Look at some of the many article headlines in the New Scientist over the last few months. Bacterial therapy is in its infancy, but gut flora is now recognised for its essential role in our overall health and longevity.
- Faecal bacteria cocktail treats superbug infection
- Genetically Modified bacteria may banish tooth decay
- Bacteria battle cancer cells to shrink human tumours
- Bacteria boost fixes symptoms of autism in mice
- New technique uses bacteria to target tumours
- Bacteria battle cancer cells to shrink human tumours
- Dangerous biofilm bacteria evolve to be easy to treat
- The super-abundant virus controlling your gut bacteria
- Taking probiotics could prevent allergies
- Gut cells produce a ‘bug-proof fence’
That should be enough to convince you to ask “What is fermented food?”
What else do you need to know?
Probiotics (dietary supplements e.g. tablets, capsules, powders, lozenges and gums; and foods e.g. cheese, yogurt and other fermented products containing live cultures, are usually very safe and cause few side effects, after all we’ve been eating them for centuries.
However, there are a few people with, for example, weakened immune systems or serious illnesses such as severe pancreatitis who should check with their doctor first.
Grand Designs again!
YES! Our episode of Grand Designs was on again last night. We started receiving texts and emails just as we were about to walk into our ballroom dancing lesson, and there was no time to let you know… either to watch it, if you’re one of the few remaining people who’ve expressed an interest and haven’t caught it yet, or indeed would like a warning to watch the other side!!! 🙂
