News

  • Artificial Sweeteners & Your Gut: A Sweet Problem? 

    Are #artificialsweeteners truly a healthy alternative to sugar? While they may help reduce calorie intake, new studies suggest they could be messing with your #gutmicrobiota and potentially leading to #glucoseintolerance and #inflammation. The sweet truth is that these sugar substitutes might not be as innocuous as we think. When we consume artificial sweeteners like #aspartame,…

  • Pets & Kids: Building Resilient Gut Microbiota for Allergy Protection

    The sight of a child cuddling a furry friend warms the heart, but did you know it also strengthens their gut?   Research has revealed that pets in the household can profoundly impact a child’s gutmicrobiota, which in turn helps protect them from allergies.  Children who grow up in homes with pets – particularly dogs and…

  • Gut & Heart: How Your Microbiota Impacts Cardiovascular Health

    When we think about heart health, terms like cholesterol and bloodpressure often come to mind.   However, science is now uncovering a deeper, more unexpected connection: your gut microbiota.   These trillions of microorganisms in your digestive system have a profound impact on your cardiovascular system.  One of the most intriguing discoveries in recent years is the…

  • Probiotics: Separating Science from Marketing Hype 

    Probiotics are often marketed as a cure-all for digestive and immune health, but how much of this is backed by science?   Let’s separate fact from fiction.  The global probiotics market is projected to reach $220 billion by 2030, according to Grand View Research.   Despite the hype, the efficacy of many probiotic products remains unclear.   Not…

  • Gut Microbiota and Obesity: What Science Says 

    The global rise in obesity has researchers looking at the gut microbiota for answers.   The microbes in your gut don’t just help digest food; they also influence metabolism, appetite regulation, and fat storage (Krajmalnik‐Brown et al., 2012).  Researchers found that obese individuals had a less diverse microbiome and a higher abundance of Firmicutes relative to…

  • The Microbiome & Mental Health: The Science Behind the Gut-Brain Axis 

    Did you know your gut can communicate with your brain?  This bi-directional relationship, known as the gut-brain axis, has profound implications for mental health (Gracie et al., 2018).  Emerging research links imbalances in gut bacteria to conditions like anxiety, depression, and even neurodegenerative diseases (Mitrea et al., 2022).  Studies show that 90% of serotonin, the…

  • Can your gut microbiota affect your sports performance?

    Recent research is shedding light on the pivotal role of gut microbiota in shaping athletic performance.   Your gut is an intricate ecosystem influencing various bodily functions, including energy production, inflammation control, and even recovery (Bengmark, 2013).   A groundbreaking study published in Journal of Sport and Health Science revealed that certain gut bacteria, particularly Veillonella, metabolize…

  • Gut Feelings: How Your Microbiota and Lungs Are Connected 

    What if the health of your gut directly affects your lungs?   It might sound far-fetched, but emerging research shows that your gut microbiota has a surprising impact on respiratory health (Budden et al, 2017; Sencio et al., 2021)  Let’s unravel this gut-lung connection.  The Gut-Lung Axis.  Gut bacteria influence immune cells, which circulate to protect…

  • Antibiotics and Your Gut: A Love-Hate Story 

    Antibiotics, lifesaving tools against bacterial infections, can profoundly affect the gut microbiome.   While they kill harmful bacteria, they also indiscriminately target beneficial microbes, leading to imbalances that can have short- and long-term consequences (Ianiro et al., 2016).  The Effects of Antibiotics on the Gut Microbiome.  Studies show that a single course of antibiotics can reduce…

  • Why Your Microbiome Is Your Body’s MVP (Most Valuable Protector)

    Your microbiome is more than a collection of microscopic organisms – it is your body’s first line of defense and your most loyal ally.   This diverse ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, and viruses residing in your gut is intricately connected to every aspect of health – from digestion to immunity and mental resilience (Desai et al.,…