Tag: probiotics

Protect Against Clostridium Difficile with Probiotics

November 14th, 2012 by Paula Gallagher

Giving probiotics to patients on antibiotics could significantly reduce the incidence of clostridium difficile (C. diff) in hospitals, according to research from McMaster University and the Hospital for Sick Children published Tuesday in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

The study found that using probiotics could reduce C. diff-associated diarrhea among patients taking antibiotics by 66%.

According to co-author Dr. Mark Loeb, these results are significant because, “People at high risk are admitted, given antibiotics and unfortunately, sometimes they acquire this bacteria and it could lead to serious complications. Sometimes, it becomes very hard to treat and get rid of, so prevention is very important.” Continue reading “Protect Against Clostridium Difficile with Probiotics”

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Nutrient Depletion: Oral Contraceptives

August 28th, 2012 by Paula Gallagher

Many people do not know that prescription medications can deplete your body of important nutrients, leaving you susceptible to other heath problems. Every week, I will post a blog about a commonly prescribed drug and what depletions it may cause.

First off, oral contraceptives. Prescribed to prevent pregnancy, regulate menstrual cycles and, for some women, provide relief of painful periods. Whatever the reason, these tiny tablets can rob women of critical vitamins, minerals and nutrients.

Nutrient Depletion

Folic acid – works closely with vitamin B12 in the metabolism of amino acids, and the synthesis of proteins, vital to healthy cell division and replication and to tissue growth, plays an important role in cervical health and preventing birth defects.

Magnesium – activates hundreds of enzymes, plays a role in healthy bones and teeth, muscle health, mood and sleep, cardiovascular and menstrual health.

Continue reading “Nutrient Depletion: Oral Contraceptives”

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Nutritional Support for Infant Reflux

July 18th, 2011 by Margo Gladding

More and more infants and young children are being diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is characterized by spitting up, irritability during or after feedings, coughing, wheezing, refusing to eat, poor weight gain, and crying when placed on his or her back, especially after a feeding. The conventional approach to addressing infant GERD involves treating with medications such as Prilosec and Tagamet. However, a natural approach to addressing this health concern involves a more comprehensive view and can be very successful.

First, if breastfeeding, it is important to consider the mother’s health because her health influences the infant’s health. What is her digestive system like? Does she have nutritional deficiencies? Does she have yeast? A poor diet? Toxic load? Inflammation? Does she have an imbalance in her healthy bacteria levels? Or, is her immune system under attack due to allergens? Sometimes eliminating dairy or soy from the mom’s diet can significantly help the infant. Continue reading “Nutritional Support for Infant Reflux”

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Travel Health During the Holidays

December 21st, 2010 by Paula Gallagher

This information was posted back in the summer, but I figure that it applies to this time of year as well. Be well and stay healthy!

It’s a busy time of year for many of us, and while traveling should be relaxing and enjoyable, unfortunately, it can also be hard on your body. Recycled air on flights exposes you to cold and flu germs and jet lag can make you lose valuable days of vacation time. Eating foods that you are not used to can also cause digestive distress. Being prepared before you travel can make the difference between a miserable trip and a memorable one.

Here are some essential products for travel health:

Melatonin

Plane travel may interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates our sleep-wake cycles. This might explain why airplane travel disrupts our sleeping patterns and why it takes a while for us to adjust to a new time zone. Studies suggest that Melatonin doubles the speed at which your body adjusts to the new time zone. Continue reading “Travel Health During the Holidays”

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Prebiotics (Say What?)

December 20th, 2010 by Paula Gallagher

We have heard plenty about probiotics and how important these beneficial bacteria are for your health, but compelling studies show that prebiotics are equally important. Prebiotics are certain types of soluble fiber that help probiotics multiply.

So what to prebiotics do? Well, here are just a few ways that prebiotics keep us healthy.

Intestinal Health: Constipated much? Prebiotics increase bulk in your stools and shorten the transit time in the intestines. They may also help those with Crohn’s and other inflammatory bowel diseases because they reduce inflammation and encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria (lactobacilli and bifidobacteria).

Cholesterol Support: Research suggests that prebiotics enhance the cholesterol lowering actions of probiotics by helping break down cholesterol in the GI tract. And since some prebiotics are forms of fiber, they have the same effect as soluble fiber on lowering cholesterol.

Immune Health: Studies suggest that prebiotics may improve resistance against infection by providing food for probiotics, which makes the immune system function more efficiently. Continue reading “Prebiotics (Say What?)”

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