Vaginal ecology is extremely dynamic and is affected by numerous host (i.e. you!) factors including age, ethnicity, hormonal changes and life stages, infection and even use of various sanitary items like tampons and moon cups. With this in mind, it is no wonder that imbalances or dysbiosis can occur. Often these imbalances can be modulated with diet, lifestyle and nutraceutical interventions however.
Antioxidants for sperm health – updated research
A study published in Oct of this year (in the journal Advances in Nutrition) aimed to evaluate the benefits of antioxidants on sperm count and quality1. There have been numerous studies in this field but, as often in science, it can be hard to pin down a definitive answer. This is a well-designed meta-analysis which tries to take into account data from lots of different studies and apply rigid statistical analysis to make sure that the effects seen are true (or to be as sure as we can be). This meta-analysis amalgamated data from 18 separate studies including almost 1800 men.
Chronic pain disorders and gut bacteria
The nervous system in our gut has been called the ‘second brain’. It is connected to our brain via sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways and has bi-directional activity. In simple terms, this is the gut-brain axis, and it works both ways. A review published in October 2021 discusses the roles of gut bacteria and intestinal cells in chronic pain, neuropathy and hyperalgesia (increased sensitivity or response to pain)1. It is important to note that many studies which explain pathways and signalling are carried out in mice. This is very common in cell signalling and in nutrition. [Read more…]
Low FODMAP for SIBO on a vegan diet?
SIBO or Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth is a common underlying cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). SIBO has been shown to be present in up to 78% of IBS cases. Given IBS affects 11% of the worldwide population, this is a truly remarkable number of people. IBS is likely multifactorial but many symptoms can be attributed to a bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.
Managing migraine
Headache disorders (of which migraine is one) are among the most common disorders of the nervous system and it has been estimated that almost half of the adult population have had a headache at least once within the last year. Given the year we have just had however this figure may be considerably underestimated. [Read more…]
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