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

Scientists discover a soil bacteria that can protect against stress

The health industry is full of diets, exercises and therapies for stress relief. But researchers from the U.S., Hungary and the U.K. suggest a more down-to-earth stress buster – with dirt. In their study, which was published in the journal Psychopharmacology, the team found that Mycobacterium vaccae, a bacterium found in soil, produces an anti-inflammatory fatty acid that can reduce inflammation and … Continue reading Scientists discover a soil bacteria that can protect against stress

Improving digestion: 11 gut-friendly foods

Your digestive tract is crucial to your overall well-being because it is responsible for absorbing nutrients and eliminating waste from the body. If you suffer from digestive issues like abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea, eating gut-friendly foods like apples and chia seeds can help relieve your painful symptoms. Other conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, heartburn, irritable bowel syndrome … Continue reading Improving digestion: 11 gut-friendly foods

Reduce inflammation and improve your mood with these healthy, fermented foods

Did you know that probiotics or “good” bacteria can do more than boost your digestive health? If you suffer from inflammation, you can ease your condition by consuming certain kinds of fermented foods. According to Ali Miller, a registered dietitian and author of “The Anti-Anxiety Diet,” you can improve your gut health and mood and energy levels … Continue reading Reduce inflammation and improve your mood with these healthy, fermented foods

What is Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT)?

Fecal Microbiota Transplant Fecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT) is a procedure in which fecal matter, or stool, is collected from a tested donor, mixed with a saline or other solution, strained, and placed in a patient, by colonoscopy, endoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or enema. The purpose of fecal transplant is to replace good bacteria that has been killed … Continue reading What is Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT)?

Many mental illnesses are inflammation based: More and more science backs up a link between gut health and mental health

You may have heard before that your stomach is home to trillions of bacteria. These microorganisms help break down the food you eat and have a lot to do with the quality of your overall health. But did you know that the state of your gut can impact the state of your mind, and in turn may affect your mood? … Continue reading Many mental illnesses are inflammation based: More and more science backs up a link between gut health and mental health

Probiotics are also good for your liver

Probiotics are good for the liver, according to a study presented at the 2018 Experimental Biology meeting. A team of researchers looked at the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), which is a species common in many over-the-counter probiotic formulations. In the study, the research team fed mice with food containing LGG for two weeks. Then, they assessed how the mice … Continue reading Probiotics are also good for your liver

Kimchi is one of the most powerful probiotic foods you can eat

Kimchi, the spicy, salted and fermented vegetables staple in Korean cuisine, is so much more than a side dish. In a comprehensive review of 130 studies, researchers in Korea looked at its health benefits as a probiotic. Probiotics in general are the good bacteria populating the gut. The human gut has more than 400 strains of … Continue reading Kimchi is one of the most powerful probiotic foods you can eat

Presence and amount of gut bacteria can predict how fast pancreatic cancer cells grow

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, or PDA, is the most common and by far the most lethal form of pancreatic cancer. Pancreapedia reports that it is extremely aggressive, and for most patients their only hope of survival hinges on the total surgical removal of the tumor. Unfortunately, such tumors cannot be removed in upwards of 90 percent of cases, making … Continue reading Presence and amount of gut bacteria can predict how fast pancreatic cancer cells grow