Biotics

Probiotics, prebiotics and the gut microbiome.

Biotics

Probiotics Benefit Metabolic Syndrome Patients

A study gave the probiotic strain B420 to diabetic mice on a high-fat diet and found improved fasting glycemia and glucose turnover restored to control levels, which researchers attribute to less tissue inflammation and metabolic endotoxemia. Mercola adds his own case for probiotics.

Biotics

Friendly Bacteria Blunt Anti-Nutrient Action

Phytase enzymes from Bifidobacterium strains cut phytate and phytic acid, compounds that block mineral absorption, and high-fiber bread fermented with the bacteria held significantly less phytic acid than traditionally baked bread. Mercola notes fermentation dates back millennia.

Oct 31, 2009

Biotics

Probiotics Protect You from Gut Parasites

Scientists studying Toxoplasma gondii found gut bacteria help stimulate the body's defenses against the parasite. Mercola adds that probiotics occupy space in the intestine and may keep disease-causing bacteria and parasites from attaching to the intestinal wall.

Sep 10, 2009

Biotics

Probiotics may help prevent colds

In a Chinese trial of 326 children aged 3 to 5, those drinking milk with Lactobacillus had 53 percent fewer fevers and 41 percent fewer coughs than the placebo group, while those given Lactobacillus plus Bifidobacterium had 72 percent fewer fevers. Antibiotic use fell in both groups.

Aug 2, 2009

Biotics

Prebiotic potential of almonds

Institute of Food Research scientists ran almonds through a simulated stomach and intestine, then a fermentation model, and found finely ground almonds significantly raised certain beneficial gut bacteria. Removing the fat removed the effect, suggesting the bacteria use almond lipid.

Jun 27, 2008

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