Disease: constipation

Microbiota-based interventions for autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review of efficacy and clinical potential

This comprehensive review examines how modifications to gut bacteria through probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and fecal transplants can help children with autism. The research found that while all these treatments showed some promise, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) produced the most consistent improvements in both autism-related behaviors and digestive symptoms. These microbiota-based approaches work through the gut-brain connection and were generally safe, making them potentially valuable additions to autism management strategies.

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The Effect of 2′-Fucosyllactose on Gut Health in Aged Mice

This research shows that 2′-fucosyllactose, a natural compound found in breast milk, can significantly improve gut health in older mice. The treatment strengthened the intestinal barrier, reduced harmful inflammation, and increased beneficial bacteria populations. These findings suggest that 2′-FL could be developed as a food supplement to help older people maintain better digestive and immune health.

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Regulatory effects of Poria cocos polysaccharides on gut microbiota and metabolites: evaluation of prebiotic potential

Poria cocos is a medicinal mushroom commonly used in Asian cuisine and traditional medicine. This study found that its polysaccharides act as prebiotics by feeding beneficial gut bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium while reducing harmful bacteria. The fermentation produces beneficial compounds called short-chain fatty acids that support digestive health and may help prevent diseases like obesity and inflammation.

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Nature’s Own Pharmacy: Mushroom-Based Chemical Scaffolds and Their Therapeutic Implications

This comprehensive review explores how mushrooms can be used as natural medicines. Various mushroom species contain powerful compounds that can fight cancer, boost immunity, reduce inflammation, and treat infections. The paper details 15 important medicinal mushrooms and their therapeutic uses, showing that mushrooms are indeed a nature’s pharmacy with significant potential for treating many diseases.

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Insights into the Mechanisms and Functional Effects of Insoluble Dietary Fiber Modification: A Review

Insoluble dietary fiber is important for digestive health but its rigid structure limits its usefulness in processed foods and medicine. Scientists can modify this fiber using various techniques like heating, pressure, enzymes, and chemicals to make it more effective. When combined properly, these modification strategies can dramatically improve dietary fiber’s ability to lower cholesterol, control blood sugar, and promote beneficial gut bacteria, making it valuable for functional foods and health applications.

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Fruit and Vegetable Processing Waste as Potential Raw Material for Food Enrichment With Dietary Fiber

This study examined the fiber content of leftover materials from processing fruits and vegetables, finding that pomace (processing waste) is an excellent source of dietary fiber. Chokeberries and blackcurrants were found to have particularly high fiber levels, while apples and carrots were rich in soluble fiber types. These waste products can be used to create nutritious fiber-enriched foods and supplements, providing both environmental benefits by reducing waste and health benefits through increased dietary fiber consumption.

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Mixing oak and eucalyptus sawdusts improves shiitake (Lentinula edodes) yield and nutritional value

This research explores growing shiitake mushrooms on different wood sawdust mixtures available in Lebanon. A combination of eucalyptus and oak sawdust outperformed oak alone, producing more mushrooms with better nutritional content including higher protein and fiber. This discovery helps local farmers improve mushroom production using readily available materials while creating healthier, more nutritious food.

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Andorran ethnomycology: culinary uses and beyond

This research documents how people in Andorra traditionally use wild mushrooms for food and medicine. Researchers interviewed 131 older residents and found 50 different types of mushrooms being used, with over 150 local names for them. Most uses were for cooking (97%), with mushrooms being dried, pickled, or frozen. The study identified several mushrooms that might be valuable for future nutritional research and product development.

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