by Noelle Patno, PhD L. plantarum 299v is a probiotic globally recognized for having Level 2 evidence for the improvement in severity of abdominal pain in irritable bowel syndrome and a large study preventing C. diffficile-associated diarrhea in antibiotic-treated patients.1 A new review2 on the 30-year anniversary of the isolation of this strain was recently published summarizing the current knowledge on this unique probiotic strain. This article features the main highlights of the reviewed science on probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum 299v.  Characteristics of the strain: 2  Plant-derived. L. plantarum 299v belongs to the group of lactic acid bacteria, and these types are commonly…

by Lewis Chang, PhD A century ago, the global average life expectancy of humans was around 32 years. Today, it is 73. Because we live much longer, aging is now a major risk factor for a myriad of modern-day chronic illnesses. For scientists to study aging-related health issues, one must find a scientific way to measure aging, a quantifiable biochemical marker that reflects our biological age, so to speak. Having the ability to detect changes in such a biomarker will…

In this brief hallway chat, Mimi Guarneri, MD addresses how to manage stress and aging using integrative medicine and lifestyle approaches. Dr. Guarneri also answers a few questions on how to personalize use of phytonutrients (e.g., quercetin) and bioactives (e.g., omega-3) for gut and heart health, with the proper use of biomarkers and elimination diet protocols. Download the transcript          

Gastroenterologist Dr. Marvin Singh describes his philosophy on bringing patients back to health. Understand that the gut is the tattletale of the body; having symptoms in the gut does not always mean it is a gut problem. Dr. Singh discusses the importance of assessing the anti-inflammatory capacity of the microbiome, understanding the diagnostics, remembering the lifestyle basics, and talking to the patients. By “dialing things back a bit,” we better see all the factors that are happening in a patient…

In this hallway chat, Ashley Koff, RD, addresses the gut connection to our skin health. She also demystifies the role of chocolate, dairy and sugar on skin issues, and provides practical tips on foods to avoid for acne and the scientific reason behind it.

by Noelle Patno, PhD The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. Viruses that cause colds include more than a hundred different kinds of rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and many more. No wonder adults get colds 2-3 times a year on average and with even higher frequency for children and college students. As the most common human illness that leads to missed work and school, colds stay prevalent due to the many variants…

Probiotic Strain L. paracasei Lpc-37® Reduced Stress in Healthy Adults Scientists have been searching for “psychobiotics,” probiotics that can modify the gut-brain axis,1 and now a recent publication using a robust clinical trial design demonstrated a probiotic strain that improved the stress response. Previous preclinical studies demonstrated that Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Lpc-37 (Lpc-37), formerly known as Lactobacillus paracasei Lpc-37 prevented the development of certain behaviors associated with chronic stress.2 This “psychobiotic” candidate was selected from other probiotic strains for clinical effects on perceived stress…

Most patients seeking pain relief rely on the following three families of drugs: opioids, gabapentinoids, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs). These widely used drugs are associated with serious side effects.1 During the past decade there has been an increasing interest in cannabis-derived natural products for pain management with a better safety profile and adequate pain relief. However, we still know surprisingly little about the effectiveness on pain of nonintoxicating cannabis-based products—conventionally referred to as “industrial hemp.” To fill this knowledge…