Updated May 19, 2022 Here’s a new neuroscience buzzword you need to know: psychobiotics. No, it doesn’t mean you’re crazy about probiotics, although you should be! Psychobiotics are live organisms (probiotics) that, when ingested in sufficient quantities, work on the brain-gut axis to help with psychological illnesses, including depression. “A growing body of… Continue Reading
gut bacteria
Colon Cleansing and Weight Management
By David H. Rahm, M.D. Q: I’ve noticed a number of weight loss programs recommend starting with a detox or cleansing regimen. Is this a good idea and is this a safe thing to do? The practice of “kicking off” a weight loss program with a cleanse offers dieters some advantages. By… Continue Reading
Artificial Sweeteners Alter Blood Sugar & Gut Bacteria
Sometimes, you just need something sweet. Whether it’s for your morning coffee, in your diet soda, or for “better-for-you” home-baked goods, who hasn’t tried a sugar-free sweetener in the name of health or weight loss? But what if your efforts to reduce your sugar intake were actually making you fatter? What if you are… Continue Reading
The Microbiome: Our Symbiotic Partner in Health
By David H. Rahm, M.D. Q: It seems like each week a new study or article comes out talking about the importance of the microbiome. What exactly is the microbiome and why are we hearing so much about this topic lately? Your observation is correct. The microbiome (defined as the collection of microbes… Continue Reading
Are Your Gut Bacteria Causing Your Cravings?
It’s happened to the best of us. Suddenly, you’re hit with a craving for chocolate, ice-cream or something good and greasy, and as healthy as you’ve been and want to be, you give in. Stress, hormones, or a lack of willpower usually get the blame, and you feel guilty for days. But what if… Continue Reading
Gut Bacteria Linked to Colon Cancer Risk
Your gut is a microbiome that plays host to trillions of bacteria, including many species that are still unknown. These intestinal floras influence health through their roles in digestion, inflammation, and immunity, and new research shows that they may play a role in the development of colon cancer as well. A study published… Continue Reading