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
Kombucha and probiotics: Why is this fizzy drink good for you?
Kombucha is a rising star in the realm of health foods. But make no mistake. This fermented, carbonated drink is more than just a food fad. In fact, scientists are turning to kombucha in an attempt to understand the relationships among microbial communities. In a recent article published in PeerJ, scientists from Arizona State University (ASU) and the University of New … Continue reading Kombucha and probiotics: Why is this fizzy drink good for you?
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
GERD / acid reflux diet: What to eat and what to avoid
Burning abdominal discomfort, chest pain and bloating after eating are all tell-tale signs of acid reflux. Getting a case of heartburn from time to time isn’t unusual, but it might be a sign of a more serious problem if it persists in the long run. Ekta Gupta, a gastroenterologist at Johns Hopkins Medicine, states that diet has … Continue reading GERD / acid reflux diet: What to eat and what to avoid
Here are 6 reasons to consider whey protein
Whey protein is a popular dietary supplement. Widely used for its muscle-building benefits, whey protein can be beneficial beyond increased muscle strength. Here are some other notable health benefits of whey protein consumption: 1. Helps reduce high blood pressure Millions of Americans suffer from high blood pressure or hypertension. Studies have found that whey protein can help lower high … Continue reading Here are 6 reasons to consider whey protein
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
Here’s to “good” bacteria: Eating raw organic fruits and veggies helps boost your gut health
To avoid harmful chemical fertilizers and pesticides in the food that you consume, it’s best to buy organic fruits and vegetables. A study published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology found that consuming organic produce promotes gut microbiome diversity. Birgit Wassermann, the first author of the study and a researcher at the Graz University of Technology in Austria, explained that consuming raw … Continue reading Here’s to “good” bacteria: Eating raw organic fruits and veggies helps boost your gut health
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 