Here's a great list on all the revolutionary research on our gut microbiomes and its connection to our health! Big data is compiling as we speak, uncovering even more implications for FMT!
read moreRobert E. Wilkens was an active leader and dedicated advisor for Achieving Cures Together. Upon his passing last September, our organization, his friends, and his family were deeply saddened. Given his commitment to our mission, we felt compelled to honor him and created the Robert E. Wilkens award. Robert had a special intuition for spotting opportunities. He was very successful in his endeavors throughout life, and as a businessman, he had an unrivaled work ethic and a burning passion to learn. Most importantly however, Robert was a loving father and grandfather. He had a big heart for people and was determined and committed to progressing cures and alleviating suffering. He believed in Achieving Cures Together and was beyond generous with his time and treasure. Much of our early success can be attributed to his leadership and generosity. We will be forever grateful for his work as an advisor and supporter and we are humbled to present this award to exemplary members of our community. Grit and determination. Two words to describe Ashley Margarit as she crossed the finish line at the Twin Cities Marathon this past October. Not only did Ashley finish her first marathon on arguably one of the toughest race courses in the country, but she completed the marathon while battling a flare of Ulcerative Colitis. Her determination to finish the race and her commitment to Achieving Cures Together gives us the honor and privilege to recognize Ashley Margarit as the 1st recipient of the Robert E. Wilkens award. Congratulations Ashley, and thank you for your spirit of hard work and perseverance.
read moreThe body’s microbial community may influence the brain and behavior, perhaps even playing a role in dementia, autism and other disorders.
read more"What is a Fecal Transplant, and Why Would I Want One?" If you have questions about the procedure, this New York Times article may give you some answers!
read moreWhat's the best way to prepare a fecal microbiota transplantation? In attempts to keep all gut bacteria alive, a clinical trial was done in ulcerative colitis patients, using FMT prepared without the bacteria touching oxygen. This anaerobic (without oxygen) preparation seemed to be more effective for UC patients, according to Samuel P. Costello.
read moreClostridium difficile infection (CDI) is the most common hospital-acquired infection in the U.S., and has become a global public health issue. The infection can cause a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, which estimates suggest ultimately result in nearly 30,000 deaths every year in the U.S. alone. While the most significant risk factor for CDI is antibiotic treatment, studies in mice by a team at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine now provide new evidence that connects the use of common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) with increased severity of CDI. Their results also point to the molecular mechanisms that underpin this link.
read more"Those bacteria are not there by chance..we have developed with them from the time we're born" - Joseph Murray, MD. So interesting to see a conversation about how microbes play a role in rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis (MS) and celiac disease.
read moreThe medication Accutane changes the skin's microbiome by reducing bad bacteria that causes acne. And, altering specific areas of our gut microbiome has been beneficial to those with gut issues! Which begs the question, is there a relationship between our skin and gut bacterial profiles?
read moreIf you're remotely connected to the world of wellness today, you've probably heard of the microbiome—the mini-ecosystem of microorganisms that make up the human body. In fact, over the last decade, the microbiome has become one of the trendiest areas of biology, and the research has made clear that the microbiome is fundamental to overall health. While the newfound cultural awareness is great, the focus is often misguided. Here’s the thing: the supplement industry has hijacked the conversation with it’s “pill for an ill” ethos.
read moreA new documentary film (due to be released early next year) looks at the effect of Fecal Microbiota Transplants (FMT) for a number of diseases including C. diff which has been shown to have a cure rate of 90%! Despite these amazing results, many medical professionals are still unaware of this treatment and its efficacy. Throughout the film, director Saffron Cassaday, who herself has suffered from ulcerative colitis for nearly a decade, interviews several leading researchers and medical experts, including those who are working on different methods for delivering this life-saving treatment. Her investigation takes her down a path she did not expect to travel and enlightens her on the power “poop” has to affect our health, happiness and possibly even our physical appearance. The goal of the film is to raise awareness of this medical breakthrough and the importance of maintaining a healthy gut microbiome in hopes that lives can be saved and the escalation of Super Bugs and Chronic Diseases can be curtailed. Although the film will not be released for several months you can follow the filmmakers and access information about FMT from their website www.designershitdocumentary.com.
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