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Imagine living with a persistent, debilitating fatigue that no amount of rest can alleviate, coupled with a constellation of other symptoms such as brain fog, pain, and sleep disturbances. This is the reality for millions suffering from Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Now, envision a similar struggle following a viral infection, long COVID. Our recent review delves into a fascinating area that could hold a key: the intricate world of the gut microbiome and its profound influence on our health. For instance, studies in ME/CFS patients indicate changes in gut composition, including a deficiency in butyrate-producing bacteria and disturbances in...

Researchers have found definitive proof of a kidney microbiome that influences renal health and kidney stone formation, demonstrating that the urinary tract is not sterile and low levels of bacteria are normal. They also identified certain bacteria within the microbiome that could promote or block kidney stone development and showed that antibiotic misuse (commonly associated with kidney stone development in a hospital setting) skewed the microbiome towards stone-promoting bacteria. The team's methods showed that bacteria living in the urinary tract were not only there because of disease, since they found them in the urinary tract of people without evidence of...

Cutting-edge research has uncovered how chronic stress disrupts the balance of gut microbiota to speed up the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC), opening new avenues for CRC prevention and treatment. By eliminating certain gut bacteria and inducing stress, researchers were able to conclude a relationship between stress and gut microbiota in the progression of CRC, identifying a particular bacterial species as a potential therapeutic target. The findings showed chronic stress not only increased tumor growth but also reduced beneficial gut bacteria, particularly Lactobacillus genus, which are essential for a healthy immune response against cancer. Dr. Li noted, "Stress-related CRC progression...

Bacteria have thousands of genes and functions that we, the human host, do not have. For instance, bacteria can help us digest fiber, provide support to our immune systems, and absorb important nutrients. But reaping the benefits of "good bacteria" is easier said than done. Andrea Azcarate-Peril, Ph.D., is trying to understand how to better prescribe probiotics based on our individual microbiomes—or the collection of genomes from all microbes that naturally live inside of us. Azcarate-Peril says that if you want to start boosting your microbiome more effectively and reliably, rotate your probiotics and consume a variety of fermented foods...