Gut Microbiome
GI-MAP: What you need to know
The GI-MAP (Microbial Assay Plus)® by Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory is a comprehensive stool test that uses quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technology to assess gut health. The GI-MAP test detects parasites, bacteria, fungi, and more by targeting their specific DNA. GI-MAP’s qPCR technology provides the most accurate detection and quantification of clinically-relevantRead
Melatonin May Aggravate Bowel Inflammation
A study published in Microorganisms shows that the popular sleep aid can worsen inflammation of the intestine and impair the action of gut microbiota.
Bugs and Barrier Function
Intestinal epithelial barrier integrity has a great deal to do with how we feel: both physically and mentally. The concept is a relatively simple one, although the mechanisms are complex. A single layer of epithelial cells functions as a physical barrier between the intestinal lumen, the lamina propria, and theRead
Low FODMAPs: The New Gluten Free?
As patients without diagnosed gluten allergies continue to benefit from a gluten-free diet, researchers, medical professionals, and nutritionists alike are now turning to a related, but more prevalent, perpetrator of GI discomfort: FODMAPs. But, what are FODMAPs and how do they affect the microbiome? And, for those experiencing uncomfortable GIRead
Does Akkermansia Hold the Key To Metabolic Health?
Our gut flora has a role in many internal processes, including regulating our immune system, influencing our mood and cognitive function through the gut-brain axis, and influencing our metabolism and body weight. Not only are they essential to life, but the composition of our gut bugs is also a majorRead
Gut Microbes Help with Early Detection of Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a condition that affects approximately 10% of pregnancies worldwide, occurs when women without diabetes develop glucose intolerance during pregnancy. Typically detected in the second trimester, it can cause adverse outcomes including miscarriage, premature delivery, fetal malformation, and preeclampsia. Now, a new study by Bar-Ilan University inRead
Link Between Gut Bacteria, Estradiol, and Depression Discovered
A potential new cause of depression in premenopausal women has been uncovered. According to a study in the journal Cell Metabolism, women struggling with depression during their reproductive years have lower levels of estradiol — and the microbiome appears to play a significant role in this connection. Previous research showsRead
Spring Clean Your Microbiota: Trillions of Tiny Lives That Influence Your Health
Emerging research suggests that the microbiota influences many aspects of wellbeing, far beyond digestive and immune health. Nurturing these trillions of tiny lives requires a holistic approach. Here’s how to help patients get started.
Zonulin: A Key to Understanding Leaky Gut & Certain Diseases
Over the past 15 years, a growing body of published research supports the hypothesis that the protein zonulin is a key modulator of the tight junctions between enterocytes in the intestines. Here is a brief overview of Zonulin From Wikipedia: Zonulin is a protein that modulates the permeability of tightRead
Bacillus Probiotic Helps Eliminate Staph in the Gut
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
