Several species of bacteria found in smokeless tobacco products have been associated with opportunistic infections, according to a paper published August 26 in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, a journal of the American Society for Microbiology. Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus pumilus could potentially cause inflammation of the lungs, as well as opportunistic infections, said coauthor Steven Foley, PhD, research microbiologist, […]
The Current State Of Psychobiotics
Now that we know that gut bacteria can speak to the brain — in ways that affect our mood, our appetite, and even our circadian rhythms — the next challenge for scientists is to control this communication. The science of psychobiotics, reviewed October 25 in Trends in Neurosciences, explores emerging strategies for planting brain-altering bacteria […]
Fungus In Humans For First Time As Key Factor In Crohn’s Disease
A fungus has been identified as a key factor in the development of Crohn’s disease, an international team of researchers has identified for the first time. A Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine-led team of international researchers has for the first time identified a fungus as a key factor in the development of Crohn’s […]
Vinegar Could Potentially Help Treat Ulcerative Colitis
Vinegar is the perfect ingredient for making tangy sauces and dressings. Now, researchers report in ACS’ Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry that the popular liquid could also help fight ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease that research suggests is related to the gut microbiome. They found that vinegar suppressed inflammation-inducing proteins while improving the gut’s […]
Bacteria From Bees Possible Alternative To Antibiotics
Raw honey has been used against infections for millennia, before honey — as we now know it — was manufactured and sold in stores. So what is the key to its’ antimicrobial properties? Researchers at Lund University in Sweden have identified a unique group of 13 lactic acid bacteria found in fresh honey, from the […]
Antibacterial Soap Ingredient Questionable
The active ingredient in most antibacterial products is triclosan, an antibacterial agent that kills bacteria and inhibits bacterial growth. But not only does triclosan kill bacteria, it also has been shown to kill human cells. Presumably, when people buy antibacterial soap, the idea is to kill bad germs and promote health. But over the years, scientists […]
Probiotics Help With Digestion And So Much More
The friendly bacteria that live in our guts are essential for good health. What do these beneficial bugs do? Probiotics are the opposite of antibiotics, which kill bacteria. (There are trillions of them, outnumbering the cells in our body 10-to-1.) They help prevent colitis-related colon cancer, protect you from food poisoning, strengthen the immune system, […]
Aspartame Trap: You May Be Unknowingly Ingesting This Toxic Sweetner
The risk of artificial sweeteners is still very real. Aspartame is used as a substitute sweetener in thousands of products. Most diet sodas, processed foods and candies contain this ‘alternative’ to sugar. If you aren’t careful, you’ll easily run into it somewhere in your food. Aspartame is marketed not by its real name, but through […]