A July 2012 article in BBC Health News shed more light on the amazing number of beneficial bacterial living on and inside your body and the crucial role they play in keeping you healthy. The Human Microbiome Project has been finding and genetically testing bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms that live intimately with and on us.
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Superbugs in a sewer near you?
Water-borne bacteria are picking up the ability to resist antibiotics. Particularly notable are the “Vibrios” type bacteria which as a group, are responsible for seafood poisoning and gastroenteritis or cholera.
The Vibrios group of bacteria are the leading cause of seafood-borne illness and death in the United States and are a public health issue around the world. Most Vibrios bacteria cause gastroenteritis, but they can also infect open wounds and cause blood poisoning. Scientists have found these water-borne bacteria are becoming resistant to many types of antibiotics. Why is that?
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Good bacteria protect against bad skin bacteria
Last week’s blog about the benefits of fermented food was about how beneficial bacteria in your gut can boost your immune system. Now a new study shows how beneficial bacteria living on your skin can also protect against Staph skin infections. Staph bacteria can be the the cause of more serious MRSA infections.
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Health benefits of fermented foods – a probiotic alternative?
You’ve probably been hearing a lot about probiotics on TV, the internet and at your local grocery store lately. Over the past few years, new studies and research around the globe have been shedding light on the important role played by “good” bacterial living on and inside your body. In fact, up to 80% of your body’s immune system is linked to the good probiotic bacterial flora living in your gut and on your skin. Your gut flora also plays a critical role in making nutrients your body needs to survive and be healthy.
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Families at higher risk when caring for a child with MRSA
A new study was released about caring for children with MRSA or Staph (and I’ve included some precaution tips below). This study shows that family members are nearly 10 times more likely to be colonized by MRSA bacteria if they have a child with a Staph infection in their household. The Washington University School of Medicine study also shows that household members are more likely to be colonized with Staph aureus than the general public as well (Arch Pediat Adoles Med. 2012; 166(6): 551-557).
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To your healthy Fourth of July
Tomorrow is Fourth of July and it’s the perfect time to enjoy delicious, home cooked foods shared with family and friends in the outdoors. While food, friends and time spent in nature all support your good health, there a two other health benefits you could enjoy tomorrow in your backyard, local park or at the beach.
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Meat safety tips for summer grilling
With summer finally here and the Fourth of July just a few days away, chances are you’ll be doing some backyard grilling soon. If you eat meat, then you know there’s nothing like the juicy taste of a freshly cooked burger, steak or chicken fresh of the barbecue grill.
You’ve probably heard that infection-causing bacteria can live on raw meat. And if that meat is handled improperly or not cooked at the right meat cooking temperatures, those bacteria can get inside your body and possibly cause an infection or food poisoning. In fact, bacteria like E. coli that are more commonly found on meat can cause dangerous and even life-threatening infections.
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Good news for pets in nursing homes
Pets have long been known to provide their owners with emotional and physical health benefits. Pets are especially therapeutic for seniors living in nursing homes, where loneliness and depression are common. Pets can also help lower your blood pressure, increase exercise habits and reduce social withdrawal.
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