circadian rhythms.” Don’t mess with them. These […]
Neurobiologist Who Studied Behavior-Infection Link Dies
The role of maternal infections in mental development of offspring was a central research focus of Paul Patterson of California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, California who died last week at the age of 70. During his distinguished career, Patterson asked if a challenge to a mother’s immune system could lead to future behavioral disorders […]
Whole Grains Reduce Inflammation
Prebiotics are the nurturers of the world. They feed and guide proper growth of microbial colonies in our guts and across the maps of our personal physical universes. Prebiotics work for probiotics, which are finally gaining the attention they deserve in the health sphere. But live probiotic bacteria depend on the quality and quantity of […]