Latest news with #Bifidobacteria
Tatler Asia
26-05-2025
- Health
- Tatler Asia
Why fermented skincare products are the latest luxury must-have
A byproduct of sake fermentation, galactomyces first gained traction when Japanese brewery workers were observed to have unusually youthful hands. Rich in amino acids and enzymes, it's a staple in fermented skincare for its ability to brighten tone, refine pores and boost hydration. SK-II's Facial Treatment Essence remains the most well-known example, though newer luxury lines have moved beyond this single-ingredient heroism. Bifida ferment lysate: barrier support Used by brands like Estée Lauder and Lancôme, bifida ferment lysate is a fermented strain of Bifidobacteria that bolsters the skin's natural defences. It's particularly effective against UV-induced damage and pollution, making it a strong player in anti-ageing formulations. Within the landscape of fermented skincare, this ingredient offers tangible protection alongside soothing benefits for sensitive skin. Saccharomyces ferment: the skin energiser This ferment, derived from sugar and yeast, is loaded with peptides, minerals and enzymes. It's commonly found in fermented skincare serums and essences to stimulate cell turnover and improve hydration. Brands like Tatcha and Amorepacific incorporate it for its nourishing, revitalising effects, particularly on tired or dull skin. Lactobacillus and aspergillus ferments: the new wave Lactobacillus ferment, long used in probiotic health, now lends its anti-inflammatory benefits to creams and masks. It supports microbiome health and helps reduce redness. Aspergillus ferment, meanwhile, is gaining attention for its ability to inhibit melanin production, making it ideal for hyperpigmentation concerns. These emerging ferments are pushing the boundaries of what fermented skincare can deliver. Fermented skincare is no longer a novelty, but a legitimate pillar of performance-driven luxury beauty. With enhanced bioavailability, improved skin tolerance and benefits that go beyond surface-level results, these ingredients are proving their worth in modern formulations. As luxury brands continue to refine their approach, expect to see fermentation take centre stage.
Hindustan Times
21-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Are you eating too much sugar? Fitness coach shares 7 ‘warning signs'
Too much sugar is unhealthy and can cause long-term health complications. But how much sugar is too much sugar? It seems that the body always knows when it is overloading on sugar and starts showing signs. Fitness coach Bhavika Patel shared an Instagram post on May 19 and addressed the warning signs that the body shows when we consume too much of sugar. Also read | Diabetes: Too much sugar is damaging our heart, liver and brain; a nutritionist explains how A post shared by Bhavika Patel | Lifestyle and Fitness Coach (@fit_wit_bhavika) Highs followed by crashes? That's unstable blood sugar. Pair carbs with protein and fiber for smoother energy. Sugar fuels more sugar cravings, especially around PMS. Balance your plate to break the cycle. Blood sugar dips can mess with your mood. Ditch added sugars and eat regularly for mental calm. Hormone-related blemishes? Sugar can make them worse. Support your skin by cutting back on processed snacks. Late-night sugar spikes can disrupt your cortisol and melatonin, wrecking sleep. Focus on protein + fiber at dinner. Excess sugar feeds bad gut bacteria, leading to digestive drama. Swap for whole foods to support your microbiome. Excess sugar often parks itself around the midsection. Prioritize protein, healthy fats, and fiber to encourage fat loss. In a February 2025 interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Tanu Gupta, physician and diabetologist, founder PeachX Health said, 'When we consume too much sugar, our digestive system experiences dysbiosis—a reduction in beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus while harmful bacteria flourish. This imbalance not only impairs digestion but also weakens the gut barrier, allowing toxins and bacteria to leak into the bloodstream and trigger systemic inflammation. Chronic inflammation is a known precursor to metabolic disorders, including insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.' Also read | Anxiety to infertility: Nutritionist shares 8 hidden ways sugar may be ruining women's health Dr. Tanu Gupta also added that overconsumption of sugar can lead to hormonal disruption, further triggering conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Health Line
20-05-2025
- Health
- Health Line
What You Should Eat During and After Antibiotics
Taking probiotics after antibiotics may help support your digestion and reduce side effects, including diarrhea. Eating high fiber and prebiotic foods may also help. Antibiotics are a powerful line of defense against bacterial infections. However, they can sometimes cause side effects, such as diarrhea and liver damage. Some foods can reduce these side effects, while others may worsen them. This article explains what you should and shouldn't eat during and after antibiotics. What are antibiotics? Antibiotics are a type of medication used to treat bacterial infections. They work by stopping the infection or preventing it from spreading. There are many different types of antibiotics. Some are broad-spectrum, meaning they act on a wide range of disease-causing bacteria. Others are designed to kill certain species of bacteria. How do you rebuild good bacteria after antibiotics? There are a number of changes you can make to your diet both while you are taking antibiotics and after. 1. Take probiotics Taking antibiotics can alter the gut microbiota, which can lead to antibiotic-associated diarrhea, especially in children. That's where probiotics may be able to help. 2. Eat fermented foods Certain foods can also help restore the gut microbiota after damage caused by antibiotics. Fermented foods are produced by microbes and include yogurt, cheese, sauerkraut, kombucha and kimchi, among others. They contain a number of healthy bacterial species, such as Lactobacilli, which can help restore the gut microbiota to a healthy state after antibiotics. Therefore, eating fermented foods may help improve gut health after taking antibiotics. 3. Eat high fiber foods Fiber can't be digested by your body, but it can be digested by your gut bacteria, which helps stimulate their growth. As a result, high fiber foods may help restore healthy gut bacteria after a course of antibiotics. In fact, research from 2022 found that consuming soluble fiber daily may help reduce ARGs in your gut. That said, it's best to eat high fiber foods after you finish your antibiotic course because fiber can reduce antibiotic absorption. 4. Eat prebiotic foods Unlike probiotics, which are live microbes, prebiotics are foods that feed the good bacteria in your gut. However, other foods are not high in fiber but act as prebiotics by helping the growth of healthy bacteria like Bifidobacteria. For example, red wine contains antioxidant polyphenols, which are not digested by human cells but are digested by gut bacteria. Similarly, cocoa contains antioxidant polyphenols that have beneficial prebiotic effects on the gut microbiota. Thus, eating prebiotic foods after antibiotics may help the growth of beneficial gut bacteria that have been damaged by antibiotics. Avoid certain foods that reduce antibiotic effectiveness While many foods are beneficial during and after antibiotics, some should be avoided. For example, you should avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice because this can prevent the body from breaking down medications properly. Research shows that grapefruit juice can also affect the effectiveness of some antibiotics. Foods supplemented with calcium, such as calcium-fortified orange juice, as well as calcium supplements, can decrease the absorption of some antibiotics. Should you eat probiotics while taking antibiotics? However, research shows that taking probiotics while or after you're taking antibiotics can help preserve the bacterial diversity of your gut. It also seems to reduce the amount of antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs) in your gut, which can help offset antibiotic resistance. However, research shows that taking probiotics while or after you're taking antibiotics can help preserve the bacterial diversity of your gut. It also seems to reduce the amount of antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs) in your gut, which can help offset antibiotic resistance. How long after antibiotics should you take probiotics? However, given that probiotics are usually bacteria themselves, they can also be killed by antibiotics if taken together. So if you're taking these simultaneously, some doctors recommend waiting 4-6 hours after taking a dose of an antibiotic before taking probiotics. However, given that probiotics are usually bacteria themselves, they can also be killed by antibiotics if taken together. So if you're taking these simultaneously, some doctors recommend waiting 4-6 hours after taking a dose of an antibiotic before taking probiotics. Can you take probiotics with antibiotics? You can typically take probiotics at the same time as antibiotics, although some healthcare professionals recommend waiting a few hours in between doses. Ask your doctor whether they recommend probiotics with your antibiotic treatment. You can typically take probiotics at the same time as antibiotics, although some healthcare professionals recommend waiting a few hours in between doses. Ask your doctor whether they recommend probiotics with your antibiotic treatment. Bottom line Antibiotics are important when you have a bacterial infection. However, they can sometimes cause side effects, including diarrhea, liver disease, and changes to the gut microbiota. Taking probiotics during and after a course of antibiotics can help reduce the risk of diarrhea and restore your gut microbiota to a healthy state. What's more, eating high fiber foods, fermented foods, and prebiotic foods after taking antibiotics may also help reestablish a healthy gut microbiota. However, it is best to avoid grapefruit and calcium-fortified foods while taking certain antibiotics, as these can affect the absorption of antibiotics. Ask your doctor whether this applies to the specific antibiotic they have prescribed to you.
Express Tribune
28-04-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
7 surprising foods that boost your gut health (backed by science)
When people think of gut health, they usually picture yogurt, kefir, or maybe the occasional probiotic supplement. But the truth is, maintaining a healthy gut microbiome goes far beyond the usual suspects. Your gut, home to trillions of bacteria, plays a vital role not only in digestion but also in immunity, mental health, and even skin clarity. According to a 2022 review published in Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, diverse diets rich in prebiotics, polyphenols, and fermented foods are key to cultivating a thriving microbiome. If you're looking to support your gut health in a more creative way, here are seven unexpected foods, backed by science, that can make a real difference. 1. Dark Chocolate Good news for chocolate lovers: dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa) contains polyphenols that act like fuel for beneficial gut bacteria. Research in Frontiers in Nutrition (2021) shows that cocoa flavonoids help increase populations of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, two crucial "good" bacteria. 2. Seaweed Popular in Japanese cuisine, edible seaweeds like nori, wakame, and kombu are rich in fibre and unique polysaccharides. Studies, including one in Marine Drugs (2020), show that these fibres serve as excellent prebiotics, feeding beneficial bacteria and even supporting the growth of less common gut microbes. 3. Green Bananas While ripe bananas are a source of simple sugars, unripe green bananas are packed with resistant starch, a type of fibre that resists digestion and feeds healthy gut bacteria. Clinical research published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2019) found resistant starch can boost butyrate production, a short-chain fatty acid crucial for colon health. 4. Artichokes Jerusalem and globe artichokes are among the richest natural sources of inulin, a powerful prebiotic fibre. A study in The British Journal of Nutrition (2016) found that consuming artichoke extract significantly increased Bifidobacteria levels in healthy adults. 5. Miso This fermented soybean paste is a staple in Japanese cooking and is loaded with probiotics. According to a 2022 paper in Foods, regular consumption of miso can enhance microbiota diversity and reduce markers of inflammation in the gut. 6. Pistachios These nuts are more than just a snack — they are packed with fibre and polyphenols. A controlled trial published in The Journal of Nutrition (2014) found that participants who ate pistachios daily had significantly higher levels of beneficial gut bacteria compared to those who ate almonds. 7. Pomegranate Seeds Bursting with antioxidants and fibre, pomegranate seeds (also called arils) have been shown to modulate the gut microbiome positively. A 2021 review in Nutrients found that pomegranate polyphenols can promote the growth of anti-inflammatory bacterial strains and may help repair the gut lining.
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
7 Must-Have Fermented Foods to Maintain a Healthy Gut in Summer
The summer season often leads to dehydration and an excessive nutrient loss and may trigger digestive issues, which eventually take a toll on gut health. While dehydration leads to loss of appetite, there are certain foods that can naturally improve gut health by inducing healthy probiotics that not only help in improving the gut environment but also help in calming the body heat by nurturing the gut flora. Curd Curd is a summer staple in most Indian homes. Rich in probiotics like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria, it helps cool the body, ease digestion, and strengthen the gut. Opt for homemade or fresh plain curd without added sugar for maximum benefits. A simple bowl of curd rice, chaas, or a fruit yogurt parfait can be refreshing and nourishing. Buttermilk by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Light, hydrating, and packed with beneficial bacteria, chaas, also known as buttermilk, is a perfect drink for summers. It cools the system, aids digestion, and replenishes electrolytes lost due to sweating. Adding a pinch of roasted cumin powder and rock salt not only enhances taste but also boosts its digestive properties. Poll Do you believe that fermented foods can improve digestion? Maybe, I'm not sure. Absolutely! Kanji Another desi way to fix gut health is by adding kanji to the daily diet. This traditional drink hails from North India and is made by fermenting a drink made from black carrots, mustard seeds, and water. It is naturally probiotic and helps improve gut flora. Slightly tangy and spicy, kanji is perfect for detoxifying the system and keeping the body energized during hot days. Pickled Vegetables Summer is the ideal season for making and enjoying homemade pickles. Fermented pickles, especially the traditional ones made without vinegar (like lemon, mango, or green chili achar), are rich in probiotics. Just a small portion on the side of your meal can enhance your digestion and add a flavorful punch. Kombucha Kombucha, a fizzy, fermented tea, is rapidly gaining popularity for its gut-healing benefits. It's light, slightly tart, and full of probiotics, antioxidants, and enzymes. A chilled glass of kombucha can be a refreshing alternative to sugary sodas during summer, keeping your gut bacteria happy and balanced. Idli and Dosa Batter Traditional South Indian foods like idli and dosa are made from naturally fermented rice and urad dal batter. These common foods are made by the fermentation process, which makes the nutrients more bioavailable and supports a healthy gut . In fact, eating fresh, homemade idlis or dosas is a gentle, comforting way to introduce probiotics into the diet during summers. Sauerkraut and Kimchi Both sauerkraut (fermented cabbage) and kimchi (spicy fermented vegetables) are excellent additions to your summer meals. Rich in fiber and probiotics, they can be easily added into salads or wraps or eaten as a side to spice up a plain meal and support digestive health.
