Fighting Depression and Anxiety Through the Gut
Vagus nerve stimulation for mood support (Part 2 of 2) Last week’s post examined the vagus nerve (the tenth cranial nerve) and the important role it plays in connecting the body to the brain. We explored how breath, laughter, and exercise all “tickle” the nerve to send soothing, calming signals to the brain and…
How the Microbiome Is Revolutionizing the Pursuit of a Healthy Life
What’s good for the microbiome is good for the body We often think of the human body as made of human cells, but it’s time to revise that perspective. As it turns out, the number of microbial cells in our bodies exceeds the number of human cells.[1],[2] We have ignored them far too long….
How the Gut Microbiome Influences COVID-19
Can probiotics reduce the risk? The COVID-19 pandemic has swept the globe, killing nearly five million people to date. The disease has a broad range of outcomes, however, with many people developing only mild to moderate symptoms like sniffles, cough, shortness of breath, and fever.[1] This extreme range of symptoms is caused by variations…
Lactobacillus plantarum DR7: A Probiotic For Stress Relief
When I was a young athlete, I would get sick to my stomach before every big game, race, or match. The stress I felt always manifested in my gut. Many people experience feelings of a “nervous stomach” because our brain and our gut are so intricately intertwined. Sayings like “trust your gut”, “feel it…
Butyrate: A Postbiotic for Colon Health
How butyrate modulates inflammation and overall health Our gut depends on trillions of bacteria to facilitate digestion, immunity, and many other functions. Until recently, however, the mechanisms by which the microbiome regulates so many aspects of human health have remained elusive. There are at least three nutritional strategies to support the microbiome and overall…
Combating Age-Related Immune Decline: Can Nutrition Help?
A look at nutritional factors that keep immune defenses strong, even in older adults The immune system is a critical component of health throughout life. However, on the front and back end of the years we spend on this planet, our immune defenses aren’t particularly impressive. In infancy, while the immune system is developing,…
Vaccine Efficacy, Part 2 of 2: Can a Healthy Gut Microbiome Improve It?
The influence of probiotics on the immune response Vaccines are among the greatest successes of modern medicine, helping to protect entire populations against a wide range of infectious diseases.[1] However, there is considerable variation in the efficacy of vaccines amongst individuals.[2] The magnitude of antibody titers induced in individuals receiving the seasonal influenza vaccine,…
Vaccine Efficacy, Part 1 of 2: Can a Healthy Diet Improve It?
The influence of dietary fiber, prebiotics, beta-glucan, and fucoidan Vaccines are one of the greatest successes of modern medicine, helping to protect entire populations against a wide range of infectious diseases.[1] A vaccine works by training the immune system to recognize and combat pathogens, either viruses or bacteria. To do this, certain molecules (antigens)…
Keeping Your Immune System On Guard
Six supplements that support healthy immune system function Let’s face it: we are surrounded by a veritable sea of viruses, bacteria, and other infectious agents. What keeps these nasties at bay, in addition to physical barriers such as the skin and mucus secretions, is the immune system. If pathogens happen to gain entry, the…
Supplements to Take With and Without Food
Guidelines for optimal absorption and benefit “I think your love language is snacks,” my friend says after I greet her with a hug and a jar of homemade vegan coconut yogurt. “I think you’re right!” I laugh, and beckon her to open up the jar so we can have a nosh. Later that month,…
The Healthspan Imperative
Why healthspan is the new focus of geroscience “Life is short, and the older you get, the more you feel it. Indeed, the shorter it is.” This quote by actor Viggo Mortensen sums up how many people feel when they reach middle age and beyond. They start to realize how important it is to…
Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body
Why we shouldn’t ignore the oral microbiome If you’re like me, you’d prefer not to dwell on the millions of bacteria living in your mouth. But if you care about your health, you can’t ignore the oral microbiome! Up to 700 different species of bacteria live in various niches within the mouth.[1],[2],[3] Even individuals…
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