2068 results found for: GUT HEALTH

Vitamin C Supplements Shorten ICU Stays

The April 2019 issue of Nutrients published the findings of a meta-analysis which concluded that the administration of vitamin C to intensive care unit (ICU) patients shortened the patients’ stay by an average of 7.8%. Dr Harri Hemilä of the University of Helsinki, Finland, and Dr Elizabeth Chalker of the University of Sydney, Australia, selected 12 controlled trials that included a total of 2,004 patients for their analysis. While subjects who received orally administered vitamin C had an ICU stay that was 7.8% shorter than that of patients who did not receive the vitamin, patients in six trials who received an average […]

Scientists Identify ‘Origin’ of Cancer Spread

Scientists at the University of Salford said they have identified a cancer cell from which all cancer growth starts in the body. The ‘cell of origin’ thought to trigger all types of cancer and allow the disease to spread has been found, scientists claim. Salford University researchers have described their discovery as being like managing to find the proverbial ‘needle in a haystack’. But the findings, hoped to rewrite medical textbooks on the growth of cancer, could be a blow to existing treatments, such as chemotherapy. Professor Michael Lisanti, study author, said: ‘We may have to press the reset button on how we treat […]

Zinc Deficiency Linked to Hypertension

An article appearing on January 16, 2019 in the American Journal of Physiology–Renal Physiology  reported that deficient zinc levels may contribute to high blood pressure by promoting sodium re-absorption by the kidneys. Zinc deficiency is common in many chronic diseases and can worsen hypertension. However, it had not been known whether zinc deficiency alone could impact blood pressure. In the current study, the researchers fed 20 mice diets that contained adequate amounts of zinc for two weeks, after which 15 animals were given zinc deficient diets for five to six weeks. Five of these deficient animals were subsequently returned to diets that provided […]

Vitamin C Shows Promise As Brain Aging Treatment

A study reported on January 9, 2019 in the journal Nutrients revealed a protective role for supplementation with vitamin C, a well known antioxidant, in mice exposed to D-galactose, a sugar that occurs in some foods which has been shown to induce brain aging via the accumulation of oxidative stress. One hundred-eight mice were divided to receive subcutaneous D-galactose or no D-galactose for 10 weeks. Beginning in the seventh week, half of the animals in each group were given a high oral dose of vitamin C for four weeks. While mice that received D-galactose experienced a reduction in cognitive function and decreased neurogenesis in […]

Berberine: Good for Your Heart, Obesity and More

Commonly known as a natural compound that may help treat diabetes,  (see Foodtrients® article“Does Berberine Fight Diabetes” ) that’s not all berberine is known for. A bitter alkaloid compound found in several plants including barberry, goldenseal, and Oregon grape, it can also be important for enhancing the immune system during cold and flu season. Berberine also contains anti-bacterial properties and is often prescribed as a treatment for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).  It has a long history of medicinal use in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Medicidally, berberine is used for: Heart failure High cholesterol levels High blood pressure Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) […]

The Secret To Eating Gluten

Scientists have discovered a new way in which celiac patients may be able to digest gluten – with the help of an enzyme extracted from carnivorous plants. Pitcher plants, which have a cup-like shape