There’s ample data to show that gut bacteria affect mood, immune system health, sleep cycles, and response to stress. It turns out that the gut microbiome—at least certain microbial species within it—also play a role in lipid metabolism, suggesting that some types of probiotics may have heart health benefits.
Debates about immigration policy and healthcare reform have dominated the US political landscape in recent years. At the intersection of these issues lie a number of important and troubling questions.
On March 6, New York Times subscribers came upon a full-page open letter—in print and online– from the popular snack food company Clif Bar, challenging competing brand, KIND, to live up to its name and go completely organic. Was this an earnest plea for corporate responsibility or a shrewd marketing ploy? Either way, the ensuing “bar fight” underscores both the massive size of the “healthy” snack market, and the rapid growth of consumer demand for healthy and eco-friendly foods.
Low folate status, combined with a cluster of certain folate-metabolizing genetic variants, is associated with increased risk of congenital heart disease (CHD). Mothers and children with certain polymorphisms within the MTHFR, MTR, and MTRR genes showed decreased folate and elevated homocysteine levels, both significant risk factors for CHD.
Leaky gut syndrome has been getting a lot of attention during the last several years for its role in the etiology of chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS) and even diabetes. A new line of research suggests that intestinal permeability may contribute to cardiovascular risk. The key? Gut bacteria and bacterial endotoxins that enter the blood stream and inflitrate the epicardium, the vascular endothelium, and atheromatous plaques present in the vessels.
FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb’s surprise resignation earlier this month sent shockwaves through the natural products industries. His departure at the end of March will leave two key aspects of dietary supplement regulation in limbo: the legality of CBD supplements, and the possibility of a major revision of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA).
Recently, I was asked if I had any concerns about elevated levels of TMAO—trimethylamine N-oxide–with a diet high in eggs. This is a reasonable question given that elevated TMAO levels have been linked to increased cardiovascular disease and stroke. As with most physiologic functions, however, the answer is nuanced and highly individualized. It’s not a simple “good or bad” subject.
A small independent company based in Ohio launched a feeding tube formula called Liquid Hope, comprised entirely of organic whole foods like chickpeas, sprouted quinoa, almond butter, turmeric, kale, sweet potato, and other high-energy, anti-inflammatory ingredients. Unlike most conventional enteral nutrition formulas, Liquid Hope is free from sugar, corn syrup, omega-6 laden oils, and dairy ingredients. It is making a profound difference in the lives of many patients.
A new study shows that early childhood trauma correlates strongly with higher rates of adolescent obesity. The findings offer important insights into the complex etiology of pediatric obesity which, researchers believe, could stem partly from traumatic psychosocial factors early in life. Using data from the statewide Minnesota Student Survey (MSS), a team of University of […]
If you are confused about the therapeutic value of hemp oil, cannabidiol (CBD), and other cannabis-related substances, and you’re scratching your head trying to figure out what’s legal and what’s not, that’s good: It means you’re paying attention. Yes, there is some evidence, but there’s also a lot of evangelism. Clinicians face the challenge of separating the scientific realities from the hype.
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