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Gut bacteria imbalance linked to colon cancer risk, but diet and exercise offer a path to prevention

a month ago -

A silent war is being waged within your digestive tract, and its outcome may determine your risk for one of America's most common cancers. Groundbreaking research from institutions across the country is converging on a powerful truth. The trillions of bacteria that make up your gut microbiome are not passive inhabitants. They are active participants in your health, and when their balance is disrupted, it can set the stage for colorectal cancer. This insight ...

For focus and mental clarity, nourish BOTH YOUR BRAINS with these key dietary components

14 days ago -

Key points:

The gut-brain axis

The gut-brain axis is not a metaphorical concept but a hardwired, biochemical communication network. It involves neural pathways like the vagus nerve, the immune system, and the endocrine system. The gut microbiota—the community of bacteria, viruses, and fungi residing in the intestines—acts as a master regulator of this network. These microbes produce a vast array of neuroactive compounds, including neurotransmitters ...

Microorganisms in the gut boost the immune system’s ability to fight a herpes virus that can cause fatal brain inflammation

November 23, 2019 -

"This mouse study shows that B. fragilis PSA can temper the immune system so that infection does not result in an uncontrolled, potentially fatal inflammatory response in the brain," explained Edouard Cantin, an immunology and virology expert at Beckman and co-author of the study. "Although herpes simplex encephalitis is a rare brain inflammation disorder, the lessons we learned here might, with more research, be applicable to other viral infections such as other herpes viruses, ...

Researchers examine how pink sea urchins sharpen their teeth to develop self-sharpening tools

September 23, 2020 -

According to researchers from Northwestern University, the spiny invertebrates, unlike other animals whose teeth are built to resist constant wear and tear, have teeth engineered to chip and weather in such a way that they maintain their sharp edges.

The secret behind this lies in their teeth’s base materials.

"The material on the outer layer of the tooth exhibits a complex behavior of plasticity and damage that regulates 'controlled' chipping of the tooth to ...

Diabetes prevention: Following a 16-week vegan diet boosts gut microbes linked to body weight and blood sugar management

September 11, 2020 -

In a major breakthrough, scientists from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), a nonprofit health organization based in Washington, D.C., found that 16 weeks of a plant-based diet can enhance gut microbiota, induce weight loss and ameliorate markers of insulin resistance in overweight adults without diabetes.

Their findings, published in the journal Nutrients, provide empirical evidence that plant protein, as part of a plant-based diet, is associated ...

Parasites, environmental toxins and the silent health crisis sweeping America

June 02, 2025 -

Over 70 people in Wales fell ill this spring after visiting a farm, with 16 hospitalized due to Cryptosporidium, a parasite causing severe diarrhea and vomiting. The outbreak mirrors warnings from U.S. health experts, including the CDC’s reporting as far back as 2014 identifying five “neglected parasitic infections” (NPIs) — Chagas, toxoplasmosis, trichomoniasis, toxocariasis and cysticercosis — affecting millions of Americans. Despite these risks, parasitic ...

Safe and natural: Red algae shown to prevent the cause of osteoarthritis

August 24, 2018 -

The algae, when used either in powder or gel form, has shown promise in managing the underlying factors of the condition during the testing stages. The research, which was published in the African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, focused on the efficacy of red algae in treating joint pain and cartilage damage caused by osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis, which is also known as degenerative joint disease or degenerative arthritis, is a condition where ...

Here’s what eating tomatoes every day can do for you

November 14, 2024 -

Nutrient powerhouse

Tomatoes – both cooked and raw – are a powerhouse of nutrition. A small raw tomato offers about 3.9 grams of carbohydrates and 1.2 grams of fiber, primarily insoluble fiber like cellulose and lignin. They are also rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C for daily health maintenance and vitamin K, which is crucial for blood clotting and bone health.

Additionally, tomatoes contain vitamin B9 (folic acid), which is important for ...