Abstracts
Breast is Best for Gut Bacteria
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Whilst the findings may seem consistent with our current understanding of the relationships between the gastrointestinal tracts bacterial maturation and immune functionality – the relationship between competence and breast milk, from a neonate’s immune perspective has been expanded following the publication of this study in Genome Biology.[1]
MultiVitamin Food Supplements Boost Brain Function
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So…. it seems that the evidence in favour of a multi-nutrient beneficially affecting brain function and cognition is increasing. The British Journals of Nutrition[1], Psychopharmacology,[2] Biological Psychology[3] and Human Psychopharmacology[4] have published a series of studies examining the effect of a multivitamin/mineral on mood and cognitive function.
Parkinsons and Faecal Transplantation – or at least resolution of constipation!
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Faecal bacteriotherapy, now termed faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), has gained prominence in light of the recent epidemic of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in North America and Europe. Coupled with the emergence of a hypervirulent strain of C. difficile, FMT is likely to feature prominently in the treatment of both relapsing and severe C. difficile colitis. Given that FMT is capable of successfully reversing CDI-associated colitis and is arguably the most complete and ideal probiotic, one can see the potential value of FMT in other bacteria-mediated diseases.
Leaky Gut May Be The Primary Mechanism For Autoimmune Activation?
In January 2011 a very interesting paper was published in Physiological Reviews, exploring the role of gastrointestinal permeability, genetics and risk of development of autoimmune diseases.[1]
This abstract explores some of the principle messages in the paper which is also available as a full free text.
It is generally accepted that it is the interplay between environmental factors and specific susceptibility genes that underlies the aberrant immune response responsible for the onset of these diseases. Less than 10% of those with increased genetic susceptibility progress to clinical disease, suggesting a strong environmental trigger in the predisease state.
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High-Dose Vitamin D May Alleviate Menstrual Cramps: Study
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Women who experience painful menstrual cramps could find relief from high-dose vitamin D3, according to new research – which suggests the dietary supplement could provide an alternative to painkilling drugs that are currently used.[1] Women with a history of severe menstrual cramps reported significantly less pain when they took an ultra-high dose of vitamin D five days before their next expected period.
The Benefits Of Vitamin D On Gait, Muscle Strength And Balance In Older Adults
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The usefulness of vitamin D is increasingly being explored and as a result better studies are being collated and brought into publication. A study published the Journal of the American Geriatric Society in Dec 2011 reveals that Vit D status is linked to physical functionality and represents a suitable replacement option. Whilst the dose recommended is modest, it is able to record an improvement, higher levels may provide greater benefit depending on base line levels.
The Relevance of Prior Parasitic Infection and The Risk of IBS And CFS
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Giardia lamblia (synonymous with Giardia intestinalis, Lamblia intestinalis and Giardia duodenalis) is a flagellated protozoan parasite that colonises and reproduces in the small intestine, causing giardiasis. The giardia parasite attaches to the epithelium by a ventral adhesive disc, and reproduces via binary fission. Giardiasis does not spread via the bloodstream, nor does it spread to other parts of the gastro-intestinal tract, but remains confined to the lumen of the small intestine.
Brain Function and Bladder Cancer Respond To Multi Vitamins
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It can from time to time (some may say all of the time) seem as if the medical world simply wish, regardless of the building evidence pile, to deny the value of using concentrated food ingredients in the improvement of the human condition.[1] In part this is aggravated by the overly bold statements that are sometimes made for individual nutrients and their lack of suitable studies.
Blastocystis Hominis Vs Saccharomyces Boulardii
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I have previously discussed the various genotypes of B.hominis and why in some patients the expected symptomatology is absent in the presence of occupation and in others symptoms are profound. You may read more on this subject by visiting: Blastocystis hominis. Is It Really A Problem?
Coeliac Disease Diagnosis – Biopsy Relevant
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Coeliac disease (CD) is a permanent intolerance to gluten found in wheat, rye and barley. Gluten induces an autoimmune reaction in the small intestinal mucosa resulting in inflammation, villous atrophy and malabsorption. The only effective treatment is a gluten-free diet, which usually leads to healing of the intestinal mucosa and recovery from signs and symptoms.[1]
