The ketogenic diet is one of the oldest forms of medical treatment for epilepsy in infants and children. But the mechanisms underlying its anti-seizure effects have remained unclear until recently. In a recent study, researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) found that certain bacteria in the gut play an important role in mediating the anti-seizure effects … Continue reading The ketogenic diet helps reduce epileptic seizures through its effects on gut microbiota
Auto-brewery syndrome – when gut bacteria produce too much alcohol – may cause fatty liver disease
Some microorganisms can raise a person’s blood alcohol to dangerously high levels, even if he hasn’t touched a drop of alcohol his whole life. In a study published in the journal Cell Metabolism, certain types of gut bacteria can ferment carbohydrates into alcohol within the body — a condition known as auto-brewery syndrome (ABS). A team of researchers from the Capital Institute of Pediatrics in … Continue reading Auto-brewery syndrome – when gut bacteria produce too much alcohol – may cause fatty liver disease
157 Organisms form the “baseline biome” of a healthy gut, say researchers
In a paper published in the journal PLOS ONE, a group of researchers identified 157 microorganisms that may be essential for a healthy gut. These organisms form a “baseline biome” that may hint at what a normal human microbiome looks like. According to co-author Keith Crandall of George Washington University (GWU) this baseline microbial list, which they called GutFeelingKB, provides preliminary data that may be useful for future … Continue reading 157 Organisms form the “baseline biome” of a healthy gut, say researchers
Leafy greens for better health: Plant-based diets found to relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
Emerging research points to a helpful role of plant-based diets in managing certain chronic health conditions. For instance, some studies indicate that adopting a plant-based diet could help ease pain and inflammation linked to rheumatoid arthritis, a lifelong condition that affects the joints. In a major breakthrough, a team of researchers from the George Washington University School of Medicine … Continue reading Leafy greens for better health: Plant-based diets found to relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
Burping and stomach pain: Possible causes and home remedies
Burping is one way for the stomach to release gas and as such, is no cause for concern. This gas is made of odorless elements like nitrogen and carbon dioxide that the stomach releases once it is full of food. In some cases, burping can occur alongside stomach or abdominal pain for a range of … Continue reading Burping and stomach pain: Possible causes and home remedies
Drugs can turn your gut microbiome against you – and even kill you
People respond differently to medical treatments. Certain medications may be effective for some, while others may find that they need large doses to see some improvements. But increasing the quantity of a certain drug you’re taking may lead to serious consequences, like in the case of the Parkinson’s drug, levodopa (L-dopa). Gut microbes and L-dopa L-dopa is a replacement … Continue reading Drugs can turn your gut microbiome against you – and even kill you
Short-chain fatty acids: Gut health and SCFAs
Short-chain fatty acids, or SCFAs, are the main source of energy for the cells lining the colon. They play an important role in colon health and are also involved in the metabolism of important nutrients like carbs and fat. When boosting gut health, considering increasing SCFAs as it can help treat diseases of the gut such as inflammatory bowel diseases, or IBD. … Continue reading Short-chain fatty acids: Gut health and SCFAs
Study: The health of your gut microbiome influences muscle strength
The gut microbiome affects muscle strength, found a study published in the journal Experimental Gerontology. Researchers from Tufts University said that the gut microbiome — the community of microorganisms living in the digestive tract — helps increase or decrease muscle strength depending on the amount of certain bacteria. The findings of the study benefit not only athletes but also older … Continue reading Study: The health of your gut microbiome influences muscle strength
Colorectal cancer is a microbial disease: Changes in the gut microbiome can be used for early detection
A study published in the journal Nature Medicine found an increase in specific microorganisms in the gut which are linked to colorectal cancer. The researchers said that these microorganisms can potentially be used to detect the disease long before it progresses to late-stage cancer. “Our results show that changes in the gut microbiome are present at the very early … Continue reading Colorectal cancer is a microbial disease: Changes in the gut microbiome can be used for early detection
High blood pressure and depression are tied to your gut health, research says
A recent study found that gut health is linked to high blood pressure and depression after identifying key differences in gut bacterial patterns among individuals with the conditions and healthy individuals. The preliminary study presented at the American Heart Association‘s Hypertension Scientific Sessions also found that high blood pressure might take different forms – one that is accompanied by depression and one … Continue reading High blood pressure and depression are tied to your gut health, research says
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 