Tag: autoimmune

Adding to the Pile of Evidence Linking IBD to the Virome

Yet another study, this one out of Massachusetts General Hospital (one of Harvard’s teaching hospitals) associating inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) with alteration in the virome.  These scientists wanted to move beyond correlation and look for actual causation.  Exactly how does the virome affect intestinal… Continue Reading “Adding to the Pile of Evidence Linking IBD to the Virome”

How Gut Inflammation Feeds Pathogenic Bacteria in Crohn’s Disease

The results of a multi-year study of the role E. coli plays in Crohn’s Disease is absolutely fascinating.  Back in December, 2021, I described to you research that showed that stress can cause flare-ups of Crohn’s by leading to an increase in invasive E.coli… Continue Reading “How Gut Inflammation Feeds Pathogenic Bacteria in Crohn’s Disease”

Two Pieces of Research on Specific Bacteria Associated with Disease: Heart Attacks and IBD

Two interesting bits of research for you this week, to make up for missing a post last week.  Sorry – just too busy these days to get to write regularly.  Both are about research that has isolated specific bacterial microbiome differences in those with… Continue Reading “Two Pieces of Research on Specific Bacteria Associated with Disease: Heart Attacks and IBD”

Multiple Sclerosis, the Microbiome and Meat Consumption: A Complex Interplay

We have a big dividing line – metaphorically – running through my kitchen:  on the one side is me with my beloved heaping salads; acorn squash stuffed with wild rice, cranberries and walnuts; mushroom risottos; cashew korma with basmati rice,  etc.  On the other,… Continue Reading “Multiple Sclerosis, the Microbiome and Meat Consumption: A Complex Interplay”

Common Toothpaste Ingredient Potentially Linked to Gut Damage Seen in IBD

How many of you have heard of triclosan [TCS]? I had not, until I spotted a paper out of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and Hong Kong Baptist University, on its potential toxicity, re:  our gut bacteria.  … Continue Reading “Common Toothpaste Ingredient Potentially Linked to Gut Damage Seen in IBD”

L. reuteri: A Review of Its Many Known Benefits

A very happy New Year to you all. I hope your holidays were wonderful. First, an update on me.  You may have noticed that I have been writing posts less regularly. My new business has really taken off, and I am working insane hours. … Continue Reading “L. reuteri: A Review of Its Many Known Benefits”

Mechanism Discovered: How Stress Leads to Crohn’s Flare Ups

Today’s news is on a topic very near and dear to my heart, especially right now:  stress.  And the news isn’t good. Researchers at McMaster University have isolated a mechanism by which stress causes a flare up of Crohn’s disease.[i]  And surprise, surprise –… Continue Reading “Mechanism Discovered: How Stress Leads to Crohn’s Flare Ups”

Helminthic Therapy: A Review of the Current Status of Research

A couple of weeks ago, I found an interesting article in The Scientist that does a great job of summarizing the current status of helminth research.[i]  I have been too busy in my “real” life to read it though, until this past weekend. So,… Continue Reading “Helminthic Therapy: A Review of the Current Status of Research”

IBD, the Microbiome, Mental Health: Inflammation is the Key

The link between inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and mental health issues has long been observed, and I have covered the topic before on this blog.  (Look here and here, for example.) On the one hand, it makes sense:  living with persistent pain, diarrhea, fatigue,… Continue Reading “IBD, the Microbiome, Mental Health: Inflammation is the Key”

Helminths, Protozoa and More Helminths – a Research Trifecta!

Helminths, helminths and more helminths here at The Biome Buzz today. Study #1:  from the European Journal of Neurology which shows that infection with Toxoplasmosis (an infection with the parasite, Toxoplasma gondii)  has a protective effect against the development of multiple sclerosis (MS).  That… Continue Reading “Helminths, Protozoa and More Helminths – a Research Trifecta!”