Beyond live microorganisms, inanimate microorganisms and their components can also confer a health benefit on the host. A panel of experts under the auspices of the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) updates the definition and scope of postbiotics.
The low FODMAP diet can pose challenges for people with IBS. What can be done to minimize some of those challenges in clinical practice?
10 May 2021by Andreu Prados
The low FODMAP diet has been shown to be effective in managing the symptoms of IBS as second-line dietary advice when healthy eating approaches have failed to reduce symptoms. However, this eliminative diet is not without its challenges, which can be overcome by following the advice found below.
Why the quality of your diet is the best recipe for a healthier gut microbiota and better health
15 Apr 2021by Andreu Prados
The gut microbiota is largely shaped by what you eat. Recently, a large study involving more than 1,000 people showed that a balanced and nutritious diet supports a healthier gut microbiota and better health, while a diet full of highly processed foods with added sugar and salt promotes a gut microbiota linked to poor metabolic health.
The role of probiotics on respiratory and gastrointestinal tract infections in healthy people: what science says today?
29 Mar 2021by Andreu Prados
The role of gut microbiota in shaping immune responses has led scientists to explore the modulation of the immune system as a mechanism underlying the health benefits of probiotics. A new systematic review and meta-analysis of 9 randomized clinical trials suggest probiotics may reduce the incidence of respiratory and gastrointestinal tract infections in generally healthy children and adults.
Is it time to consider next-generation beneficial microbes for tackling obesity?
15 Feb 2021by Andreu Prados
Is it time to consider next-generation beneficial microbes for tackling obesity? APC Microbiome Ireland researchers identify Bifidobacterium longum APC1472 as a promising candidate
Should dietary guidelines advise consumers to deliberately include safe microorganisms in their diets?
18 Jan 2021by Andreu Prados
While for almost all of human evolution our food and water have contained large numbers of microorganisms, the industrialized human diet contains low microbial numbers. So are we ready to recommend a specific daily intake of microbes?
What major scientific breakthroughs have been made in gut microbiome science in 2020?
28 Dec 2020by Andreu Prados
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the focus of research for scientists worldwide, major breakthroughs in gut microbiome science have been made in 2020. In this last post of the year, we bring you articles from our blog that cover the major advances in the gut microbiome in 2020, from bench to bedside.
What is the role of nutrition in immunity and host susceptibility to COVID-19?
21 Dec 2020by Andreu Prados
The metabolic activity of immune cells is enhanced after a viral infection, such as the one driven by COVID-19. Dietary approaches that support a healthy gut microbiome can benefit the immune system and ensure a good nutritional status that would help the host deal with pathogens.
What do we know about the role of fermented foods on the gut microbiota?
17 Dec 2020by Andreu Prados
Fermented foods are an increasing focus of interest for both scientists and consumers. Few modern foods are a significant source of live microbes, and fermented foods can be the exception. What do we know about how those dietary microbes impact our gut microbiota and our health?
Nutrition, immunity and COVID-19: what have we learned during last months?
11 Dec 2020by Andreu Prados
Good nutrition is important to support the immune system through shaping the balance of the gut microbiota. Learn more on how nutrition and having a healthy lifestyle can support the immune system particularly with regards to protection against COVID-19.