Any health news junkie can see that the importance of sleep has come to center stage. Our collective interest in this shut-eye time grew when studies started linking a lack of sleep to obesity. Ghrelin, an appetite regulatory hormone, became known as the “carb gremlin” with nutritionists reminding us that fewerRead
One particular probiotic strain found in supplements — Bacillus subtilis — was shown to dramatically reduce Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in the gut without killing off friendly bacteria, according to a study in Lancet Microbe. S. aureus is a bacterium commonly associated with skin infections. But if it enters theRead
For patients who struggle to quit smoking, there is a promising new natural solution — CBD. According to a study in Chemical Research in Toxicology, CBD helps block a key enzyme involved in nicotine metabolism. Study Details Researchers from Washington State University examined the impact of CBD and its chiefRead
Love Your Happy Place The human microbiota consists of trillions of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and others. The vast majority, around 70%, of these microbes reside in the gut and are vital to immune and metabolic health. The gut microbiota also affects your cognitive function and mood throughRead
Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) has been prized for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine for its brain- and health-boosting properties. Now researchers from The University of Queensland have taken a big step in better understanding it, thanks to the discovery of bioactive compounds that increase nerve growth and improve memory. TheseRead
An extract of amla fruit (Emblica officinalis), also called Indian gooseberry, was shown to benefit type 2 diabetics with dyslipidemia, according to a new study in Food & Function. Researchers compared a proprietary preparation of amla (Saberry) with the popular diabetes drug metformin in a 90-day, randomized, open-label trial. TheRead
From the plaque on our teeth to the mucosal layers in the gut lumen, biofilms are everywhere in our environment — and they are a major threat to our health. According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 65% of all microbial and chronic infections are associated with biofilmRead
The second installment in a 3-part series focusing on obesity was recently published in Biochemical Pharmacology, largely devoted to examining the evidence for the obesogen hypothesis, i.e., the proposal that environmental chemicals play a role in the growing overweight/obesity pandemic. This review specifically defines obesogens as chemicals that increase white adipose tissue massRead
People who have celiac disease may face higher odds of developing cardiovascular disease — even though they often lack the “traditional” risk factors for heart disease such as hypertension, high body mass index, and high cholesterol, according to a study in BMJ Medicine. Although mixed, some research has linked celiacRead
Diabetic mice with low levels of the amino acid serine have an increased risk for peripheral neuropathy, according to a new study in Nature. When given serine in their diets, the mice experienced relief from their neuropathy. The study highlights the crucial role non-essential amino acids play in nervous systemRead
