Stress can have harmful health effects on the body, including the gut microbiome. A recent article in the medical site Medscape reviewed studies of chronic stress and the gut microbiome and found that chronic stress alters the gut microbiome, resulting in gut dysbiosis (the gut microbial community is imbalanced or out-of-whack).
For example, researchers have found alterations in gut microbes, less diversity of microbes, and fewer numbers of certain beneficial microbes in those with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
Interestingly, the researchers stress that a good diet (e.g., Mediterranean diet, including fermented foods) will help the gut microbiome, but that there isn't any evidence for probiotic supplements. In other words, don't take store-bought daily supplements, but instead focus on eating well, exercise, and getting enough sleep.
From Medscape: How Chronic Stress Disrupts the Gut Microbiome
Chronic psychological stress is common. A 2023 survey revealed that about one quarter of US adults reported high stress levels, and three quarters reported that chronic stress affects their daily lives.
Emerging evidence suggests that chronic stress not only exacts a high toll on mental health but also can wreak havoc on all levels of gastrointestinal (GI) functioning, all the way down to the microbiome. ...continue reading "Chronic Stress and the Gut Microbiome"
For years the medical advice has been that when taking vitamin D supplements, make sure it is the vitamin D3 form and not vitamin D2. The reasons given are that vitamin D3 is absorbed better and has more health benefits. A recent 
The Mediterranean diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seeds, nuts, legumes, fish, and olive oil. In the study's Mediterranean diet group, the participants were not only given nutritional advice, but also a weekly provision of extra virgin olive oil. This diet is anti-inflammatory, which is why it may be so beneficial to those with psoriasis.
The evidence keeps piling up that certain foods are associated with health, while other foods (e.g., soda, ultra processed foods) are associated with chronic diseases. A recent article reported the results of 
There is strong evidence certain plant compounds (flavan-3-ols, also known as flavanols or catechins) in these foods have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. These compounds can lower blood pressure and improve endothelial function (functioning of the blood vessels). Two to three cups of tea daily! One to two servings of dark chocolate daily! Instead of chips for a snack, have an apple.
Millions of pounds of pesticides are used each year in the US: on farms, in buildings and homes, on lawns, in pet flea and tick products - basically everywhere. And so the pesticides eventually wind up in us - from the foods we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe (when pesticides drift during applications or when used indoors), and the treated lawns and ground we walk on.
Many of us absolutely desire and need a caffeine containing beverage such as coffee or tea in the morning, and find it difficult to function without it. So, findings from a recent 
Weight loss drugs (e.g., Ozempic) are very, very popular these days. But what happens when you stop taking the prescription drugs? A recent