The gut microbiome and immune system work closely together. However, as people age, the composition and balance of microorganisms in the gut changes, with fewer beneficial bacteria.
The organisms living in your gut microbiome can influence your mental and physical health. Researchers have developed a way to better test for those biological effects.
Probiotics are great for your gut, but which sources contain the most beneficial bacteria? Newly developed sensors are helping scientists figure it out.
If you try supplements, you still need to eat a healthy diet, exercise, reduce your stress, quit smoking and get enough sleep. Even then, they may still not be enough.
In the past two decades, technology has allowed scientists to learn so much more about the human body and its microbiomes. These discoveries may pave the way to new therapies.
Our microbiota is linked to essential physiological processes, but when its communication falters, our health can suffer. Synthetic probiotics offer a promising approach to treating gut-brain axis disorders.
The Food Compass system scores foods based on variables like the amounts of refined grains and sugars, processing and healthful ingredients. People who ate better-scoring foods had better overall health.
Many school lunchbox products are now heavily marketed as promoting gut health. The limited regulation of such claims leaves it to parents and carers to assess whether they really stack up.
The microbes in your gut influence how your immune system reacts to bacteria and viruses. A severe immune reaction is deadly; a small one lets the virus win. The right balance may depend on your diet.