Beneficial Bacteria Blast

From eNewsletter 5/26/2025

DID YOU KNOW that a study from Nature Microbiology found that the human colonic beneficial microbe, Akkermansia muciniphila (AM), breaks down types of sugar that pathogenic bacteria love to feed on?

Glycans, and others like them, are receptors for a variety of pathogens and their toxins, such as Shiga toxin. So, if we can modify the glycans by promoting AM integrity, we are able to change the severity of gastrointestinal-derived diseases.

The authors of the study are quoted saying: "We know that AM is a hugely important microbe, and levels of the microbe can be a good indicator of overall health. The bacteria are always beneficial for the gut, and lower levels of it are associated with inflammatory diseases such as diabetes and obesity."

If you keep up with this newsletter, you'll know that Akkermansia has been one of our go-to gut bacteria for almost two years now.

To read the rest of today's issue, please go to this page.

The Antiquated Lipid Panel

From eNewsletter 5/21/2025

DID YOU KNOW that the increasing use of mobile devices has led to a rise in forward head posture, or "text neck"?

A fascinating study in Cureus performed on adults aged 19-45 years found that heightened sympathetic activity occurs in those using their mobile phones with forward head posture or "text neck." More importantly, they discovered that text neck showed decreased parasympathetic activity.

Why is this incredibly important? Think of sympathetic activity as being excited and parasympathetic activity as being relaxed. We want to be relaxed as possible. We can't be when we have "text neck."

To read the rest of today's issue, please go to this page.

Bringing Attention to Candida

From eNewsletter 5/19/2025

DID YOU KNOW that a study from BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health found widespread nutrient deficiencies in subjects with blood sugar disorders, with vitamin D being most common (60.45%), followed by magnesium (41.95%) and vitamin B12 (28.72%).

Vitamin D deficiency significantly impairs insulin function and sensitivity, while increasing the risk of complications like diabetic retinopathy, kidney disease, and foot ulcers.

Magnesium deficiency creates a vicious cycle among diabetics - low intake increases diabetes risk, while diabetes increases magnesium loss through urination, leading to poorer glycemic control.

Metformin, the most prescribed diabetes medication, depletes vitamin B12 levels by interfering with B12 absorption, which can lead to nerve damage, numbness, and fatigue.

To read the rest of today's issue, please go to this page.