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How gut microbes contribute to good sleep. Intestinal health has a close connection with healthy brain function.

How gut microbes contribute to good sleep

New research from the University of Tsukuba in Japan suggests that gut bacteria may also influence normal sleep patterns by helping create important chemical messengers in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine. This finding could offer new hope for people who have difficulty sleeping or experience sleep-related health problems, such as insomnia, chronic fatigue, and mental fog. “We found that microbe depletion eliminated serotonin in the gut, and we know that serotonin levels in the brain can affect sleep-wake cycles,” says the study’s lead author, Prof. Masashi Yanagisawa. “Thus, changing which microbes are in the gut by altering diet has the potential to help those who have trouble sleeping.”

This new research builds on a solid body of previous work, which established that elements of cognition and brain development have a strong link with intestinal microbial health and metabolism. Can’t sleep? How to Get Rid of Diarrhea Fast: Plus Causes and Prevention Tips. Diarrhea, or watery stools, can be embarrassing and strike at the worst times, such as during a vacation or special event.

How to Get Rid of Diarrhea Fast: Plus Causes and Prevention Tips

But while diarrhea often improves on its own within two to three days, a few remedies can help promote firmer stools faster. Keep reading to learn about five fast-acting methods, along with what typically causes diarrhea and prevention tips. Some people see diarrhea as nothing more than a mild nuisance and let it run its course, especially since some bouts lasts less than 24 hours. You might stay close to home or a bathroom, and load up on fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration.

But what if you can’t stay home? In this case, taking an anti-diarrheal medication may reduce or completely eliminate loose stools after the first dose. The active ingredient in Imodium works swiftly because it slows the movement of fluid through the intestines. Rice water is another fast, effective remedy for diarrhea. Strain the rice and preserve the water for consumption. Stomach virus. DIY Fecal Transplant – Pretty Close to Miraculous.

After suffering from an antibiotic-resistant infection in her bowels, Catherine Duff contracted Clostridium difficile (C. diff).

DIY Fecal Transplant – Pretty Close to Miraculous

This bacteria can result in damage to the colon and intestines, which may lead to other fatal complications. Though there are remedies to cure C. diff, it doesn’t work for everyone. Fecal transplants are a relatively new procedure that transfers healthy feces—made up of water, fiber, bacteria, fats, salts, and mucus—into the colon of someone who needs a probiotic ecosystem of good bacteria. This procedure has a high success rate, yet few doctors are willing to perform it. The following is an excerpt from Curable by Travis Christofferson. Prefer audio? Listen to the following excerpt from the audiobook of Curable. In fact, Thomas Borody was the Australian doctor Duff’s daughter had run across in her frantic internet search to help her mother in 2012.

Now out of options, Duff faced a simple choice: Do the at-home fecal transplant or, most likely, die. C. difficile infection. Overview Clostridium difficile (klos-TRID-e-um dif-uh-SEEL), also known as Clostridioides difficile and often referred to as C. difficile or C. diff, is a bacterium that can cause symptoms ranging from diarrhea to life-threatening inflammation of the colon.

C. difficile infection

Illness from C. difficile most commonly affects older adults in hospitals or in long-term care facilities and typically occurs after use of antibiotic medications. Comparison of 3 Severity Criteria for Clostridium difficile Infection. - Living with recurrent C. diff? 5 tips to enjoying the holidays. Just when we all thought it was still March, the holidays have crept up on us.

- Living with recurrent C. diff? 5 tips to enjoying the holidays

Let’s face it, we could all use a little joy right now to brighten up our holidays. Although the holidays may look different this year, many of us are hoping to keep a few normal traditions. Whether it’s gathering safely with family or enjoying a special meal, if you’re suffering from a recurrent diarrheal condition like C. difficile infection, those things can be anything but normal. Here are 5 tips Dr. Paul Feuerstadt of the PACT Gastroenterology Center in Connecticut recommends to help people with C. diff enjoy the holiday season. 1) Try your best to decompress The holidays come with their own set of stressors. Many C. diff patients often suffer a range of increased emotions which can be further elevated during the holiday season.

Take some time for yourself. Listen to your body. 2) Don’t try to do it all yourself The holidays can be a busy time of year. 3) Know what’s on the menu 5) Try a new tradition. Twitter. Twitter. Twitter. Nejm.