probiotics Archives - Gut Microbiota for Health

The role of probiotics on respiratory and gastrointestinal tract infections in healthy people: what science says today?

29 Mar 2021

by 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.

A new study links poor gut health to high risk of more severe COVID-19

18 Mar 2021

by Cristina Sáez

Following a diverse diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fermented foods, could play a protective role against severe forms of COVID-19. A new review presents the hypothesis highlighting the link between a less diversified microbiota, a high intake of processed foods and refined sugars and severe Covid-19 cases in Western countries.

Is it time to consider next-generation beneficial microbes for tackling obesity?

15 Feb 2021

by 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

How brain health affects gut microbiota health (and vice versa): What we have learned in 2020

20 Jan 2021

by Cristina Sáez

A balanced gut microbiota is crucial for mental health. Learn more about how gut bacteria affect our central nervous system, even in the earliest stages of life, and how some scientists are trying to find ways of targeting the gut microbiome to improve or treat symptoms of neurological diseases.

Should dietary guidelines advise consumers to deliberately include safe microorganisms in their diets?

18 Jan 2021

by 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?

Our Top 10 2020 gut microbiota articles

5 Jan 2021

by GMFH Editing Team

This year’s research has brought to light many interesting advances in the field of gut health and has unveiled some of the microbiota’s secrets. We have discussed the impact of diet, immunity, fermented foods, the characteristics of gut health, and of course we also covered COVID-19. So, can you guess what GMFH’s 10 most popular articles of 2020 were?

What do we know about the role of fermented foods on the gut microbiota?

17 Dec 2020

by 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 2020

by 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.

Get to know the Lactobacilli family

2 Dec 2020

by GMFH Editing Team

This infographic lets you find out more about Lactobacillus, one of gut microbiota’s main microorganisms, along with information on how it functions and in which foods it is present.

The baseline gut microbiota is not always a good predictor of clinical response to a low FODMAP diet or probiotics

30 Nov 2020

by GMFH Editing Team

Diet is becoming increasingly popular as a means of managing IBS symptoms. A new study in 95 adults with IBS examines diet-gut microbiota associations and concludes that baseline gut microbiota is not a good predictor of clinical response to a low FODMAP diet or probiotic intervention.