Sugar Fires in the Immune System

While the epidemic of diseases associated with inflammation rages, many search for explanations and mechanisms.  With a little epidemiological sleuthing, one can quickly see a pattern linking dietary issues and higher rates of these inflammatory diseases.  Many know that cardiovascular disease offers a number of links with poor nutrition lifestyles.  Fewer recognize the nutritional choices…

Mycotoxins Impact Immunity

While mold toxins, mycotoxins, affect us in a variety of ways, their effects on the immune system seem to be a primary pathway.  Though controversy exists over things like “toxic building syndrome”, research clearly supports immune modulating effects of these toxins.  Researchers in a November 2021 volume of the International Journal of Molecular Science reviewed…

Pathways of Autoimmunity Explained

Understanding must precede therapy as scientists seek to adequately relieve the suffering of millions with autoimmune conditions.  Initial understanding pointed repeatedly to an immune messenger or cytokine called Interleukin 1b as a critical factor in the development and progression of autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease.   For a number…

Crohn’s Disease Linked to Gut Bacteria

Fighting autoimmune diseases like Crohn’s disease requires a multi-modal approach including recognition that certain bacteria and certain foods worsen the condition.  Focusing on one bacteria called adherent-invasive Escherichia coli for the moment, researchers from Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian took prior knowledge which implicated this bacteria and searched for the reasons behind the connection. …