Bile Acid Metabolism 101 – Why it is important to recycle less and how bile acid transformation by gut microbes can make or break our health. Posted on February 13, 2018 | by Functional Developer | Leave a Comment on Bile Acid Metabolism 101 – Why it is important to recycle less and how bile acid transformation by gut microbes can make or break our health. Bile is an essential component of digestion. It is basically the body’s detergent that emulsifies dietary fat, making it less hydrophobic so that we can absorb it. In addition, it likely helps with some aspects of protein digestion as well. The liver dumps numerous toxins into our bile, hoping that it can serve as an exit route from the body. If bile is not bound to certain types of fiber and eliminated from the digestive tract, it can be damaging to the gut lining. Bacteria may help us however, as they have the ability to convert bile acids to less inflammatory and even possibly protective metabolites. With just these few aspects in mind, it is easy to see why bile and its ultimate fate-either recycled, biotransformation, or elimination-are critical. Continue reading →
Let Thy Food Be Thy Medicine – Using Supportive Foods During Flu Epidemic Posted on February 8, 2018 | by Functional Developer | Leave a Comment on Let Thy Food Be Thy Medicine – Using Supportive Foods During Flu Epidemic With a CDC estimate of 7% of Americans suffering from the flu this past month, it is a good time to identify some significant dietary influences on our immune function. Of course quality sleep, staying well rested, getting regular exercise and fresh air are all equally important. When it comes to food, there are some critical components to be mindful of and reducing sugar intake may be one of the most essential practices. Skip the sweetened foods and beverages, including fruit juice where the vitamin C content gets outplayed by the high fructose content. Continue reading →
Liquid Hope Fed Mice Have Significantly Less Inflammation, More Beneficial Bacteria, and Better Outcomes. Posted on February 1, 2018 | by Functional Developer | Leave a Comment on Liquid Hope Fed Mice Have Significantly Less Inflammation, More Beneficial Bacteria, and Better Outcomes. A recently completed study at University of Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital provided significant insight into the protective role of an organic, whole food enteral formula on the GI. Mice with colitis were fed either Liquid Hope or one of two other polymeric enteral formulas for one week. Each group of mice was fed the same volume of their specific enteral formula for one week. Upon completion, the mice were weighed, several markers of inflammation were measured, and various microbial populations were assessed, particularly those that research has linked to a higher or lower risk for infection. In addition, several other biomarkers that influence intestinal inflammation were examined and compared across groups. Continue reading →