Progesterone Supplementation During Pregnancy Increases Risk of C-section & Postpartum Depression
A study using the Chinese baby birth cohort found that women who took progesterone before 14 weeks of gestation are at a higher risk of C-section and developing post-partum depression, with no actual reduction in preterm birth risk. Progesterone is a hormone used to reduce the risk of preterm birth, support the fertilization process, or to increase babies’ […]
Prebiotics Could Replace Low FODMAPs Diet To Treat Functional Gut Disorders
Prebiotic supplementation could replace the low FODMAPs diet as a treatment for functional gut disorders (IBS, constipation, functional dyspepsia, etc.). A 4-week study compared the effects of a prebiotic supplement plus Mediterranean-type diet, versus a placebo supplement plus low FODMAP diet for 2 weeks. Fecal microbiota composition, intestinal gas production, and digestive sensations were measured outcomes. […]
Eliminate Processed Foods – The First Step To Better Gut Health
Ultra-processed food and drinks (fish sticks, chicken nuggets, cookies, sweetened drinks, etc.) increase the risk of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia (FD or chronic indigestion). A recent French study analyzed dietary data from over 33,000 participants and found that approximately 16% of food consumed (by weight) was made up of ultra-processed foods, which account […]
Fasting Improves Microbial Health & Protects Against Autoimmunity
Intermittent fasting (typically defined as going 12 to 18 hours a day without food) positively impacts the gut microbiome and protects against central nervous system (CNS) autoimmunity. A recent study in mice found that IF increases gut bacteria richness and diversity (resulting in an increase in Lactobacillaceae, Bacteroidaceae, and Prevotellaceae families), and positively alters gut microbiome […]
Stool Processing Techniques Significantly Reduce FMT Efficacy
Common stool processing techniques (such as freeze thawing or blending in oxygen) for fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) may significantly reduce efficacy of the procedure. Using a process called PMA, which differentiates between dead and live bacteria and discards the DNA data for dead bacteria, scientists found that even when using the best stool processing protocols available, […]
Ketogenic Diet? Most Likely You’re Not in Ketosis + Other Risks
If you’re currently on a ketogenic diet (keto) or considering one for weight loss or to improve overall health, there are important things to consider. Creating the right environment to reach ketosis varies across individuals and without working with a doctor or nutritionist it’s nearly impossible to know if you’re in ketosis. In addition, to properly […]
Gender-Based Differences Uncovered In The Gut microbiome
Scientists studied the sex-based differences in the intestinal barrier function and gut microbiome of 23 volunteers administered indomethacin (NSAID most commonly prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis and gout). At baseline, healthy women showed lower intestinal permeability and higher microbial diversity than healthy men. While indomethacin increased intestinal permeability in both sexes, only women experienced decreased diversity in […]
Low Maternal Omega-3 Intake Linked To Offspring Weight Gain & Metabolic Dysfunction In Adulthood
Weight gain and metabolic dysfunction in adulthood could be linked to maternal omega-3 fatty acid intake during gestation and lactation. A recent mouse study found that maternal PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acid) production during pregnancy and nursing significantly reduced weight gain and markers for metabolic dysfunction in male offspring fed a high fat diet. The study states […]
Antibiotics Increase Kidney Stone Risk
Oral antibiotics may raise the risk of kidney stones, and for children the risk is significantly higher. A recent study tracked antibiotic exposure 3 to 12 months before diagnosis in about 26,000 people with kidney stones. Results showed that oral exposure to any of the 5 classes of antibiotics significantly raised the risk of kidney stones. […]
Ketogenic Diet Linked To Microbial & Brain Function Benefits, But Is It Worth It?
A ketogenic diet (KD) improves neurovascular pathways that play key roles in brain function and beneficially alters the gut microbiome. The study included a 16-week ketogenic diet and was conducted in young, healthy mice aged 12 to 14 weeks. In addition to improved neurovascular function, a KD reduced blood glucose levels and body weight and showed […]
