Diet and Nutrition

Bifidobacteria are one of the key representatives of the normal gut microbiota, playing an important role in maintaining overall health. They colonize the intestines from the first days of life and participate in numerous processes that support digestion, strengthen the immune system, and synthesize essential vitamins.

However, with age and under the influence of various factors, their numbers decrease, leading to microbial imbalance and increasing the risk of various diseases. Understanding the distribution of bifidobacteria in the gut, their functions, and the factors that affect their levels helps maintain microbiome balance and prevent potential health problems.

Microbiome refers to the collection of microorganisms that inhabit not only the gut, but also the skin, respiratory tract, mucous membranes, urogenital system, and even the surrounding environment. The human body contains more microbial cells than human cells: for every human cell, there are about 1.3 microbial cells. The total mass of the microbiome is 1.5–2 kg, and its genes outnumber human genes by a factor of 150.

Food colorings are additives used to give, enhance, or restore the color of food and beverages. They can be either synthetic (artificial) or natural, derived from plants, minerals, or animals.

Manufacturers use colorings to make products more appealing, as bright colors are associated with freshness and quality. They also help compensate for the loss of natural color that occurs during processing, freezing, and storage. Additionally, certain shades create a recognizable image for the product — for example, oranges are dyed to match consumer expectations.

Sugar substitutes are substances used instead of sugar to provide a sweet taste in food and beverages. Their popularity stems from the desire to reduce calorie intake. Artificial and natural sweeteners allow people to enjoy sweetness without extra calories, which is especially appealing to those managing their weight, following a diet, or monitoring their body’s energy balance.

In addition, sugar substitutes help regulate blood glucose levels. People with diabetes often use them to avoid sharp spikes in blood sugar caused by regular sucrose. Some sweeteners have minimal impact on insulin response, making them a convenient alternative for controlling metabolic processes.

Globalization has changed the world, promising to improve people’s lives and benefit all countries. The idea was that each nation would focus on its greatest potential. For example, the U.S. would develop technology, Canada would extract resources, and China would provide labor. Free trade allowed companies to sell goods worldwide without restrictions, and large corporations found ways to move production to countries with cheap labor. This significantly reduced costs and increased profits. Mass production made goods cheaper, flooding markets with inexpensive products — including food.

You’ve probably heard about Ozempic from multiple sources — both influencers and celebrities. This medication has become a hot topic across social media, TV shows, and interviews. Stars often share their weight loss secrets, and Ozempic frequently makes the list.

However, keep in mind the possibility of paid promotion. In show business, name-dropping certain drugs on stage or in media can be part of a well-orchestrated marketing strategy. Companies are willing to pay large sums for such mentions to create the impression that their product is the celebrity choice. This is part of modern reality, where the lines between real experience and advertising can blur.

The second part of the article focuses on the diagnosis of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), continuing the discussion of essential topics not covered in Part One. In that part, we reviewed the core symptoms and causes of SIBO. Now we focus on diagnostic tools that help identify this condition and guide optimal therapy. Distinguishing between the different types of SIBO — hydrogen, methane, and hydrogen sulfide — requires accurate diagnostic methods to select the correct treatment. Importantly, diagnosing SIBO not only confirms the condition but helps rule out other diseases with similar symptoms.

SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) is a condition where bacteria that are normally present in small amounts in the small intestine—or that typically reside in the large intestine—begin to proliferate in the small intestine. SIBO disrupts normal digestion and nutrient absorption.

Symptoms of SIBO include bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation. However, it’s not just discomfort—SIBO can significantly impact quality of life, leading to chronic fatigue, skin issues, weight loss, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. The underlying cause of SIBO is often another condition, and SIBO is a dysfunction of the gut that results from this primary issue.

Scurvy is a disease known since the days of long sea voyages when sailors suffered from the lack of fresh food. The disease manifested itself in fatigue, anemia, bleeding gums, bruising, and swollen joints. The link between the disease and a deficiency of something found in “acidic fruits” was established by Scottish doctor James Lind in 1747. His research showed that including citrus fruits in the diet effectively prevented and treated this condition, saving the lives of many sailors.

Folate, or vitamin B9, plays a vital role in the functioning of the body. It is essential for the synthesis of DNA and RNA, regulates methylation, and supports normal cell growth and development. A deficiency of folate in the brain can lead to serious consequences, including cognitive and neurological disorders.

Upon consumption, folates are absorbed in the intestine and transported to various organs via the folate receptor alpha (FRα). Under normal conditions, the folate level in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) should be 2-3 times higher than in blood. However, in some individuals, blood folate levels may remain within the normal range while the delivery of folate to the brain is inadequate.