Diet Archives

The Truth About Weight Loss and Probiotics

Diet, Digestive Health, Probiotics / By Staff Writer

There is a lot of misinformation posted online about Probiotics and Weight Loss, and there are several probiotic brands that sell probiotics suggesting they can help/facilitate losing weight. In fact, we sell one ourselves: Metabolic Rescue – A Probiotic for Natural Weight Loss

Since accurate information about how probiotics can help anyone on their weight loss journey, we’ve compiled some basic facts below about the relationship between probiotics and losing weight naturally.

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are live microorganisms, mostly bacteria and some yeasts, that provide health benefits when you consume them in adequate amounts. Healthy guts require a cocktail of various probiotic bacteria strains to attain peak performance, and research continues to show that healthy bodies require healthy guts.

Why? Because our guts provide nutrients and energy all that all other systems in our bodies need to function correctly and at peak performance. Those systems include liver, kidney, endocrine, and even our brains via the gut brain axis.

You can feed your gut probiotics with supplements, but probiotics are found in healthy foods, such as fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut^[1]^[2] and many other healthy food choices.

How Do Probiotics Affect Weight and Metabolism?

Probiotics can influence your metabolism and weight in several ways:

They help balance your gut bacteria, which may affect how your body absorbs calories and stores fat.
Some strains produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that regulate appetite hormones like GLP-1 and PYY, making you feel full sooner.
Probiotics may reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity, both of which are linked to weight and metabolic health^[6]^[2].

Which Probiotic Strains Are Best for Weight Management?

Research highlights several strains that support weight management, including:

Lactobacillus gasseri
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Bifidobacterium animalis lactis
Using products with a combination of these strains may be more effective than using a single strain^[1]^[6]^[2].

How Long Does It Take to See Results from Probiotics?

It can take several weeks to months of consistent probiotic use to notice changes. Most studies showing positive effects on weight lasted at least 8–12 weeks. Probiotics work best as part of a long-term healthy lifestyle that includes a healthy diet that avoids processed food, in combination with exercise. Probiotics are not a quick fix^[6]^[2].

Do I Need to Change My Diet When Taking Probiotics?

The honest answer is probably. A balanced, fiber-rich diet helps probiotics work better. Fiber acts as a prebiotic, feeding the good bacteria in your gut and helping them thrive. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes can support both your gut health and your weight loss goals^[7]^[8].

Are There Any Risks to Taking Probiotics?

For most healthy people, probiotics are safe and cause few side effects. However, people with weakened immune systems or serious illnesses should talk to a doctor before starting probiotics.

Will Probiotics Work for Everyone?

Not necessarily. The effects of probiotics can vary depending on your individual gut microbiome, the strains used, and your overall lifestyle. More research is needed to understand who will benefit the most from probiotic supplements^[3]^[8]. Nevertheless, a well-balanced multi-strain probiotic supplement can jump-start your weight loss journey as you transition to a fiber-rich, healthy diet that can sustain gut health naturally.

Sources

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The Importance of Water for Gut Health

Diet, Digestive Health, Disease, Probiotics / By Staff Writer

We constantly hear about the importance of drinking enough water for overall health, but one benefit that deserves more attention is how water is critical for gut health. Proper hydration doesn’t just quench your thirst – it plays a vital role in maintaining a balanced, diverse gut microbiome and supporting optimal digestive function.

Why Your Gut Needs Water: Essential Functions

Water is not merely a passive participant in digestion; it’s an active component that enables many critical gut functions – here is a short list:

Nutrient Absorption and Digestion – Adequate hydration enhances your body’s ability to break down food and absorb essential nutrients. Research published in the European Journal of Nutrition shows that water is necessary for the proper function of digestive enzymes that break down food particles into absorbable nutrients [1]. Without sufficient water, these enzymes cannot work efficiently, potentially leading to nutrient deficiencies despite a healthy diet.
Preventing Constipation – One of water’s most important roles in gut health is maintaining proper stool consistency. When you’re adequately hydrated, water softens stool and promotes regular bowel movements. A systematic review in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology confirmed that increased fluid intake significantly improves constipation symptoms in people with functional constipation [2].
Supporting the Mucosal Barrier – Your intestinal lining contains a protective mucus layer that acts as a barrier between gut bacteria and your intestinal cells. According to research in Frontiers in Immunology, proper hydration helps maintain this mucus layer, which is crucial for preventing harmful bacteria from penetrating the gut wall and causing inflammation [3].
Microbiome Balance – Recent studies have revealed that hydration status directly affects gut microbiome composition. Research published in Gut Microbes showed that dehydration can reduce beneficial bacterial populations while allowing potentially harmful bacteria to flourish [4]. Proper hydration helps maintain the delicate balance of your gut’s microbial ecosystem.

Signs Your Gut Needs More Water

How do you know if dehydration is affecting your gut health? Watch for these common indicators:

Chronic Constipation: Hard, Difficult-To-Pass Stools Are Often A Sign Of Insufficient Water Intake.
Slow Digestion: Feeling Unusually Full Long After Meals Might Indicate Your Digestive System Lacks Adequate Fluid For Proper Function.
Frequent Heartburn: Dehydration Can Reduce Mucus Production In The Stomach, Potentially Worsening Acid Reflux Symptoms.
Increased Bloating: Insufficient Water Can Slow Digestive Transit Time, Leading To Increased Gas Production And Bloating.

Hydration Strategies for Optimal Gut Health

The consistency of your hydration is important. Here are practical strategies to ensure your gut receives the hydration it needs:

Maintain Consistent Daily Intake
1. Research in the American Journal of Gastroenterology suggests that consistent water intake throughout the day is more beneficial for gut function than consuming large amounts at once [7]. Aim for 8-10 cups (64-80 ounces) daily, adjusting for your activity level, climate, and individual needs.
Consume Water-Rich Foods
1. Many fruits and vegetables contain high water content while also providing beneficial fiber and prebiotics that support gut health. Consider incorporating these water-rich foods into your diet:
  1. Cucumber: 96% Water Content
  2. Watermelon: 92% Water Content
  3. Strawberries: 91% Water Content
  4. Oranges: 87% Water Content
  5. Spinach: 93% Water Content

Address Acute Dehydration Promptly

During episodes of acute diarrhea or vomiting, your body loses fluids rapidly, potentially disrupting your gut microbiome. A study in Microbiome demonstrated that even short periods of dehydration can have lasting effects on gut bacterial populations [9]. Rehydrating promptly with water and electrolytes helps maintain microbial balance during these episodes.

Supporting Gut Health: Beyond Hydration

While proper hydration is foundational for gut health, combining water intake with other gut-supportive practices creates a synergistic effect:

Probiotic Supplementation

Taking a high quality, multi-strain probiotic supplement can complement your hydration efforts by directly introducing beneficial bacteria. Research published in Gut Microbes suggests that probiotics work most effectively when consumed with adequate water, which helps them colonize the gut [11].

Prebiotic Fiber

Water works in concert with dietary fiber to promote healthy bowel movements. According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, combining adequate hydration with prebiotic fiber intake significantly improves gut transit time and stool consistency [12].

Key Takeaway: Water is a Simple, Yet Powerful Gut Health Connection

The connection between water intake and gut health represents one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to support your digestive wellness.

For optimal gut health, combine proper hydration with a balanced diet rich in fiber, probiotic foods, and consider a high-quality probiotic supplement like EndoMune Advanced Probiotic. This approach provides comprehensive support for your gut microbiome and digestive function.

The path to good gut health isn’t complicated. It begins with a glass of water several times throughout your day and makes a remarkable difference in how your digestive system functions.

References

Popkin, B. M., D’Anci, K. E., & Rosenberg, I. H. (2010). Water, hydration, and health. European Journal of Nutrition, 68(8), 439-458.
Boilesen, S. N., Tahan, S., Dias, F. C., Melli, L. C., & de Morais, M. B. (2017). Water and fluid intake in the prevention and treatment of functional constipation in children and adolescents: a systematic review. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 51(4), S44-S50.
Chassaing, B., Raja, S. M., Lewis, J. D., Srinivasan, S., & Gewirtz, A. T. (2017). Colonic microbiota encroachment correlates with dysglycemia in humans. Frontiers in Immunology, 8, 1432.
Karl, J. P., Hatch, A. M., Arcidiacono, S. M., et al. (2018). Effects of psychological, environmental and physical stressors on the gut microbiota. Gut Microbes, 9(2), 88-103.
McDonald, D., Hyde, E., Debelius, J. W., et al. (2022). American Gut: an open platform for citizen science microbiome research. mSystems, 7(3), e00031-22.
Environmental Protection Agency. (2022). Private drinking water wells. Retrieved from EPA website.
Chang, L., Heitkemper, M. M., & Drossman, D. A. (2020). The roles of diet, physical activity, and hydration in functional gastrointestinal disorders. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 115(12), 1915-1928.
Stookey, J. D., Constant, F., & Gardner, C. D. (2022). Addressing water intake beyond beverages: Contributions of water-rich foods to hydration status. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 122(8), 1586-1597.
Karl, J. P., Margolis, L. M., Madslien, E. H., et al. (2017). Changes in intestinal microbiota composition and metabolism coincide with increased intestinal permeability in young adults under prolonged physiological stress. Microbiome, 5(1), 156.
Prest, E. I., Hammes, F., van Loosdrecht, M. C. M., & Vrouwenvelder, J. S. (2016). Biological stability of drinking water: Controlling factors, methods, and challenges. Environmental Science & Technology, 50(15), 8167-8199.
Eloe-Fadrosh, E. A., Brady, A., Crabtree, J., et al. (2015). Functional dynamics of the gut microbiome in elderly people during probiotic consumption. Gut Microbes, 6(4), 378-389.
Yang, J., Wang, H. P., Zhou, L., & Zhou, C. F. (2012). Effect of dietary fiber on constipation: A meta analysis. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 96(1), 170-177.

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Could Probiotics Protect You From Microplastics?

Diet, Digestive Health, Probiotics / By Staff Writer

Summary: Harmful microplastics are everywhere and even in our bodies, but there may be a gut-friendly solution in probiotics.

Not a day goes by that we don’t hear something in the news about the growing challenges of plastics polluting our environment.

The problem has become so severe, a growing body of research has concluded that microplastics (pieces of plastic the size of a sesame seed) are even polluting our own bodies, from our lungs to our blood.

Where these microplastics come from is no surprise, given how much we rely on plastic for everything from tires to disposable water bottles. This passive exposure also infects the foods we grow and even the air we breathe.

The tiny microplastic particles can also be easily absorbed by the gut causing all sorts of problems with leaky gut and the healthy balance of bacteria in your gut, the center of your body’s immune system.

Probiotic protection

Fortunately, we may have a very natural way to protect our bodies and collective gut health from harm with help from probiotics, based on a recent review of studies appearing in Frontiers in Nutrition.

Researchers reviewed studies published from 2015-23 that showed how probiotics may ease inflammation and protect our bodies from some toxicity due to microplastic exposure.

Some studies showed how the beneficial bacteria contained in probiotics could absorb and neutralize heavy metals like mercury and cadmium. At the same time, some strains reduced problems by binding to and degrading phthalates (chemicals used to make plastics more durable) and BPA (a chemical used to produce polycarbonate plastics).

In a more recent study, Chinese scientists found that probiotic strains alleviated inflammation just enough to improve the quality of sperm in mice due to exposure to polystyrene microplastics (used to build appliances, electronics and many car parts).

For the foreseeable future, the persistence of microplastics is here to stay and research is just scraping the surface about the benefits of probiotics.

If you’re asking yourself what you could do to protect your body from the harmful effects of microplastics, it’s worth noting that some of the protective strains of beneficial bacteria examined in these studies are featured in EndoMune Advanced Probiotic.

Resources

Science News

Frontiers in Nutrition

Nutra Ingredients Europe

The Guardian

Environmental Health News

Nutrition Insight

Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety

Could Probiotics Protect You From Microplastics? Read More »

PTSD, Your Diet and Your Gut

Diet, Digestive Health, Mental Health / By Staff Writer

Summary: The diet you follow and how your gut manages it may determine how you’ll experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

It’s hard to imagine a connection between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the human gut until you recognize how the gut-brain axis links your brain, gut and emotions.

Unfortunately, many of us only notice our gut-brain axis when those connections are disrupted by many factors, including poor diets that often lead to an array of gut-related health problems that drive inflammation.

The good news: Following a gut-healthy Mediterranean diet can do a lot of good to ease or even prevent PTSD-related symptoms, based on findings featured recently in Nature Mental Health.

Healthy eating for mental health

Researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston teamed up on the report that collected data on 191 women from the Nurses’ Health Study.

These women were assigned to three categories: Probable PTSD, trauma exposure but no PTSD and a control group with no trauma exposure. Patients were evaluated on everything from BMI, diet, age, mental health and PTSD symptoms to multiple stool samples.

When researchers compared the diets women consumed to the number of PTSD symptoms they experienced, that’s where the differences in mental health became very apparent.

Women who consumed standard Western diets high in red and processed meats experienced more PTSD challenges while others who followed healthier Mediterranean diets faced fewer symptoms.

What’s more, scientists identified a specific species of gut bacteria — Eubacterium eligens — whose abundance was positively associated with patients who experienced fewer PTSD problems and ate diets rich in the fruits, healthy fats, vegetables and fish that make up the standard Mediterranean diet.

The major takeaway from this study: If you are experiencing mental health challenges, working on your gut-brain axis connection by eating healthier meals with higher amounts of dietary fiber, incorporating more exercise in your daily routine and getting more sleep matters.

When you’re working long days and you don’t have the time to follow your healthier routines, give your gut some extra protection by taking a probiotic, ideally with multiple strains of beneficial bacteria and a prebiotic that feeds the good bugs in your gut, like EndoMune Advanced Probiotic.

References

Nature Mental Health

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

NBC News

Cleveland Clinic

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Ozempic and Wegovy: Are New Weight Loss Drugs Really Safe?

Diet, Drug interactions, Probiotics / By Staff Writer

Ozempic and Wegovy: Are New Weight Loss Drugs Really Safe?

Summary: Recent reports about the safety of Ozempic and Wegovy, injectable drugs prescribed by doctors to help you lose weight, should make you think long and hard about using them.

You’ve probably heard a lot recently about a pair of blockbuster drugs — Wegovy and Ozempic (semaglutide) — for their effectiveness in helping people lose A LOT of weight.

Obesity affects so many Americans — more than 40 percent are obese according to the CDC — that people will try almost anything to lose weight.

Taking weekly injections of Wegovy or Ozempic work to slow down the emptying of the stomach and decrease one’s appetite, and could help someone drop about 12 percent of their body weight.

If these results sound almost too good to be true, the unfortunate reality for some patients has been heartbreaking and life-threatening.

The Problems with Semaglutide

According to reports received by the FDA, the most serious problems are associated with severe gastroparesis, also known as stomach paralysis. And, in one case reported by CNN, a woman suffered from severe gastroparesis along with nausea and cyclic vomiting syndrome (characterized by episodes of severe vomiting that can last for hours or days).

What’s more, the American Society of Anesthesiologists recently issued a warning urging patients to cease taking these medications up to a week before surgery. Their concern: A slower emptying of the stomach could allow patients to regurgitate and aspirate food into their airways and lungs when they’re sedated, even after fasting.

Even if you don’t have an extreme version of those kinds of problems, the most common side effects of Wegovy are nausea (44 percent of all users), diarrhea (30 percent) and vomiting and constipation (24 percent).

Also, for either of these drugs to work as directed, you must take them weekly to keep the weight off, or those extra pounds will come back quickly.

Are Weight Loss Drugs the Only Answer to Effective Weight Loss?

Did you know there’s a better, safer way to slow down your appetite, eat less and lose weight without the expense or common side effects of an injectable drug like Wegovy or Ozempic?

You may want to give your weight-loss journey a fresh start with the help of EndoMune Metabolic Rescue that contains 1 billion CFUs of beneficial Bifidobacterium lactis and 600 mg of the prebiotic XOS.

XOS is a proven prebiotic that spurs the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that trigger some of the same mechanisms Wegovy does to slow down the movement of food from your stomach and create a feeling of fullness naturally.

Resources

Ozempic and Wegovy: Are New Weight Loss Drugs Really Safe? Read More »

Is Stevia Really a “Gut-Safe” Sweetener?

Diet, Digestive Health / By Staff Writer

Is Stevia Really a “Gut-Safe” Sweetener?

Have you been wondering, as many people have, if stevia is really a “gut-safe” sweetener?

Whether it’s artificial sweeteners or sugar, both create problems with the gut by blocking proteins that help you maintain a healthy weight or altering the healthy composition of your gut bacteria.

As concerns about real sugar and artificial sweeteners have grown, many have considered stevia, a sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant.

Stevia is marketed by manufacturers as a natural sweetener, although it’s processed or combined with other ingredients to create a sweetener and, just like artificial sweeteners, it contains no calories. But, it is up to 400 times sweeter than table sugar.

Some experts believe stevia is a better choice for your overall health, and recommend that you use it as you would table sugar. However, before adding stevia to your grocery list, it’s important to ask yourself if stevia really is a gut-safe sweetener.

The answer will surprise you…

A Disruptive Presence

Despite very different approaches, a pair of research teams from Israel in separate studies came to very similar conclusions that stevia may have a disruptive effect on the gut.

In a 2021 study featured in the journal Molecules, scientists at Ben Gurion University studied the effect of stevia extracts (steviol, Reb A and Stevioside) when they come in contact with a strain derived from harmful E. Coli bacteria with an emphasis on digesting food

In this case, the use of stevia disrupted the healthy microbial balance by delaying how gut bacteria communicate in the microbiome, which can often lead to problems with gas, constipation, stomach pains and other gut-related issues.

These disruptions were far more evident in a very recent study conducted by the Weizmann Institute of Science that compared the gut health of patients consuming three artificial sweeteners (saccharin, sucralose and aspartame) or stevia far below suggested “normal” levels for two weeks.

During that short interval of time, any sugar substitute used — stevia or artificial sweeteners — altered the composition of gut bacteria very differently and they were related to a patient’s impaired glucose tolerance.

The Take-Home Message

Despite the not-great news about stevia and other zero-calorie sweeteners, you do have lots of options at your disposal to protect your microbiome and keep the pounds off. And, you can act right now to protect your gut microbiome by taking these steps.

Stay hydrated with clean fresh water. (A healthy tip: Add lemon slices along with a dash of cinnamon or turmeric to your water for extra flavor.)
Moderation, moderation and moderation. Pay attention to what you’re eating or drinking and how your body feels afterward (even if it tastes great).
Read the Nutrition Facts labels displayed on any processed foods you eat for signs of added sugars. You’ll be surprised about how many added sugars are used to produce processed foods. (Brands of flavored yogurt labelled as low-fat may contain as much as 33 grams of sugar per serving!)
Protect the bacteria in your gut so they keep working as they should behind the scenes by taking a probiotic with multiple strains of beneficial bacteria.

If you’ve been looking for a proven probiotic, ideally formulated with beneficial bacteria from the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium families, consider the proprietary blend of 10 strains plus a proven probiotic (FOS) in each daily dose of EndoMune Advanced Probiotic.

EndoMune is built to protect your microbiome and keep it communicating, even in the presence of a “natural” sweetener like stevia.

And, if you need some extra help to get started on your weight loss journey, consider EndoMune Metabolic Rescue, a probiotic uniquely formulated with Bifidobacterium lactis and the prebiotic XOS that promotes a sense of fullness in addition to protecting the health of your gut.

References

Is Stevia Really a “Gut-Safe” Sweetener? Read More »

Are Artificial Sweeteners Making Your Gut Leak?

Diet, Digestive Health / By Staff Writer

Are Artificial Sweeteners Making Your Gut Leak?

Artificial sweeteners have been the go-to for many people wanting to satisfy their sweet tooths without the extra calories.

These man-made chemicals are so effective, giant food manufacturers use them in many processed foods, even ones you’d never imagine (from packaged fruits to tortillas). But, as we’ve discussed previously, the tasty tradeoffs often do more harm than good especially for your gut.

One of the most commonly used artificial sweeteners on the market — sucralose — is under more scrutiny than ever after a recent report from North Carolina State University (NCSU).

If you use artificial sweeteners to add a little sugar to your morning coffee or to bake your favorite cookies, you will definitely think twice after reading this report!

A Toxin For Your DNA and Gut

The biggest takeaway from this NCSU report appearing in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part B: A compound formed when sucralose is digested in the gut — sucralose-6-acetate — is a genotoxin capable of causing damage to the DNA in your cells.

Scientists came to this alarming conclusion after exposing human blood cells to sucralose-6-acetate, and observing how this chemical broke up DNA. And that’s not all.

Exposing gut tissues that line the walls of the gut to sucralose and sucralose-6-acetate created opportunities for leaky gut.

When your gut is exposed to sucralose and other artificial sweeteners, the lining of walls in your gut breaks down allowing toxic waste products and undigested food that would normally be removed in your feces to seep into your bloodstream, triggering inflammation that leads to even more health problems.

“We found that gut cells exposed to sucralose-6-acetate had increased activity in genes related to oxidative stress, inflammation and carcinogenicity,” says study author Dr. Susan Schiffman.

Scientists also detected trace amounts of sucralose-6-acetate in containers of sucralose you can buy in your local grocery store, Dr. Schiffman says.

If you’re wondering how much sucralose is too much, trace amounts of sucralose-6-acetate contained in the average artificially sweetened drink exceed 0.15 micrograms, a threshold of toxic concern established by the European Food Safety Authority.

These findings revealed such serious problems for human health, researchers recommended that federal health officials revisit the safety and regulatory status of sucralose.

Here’s How To Protect Your Health and Your Gut

Dr. Schiffman says the best way to protect your health from this looming health issue is the easiest. “If nothing else, I encourage people to avoid products containing sucralose. It’s something you should not be eating.”

That means giving up sweet drinks for water and processed foods made with artificial sweeteners for more whole foods. (Time to read the nutrition labels on any processed foods at the grocery store too!)

Also, you’ll want to make an effort to heal and rebalance the health of your gut and a good probiotic like EndoMune Advanced Probiotic, formulated with multiple strains of beneficial bacteria and a prebiotic that feeds the good bugs in your gut, can do the job!

References

Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part B

North Carolina State University

Are Artificial Sweeteners Making Your Gut Leak? Read More »

Make Exercise Count For Your Gut Health

Diet, Healthy Aging / By Staff Writer

Make Exercise Count For Your Gut Health

Not only is exercise one of the best things you can do for the health of your mind and body, it’s also great for your gut and your muscles too!

Still, you may be wondering how exercise really makes a difference in the health of your gut. Is it the intensity that matters or how much you exercise every week?

Researchers from the University of Calgary answered this question among others in a recent study appearing in The FASEB Journal.

More Sweat Or More Time?

Scientists discovered some interesting findings in their recent study that tracked the exercise habits, diet, hand-grip strength and gut health of 443 middle-aged non-athletes who maintained a healthy BMI or were overweight.

These findings may be a little surprising, especially if you’re in the camp who believes exercise intensity makes a gut healthy difference.

The people who enjoyed the most gut healthy benefits were people who maintained a healthy BMI under 25 and exercised with moderate intensity for at least 150 minutes each week.

The same was not true for people who had higher BMIs because “poor dietary habits outweigh some of the beneficial influences of exercise on the gut microbes,” says Dr. Chunlong Mu, a co-author of the study who works in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Calgary.

Everything In Moderation

We’re not surprised patients who worked out with more intensity benefitted less, given that extreme exercise generally reverses the benefits people want to achieve and promotes symptoms of leaky gut in as little as two hours.

Maintaining moderation in many aspects of your life — diet, movement and sleep — goes a really long way toward preventing you from becoming a fatality in the war against metabolic syndrome.

The good news: The health of your gut goes hand-in-hand with your ability to lose weight and keep it off, but you may need some help to get started.

If you do need some extra support, consider EndoMune Metabolic Rescue, a probiotic formulated with Bifidobacterium lactis and the prebiotic XOS (Xylooligosaccharides) that stimulates the release of hormones in your gut that reduces your appetite naturally by promoting a greater sense of fullness.

And, if your weight is healthy and stable, give your body a gut-healthy boost with the 10 beneficial strains of bacteria contained in EndoMune Advanced Probiotic.

References

The FASEB Journal

UCalgary News

Make Exercise Count For Your Gut Health Read More »

Could This Superfood Protect Your Gut Health?

Diet / By Staff Writer

Could This Superfood Protect Your Gut Health?

How often do you eat broccoli? (Your responses to this question can range from every day! to no comment!)

No matter how much you love broccoli (or not), health experts consider it a superfood — a natural food that features an array of nutrients your body needs every day, including Vitamins A and C, potassium, calcium and dietary fiber — which is always good for the health of your gut.

A recent study from Penn State University has discovered a new reason to eat broccoli related to protecting your gut health.

Protection From Leaky Gut

If your intestinal wall is healthy, the cells lining it allow water and nutrients to pass into your body safely and screen out undigested food, toxins and other bugs from harming your health, protecting you from problems related to leaky gut.

Some cells lining the intestines absorb water and nutrients (enterocytes) while others secrete a layer of mucus to protect the intestines from being overly permeable (goblet cells) and generate digestive enzymes that maintain a healthy, balanced environment (Paneth cells).

Penn State researchers tested the health benefits of broccoli by comparing the health of mice that were fed a daily diet that included the equivalent of 3.5 cups of broccoli a day for humans to a control group fed a typical lab diet.

Then, they examined the bodies of these test animals for signs of molecular signaling from a specific protein (aryl hydrocarbon receptor or AHR) and often it was activated.

Unsurprisingly, the guts of mice on a high broccoli diet had higher amounts of AHR that protected their tiny bodies from harm.

On the other hand, “The gut health of the mice that were not fed broccoli was compromised in a variety of ways that are known to be associated with disease,” says Dr. Gary Perdew, who works in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Studies.

Good News For Broccoli Haters

All of this news is good if you enjoy cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage and even Brussels sprouts. But there are limits, as you may remember in our recent article on tomatoes.

No matter how good a specific food is for your health, the challenge remains eating enough of that one thing every day to make a real difference. A better, healthier approach is to eat a fiber-rich diet, which takes about 1 ounce (30 grams) daily to do the job.

If you’re not crazy about broccoli and want to protect your gut health, consider taking a daily probiotic formulated with 10 lab-tested strains of beneficial bacteria and a proven prebiotic like EndoMune Advanced Probiotic.

Resources

Laboratory Investigation

Penn State University

MedicineNet

Harvard Health Publishing

Could This Superfood Protect Your Gut Health? Read More »

Photo of man clutching his chest and stomach. Text reads "Heartburn meds & Antibiotic Resistance"

Heartburn Meds and Antibiotic Resistance

Diet / By Staff Writer

Heartburn Meds and Antibiotic Resistance

We remind you a lot about the real health complications associated with antibiotics. Relying on them too often can promote resistance, preventing antibiotics from working when you really need them as they should or at all.

Antibiotics aren’t the only medications people overuse that can promote drug resistance and harm your health.

Heartburn drugs — proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole (Prilosec) and lansoprazole (Prevacid) — have been available over the counter (OTC) for a long time. Unfortunately, some patients take them long after their issues have been resolved. (Even years!)

In the past, we’ve told you about the use of PPIs creating unhealthy imbalances of gut bacteria that can leave you vulnerable to very serious Clostridium difficile (C. diff) superbugs infections in just 28 days.

A more recent study conducted by a European medical team added another layer of caution when taking PPIs.

More PPI Risks

Researchers from the University of Amsterdam Medical Centers investigated how the daily use of PPIs in a hospital setting increased the risk of acquiring multidrug-resistant bacteria in a study appearing in JAMA Network Open.

To do this, doctors monitored the health of more than 2,200 patients, including 374 who took PPIs, for the presence of two multidrug-resistant bacterial species (ESBL and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales) over a two-year period.

Patients who took PPIs once a day increased their risks of acquiring both species by nearly 50 percent and slightly more when PPIs were taken twice a day.

Why are PPIs could be a problem: Scientists believe the primary function of these drugs — suppressing the production of gastric acid in the stomach — creates an environment in which harmful bacteria have better chances of survival and causing harm.

Better Ways To Handle Heartburn

A greater vulnerability to multidrug-resistant bacteria isn’t the only reason to be cautious about PPIs.

A 2019 study featured in The BMJ concluded their use was associated with a 17 percent rise in a patient’s risk of death compared to taking H2 blockers like cimetidine (Tagamet) or ranitidine (Zantac).

Here are four simple steps you can take right now that don’t involve a drug to ease your heartburn.

If you’ve put on some extra COVID weight, it’s time to clean up your diet and make some time for exercise.
Eat smaller meals and give yourself at least a two-hour break between your evening meal and bedtime.
When you’re in bed, make sure you elevate your pillow slightly to avoid a nighttime surge of stomach acid.
Protect the healthy balance of bacteria in your gut and lessen your risks of multidrug-resistant bacteria by taking a probiotic with multiple strains of beneficial bacteria like EndoMune Advanced Probiotic.

References

Heartburn Meds and Antibiotic Resistance Read More »