Topic: probiotics

Got Stress-Induced Stomachaches?

Got Stress-Induced Stomachaches?

I am the type of person who gets stressed out when she can’t fix a problem right away or would rather work all night than wake up with things not totally done the next morning. I feel constant fear of letting people down, feeling irresponsible and making mistakes; as a result, I get a rather remarkable number of stomachaches. So what can help this neverending cycle? More »

Probiotics For Your Skin Could Be The Next Big Acne Treatment

Probiotics For Your Skin Could Be The Next Big Acne Treatment

In recent years, research has proven that having “good bacteria” in our digestive systems has far-reaching benefits for our health (thus, the probiotic supplement fad was born). But a new study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology says that having the right bacteria on our skin could have huge benefits, too; especially for anyone who suffers blemishes, pimples, breakouts or acne. More »

Prebiotics Primer: Why You Should Never Buy Prebiotics Supplements

Prebiotics Primer: Why You Should Never Buy Prebiotics Supplements

Recently I’ve been hearing or seeing the word “prebiotics” thrown around increasingly often. There are ads for prebiotics supplements in vegetarian magazines and reminders about prebiotics’ importance in women’s health articles. Geezus, I thought, another supplement that’s now allegedly essential? Yes and no. While they are essential for staying healthy (and slim), you can get all the prebiotics you need from a healthy diet. More »

Snack Fail: Walgreen’s Probiotic Trail Mix

Snack Fail: Walgreen's Probiotic Trail Mix

Swayed by the site of yogurt raisins and the word ‘probiotic,’ I grabbed a bag of probiotic trail mix on my way to the Walgreen’s checkout yesterday. I know that fortified versions of high-sugar or fat foods like chocolate, trail mix, snack bars are a silly, nutritiously ineffective way to get vitamins, minerals, fish oil or probiotic bacteria. But even though I write about this kind of stuff all the time on here, I found myself thinking the probiotic trail mix couldn’t be that bad, and might even have a small health benefit. More »

Get Smart About Antibiotics So They Don’t Kill Us

Get Smart About Antibiotics So They Don't Kill Us

I appreciate the way the CDC has framed ”Get Smart About Antibiotics” week, with that call to action first and foremost. “Antibiotic awareness” week sounds boring. “Superbugs are trying to kill you” week sounds like a bummer. But “Get Smart About Antibiotics” feels encouraging — get smart about antibiotics? yeah, I think I will! – which is good because being dumb about antibiotics is giving rise to antibiotic resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistant bacteria are trying pretty hard to kill us all. More »

9 Surprising Places To Find Probiotics

9 Surprising Places To Find Probiotics

The World Health Organization defines probiotics as “live microorganisms which, when administred in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host,” though most people would probably just describe them as “good bacteria.” There’s been a growing body of research on how these good bacteria support good health: Boosting our immune systems, helping with digestion, fighting bad bacteria like E. coli. The balance of good and bad bacteria in our gut — our so-called ‘intestinal flora’ — can even affect our weight, insulin resistance and blood pressure, as Carrie noted here earlier today. Eating probiotic rich foods — kefir, yogurt, tempeh, kombucha — or taking probiotic supplements can help tip this balance of bacteria in your favor. But your options no longer stop there. These days, lactobacillus and bifodobacteria (two of the most powerful and common probiotic strains) are showing up in everything from chocolate bars to toothpaste to tampons. More »

Overweight? Intestinal Bacteria May Be Causing Your Health Problems

Overweight? Intestinal Bacteria May Be Causing Your Health Problems

Overweight people may have a new enemy to fight. That’s right, it’s not just lack of exercise and excess calories that are causing diabetes and other illnesses; a new study says that health problems related to obesity are connected to bacteria in the gut. Researchers at the University of Maryland Medical School found 26 strains of intestinal bacteria that are linked to obesity-related illnesses like insulin-resistance and high blood pressure. More »