Lacto Bacto – Health, Microbes, and More

Male Testosterone Levels Show A Steep Decline Over Last Fifty Years

SimaJuly 24, 2026July 24, 2026Leave a comment

Uh-oh. Things are looking worse and worse for male fertility. Studies already are finding that human sperm count is going down year after year throughout the world. But a recent study also found that testosterone levels are going down in men.

According to a study presented at the July 2026 meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, testosterone levels in men have declined 54% between 1972 and 2019. This is a decline of more than 1% per year. Scientists are referring to this as a "major crisis in male reproductive health".

And no, the answer is not just giving men testosterone. As researchers have pointed out: this suppresses or "cuts off sperm production".

Instead, it would be much, much better to address the causes of the drop in male sperm counts and lowered testosterone - for example, pesticides, endocrine disruptors (e.g., phthalates, bisphenols), heavy metals, microplastics, and pollution. These are all known to adversely affect male reproduction.

Excerpts from The Guardian: Men’s average testosterone levels have halved in last 50 years, say scientists

Men’s average testosterone levels have halved over the past 50 years, according to scientists, who say society is facing a male fertility crisis. ...continue reading "Male Testosterone Levels Show A Steep Decline Over Last Fifty Years"

A Mediterranean Style Diet Cuts the Risk of Developing Heart Disease

SimaJuly 24, 2026Leave a comment

People have been arguing for years over what kinds of foods and dietary patterns are best for health, with many studies finding that a Mediterranean style diet is best for health. Another recent study found that a Mediterranean-style diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, whole grains, fish, and dairy is best for heart health when compared to other diets.

The study of 3042 Greek adults found that those following a plant-based style diet (basically a Mediterranean-style diet) had a 26% lower risk of developing heart disease over a 20 year period, when compared to either a Western diet rich in processed meat and ultra-processed foods, or to a high-calorie, but low-white-meat dietary pattern.

The high calorie, low white-meat diet seemed especially unhealthy. They also found that physical activity reduced heart disease (cardiovascular disease) risk, but smoking increased it.

Physical activity reduced CVD risk, while smoking increased it.

Excerpts from Medical News: Plant-based Mediterranean-style diet cuts heart disease risk by 26%

A recent European Journal of Nutrition study examined common dietary patterns in a Mediterranean cohort and assessed their long-term associations with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and outcomes.

Poor dietary habits, especially inadequate consumption of nutrient-dense foods, remain a leading modifiable risk factor. ...continue reading "A Mediterranean Style Diet Cuts the Risk of Developing Heart Disease"

Study Finds Vitamin B3 Supplements Lower the Risk of Developing Glaucoma

SimaJuly 23, 2026Leave a comment

Human eye Credit: Wikipedia

A recent large study found that vitamin B3 (nicotinamide) supplements may help in preventing glaucoma (specifically primary open-angle glaucoma) and also need fewer treatments (e.g., eye drops and laser procedures) in those with glaucoma.

Glaucoma refers to many diseases involving eye pressure increases and damage to the optic nerve, which can result in permanent vision loss and blindness. Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most common form of glaucoma. The study found that those taking nicotinamide supplements had a 66% lower risk of developing glaucoma.

Since the study is behind a paywall, I've included summaries (each a little different) from 2 web-sites describing the study.

From Medical Xpress: Could vitamin B3 prevent silent thief from stealing vision? New study finds protective effects against glaucoma

Often called the silent thief of sight, glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that gradually damage the optic nerve, often without warning signs. It is linked to increased pressure (ocular hypertension) inside the eye and, if left untreated, can lead to permanent vision loss. Even with ongoing treatment, some people still face the risk of progressive vision loss.

This led scientists to look for newer therapeutics that can help manage the disease's progression, such as nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3. ...continue reading "Study Finds Vitamin B3 Supplements Lower the Risk of Developing Glaucoma"

Only One Bee and One Cabbage White Butterfly

SimaJuly 23, 2026July 30, 2026Leave a comment

After many days of nothing, finally saw some flying insects among my flowers!

The problem is that many of my neighbors are continuing their obsessions with weed-free carpet-like lawns, and their hatred for any insects - whether beneficial or harmful. Thus, nonstop pesticide applications for lawns, around residence perimeters, and into bushes (e.g., mosquito treatments using leaf-blower type pesticide applicators).

As a consequence, there are fewer beneficial insects to be found. So far this year I have found only one bee, one cabbage white butterfly (considered a pest by many), and only a few fireflies. It's sad. The brainwashing and marketing by the chemical industry of how frequent applications of pesticides are needed for a "healthy lawn and garden" is very powerful.

But I also found one insect I'm sorry to see - a deer tick.

The Bee and Butterfly Decline Continues

SimaJuly 20, 2026July 23, 2026Leave a comment

Haven't seen any bees or butterflies this past week. Not on flowers, not among the clover. None. All I can do is document the devastating effects of neighboring pesticide applications on pollinator populations in my organic suburban property.

A neighbor has had numerous applications by 3 services(!) for several years - on the lawn, in the garden, on plants around the house, the exterior of the house, and the hedges between properties. Basically everywhere, typically every 3 weeks. Of course, the pesticides drift to neighboring properties (mine!).

The worst for pollinators (bees, butterflies) appear to be the mosquito applications using a device that looks like a leaf blower, which is held at waist-height - these are high-volume applications. The mosquito applications are done using cypermethrin and pyrethroid insecticides (which are synthetic pesticides, e.g., made by Fendona). Pyrethroids are known to be highly toxic to pollinators such as bees and wasps, and there is growing evidence of harms to humans (here, here).

One study confirmed that pesticides are a major reason that wild bee populations are significantly down in the US. The researchers found that bee species are about 43% down in areas of heavy pesticide use. They singled out pesticides (insecticides) such as neonicotinoids and pyrethroids as drivers of this bee species reduction. They pointed out that using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) or organic methods would help reduce pesticide use and so help with bee species populations.

This means that businesses (e.g., Mosquito Joe) that apply long-lasting pyrethroids throughout suburban yards and hedges in the US are contributing directly to bee species reduction.

Other studies found that applying pesticides (no matter what kind) to lawns destroys bee populations and reduces the number of bee species. Think of lawns that are not treated with pesticides as having wildflowers, not weeds. These are bee habitats!

Air Pollution and Male Fertility

SimaJuly 11, 2026July 11, 2026Leave a comment

Studies find that male fertility is diminishing, with sperm counts decreasing globally every year in the past few decades. Scientists have been searching why this is occurring, suggesting a number of possible causes (e.g., environmental pollutants, pesticides, microplastics, endocrine disruptors, lifestyle habits.).

Recent studies are suggesting that pollution, especially air pollution, may be also be contributing to the problem of reduced male fertility. Researchers are finding regional differences in sperm count and quality.

Two recent studies presented similar findings at the recent European Study of Human Reproduction this past week, with both finding that where you live could have a bigger effect on sperm count, sperm quality, and fertility than lifestyle habits. In other words, the pollution in the area you live (air pollution or other environmental contaminant) has an effect on fertility - that is, sperm count and quality. [Studies show that lifestyle habits are also important.]

From Medical Xpress: Men living in different regions show marked differences in sperm quality despite similar lifestyles, novel study finds

A new study has found substantial regional differences in sperm quality, with men in the highest-performing region recording almost double the total motile sperm count of those in the lowest-performing region. ...continue reading "Air Pollution and Male Fertility"

The Earth Was At Its Greatest Distance From the Sun This Week

SimaJuly 11, 2026Leave a comment

This past week, the Earth was at its greatest distance from the Sun, which is known as the aphelion. At aphelion, we are about 94.5 million miles from the sun.

Another fun fact: July 2, 2026 at noon was the middle of this year - with 182.5 days on either side.

Food Additives and Hypertension

SimaJuly 10, 2026July 11, 2026Leave a comment

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a big problem in adults. A large European study found that eight preservative food additives are associated with high blood pressure and heart (cardiovascular) disease. And the more a person eats additives in their daily diet (meaning more ultra-processed foods), the greater the risk of developing hypertension and heart disease.

The most problematic of the preservative food additives in this European study included: potassium sorbate, potassium metabisulphate, sodium nitrite, ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate, sodium erythorbate, citric acid, extracts of rosemary. These results suggest that a higher intake of preservative food additives means a greater intake of ultra-processed food, which ultimately is not good for the health (increased risk of high blood pressure and heart disease).

Note that in the list of US problematic food additives may be somewhat different, because different additives may be more common. But all are indications of ultra-processed foods.

Bottom line: Nutrition matters! Eat as many minimally processed foods as possible. Also, read ingredient labels and try to avoid products that contain ingredients that are not normally found in a kitchen (e.g., xanthan gum, carrageenan).

From Science Daily: Researchers found 8 common food additives linked to high blood pressure and heart disease

A massive study suggests that some common food preservatives may be putting heart health at risk. ...continue reading "Food Additives and Hypertension"

Vitamin C Is Important For Aging Brain Health

SimaJuly 10, 2026July 11, 2026Leave a comment

We all know that vitamin C is important for our health, especially skin health, but it is also important for a healthy brain. A recent study found higher levels of vitamin C in aging adults is linked to a healthier aging brain. Nutrition matters!

The study found that having low levels of vitamin C in blood plasma in aging adults is correlated with having lower brain gray matter volume and connectivity. The study looked at 2040 aging adults (median age 69 years) in Japan - using both MRI scans and blood plasma samples.

As we age, the volume of the brain shrinks - this is normal. There are both structural and connectivity changes - again, it's normal. But...you want to delay and minimize these changes, which is why this research finding that vitamin C is important for aging brain health is significant. As the researchers point out, one can make nutritional changes by increasing vitamin C foods in the diet. (BTW, generally foods are superior to supplements.)

Gray matter of the brain is where processing information, movement, and emotion control occur. It has an effect on new memories and multitasking.

Other studies have also pointed out that vitamin C are important for aging brain health. Lower levels of vitamin C have been associated with a higher risk of dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Bottom line: Try to eat foods high in vitamin C frequently, preferably daily.

From Science Daily: Scientists discover a surprising link between vitamin C and brain health

Researchers have found another clue that diet may influence how the brain ages. In a study of more than 2,000 older adults in Japan, people with lower levels of vitamin C in their blood tended to have less gray matter and weaker connections within an important brain network involved in memory and attention. While the findings do not prove that vitamin C protects the brain, they strengthen evidence that good nutrition could play a role in maintaining cognitive health later in life. ...continue reading "Vitamin C Is Important For Aging Brain Health"

Large Study Finds Vitamin D and Calcium Supplements Do Not Prevent Fractures

SimaJuly 3, 2026Leave a comment

Uh-oh, two popular supplements don't have the health benefits that many think. Millions take vitamin D or calcium (or both) for stronger bones. A large review of 69 studies found that taking calcium or vitamin D or both does not prevent fractures and falls in older adults.

Other studies have had similar results. Bottom line: Focus on eating well and getting enough exercise, especially resistance exercises and balance exercises.

From Science Daily: Millions take calcium and vitamin D for stronger bones. A major review finds little benefit

A comprehensive review published in The BMJ suggests that calcium supplements, vitamin D supplements, or taking both together provide little to no clinically meaningful benefit in preventing fractures or falls for most older adults. ...continue reading "Large Study Finds Vitamin D and Calcium Supplements Do Not Prevent Fractures"