What is a prebiotic?:

What is a prebiotic?:  We all know that probiotics are live micro-organism containing foods (such as yogurt) or supplements used to maintain proper gut health.  But what is a prebiotic?  Simply put prebiotics are non-digestible carbohydrates that act as food for probiotics.  Inulin is an example of a plant-derived carbohydrate that is commonly found in snack bars and cereal.  It is reported that prebiotics such as inulin enhance the function of the gastrointestinal and immune systems.  It is also shown to increase the absorption of calcium and magnesium, lowers blood glucose levels and serum cholesterol.  Another popular prebiotic is fructooligosaccharide (FOS), derived from a variety of fruits, vegetables and grains.  These prebiotics are now used by a number of food companies to fortify their products with ingredients sure to have a positive health impact.

 

High Intensity Interval Training

High Intensity Interval Training:  High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) has been identified as the top fitness trend for 2014.  This form of cardio training involves short bursts of activity followed by a short period of rest or recovery.  Exercises led by your instructor may include various kinds of jumping jacks, burpees, mountain climbers, push-ups, lunges, and exercises to build core muscles.  Be prepared for a sweaty work-out.  Don’t forget to bring a large water bottle and a towel to keep your hands dry while doing all those push-ups.  This is probably one of the few fitness classes that engages an equal number of men and women.  The next trend on the horizon?  Rowing!

 

Medical Foods

Medical Nutrition:  Medical foods are the recent product of a conversion of the Food and Pharma industries.  These products are specific nutritional compositions that may be used to prevent or delay disease progression and/or for alleviation of disease symptoms.  To illustrate the potential that Medical foods have to achieve such goals Faber et al. (June 2013) report that nutritional intervention in Cancer patients with a specific medical food rapidly increased the percentage EPA and DHA in white blood cell phospholipids and reduced serum levels of the inflammatory mediator PGE2 within one week.  This is just one example to support the advancement of this rapidly emerging field for addressing health and wellness.

 

The Microbiome

The National Institute of Health is now sponsoring the Human Microbiome Project the aim of which is to develop tools and data sets that will inform on the role of the flora in and on our bodies in human health and disease.  From a health perspective we have learned that the Microbiome is linked to a variety of medical conditions, including allergies, immune diseases, and obesity.  Different health states, such as obesity, appear to be correlated with specific microbial compositions and can be corrected through modification of the gut bacteria.