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All about your vaginal flora
OptiBac Probiotics specialise entirely in probiotics. One of their core values is encouraging people to take health into their own hands in a responsible manner. Training and education is a cornerstone of this, and with their expertise, they hope to help raise awareness of probiotics and their potential to help change lives.
2023
Abstract
OptiBac take a deep dive into the vaginal microbiome and the role of Lactobacillus which is estimated to make up approximately 95% of the average vaginal flora. The production of both lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide are two key processes which help to prevent the growth of unfavourable strains of bacteria and yeast that may cause health infections such as thrush and bacterial vaginosis. The article explores vaginal microbiome changes during life stages such as puberty, pregnancy and menopause, which are thought to be attributed largely to oestrogen fluctuations given the influence of oestrogen on glycogen levels, the main food source for Lactobacillus. Besides hormonal shifts, some additional triggers for vaginal infection are reviewed and the mechanisms involved, including sexual intercourse, high sugar diets, antibiotics, stress and the use of hygiene products.
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The connection between POPs and Metabolic Syndrome
As the pioneer and global leader of Functional Medicine, the Institute of Functional Medicine leads and catalyses the efforts of a large and expanding Functional Medicine ecosystem, including providers, educators, payers, industry leaders, regulators, and influencers.
2023
Abstract
This IFM insight investigates the growing link between persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and increased rates of metabolic syndrome. There is evidence that POPs may also impair metabolic functioning of ‘normal weight’ individuals and not just those who are overweight or obese due to their potential impact on the gut microbiome. Underlying mechanisms are explored as well as the risks of eliminating POPs from the body. They review dietary approaches that may be targeted to support individuals with metabolic syndrome along with a high toxic burden in light of the ubiquity of POPs in our food environment.
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3.
Probiotic Drinks: Are They as Effective as Probiotic Supplements?
Dr Ruscio is a Doctor of Natural Medicine, Doctor of Chiropractic, clinical researcher and author. His podcast, Dr Ruscio Radio presents cutting edge information in health, nutrition and functional medicine distilled into practical advice that can be used to improve our health.
2023
Abstract
Dr Ruscio explores the evidence around different types of probiotic drinks, their wide ranging effects on gut, cardiovascular, metabolic, and immune system health, and how their efficacy may be impacted by storage and processing. He also does a comparison between the effectiveness of probiotic drinks, probiotic supplements and probiotic food, with respect to their viability and delivery system within the body.
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Does the gut microbiome increase cardiovascular disease?
Alex Manos is one of the UK’s leading Functional Medicine practitioners who specialises in SIBO and gut-related disorders, as well as mould illness and mycotoxins. He is also very passionate about physical therapy, movement, resiliency, life coaching, nutritional therapy, and biohacking. He is a lecturer at various colleges and institutions including the Institute of Optimum Nutrition (ION) and one the MSc program at The Centre For Nutritional Education and Lifestyle Management (CNELM).
2021
Abstract
In this blog post, Alex Manos discusses the role played by the diversity of the intestinal microbiota in cardiovascular disease. He presents us with the intestinal microbial communities that widely differ between patients with symptomatic atherosclerosis and healthy controls. This article is a precious source of information as it lets the reader understand how closely blood pressure is affected by the diversity of the gut microbiome, and how specific classes of microorganisms can positively or negatively impact our risk of cardiovascular disease development.
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Do These Microbes Make Me Look Fat?
Metagenics Institute is a trusted, peer-to-peer, evidence-based educational resource for nutrition and personalized medicine. Its mission is to transform healthcare by inspiring and educating practitioners, and their patients, about personalized lifestyle medicine.
2021
Abstract
This article reflects upon the epidemic of obesity, analysing the role that socioeconomic factors, dietary patterns, lifestyle, environmental toxins, and genetics are playing in metabolic disorders development. Moreover, it presents us with some compelling food for thought regarding the impact that a healthy/unhealthy gut can play in obesity and cardiovascular disease development, and how microbiome research is showing promising results in the field.
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How our microbiome might affect our mental health
The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. It was established in 1971 as a not-for-profit foundation and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. It is independent, impartial and not tied to any special interests. The Forum strives in all its efforts to demonstrate entrepreneurship in the global public interest while upholding the highest standards of governance. Moral and intellectual integrity is at the heart of everything it does.
2021
Abstract
This article reviews several studies that analyse the significant stressors brought about and exacerbated by COVID-19, which are associated with startling surges in mental health illnesses, specifically depressive disorders. It further explains how, according to the latest research, the answer to the understanding of depression may lie within the microbiome, given its impact on our brain and emotions. Addressing modification through diet, probiotics, and lifestyle changes, may result in beneficial support for the pathophysiology of depression.
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Can Probiotics Help Depression?
Healthpath is an educational platform that uses Functional Medicine to address the root cause of gut issues—and teaches people how to achieve great gut health via smart, sustainable changes.
2021
Abstract
This blog post summarises in plain English language the content of a scientific paper into which researchers collected data from five different studies. Their aim was to assess the impact of probiotics in both depressed and non-depressed people. It concluded that the results have suggested that gut bacteria can significantly affect mood and could be used preventatively. Although additional research in well-controlled studies is needed, it appears that probiotics reduce depressive symptoms more in people under the age of 60 compared to older adults.
Sponsored Blog Post
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Probiotics for Immunity – a Look at the Research
OptiBac Probiotics specialise entirely in probiotics. One of their core values is encouraging people to take health into their own hands in a responsible manner. Training and education is a cornerstone of this, and with their expertise, they hope to help raise awareness of probiotics and their potential to help change lives.
2020
Abstract
This blog post presents the evidence available about the links between the gut microbiome, probiotics and the human immune system. With a useful run through of the different aspects of our immune systems, it provides details of the evidence for specific probiotic strains and in what circumstances they can be effectively and safely used to boost immunity.
Sponsored Blog Post
9.
How to take care of your immune system
OptiBac Probiotics specialise entirely in probiotics. One of their core values is encouraging people to take health into their own hands in a responsible manner. Training and education is a cornerstone of this, and with their expertise, they hope to help raise awareness of probiotics and their potential to help change lives.
2020
Abstract
This blog post summaries some of the simple but powerful dietary and lifestyle measures that can be taken to support the immune system. It discusses the power of sleep, exercise and diet in relation to immunity and the importance of minimising levels of stress, alcohol and travel. With useful tips for each of these areas and an attractive infographic setting it out in an eye-catching visual, it is a great one for Nutrition Practitioners to share with clients through their own social media channels.
Sponsored Blog Post
10.
Gut-Brain Axis
OptiBac Probiotics specialise entirely in probiotics. One of their core values is encouraging people to take health into their own hands in a responsible manner. Training and education is a cornerstone of this, and with their expertise, they hope to help raise awareness of probiotics and their potential to help change lives.
2020
Abstract
The idea of a gut-brain axis is not new, however the science continues to grow on the mechanisms behind the link between these two organs. Against a background of the physical connection between the gut and brain, this blog post provides details of the way that the gut microbiome communicates with the brain, influencing levels of anxiety, sleep, behaviour and mood. With details of specific probiotic strains used in a trial on depression, a TED talk link given by Guilia Enders on this topic and plenty of references to the microbiome and mental health, this is a good read for Nutrition Practitioners exploring mental health and links to the gut.