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is powerful medicine.

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Your Microbiome Could Determine How Smart You Are

Could your gut bacteria make you smarter (or not so smart)? Recent studies show overwhelming evidence that the microbial communities living within our gut play a central role in brain function and development, behavior, and even cognition, including learning and memory. A recent paper outlines how advances in microbial research can be utilized to understand individual […]

Two puzzle pieces on blue background as a symbol of autism awareness.

Early Life Antibiotic Exposure & Autism

Early life antibiotic exposure shows no association with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A recent study including all live births in Manitoba, Canada between 1998 and 2016 looked at antibiotic exposure (defined as having filled one or more antibiotic prescriptions in the first year of life) and ASD diagnosis. The study found that antibiotic exposure (both number […]

Seasoned nut loaf, guacamole, romaine lettuce, salsa & almond nut cheese wrapped in a collard leaf.

Rainbow Collard Green Wraps

Collard leaves are great for your microbes and can take the place of a traditional grain-based wrap. Use this list for inspiration and then fill the wrap with any of the Live Dirty, Eat Clean–approved ingredients on the plan. Have fun and get creative. Ingredients Sliced or shredded colorful vegetables: cabbage, carrots, beets, jicama, red […]

Progesterone Supplementation During Pregnancy Increases Risk of C-section & Postpartum Depression

A study using the Chinese baby birth cohort found that women who took progesterone before 14 weeks of gestation are at a higher risk of C-section and developing post-partum depression, with no actual reduction in preterm birth risk. Progesterone is a hormone used to reduce the risk of preterm birth, support the fertilization process, or to increase babies’ […]

Colorful incense stick. Lavender, Rose, Patchouli, Sandal

Exposure To Air Fresheners During Pregnancy Has Detrimental Effects On Mother & Offspring

First results are in! Researchers using a birth-cohort of 33,000 Chinese babies have released impressive findings already, just 6 years after the start of the cohort. Scientists found that exposure to incense burning, a practice common in southern China, increases hypertension risk in pregnant mothers. Nature →Takeaway: Exposure to fumes and chemicals during pregnancy may be risky for both […]

Artificial Sweeteners Prevent Gut Bacteria From Reproducing

Non-nutritive sweeteners, or artificial sweeteners including Stevia, have bacteriostatic effects that prevent gut bacteria from reproducing and increase Firmucutes in mice. PLOS →Takeaway: Eliminating non-nutritive sweeteners from the diet is an important step in improving microbial health. Even Stevia can be problematic, although derived from a natural source. If you feel the need to sweeten a beverage or […]

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Scientists Uncover How Beneficial Gut Bacteria Help Determine Our Ability To Fight Infection

Beneficial gut bacteria help determine our ability to fight off infection, but how? Scientists discover that gut bacteria communicate with immune cells and cells lining the intestinal wall to regulate the immune system’s response to infection. Beneficial gut bacteria are responsible for attaching to the intestinal wall and signaling the cellular production of IL-10, a cytokine […]

Homemade tomato and red pepper gazpacho soup.

Moroccan Gazpacho Soup

This chilled Middle Eastern tomato-based soup is refreshing, spicy, and flavorful, and it can also be made in advance and served on a warm summer day. You get the perfect combination of spices that offer anti-inflammatory benefits along with a huge dose of lycopene from the fresh tomatoes. SERVES 4 Ingredients 4 cloves garlic, minced […]

homemade healthy Chia seeds and strawberry overnight oatmeal in jar. toning. selective Focus

Overnight Oats & Chia Seed Pudding

Overnight oats are a great option when you need a handy breakfast to go but you still want to eat according to the Live Dirty, Eat Clean Lifestyle. Add omega-rich chia seeds into the mix, and you have an easy-to-make, portable breakfast. Combine the ingredients in a jar at night, then in the morning top […]