What are endotoxins? Endotoxins are toxic molecules that are produced by certain types of bacteria in the gut. They are known to cause leaky gut and subsequent inflammation throughout the body. Gram-negative bacteria have an outer membrane that contains a molecule called lipopolysaccharide (LPS). LPS is a component of the bacterial cell wall and is released when […]
What is a lipopolysaccharide endotoxin? Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are an endotoxin primarily produced by certain (gram-negative) bacteria. The LPS is a natural component of the outer membrane of these bacteria, which gets released into the gut when the bacteria die off. Species that are commonly found in the gut like Escherichia coli, Bacteroides fragilis, Citrobacter and Klebsiella […]
Today’s paper is about the gut microbiome and how it ‘cross talks’ with the vaginal microbiome – amazing! The journal: Frontiers in Immunology The paper: Female Gut and Genital Tract Microbiota-Induced Crosstalk and Differential Effects of Short-Chain Fatty Acids on Immune Sequelae (Sep 2020) The authors: Emmanuel Amabebe and Dilly O. C. Anumba Take-home points: […]
Today we look at a recently published paper about the human microbiome and how it impacts health. The journal: International Journal of Microbiology The paper: The Human Microbiome and Its Impacts on Health (Jun 2020) The authors: Grace A. Ogunrinola, John O. Oyewale, Oyewumi O. Oshamika, and Grace I. Olasehinde Take-home points: The human microbiome refers to the […]
The microbiota-gut-brain axis Today we look at a recently published paper about the gut brain axis and the microbiota. The journal: Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience The paper: The Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis in Health and Disease and Its Implications for Translational Research (July 2021) The authors: Melanie Anna Schächtle and Stephan Patrick Rosshart Take-home points This paper provides […]
The gut microbiome and rheumatic disease Can the gut microbiome influence rheumatic disease? Rheumatic diseases are a group of disorders that affect the joints, bones, muscles, and other connective tissues in the body. These conditions can cause pain, stiffness and inflammation that affect movement and function. Some examples of rheumatic diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, […]
What is Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)? SIBO is a commonly diagnosed gastrointestinal disorder involving the gut microbiome. It refers to an excess and imbalance of bacteria in the small intestine. Upper GIT symptoms include reflux, nausea, unexplained vomiting or indigestion that begins quickly after eating. Lower GIT symptoms, such as abdominal bloating, distention, diarrhoea […]
Prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics Prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics are a highlight of clinical research and gut microbiome supplements. What are they, and how do you know which one you need? What are prebiotics? Prebiotics are types of dietary fibre that our bodies cannot digest, but that beneficial bacteria in our gut can use as food. […]
Why are polyphenols so good for your gut microbiome? When it comes to gut microbiome health, polyphenols are a powerhouse. The more you can include in your daily meals or snacks, the better! What are polyphenols? Polyphenols are a type of plant-based compound that are found in a wide variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, […]