The Effects of Probiotics on Depression

Written by Joyce Smith, BS. Eight weeks of probiotic supplementation significantly decreased depression scores, serum insulin levels and hs-CRP while improving insulin resistance and markers of oxidative stress in 20 study participants suffering from major depressive disorder.
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Folic Acid Helps Fight Alzheimer’s Disease by Improving Inflammation Levels

Written by Greg Arnold, DC, CSCS. A current study of 121 patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s revealed that those who took 1250 micrograms of folic acid for 6 months significantly improved mental health scores by 5.1% and significantly reduced inflammatory protein levels by  41.7% compared to those who took donepezil.   (more…)

Effect of Probiotic Lactobacillus Casei Strain Shirota on Stress

Written by Joyce Smith, BS. Students, who drank milk containing the probiotic Lactobacillus casei [called Shirota (LcS)] 8 weeks prior to taking an important exam, experienced significantly lower salivary cortisol levels while taking the exam. Their rate of cold and flu symptoms were also significantly lower during the 8 weeks prior to the exams when compared to control. (more…)

Cocoa Intake Improves Skin Health

Written by Greg Arnold, DC, CSC. Participating women, aged 57-73, who drank a cacao beverage containing 300 mg of cacao for 6 months, saw a significant  8% reduction in skin roughness and a significant 10% improvement in skin elasticity compared to the control group of women. (more…)