Credit: iStock/VectorMine The gut microbiota in our body produces various substances called metabolites. One of those metabolites is short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These are the compounds our digestive system produces when dietary fiber that we can’t digest ferments in the gut. Acetate, butyrate and propionate are some of the major SCFAs. SCFAs are important biofuels … Continue reading Spotlight On: Short-chain Fatty Acids
Microbiome
Beyond the Bugs: Could Chemicals from Microbes Help Lower Blood Pressure?
Credit: iStock/Elena Istomina Did you know that the trillions of bacteria residing in your gut actively influence one of the most critical numbers in your life: your blood pressure? For a long time, scientists mainly looked at genetics, diet and lifestyle as the key reasons behind high blood pressure. While these factors are important, there’s … Continue reading Beyond the Bugs: Could Chemicals from Microbes Help Lower Blood Pressure?
How Too Much Salt Makes Your Gut Bacteria Sick
Credit: iStock Salt is widely used as a seasoning in our everyday food. It is sometimes used to preserve food. The American Heart Association advises eating less than 2,300 milligrams of salt daily. Eating salt in moderation is good for the muscles and the nerves. However, eating too much salt is linked to several diseases, … Continue reading How Too Much Salt Makes Your Gut Bacteria Sick
Autism, the Microbiome and Picky Eating: What’s Really Going On?
Credit: iStock/Magone Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a complex developmental condition that affects communication, behavior and social interaction. It is often marked by repetitive behaviors and highly focused interests. While the exact causes of autism remain unclear, what we do know is that its prevalence is rising. One out of every 31 eight-year-olds … Continue reading Autism, the Microbiome and Picky Eating: What’s Really Going On?
Bile Acids and Gut Microbiota Work Together to Regulate Blood Pressure
Credit: iStock/libre de droit Did you know that liver, our second largest organ, also plays a role in regulating our blood pressure? It has to do with bile acids, a substance that the liver cells make to help with digestion. Let’s dive in a little more to understand how it all works. Bile acids Bile … Continue reading Bile Acids and Gut Microbiota Work Together to Regulate Blood Pressure
What You Need to Know About Microplastics and Their Effects on Health
Credit: iStock/Sansert Sangsakawrat If you're like me, you've probably been hearing more about microplastics. But what exactly are they, and why we should be concerned? Let’s dive into the facts and explore how these tiny particles are affecting us and our world. What Are Microplastics? Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, typically smaller than 5 millimeters. … Continue reading What You Need to Know About Microplastics and Their Effects on Health
2023’s Most-read I Spy Physiology Posts
Credit: iStock This year, as science celebrated the discoveries that gave us mRNA vaccines to fight COVID-19 and gene editing treatments for sickle cell disease, our contributors also brought you fascinating, fun and insightful physiology stories on the I Spy Physiology blog. From the always-popular topic of spaceflight to the always-important matter of mental health, … Continue reading 2023’s Most-read I Spy Physiology Posts
The Haunted House of Microbes: Exploring the ‘Eerie’ Microbiome System
Credit: iStock It’s Halloween! This time of year many of us revel in all things spooky, huddle by a cozy fire and share chilling tales of our favorite monsters. Embracing the eerie ambiance of the season and the looming specter of fearsome creatures, I’ve embarked on a journey to delve into the enigmatic world of … Continue reading The Haunted House of Microbes: Exploring the ‘Eerie’ Microbiome System
The Oral Microbiome: Tiny Organisms with a Huge Impact on Health
Credit: iStock Have you heard of the gut microbiome? This diverse community teeming with trillions of bacteria, fungi and other tiny organisms lives in the body’s intestines. Even if you’re familiar with the gut microbiome, you might be less so with the oral microbiome, another major community of microorganisms. This one lives in our mouths. … Continue reading The Oral Microbiome: Tiny Organisms with a Huge Impact on Health
How Breastfeeding Shapes the Gut Microbiome
Credit: iStock Human milk is often called “liquid gold” for its incredible benefits for infants. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding from the first hour after birth until the baby is 6 months old, and continuing breastfeeding along with complementary foods for up to two years. However, worldwide, fewer than half of infants … Continue reading How Breastfeeding Shapes the Gut Microbiome