Search Results for: Probiotic

Akkermansia muciniphila is a unique mucin-loving keystone species residing in the human gastrointestinal tract, purportedly offering health benefits, especially in the realms of metabolic health and obesity.1 Clinical investigations exploring A. muciniphila supplementation in overweight and obese cohorts seek to elucidate its potential impact on metabolic parameters, adiposity, and other health metrics. Studies consistently show reduced abundance in obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and other metabolic conditions.2 Intervention studies in animals demonstrated A. muciniphila administration reversed high-fat diet-induced metabolic disorders,…

by Kyle Perkovich, BS In the intricate ecosystem of the human gut, a new frontier is emerging, marked by the strategic paring of probiotics and prebiotics working synergistically to help provide optimal gut health and well-being. This combination, known as synbiotics, is gaining prominence for its potential to enhance gut health and immune function. As research has advanced, the role of our gut microbiota has become increasingly recognized as a vital part of overall health, influencing not only proper digestion,…

by Lewis Chang, PhD Not all heroes are muscle-bound and wear capes. There is a tiny, almost invisible, hero that lives in our gut and promotes our health and wellbeing. Its name, Akkermansia muciniphila, may be a mouthful, but it’s time to get to know this hero better, as its health-promoting effects have earned it the reputation as a next-generation beneficial bacteria.1 Gut health is intricately connected to human health in ways that surprise us. Our gut is home to…

Angela Kelly, MA and Michael Stanclift, ND This is the last installment of a three-part series on bacterial vaginosis (BV). In part one, we discussed a healthy vaginal microbiome, symptoms, and diagnostic criteria. In part two , we highlighted the risk factors that contribute to BV, the health impacts it can cause, and conventional antimicrobial treatments, along with their propensity for resistance. As we saw in part two , conventional antimicrobials often only temporarily resolve BV, and contribute to antibiotic resistance. For…

Angela Kelly, MA and Michael Stanclift, ND This is part two in a three-part series about bacterial vaginosis (BV). In part one we discussed a healthy vaginal microbiome, BV’s characteristics, and diagnostic criteria. In this section, we’ll explore risk factors for developing BV, the health impacts of it, and current conventional therapies. BV risk factors While the precise causes of BV are still being investigated, researchers have discovered the following risk factors that can contribute to its development: Having a sexual…

Angela Kelly, MA and Michael Stanclift, ND In part one of this three-part series, we’ll discuss a healthy vaginal microbiome, symptoms, and the diagnostic criteria of bacterial vaginosis (BV). A healthy vaginal microbiome The vaginal microbiome is the lesser-known heroine of the body's microbiomes and the first line of defense against pathogens that can cause infections.1-5 Like the gut microbiome, the vaginal microbiome is seeded from mother to daughter and the surrounding environment within 24 hours of birth.6-7Hormonal fluctuations related…

Urogenital recurrent infections affect millions of women because of the dramatic shifts in urogenital bacterial composition and concentrations. Even though most patients get improvement with antimicrobial treatment, the recurrence rate is high and associated with systemic side effects. Probiotics are healthy bacterial strains that not only improve the digestive system but also prevent and address urogenital infections and maintain vaginal health. The combination of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1® and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14® probiotic strains has shown positive benefits in women with bacterial vaginosis (BV), urinary tract infections (UTI), and vulvovaginal…

by Melissa Blake, ND Metabolic detoxification is a complex set of coordinating systems working together to neutralize and eliminate toxic substances from the body. It is an amazing and intricate design. As suggested by design expert Irene Au, just like any good design, “when it works, no one notices, but when it doesn’t, it sure stinks.” Patients know far too well just how much it does stink. Excess toxic burden (too much in, not enough out) has been associated with…

by Lewis Chang, PhD A century ago, the global average life expectancy of humans was around 32 years. Today, it is 73. Because we live much longer, aging is now a major risk factor for a myriad of modern-day chronic illnesses. For scientists to study aging-related health issues, one must find a scientific way to measure aging, a quantifiable biochemical marker that reflects our biological age, so to speak. Having the ability to detect changes in such a biomarker will…

by Noelle Patno, PhD The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. Viruses that cause colds include more than a hundred different kinds of rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and many more. No wonder adults get colds 2-3 times a year on average and with even higher frequency for children and college students. As the most common human illness that leads to missed work and school, colds stay prevalent due to the many variants…