Gut bacteria have nutrient-sharing ‘sex’
Keeping with the theme of love and intimacy this Valentine’s Day, we’re delighted to share this recent sexy tidbit about something typically quite unsexy -- gut bacteria! Some bacteria reproduce asexually. Others do it the old-fashioned way with a partner, but apparently, reproduction Read More...
Here’s why grapes are good for your gut
The health benefits of grapes Grapes are the perfect, portable healthy snack to eat. Enclosed in their bite-size shells, they are a widely popular choice across the globe. The fruit is actually known to be a great source of potassium which helps balance fluids in the body. A new study, Read More...
This bacteria looks just like Van Gogh's 'Starry Night'
Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh is known as one of the greatest post-impressionists to ever live; most famous for his ingenious use of complementary colors to create the eye catching and emotional masterpieces loved globally. Researchers were recently reminded of his legacy by a type of bacteria Read More...
Bumblebees help solidify the link between microbiome and memory
The term 'microbiome' has been thrown around a lot over the past few years with many studies and health companies finding that a healthy gut balance can decrease your risk of cancer, clear up your skin, and improve mental health, just to name a few. Memory and the microbiome Recently, a study Read More...
Genetic editing in the microbiome could address a myriad of diseases
More and more research has emerged about the influence of the microbiome and gut health, not only on digestion but also on mental health and even chronic illness. In an effort to mobilize the microbiome to treat a wide array of diseases, researchers from the University of California, San Francisco Read More...
Gut Instincts—Health and the microbiome
“Our body teaches us that health lies in balance and harmony, rather than in conflict and fighting.” - Ilchi Lee BY Amelia Buckley Whether choosing a sandwich option for lunch or accepting a new job offer, we’re all familiar with gut instincts. Although the term “gut instinct” only Read More...
4 simple ways to improve your gut health
The gut is home to trillions of bacteria that not only help us digest our food but actually play a massive role in a number of things that have seemingly nothing to do with digestion, from impacting mood to boosting immunity. In fact, researchers have found that 70 percent of the immune system Read More...
This bacteria-sampling pill could replace invasive colonoscopies
While a colonoscopy is an important tool for detecting abnormalities in the large intestine (colon), these exams are no joy for patients. If you aren't familiar with what happens in a colonoscopy, it basically involves a long tube with a tiny video camera at the tip that is inserted into the rectum Read More...
5 ways to boost your microbiome this summer
There's no debating the importance of a healthy gut for overall well-being—and now, more than ever, staying in optimal health is top of mind for most people. Luckily, summer is a great time to get your microbiome in prime shape. As we enter these mid-summer days, here are some fantastic ways you Read More...
Want to boost your brain health? Probiotics could help
We at The Optimist Daily write a lot about the numerous health benefits of probiotics. While these healthy bacteria are immensely beneficial for your microbiome and gut health, it turns out they can be good for your brain and even improve your mental health too! Probiotics are "life-promoting" Read More...