Tag: bacteria

Just In Time For the Weekend! Red Wine Supports A Healthy Gut

Just In Time For the Weekend! Red Wine Supports A Healthy Gut

A new study has found that people who drank red wine had an increased gut microbiota diversity, as well as an association with lower levels of obesity and ‘bad’ cholesterol. If there was ever a time to reach for a glass of red wine, it’s now!

Could Your Anxiety Be Alleviated by Regulating Gut Bacteria?

Could Your Anxiety Be Alleviated by Regulating Gut Bacteria?

Photo by Artem Kovalev on Unsplash A team of researchers from the Shanghai Mental Health Center at Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, set out to investigate if there was evidence to support improvement of anxiety symptoms by regulating intestinal microbiota, or gut bacteria. 

Could Poor Oral Health Harm Your Lungs?

Could Poor Oral Health Harm Your Lungs?

In a new study carried out by a team of Japanese-based scientists and published in the journal mSphere, the scientists examined the effects of poor dental hygiene on the respiratory health of elderly Japanese people. The results shed light on the importance of tongue microbiota for our respiratory health.

What is the oral micobiota?

Your mouth contains hundreds of different bacteria, viral and fungal species.It is the first step in the digestion process, as it breaks down carbohydrates and dietary lipids that will eventually turn into energy. The oral microbiota is an essential part of your oral cavity, as its function is to protect against the colonization of harmful bacteria that can negatively impact your overall health.

The Investigation on Oral Health

Dr. Yamashita, from the Division of Oral Health, Growth and Development in the Faculty of Dental Science at Kyushu, and his team set out to examine the tongue microbiota composition of 506 community-dwelling senior ages 70-80 years.

Using an advanced technique called 16S rRNA genetic sequencing, the researchers determined the composition and density of the seniors’ microbiota. The main bacteria identified – Prevotella histicola, Veillonella atypica, Streptococcus salivarius, and Streptococcus parasanguinis – were found, in previous studies, to be linked with a higher risk of death from pneumonia.

According to the researchers, “these bacteria were found predominantly in seniors with more plaque, more cavities, and fewer teeth. Additionally, the study found more fungi in these seniors’ microbiotas, as well as among those who wore dentures.”

Practicing Good Oral Health by Amanda Williams, MPH

“A healthy mouth is the key to a healthy body. Our mouths are filled with many microorganisms that can lead to severe health consequences, including heart disease. This is why we have been taught from a young age to brush and floss our teeth daily. The cleaner we keep our mouths, the less likely we have opportunistic infections that create gum disease and tooth decay, and even worse than that, systemic infections that can cause numerous health problems. Besides regular dental cleanings with your dental provider, we can also take control of our daily oral health with two natural nutrients – White tea and Coenzyme Q10.

You have probably heard of Coenzyme Q10 (also known as CoQ10) for optimizing cardiovascular and brain health, but it has also been shown to have wonderful benefits to oral health, as well. High levels of CoQ10 can be regarded as a potent free-radical scavenger in the mouth and can provide significant protection from the destructive damage from toxins caused by bacteria.

White tea is a great natural source of fluoride, which makes it possible for remineralization of dentin. White tea contains tannins, flavonoids, and fluoride to support a healthy oral environment. The tannins play a role in lessening the impact of high starch foods on our teeth, which can lead to cavities. The flavonoids, especially catechins, are beneficial to targeting plaque buildup and scavenges the free radicals in our mouth. The most potent and commonly studied catechin of tea is EGCG, also known as Epigallocatechin gallate. EGCG has been shown to inhibit the growth and adherence of the bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis to human buccal cells. This is a major finding regarding the protective measures of EGCG, as we know that bacterial overgrowth is the cause of gingivitis.”

Questions about oral health or bacteria? Leave us a comment below to join the conversation!

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Could Your Cell Phone Be Damaging Your Skin?

Could Your Cell Phone Be Damaging Your Skin?

Photo by Rawpixel.com on Unsplash There’s no question about it – we’re all addicted to our cell phones. Whether we’re sending 5 texts a minute, scrolling through Facebook, or chatting with our friends about our weekend plans, we are always using our devices to stay 

This High-Fiber Diet Improves Gut Bacteria and Benefits Those with Type-2 Diabetes

This High-Fiber Diet Improves Gut Bacteria and Benefits Those with Type-2 Diabetes

Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash According to research published in the journal Science by researchers from the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, the promotion of a select group of gut bacteria by a diet 

Non-Antibiotic Drugs Can Alter Gut Bacteria

Non-Antibiotic Drugs Can Alter Gut Bacteria

A new study published in the journal Nature from researchers at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg, Germany report that not only can many common non-antibiotic drugs alter gut bacteria, but they can also contribute to antibiotic resistance.

The human gut is home to vast colonies of bacteria called gut microbiota. A balance of bacteria in the gut is important, as it supports proper digestion and overall health.

For the investigation, researchers compiled a panel of 40 species of gut bacteria that are typically found in the human gut and use it to screen more than 1,000 drugs currently on the market. Of the 923 non-antibiotic drugs that were analyzed, researchers discovered that 250 had disrupted the growth of at least one of the 40 species of gut bacteria in the panel. While researchers say more research must be done, this study has highlighted a potential, previously unknown risk – the use of non-antibiotic drugs may contribute to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.

“This is scary,” say co-author Dr. Athanasios Typas, who leads a group in the Genome Biology Unit at EMBL, “considering that we take many non-antibiotic drugs in our life, often for long periods.

Probiotics are Healthy Gut Bacteria

Probiotics are friendly bacteria that make up the microbiome of your gut or digestive tract and are the key to good health, especially for good digestion and regularity. Bacteria, though naturally present in the body, accounts for two pounds of bio-mass in your intestines, which needs a balance of beneficial bacteria to promote good health.

Levels of probiotics decrease with age and can also be impacted by other factors, including a poor diet and obesity. As level decrease, problematic bacteria in the gut thrive, which can lead to digestive problems like bloating and gas.

Probiotics may be beneficial for you if –

  1. You’re on an antibiotic. According to a report in the April 2002 issue of Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, researchers analyzed the results of 34 studies and concluded that the use of probiotics during antibiotic therapy resulted in a 50% lower risk of developing Antibiotic-Associate Diarrhea (AAD) compared to those taking a placebo, in both children and adult data from the study.
  2. You’re trying to lose weight. In a 2013 study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, researchers found that probiotic supplementation over a 24 week period showed significantly higher weight loss than those who took a placebo. In the double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial of obese men and women, each subject consumed either two capsules of probiotics or a placebo. Each group was submitted to moderate energy restriction for the first 12 weeks, followed by 12 weeks of weight maintenance. After 24 weeks, a significant treatment between sex interactions was observed. The mean weight loss in women in the probiotic group was significantly higher than that in women in the placebo group.
  3. You have digestive issues. Probiotics, especially the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, have been shown in numerous clinical trials to support healthy digestion. When your gut bacteria is balanced and healthy, it keeps your entire digestive system working as it should. This allows for healthy digestion and absorption of foods (carbohydrates, fats and proteins), maintaining acidity of the colon and normalizing bowel movements, eliminates issues with gas, and supports the ability to digest dairy products.
  4. You have bad skin or acne. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, emerging research is finding that the benefits of probiotics may extend beyond the digestive tract and into the skin. “In fact”, the website reports, “skin prone to acne or rosacea has shown improvement with daily probiotic use, giving dermatologists reason to consider supplementing traditional acne therapy with a dose of this beneficial bacteria.”
  5. You suffer from UTIs. According to the University of Colorado’s department of Urogynecology, one area where probiotics have been studied is in women with recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), which occurs due to the transmission of pathogens (bacteria) from the rectum and/or vagina to the urethra or bladder. According to a randomized, controlled trial (published to the universities website) involving treatment of UTIs with Lactobacillus probiotics, there was a 73% reduction in episodes of recurrent UTI compared with the previous year. The control group had six UTIs per patient per year vs. 1.3 UTIs per patient per year after intravaginal administration of probiotics.

How to Compensate Drug- Induced Nutrient Depletions

Whether you occasionally take a pharmaceutical like an antibiotic, or count on a drug long term, such as a cholesterol health lowering statin, your need for specific nutrients increases. You must be aware that many prescriptions, as well as commonly used over-the-counter drugs, can cause potentially serious nutrient depletions. That’s why you should always seek advice or get checked out by your doctor first before taking an unknown medication, as you don’t want your problem to get worse by taking something that you’re unfamiliar with. Jerry Hickey, R.Ph, Scientific Director and Radio Host at InVite® Health has created a Drug-Induced Nutrient Depletion Chart in order to educate you on the nutrients that are commonly depleted by commonly consumed drugs.

DRUG

INDICATION FOR USAGE

NUTRIENTS DEPLETED

Opiate

hydrocodone/acetaminophen

Narcotic for pain relief Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Iron, Potassium

Statin Drugs

Lipitor, Crestor, Lescol,
Pravachol, Zocor, Mevacor

Lowering Cholesterol Coenzyme Q10

ACE Inhibitor

Lisinopril. Altace, Accupril,
Capoten, Prinivil, Zestril, Vasotec

High Blood Pressure Zinc

Thiazide Diuretic

Hydrochlorothiazide

High Blood Pressure Vitamin D, Calcium Magnesium,
Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc, Coenzyme Q10

Beta Blocking Drugs

Atenolol, Corgard, Lopressor, Tenormin, Toprol XL, Metoprolol

High Blood Pressure Coenzyme Q10, Chromium, Melatonin

Loop Diuretic

Furosemide,, Lasix, Ethacrynic acid,
Edecrin, Bumex,

High Blood Pressure, Heart Failure B1, B6, Vitamin C, Calcium Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc

Proton Pump inhibitor

Omeprazole, Prilosec, Prevacid,
Nexium, Protonix, Aciphex

GERD, severe gastric ulceration Beta-carotene, B1, B12, Folic Acid, Calcium, Zinc

Biguanide

Metformin, Glucophage

Diabetes, Pre-diabetes Folic Acid, B12

Bisphosphonate

Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva,
Didronel, Skelid

Osteoporosis Calcium Magnesium, Phosphorus

Corticosteriod

Flonase, Beclovent, Beconase, QVar,
Vancenase, Vanceril

Asthma, Allergic Rhinitis Beta-Carotene, B6, Folic Acid,
Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Calcium Magnesium, Potassium, Selenium, Zinc, Melatonin

Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic

Levaquin, Avelox, Cipro, Floxin, Noroxin,
Penetrex, Trovan

Bacterial Infection Biotin, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, Zinc, Healthy intestinal bacteria

Conjugated Estrogen

Premarin Hormone replacement therapy,
birth control pills

Hormone Replacement Therapy B6, Vitamin D, Calcium Magnesium, Zinc, Folic Acid, B12

Beta-2 Adrenergic Receptor Agonist

albuterol aerosol
Brethine, Proventil, Tornalate, Ventolin,
Xopenex

Asthma, COPD Potassium, and possibly Calcium Magnesium, Phosphorus

Corticosteroid

Prednisone, Deltasone, Celestone,
Cortisone, Cortef, Cortone,
Dexamethasone, Decadron, Hydrocortone,
Medrol, Methylprednisolone

Severe Inflammation, Autoimmune
Disease, Immune System Suppression
Beta-Carotene, B6, Folic Acid,
Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Calcium Magnesium, Potassium, Selenium, Zinc

Calcium Channel Blocking Drugs

• amlodipine (Norvasc)
• felodipine (Plendil)
• nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat)
• nimodipine (Nimotop)
• nisoldipine (Sular)

High Blood Pressure Vitamin D

Sulfonylurea

glyburide, glipizide, glimepiride,
Amaryl, Diabeta, Glucotrol,
Glynase, Micronase

Diabetes Coenzyme Q10

Cardiac Glycoside

Digoxin, Digitek, Lanoxin,
Lanoxicaps

Heart Failure, Arrhythmias Calcium Magnesium,
Phosphorus, Potassium, B1

Penicillin Antibiotic

Amoxicillin, Amoxil, Trimox, Penicillin

Infection Healthy Intestinal Bacteria, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, Vitamin k, Folic Acid, Biotin, Inositol

Macrolide Antibiotics

Erythromycin, Azithromycin,
Biaxin, Zithromax

Infection Healthy Intestinal Bacteria,
B1, B2, B3, B6, B12,
vitamin K, Folic Acid, Biotin, Inositol

Tricyclic Antidepressants

amitriptyline, clomipramine,
doxepin imipramine,
Anafranil, Asendin, Elavil,
Tofranil, Vivactil

Depression Coenzyme Q10, B2, Sodium

Potassium Sparing Diuretics

amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene,
Aldactone, Dyazide, Dyrenium, Maxzide

Heart Failure, High Blood Pressure Calcium Magnesium, Phosphorus
Watch for a high Potassium level

OTC (non-prescription medication)

NSAID

Ibuprofen, naproxen and other
Arthritis drugs

Inflammation, Pain Folic Acid

Aspirin

Pain, Inflammation, Fever (adults) Folic Acid, Vitamin C,
Iron, Potassium, Zinc

Acetaminophen

Tylenol

Pain, Fever Coenzyme Q10, Glutathione

Antacids

Amphojel, Basaljel,
Aluminum Hydroxide plus Magnesium,
Gaviscon, Gelusil, Maalox, Mylanta

Gastritis, GERD Beta-Carotene, Folic Acid, Vitamin D, Calcium Magnesium, Chromium, Iron, Zinc, Phosphorus

Laxatives with Bisacodyl

Carter’s Little Pills, Correctol, Dulcolax,
Feen-a-Mint, PMS-Bisacodyl

Constipation Calcium, Potassium

H2 Inhibitors

Famotidine, Pepcid,
Tagamet, Zantac

Ulcer, GERD Folic Acid, B1, B12, Vitamin D,
Calcium, Iron, Zinc

Questions about gut bacteria, nutrient depletions or Probiotics? Leave us a comment below to join the conversation!

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