Could there be a gut–bone axis? Researchers are constantly finding new connections between the microbes that inhabit our bodies and our health, and emerging science suggests that bone disease might begin in the gut. Read on to learn how your gut microbes shape your immune system, influence nutrient status, and maintain skeletal health.
Why Vegetarians and Vegans Should Supplement with DHA
DHA is a crucial nutrient for developing babies, children, and adults, yet there are no sources of DHA in vegetarian or vegan diets. Some advocates of vegetarian diets have claimed that vegans can get enough DHA by consuming plant-based forms of omega-3 like flaxseeds and walnuts. But is that really true? Read on to find out.
An Update on Omega-6 PUFAs
Advice to increase omega-3 fatty acid consumption and decrease omega-6 consumption is widespread in health communities and the popular press. But is it omega-6 that’s the problem, or just how we cook omega-6-rich foods? Read on to learn about the benefits of whole foods high in omega-6 and the negative effects of industrial seed oils on human health.
RHR: How To Tell If You Have A Leaky Gut
The intestinal barrier plays a critical role human health and disease. It allows for the absorption of nutrients from the food we eat, while at the same time, it protects against the entry of allergens, as well as bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Essentially, it plays the role of a gatekeeper. When this barrier malfunctions, it can cause allergies and autoimmune disorders. This is a condition we call “leaky gut.” But how do you know if you have it? Read on to find out.
Still Think Gluten Sensitivity Isn’t Real?
Catchy media headlines often poke fun at gluten sensitivity, and a considerable percentage of the population, including many doctors, still do not believe that non-celiac gluten sensitivity is real. Yet many people without celiac disease feel better with a gluten-free diet. A recent study may have settled the debate once and for all.
How Our Immune System Drives Social Preferences
Most of us enjoy, if not even prefer, spending time with others rather than spending all of our free time in social isolation. Some studies even suggest that social connectivity plays a significant role in our overall health and well-being. So what is it then that drives this preference to be with others, and similarly, what contributes to the social indifference or even social aversion seen in some neurologic disorders like autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia? It looks like, at least in part, it’s pathogenic microbes like bacteria and viruses.
