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New gut bacteria discovered: Scientists are researching a strain that shows potential for enhancing weight loss

January 06, 2019 -

Only a handful of people know about the bacterium Akkermansia muciniphila. But this can all change thanks to the future research of Dr. Gilberto Flores.

Dr. Flores is a microbial ecologist at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), and he is the recipient of a generous three-year $435,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health. He plans to use this funding "to investigate the health-promoting benefits of this intriguing species of gut bacteria....

Immunotherapy for cancer patients is impaired by antibiotic use, new study finds

February 21, 2019 -

A recent study, published in the journal Science this November by a group of experts including those from Gustave Roussy and the French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA), showed that prescribed antibiotics can reduce the effectiveness of ongoing immunotherapy. This was found upon exploring the gut microbiota composition of patients through metagenomic analysis.

According to the researchers, more than 20 percent of all cancer patients are currently ...

Berberine is an alkaloid that plays an essential role in metabolic and cardiovascular health

December 15, 2018 -

Berberine is found in several plants around the world. In North America, its predominant source is Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium), while in China, it is derived from the Chinese goldthread (Coptis chinensis). Berberine can also be found in goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) and barberry (Berberis vulgaris).

People in North America used the alkaloid to prevent infections, ease digestive stress, and as a blood toner. In China, it is known for its bitter taste and cold ...

Animal trials find zero-calorie sweeteners during pregnancy wreck gut health and cause liver toxicity

February 11, 2020 -

One of the most common changes expecting mothers make is to cut out sugar. While eliminating this type of sweetener has proven health benefits, many of these women replace sugar with non-nutritive zero-calorie sweeteners, and these are anything but healthy.

The American Pregnancy Association states that stevia, aspartame (Equal or Nutrasweet), acesulfame-K (Sunett) and sucralose (Splenda) are safe for use during pregnancy, as long as they are consumed in moderation....

These 3 foods can boost your heart and gut health

December 20, 2022 -

According to Dr. William Davis, a cardiologist and New York Times bestselling author, there is a lot of crossover between the two categories.

Davis said doctors "should be experts in nutrition and the microbiome" because the gut microbiome can affect various bodily functions like immunity, brain function and heart health.

He also talked about three foods that help boost both heart and gut health.Grass-fed meat and organs

Research suggests that a plant-based ...

The ketogenic diet helps reduce epileptic seizures through its effects on gut microbiota

October 27, 2020 -

In a recent study, researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) found that certain bacteria in the gut play an important role in mediating the anti-seizure effects of the ketogenic diet.

Published in the journal Cell, their study revealed that the Akkermansia and Parabacteroides bacteria confer seizure protection in mice fed a ketogenic diet. Overall, their findings indicate that the gut microbiota modulates host metabolism and seizure susceptibility in ...