Shikha Snigdha, Ph.D. and Jeremy Bartos, Ph.D. MeriCal There are differences between men and women in almost every aspect of health and physiology. Yet, when it comes to the microbiome and microbiome-related effects on mood and stress and related conditions, there is a paucity of products that differentiate between effects on men vs women. When […]
microbiota
Urinary Tract Infection? Probiotics May Help
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be hard to shake. The chance of recurrence after the first episode in healthy 18–29 year-old women has been reported as 24%. Unfortunately, the traditional treatment of antibiotics may cause resistance. For this reason, other therapies are being explored. Microbial Shift in UTIs First indication: Studies of the urinary microbiota […]
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. […]
Microbes Target Mid-life Brain Crisis
Middle age is hard to nail down. It really demands a psychic ability to predict how long one may live. A better gauge may be when a new spouse or a sports car appears. For scientists, naturally, there is a definition: “Male middle age is a transitional period where many physiological and psychological changes occur […]
Green Tea Works with Microbes to Detox
Green tea comes steeped in endorsements from nutritionists. This power beverage is known to help prevent chronic diseases including cancer, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. The secret appears to lie in its polyphenols; epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) dominates. Exactly how this particular polyphenol operates to avert diseases is largely unknown. Polyphenols scavenge toxins One idea: Toxic reactive cellular metabolites, such as […]
A Look at Microbes in Schizophrenia
Marked by delusions and hallucinations, schizophrenia is not uncommon. More than 50 million people or 1% of humans suffer with this devastating psychiatric disorder. What causes schizophrenia? Researchers believe that a combination of genetics, brain chemistry and environment contributes to development of the disorder. The gut-brain axis may be one pathway. Risk factors for schizophrenia Family […]