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Showing posts from October, 2025
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  Childhood Eczema and the Gut Microbiome Eczema or atopic dermatitis (AD) dramatically impacts children’s health and the quality of life of the family as a whole. Although the exact cause of eczema is somewhat unclear, we do know there are multiple factors at work including genes, environment,  immune function , skin sensitivities, and the developing gut microbiome. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Allergy Organization, the frequency of both food (~5%) and respiratory (~17%) childhood allergies in the United States has increased in recent years. But none so much as eczema, which is currently estimated to affect up to 30% of American children (or approximately 10 million), one-third of whom experience significant symptoms and prolonged disease. Eczema: Early-Life Risk Factors Mode of delivery: Cesarean-section (C-section) birth rates have tripled since 1990 and show no sign of slowing down. Studies have shown that children deliver...
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  What Are the Best Probiotics for Seniors? Probiotics are one of the most valuable supplements for seniors, offering benefits that go far beyond digestion. As we age, changes in the gut can affect immunity, nutrient absorption, and even brain health. Knowing which probiotics support seniors best is the first step toward maintaining vitality and overall well-being. Boosting Gut and Immune Health Studies have shown that probiotics can be beneficial to seniors and aging adults for more than just keeping their digestion regular. Probiotics can help older adults maintain a healthy gut and strong immune system while fighting off harmful bacteria such as Clostridia and Bacteroides which are more common with age. The human gut contains trillions of live bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and this world of microorganisms is called the “gut microbiome.” The gut microbiome also contains beneficial bacteria, or “ probiotics ,” which help the body with important tasks, such as digestion, nutrient a...
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What is a Urinary Tract Infection and Can Probiotics Help Prevent Them? | Probiotics for UTIs Probiotics, especially ones with strains from the Lactobacilli family, may be helpful in preventing urinary tract infections. Because Lactobacilli are present in healthy, premenopausal women, maintaining a balance of these probiotic bacteria may support the body in fighting off the pathogens that cause UTIs. Having a urinary tract infection (UTI) is very uncomfortable, and typically also negatively impacts your lifestyle and overall health. The majority of people, especially women, will experience a UTI at some point in their life. Some even suffer from recurrent urinary tract infections. In this blog post, we will go over what UTIs are, what causes them and how they are treated. In addition, we will share several preventative measures you can take against the onset of a UTI and to help decrease the severity of symptoms. Probiotics are one of these measures. We’ll dive deeper into the multiple...
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Top 10 Myths about Probiotics   Probiotics have become some of the top dietary supplements consumed by Americans. You’ve probably seen them around your pharmacy, grocery store and online. And, you might have heard all kinds of stories and supposed facts about probiotics. But, which of these are true and which are false? Let’s explore the 10 most common myths about probiotics. Myth #1: Probiotics Don’t Really Have an Impact on Health and Wellbeing Our small and large intestines (our gut) contain billions of good bacteria, also known as “probiotics.” Science has shown over and over again that these good bacteria support many critical functions in the body, including healthy digestion, nutrient absorption, the immune system, skin health and even cognitive function. When the healthy balance of gut bacteria is disrupted, you experience this first and foremost as digestive issues, including gas, bloating, diarrhea or constipation. If unresolved, over time, this imbalance in gut bacteria ...
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  Probiotics for Kids: Should You Give Your Child Probiotics? For little ones, a healthy gut can support smooth digestion, regularity, nutrient absorption, and a  strong immune system . Probiotics for kids may also be helpful during times when your child’s gut balance is disrupted, such as after taking antibiotics or during occasional tummy troubles. By nurturing a healthy gut microbiome from an early age, probiotics can play a role in setting the stage for long-term wellness. With probiotics now among the most popular dietary supplements in the U.S., many parents wonder: Are they safe for kids? When should I start thinking about adding them into my child’s routine In this post, we’ll walk through what probiotics are, how they may benefit children, and when it might be the right time to consider them. Why Gut Health Matters for Kids A healthy gut is the foundation for a child’s overall wellbeing. Inside the digestive system lives a vast community of bacteria, known as the gut ...
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  Do Probiotics Help with Constipation? Probiotics help alleviate constipation in children, pregnant women, and adults of all ages. Specific strains increase the speed at which food moves through the digestive tract, helping you to go more frequently. They also improve the consistency of stool, making it less painful to pass. Feeling a little backed up? You’re not alone. An estimated 14–16% of adults worldwide are believed to experience constipation at any given time. But depending on how you define the condition,  that number can reach 80% . Regardless of how it’s defined, we all know how awful constipation can feel. Over-the-counter remedies like stool softeners, laxatives, and bulking agents can be a quick fix, but research shows that almost half of constipation sufferers don’t get the relief they’re looking for. Getting  probiotics   through fermented food or dietary supplements, offers an alternative to traditional constipation interventions. These good gut bact...