#Tryptophan Treats

[familythings]

The Surprising Link Between Pizza and Happiness: Why Your Favorite Slice Might Be Good for You

In the pantheon of comfort foods, pizza stands out as a universal favorite, cherished for its savory flavors, comforting textures, and undeniable convenience. For many, indulging in a slice of pizza is a simple pleasure, often enjoyed after a long day or during social gatherings. But recent scientific research suggests that this beloved food might be more than just a fleeting indulgence—it could…

[reality-detective]

Bees and Honey 👇

🐝Some interesting facts about bees 🐝

Here are 20 interesting facts about the importance of honey and bees:

1. Did you know that honey never spoils? Archaeologists have found pots of honey in ancient Egyptian tombs that are over 3,000 years old and still perfectly edible!

2. Did you know bees are essential for growing many of our foods? They pollinate about one-third of the food we eat, including fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

3. Did you know honey has natural healing properties? It can help soothe sore throats and even speed up the healing of wounds and burns due to its antibacterial qualities.

4. Did you know bees produce a tiny amount of honey in their lifetime? A single worker bee produces only about 1/12th of a teaspoon of honey in her entire life, but together they make a lot!

5. Did you know bees communicate through dancing? They perform a "waggle dance" to tell other bees where to find the best flowers.

6. Did you know honey can help your brain? It contains antioxidants that may support brain health and improve memory.

7. Did you know beeswax, made by bees, is used in many everyday products?** It's found in things like candles, lip balm, and even some types of food packaging.

8. Did you know honey can be a natural energy booster? It provides a quick source of energy because it's packed with natural sugars.

9. Did you know there are over 300 types of honey in the United States alone? The flavor, color, and aroma depend on the flowers that bees visit.

10. Did you know that beekeeping helps many communities around the world? It provides income, supports agriculture, and helps improve food security in many regions.

11. Did you know honey can be used as a natural preservative? Because of its antibacterial properties, honey has been used to preserve fruits and other foods for centuries.

12. Did you know that some bees can recognize human faces? Studies have shown that honeybees can remember and recognize human faces, much like they remember different flowers.

13. Did you know honey can improve your sleep? A spoonful of honey before bed can promote relaxation and better sleep by raising insulin slightly and allowing tryptophan to enter the brain.

14. Did you know bees are colorblind to red? Bees can see ultraviolet light, which humans can't, but they can't see the color red. Instead, they see it as black.

15. Did you know honey can help with seasonal allergies? Consuming local honey is believed by some to help build immunity to local pollen and reduce allergy symptoms.

16. Did you know that royal jelly, produced by worker bees, is fed to all bee larvae? However, only those destined to become queens are fed royal jelly throughout their development.

17. Did you know honey has different medicinal uses in various cultures? For example, in Ayurvedic medicine, honey is used to treat digestive issues, and in ancient Egypt, it was used to treat wounds.

18. Did you know bees have a built-in GPS? They use the position of the sun, the earth's magnetic field, and their own memories of landmarks to navigate and find their way back to the hive.

19. Did you know honeybees are the only insects that produce food eaten by humans? They are unique in their production of honey, which has been a staple in human diets for thousands of years.

20. Did you know that honey can vary greatly in taste and texture? The type of flowers the bees pollinate affects the flavor, color, and texture of the honey. Some honey can even be creamy or spicy!

[strictlyfavorites]

Bees and Honey 👇 🐝Some interesting facts about bees 🐝 Here are 20 interesting facts about the importance of honey and bees: 1. Did you know that honey never spoils? Archaeologists have found pots of honey in ancient Egyptian tombs that are over 3,000 years old and still perfectly edible! 2. Did you know bees are essential for growing many of our foods? They pollinate about one-third of the food we eat, including fruits, vegetables, and nuts. 3. Did you know honey has natural healing properties? It can help soothe sore throats and even speed up the healing of wounds and burns due to its antibacterial qualities. 4. Did you know bees produce a tiny amount of honey in their lifetime? A single worker bee produces only about 1/12th of a teaspoon of honey in her entire life, but together they make a lot! 5. Did you know bees communicate through dancing? They perform a "waggle dance" to tell other bees where to find the best flowers. 6. Did you know honey can help your brain? It contains antioxidants that may support brain health and improve memory. 7. Did you know beeswax, made by bees, is used in many everyday products?** It's found in things like candles, lip balm, and even some types of food packaging. 8. Did you know honey can be a natural energy booster? It provides a quick source of energy because it's packed with natural sugars. 9. Did you know there are over 300 types of honey in the United States alone? The flavor, color, and aroma depend on the flowers that bees visit. 10. Did you know that beekeeping helps many communities around the world? It provides income, supports agriculture, and helps improve food security in many regions. 11. Did you know honey can be used as a natural preservative? Because of its antibacterial properties, honey has been used to preserve fruits and other foods for centuries. 12. Did you know that some bees can recognize human faces? Studies have shown that honeybees can remember and recognize human faces, much like they remember different flowers. 13. Did you know honey can improve your sleep? A spoonful of honey before bed can promote relaxation and better sleep by raising insulin slightly and allowing tryptophan to enter the brain. 14. Did you know bees are colorblind to red? Bees can see ultraviolet light, which humans can't, but they can't see the color red. Instead, they see it as black. 15. Did you know honey can help with seasonal allergies? Consuming local honey is believed by some to help build immunity to local pollen and reduce allergy symptoms. 16. Did you know that royal jelly, produced by worker bees, is fed to all bee larvae? However, only those destined to become queens are fed royal jelly throughout their development. 17. Did you know honey has different medicinal uses in various cultures? For example, in Ayurvedic medicine, honey is used to treat digestive issues, and in ancient Egypt, it was used to treat wounds. 18. Did you know bees have a built-in GPS? They use the position of the sun, the earth's magnetic field, and their own memories of landmarks to navigate and find their way back to the hive. 19. Did you know honeybees are the only insects that produce food eaten by humans? They are unique in their production of honey, which has been a staple in human diets for thousands of years. 20. Did you know that honey can vary greatly in taste and texture? The type of flowers the bees pollinate affects the flavor, color, and texture of the honey. Some honey can even be creamy or spicy!

[mrsshiesty]

Joe Thanksgiving Headcannon🧡

happy thanksgiving! hope everyone has a great day with friends and family. Disclaimer: this is what i just think joe would be like on thanksgiving🧡

- [ ] in Athens every year no matter what.

- [ ] “Turkey is high in tryptophan, which is an amino acid so it boosts your mood.”-Joe (true fact btw.)

- [ ] will eat the ham instead though.

- [ ] his outfit will always be grey jeans and a brown hoodie for the festivities plus a white beanie.

- [ ] HATES canned cranberry sauce.

- [ ] will give everyone a “thankful for you” speech at the dinner table.

- [ ] will eat everything else besides the corn as well.

- [ ] but he’ll give you a much more special treat after the dinner to show his gratification.

- [ ] “ Why the hell would you bring Skyline Chili to Thanksgiving?”- Joe

- [ ] dreads taking Thanksgiving day pictures

- [ ] hands out caramel apple suckers after dinner to his nephews as he indulges in one as well.

- [ ] would much rather eat a steak than turkey

- [ ] a very visible stubble is present.

- [ ] insists on having bonfire later.

- [ ] puts maximum effort into making the stuffing but doesn’t do too well, so you take over.

- [ ] will watch TNF game highlights after dinner to support Justin from the vikings.

- [ ] “ Is this dairy-free?”- Joe

- [ ] starts playing chess by himself.

- [ ] “ Why is Black Friday even a thing?- Joe

[healthywaysfitness]

The Importance Of Including Bananas in Your Diet A Nutrional Powerhouse

The Importance of Including Bananas in Your Diet: A Nutritional Powerhouse Bananas are not only a delicious and convenient snack but also a nutritional powerhouse that offers numerous health benefits. Rich in essential vitamins and minerals, particularly potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6, bananas play a vital role in maintaining overall health. Potassium is crucial for heart health, as it helps regulate blood pressure and supports proper muscle function. Additionally, the natural sugars found in bananas provide a quick source of energy, making them an ideal choice for athletes and those needing a mid-day boost. Their high fiber content aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness, which can be beneficial for weight management. Please visit https://healthywaysandfitness.com for more health tips. Incorporating bananas into your diet can also contribute to improved mood and mental well-being. They contain tryptophan, an amino acid that the body converts into serotonin, often referred to as the "feel-good" hormone. This can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Furthermore, bananas are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways, whether eaten on their own, added to smoothies, or used in baking. By including bananas in your diet every now and then, you not only indulge in a tasty treat but also nourish your body with essential nutrients that support both physical and mental health. #Bananas #HealthyEating #NutritionalBenefits #PotassiumPower #MoodBoost #FiberRich #QuickEnergy #FoodForThought

[random-mailbox]

Random-Mailbox's Favorite Sailor Moon Fics - Week 15 - Christmas Part 1 - Ugly Christmas Sweaters and Santa!

First of all, I need to say a BIG thank you to the absolutely amazingly talented @beej88 for this artwork, she made it special for this post after hearing me complain about there not being enough Ugly Christmas Sweater content out there. While looking for the Holiday fics to include in the series, I noticed a few entries where Ugly Christmas Sweaters were a plot point and decided to dedicate a post to them. Then I added a couple of Santa ones too for a good measure. AND there will be more Christmas content coming next week!

As always, my apologies in advance for spoiling some of these for you (Fic Titles are linked to either FFN or AO3 entries).

What's Under the Ugly Christmas Sweater - @reispinkoveralls

I could not do a post centered around Ugly Christmas Sweaters without this one shot. Usagi showing up in the ugliest Tuxedo Mask themed sweater she could find just to get a rise out of Mamoru is completely on brand for the character. Throw in a little mistletoe and we are treated to a very fun Holiday-themed reveal fic with a very lemony ending. 

Made With Love - @ninjettetwitch

This two-shot is not marked as complete (so maybe @ninjettetwitch can be convinced to write more of it one day because it is freaking adorable?!) but it does leave off on a logical conclusion. This story has a recurring theme of ugly Christmas sweaters with both Usagi and eventually Mamoru donning them. After an argument at the arcade where things go a little too far between the duo, Usagi decides to make things right by getting Mamoru a Christmas present, which kicks off a series of events, culminating with the sweetest kiss (sorry for the spoiler!)

Reasons To Be Happy - @cassraven

This story is a cute little one shot about Usagi and Mamoru spending a day together and opening Christmas gifts. BUT it does mention Usagi’s attire of a “red knitted sweater with snow bunnies patterns”, which, as far as I am concerned, makes it fit the theme of this post!

Mamoru's Christmas sweater (link to a Tumblr post) - @caelenath

This is the newest addition to the list of the amazing Ugly Christmas content that got whipped up by @caelenath last week based on a discussion on Discord. In this one-shot, no matter how devious Motoki may think he is, Mamoru can rock any Ugly Christmas Sweater monstrosity, something that I wholeheartedly agree with.

Although I wish there was a lot more Ugly Christmas Sweater content (hint-hint, nudge-nudge), I figured adding in stories where Santa plays an active role in trying to make lives better for Mamoru and Usagi is a fair addition.

Choose for Me, Old Santa Claus - Alicia Blade

Elves Misle and Toe take on fulfilling an old and accidentally overlooked request of a 7-year old Mamoru for someone to love him before he “ages” out of the jurisdiction at 18. As they go through possible matches for him out of the people he interacts with that would make logical sense to them for him to be with, the one person that seems to always catch his attention is our favourite blonde with twin buns.

Santa's Little Plan - @moon-daisuki

Santa (with the help of his hapless elfs) tries to get Mamoru to see what is in front of him by nudging him along in discovering who has lost a bracelet that he had spotted under the bar counter at the Crown Arcade, as well as slowing down to take in the world around him.

Next week, based on the suggestion of @riverlethe , because I could not whittle down the number of stories I wanted to include in my post, we are going to do a 12 days of Christmas Themed one! With 12 amazing holiday stories that will get posted up on Boxing Day for you all to explore, as tryptophan from all the delicious turkeys is wearing off 😉

Here are the links to the previous Tumblr posts in these series to explore more amazing works based on different themes - make sure to check them out if you haven't had a chance! (Click on title name to go to the post)

Week 1 - Groundhog Day

Week 2 - Established Relationships

Week 3 - Sex Positivity

Week 4 - Unfinished Stories

Week 5 - Darker Stories

Week 6 - Potions 🧪

Week 7 - Reveals

Week 8 - 👻Halloween🎃

Week 9 - Wrong Perceptions

Week 10 - Non-Senshi AU

Week 11 - In-Progress Fics

Week 12 - Mutual Pining

Week 13 - Enemies to Lovers

Week 14 - Slow Burn

[renee-writer]

🐝Some interesting facts about bees 🐝

Here are 20 interesting facts about the importance of honey and bees:

1. Did you know that honey never spoils? Archaeologists have found pots of honey in ancient Egyptian tombs that are over 3,000 years old and still perfectly edible!

2. Did you know bees are essential for growing many of our foods? They pollinate about one-third of the food we eat, including fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

3. Did you know honey has natural healing properties? It can help soothe sore throats and even speed up the healing of wounds and burns due to its antibacterial qualities.

4. Did you know bees produce a tiny amount of honey in their lifetime? A single worker bee produces only about 1/12th of a teaspoon of honey in her entire life, but together they make a lot!

5. Did you know bees communicate through dancing? They perform a "waggle dance" to tell other bees where to find the best flowers.

6. Did you know honey can help your brain? It contains antioxidants that may support brain health and improve memory.

7. Did you know beeswax, made by bees, is used in many everyday products?** It's found in things like candles, lip balm, and even some types of food packaging.

8. Did you know honey can be a natural energy booster? It provides a quick source of energy because it's packed with natural sugars.

9. Did you know there are over 300 types of honey in the United States alone? The flavor, color, and aroma depend on the flowers that bees visit.

10. Did you know that beekeeping helps many communities around the world? It provides income, supports agriculture, and helps improve food security in many regions.

11. Did you know honey can be used as a natural preservative? Because of its antibacterial properties, honey has been used to preserve fruits and other foods for centuries.

12. Did you know that some bees can recognize human faces? Studies have shown that honeybees can remember and recognize human faces, much like they remember different flowers.

13. Did you know honey can improve your sleep? A spoonful of honey before bed can promote relaxation and better sleep by raising insulin slightly and allowing tryptophan to enter the brain.

14. Did you know bees are colorblind to red? Bees can see ultraviolet light, which humans can't, but they can't see the color red. Instead, they see it as black.

15. Did you know honey can help with seasonal allergies? Consuming local honey is believed by some to help build immunity to local pollen and reduce allergy symptoms.

16. Did you know that royal jelly, produced by worker bees, is fed to all bee larvae? However, only those destined to become queens are fed royal jelly throughout their development.

17. Did you know honey has different medicinal uses in various cultures? For example, in Ayurvedic medicine, honey is used to treat digestive issues, and in ancient Egypt, it was used to treat wounds.

18. Did you know bees have a built-in GPS? They use the position of the sun, the earth's magnetic field, and their own memories of landmarks to navigate and find their way back to the hive.

19. Did you know honeybees are the only insects that produce food eaten by humans? They are unique in their production of honey, which has been a staple in human diets for thousands of years.

20. Did you know that honey can vary greatly in taste and texture? The type of flowers the bees pollinate affects the flavor, color, and texture of the honey. Some honey can even be creamy or spicy!

Thank you, precious bees!

Text credit: Earth Unreal

Image credit: Rory Shapland

[raideo]

you give Zumi such decadence. what wild crayfish would ever dream of tasting turkey?

I'm sure none! Though there's probably been a circumstance where a dead turkey may have fallen into a stream and some crays got to have a munch...

I just really like sharing foods (THAT IVE MADE SURE ARE SAFE AS TREATS!) with my aquatic animals, it feels like a neat way to connect with them and also I am sure they appreciate the enrichment of trying something completely new!

She was really really excited about it, ate like half of the piece and then slowed way down and took 4 times as long to finish the rest, which was hilarious, as if she was contemplating it- or perhaps the tryptophan was hitting, idk 😂 either way she was SO SLEEPY the rest of the night. I haven't seen her get that way with other things I give her, tbh I was a little worried , but the next morning she was back to her normal self :))

I forgot to save her a piece of a green bean before I made the green bean casserole but honestly with as lethargic as she got after the turkey piece I am sure she wouldn't have eaten it anyway.

[mercurialkitty]

Scientists Offer a New Explanation for Long Covid (NYT)

"A team of scientists is proposing a new explanation for some cases of long Covid, based on their findings that serotonin levels were lower in people with the complex condition."

By Pam Belluck

Oct. 16, 2023

The News

A team of scientists is proposing a new explanation for some cases of long Covid, based on their findings that serotonin levels were lower in people with the complex condition.

In their study, published on Monday in the journal Cell, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania suggest that serotonin reduction is triggered by remnants of the virus lingering in the gut. Depleted serotonin could especially explain memory problems and some neurological and cognitive symptoms of long Covid, they say.

Why It Matters: New ways to diagnose and treat long Covid.

This is one of several new studies documenting distinct biological changes in the bodies of people with long Covid — offering important discoveries for a condition that takes many forms and often does not register on standard diagnostic tools like X-rays.

The research could point the way toward possible treatments, including medications that boost serotonin. And the authors said the biological pathway that their research outlines could unite many of the major theories of what causes long Covid: lingering remnants of the virus, inflammation, increased blood clotting and dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system.

“All these different hypotheses might be connected through the serotonin pathway,” said Christoph Thaiss, a lead author of the study and an assistant professor of microbiology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.

“Second of all, even if not everybody experiences difficulties in the serotonin pathway, at least a subset might respond to therapies that activate this pathway,” he said.

“This is an excellent study that identifies lower levels of circulating serotonin as a mechanism for long Covid,” said Akiko Iwasaki, an immunologist at Yale University. Her team and colleagues at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai recently published a study that identified other biological changes linked to some cases of long Covid, including levels of the hormone cortisol. These studies could point to specific subtypes of long Covid or different biological indicators at different points in the condition.

The Back Story: A series of disruptions set off by bits of virus in the gut.

Researchers analyzed the blood of 58 patients who had been experiencing long Covid for between three months and 22 months since their infection. Those results were compared to blood analysis of 30 people with no post-Covid symptoms and 60 patients who were in the early, acute stage of coronavirus infection.

Maayan Levy, a lead author and assistant professor of microbiology at the Perelman School of Medicine, said levels of serotonin and other metabolites were altered right after a coronavirus infection, something that also happens immediately after other viral infections.

But in people with long Covid, serotonin was the only significant molecule that did not recover to pre-infection levels, she said.

The team analyzed stool samples from some of the long Covid patients and found that they contained remaining viral particles. Putting the findings in patients together with research on mice and miniature models of the human gut, where most serotonin is produced, the team identified a pathway that could underlie some cases of long Covid.

Here’s the idea: Viral remnants prompt the immune system to produce infection-fighting proteins called interferons. Interferons cause inflammation that reduces the body’s ability to absorb tryptophan, an amino acid that helps produce serotonin in the gut. Blood clots that can form after a coronavirus infection may impair the body’s ability to circulate serotonin.

Depleted serotonin disrupts the vagus nerve system, which transmits signals between the body and the brain, the researchers said. Serotonin plays a role in short-term memory, and the researchers proposed that depleted serotonin could lead to memory problems and other cognitive issues that many people with long Covid experience.

“They showed that one-two-three punch to the serotonin pathway then leads to vagal nerve dysfunction and memory impairment,” Dr. Iwasaki said.

There are caveats. The study was not large, so the findings need to be confirmed with other research. Participants in some other long Covid studies, in which some patients had milder symptoms, did not always show depleted serotonin, a result that Dr. Levy said might indicate that depletion happened only in people whose long Covid involves multiple serious symptoms.

What’s Next: A clinical trial of Prozac.

Scientists want to find biomarkers for long Covid — biological changes that can be measured to help diagnose the condition. Dr. Thaiss said the new study suggested three: the presence of viral remnants in stool, low serotonin and high levels of interferons.

Most experts believe that there will not be a single biomarker for the condition, but that several indicators will emerge and might vary, based on the type of symptoms and other factors.

There is tremendous need for effective ways to treat long Covid, and clinical trials of several treatments are underway. Dr. Levy and Dr. Thaiss said they would be starting a clinical trial to test fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor often marketed as Prozac, and possibly also tryptophan.

“If we supplement serotonin or prevent the degradation of serotonin, maybe we can restore some of the vagal signals and improve memory and cognition and so on,” Dr. Levy said.

[exoticfruitplants]

Exploring the Exotic Delight of Rollinia Deliciosa: Biriba, Lemon Meringue Pie Fruit, and Wild Sugar-Apple

Nestled in the tropical embrace of South America, the Rollinia Deliciosa, affectionately known as Biriba, Lemon Meringue Pie Fruit, or Wild Sugar-Apple, stands as a testament to nature's bountiful offerings. Cultivated for its delectable fruits, this exotic specimen has traversed the borders of its native land to become a cherished delight in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

The Alluring Appearance:

Picture a large, conical or round fruit, initially green but maturing into a vibrant yellow. The Rollinia fruit is a feast for the eyes, tempting with its aromatic, glossy white or translucent flesh and jelly-like texture. The ripe fruit graciously sheds its skin, revealing fibrous, smooth, and almost creamy flesh, adorned with small elliptical seeds, dark brown and non-edible. Cutting through the ripe Rollinia is a breeze, allowing easy access to the pulp within.

An Orchestra of Flavors:

Delight your taste buds with the mild-acidulous symphony of flavors that the Rollinia fruit brings to the palate. Notes of pineapple, banana, coconut, and other tropical nuances dance together, creating a harmonious blend. Whether consumed fresh, juiced, or blended with milk for a refreshing drink or wine, Rollinia offers a culinary experience unlike any other.

Nutrient-Rich Bounty:

Beyond its tantalizing taste, Rollinia stands as a nutritional powerhouse. High in calcium, phosphorus, vitamin C, iron, protein, and carbohydrates, it presents a holistic package of essential nutrients. Dive into a world of amino acids, including lysine, methionine, threonine, and tryptophan, contributing to the fruit's reputation as not just a treat for the senses but also a boon for health.

Historical and Medicinal Significance:

Rollinia's journey through time includes its use as a stimulant to cool the body and a historical remedy for preventing scurvy. The seeds, once ground, were employed to address digestive issues, showcasing the multifaceted utility of this tropical gem.

Cultivation and Care:

Rollinia thrives in warm climates with well-draining soil and regular irrigation. Intolerant to cold and extended drought, it flourishes in regions where rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year. With a moderate maintenance requirement, this fruit-bearing wonder typically begins to bloom and fruit within 2 to 3 years.

Reviews Speak Volumes:

Based on reviews, the Rollinia Deliciosa earns a solid 4.5 rating, with users praising its unique taste and nutritional richness. The consensus portrays it as a fruit that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also offers a moderate level of maintenance for cultivation.

Conclusion:

In the world of exotic fruits, Rollinia Deliciosa stands tall as a symbol of tropical indulgence. From its captivating appearance to the symphony of flavors it orchestrates, this fruit is a true testament to the wonders nature has to offer. Whether you enjoy it fresh, as a beverage, or delve into its historical significance, the Rollinia is an invitation to savor the diverse and delightful offerings of the natural world. Consider introducing this tropical treasure to your palate and garden, and let the Rollinia enchant you with its unique charm. #juice #blog https://veliyathgarden.com/products/birba-rollinia

[liatai]

They're also important for nutrition in several native diets, because huitlacoche is rich in lysine, one of the essential amino acids and one that corn itself does not have high quantities of! It's also one of the amino acids that the human body can't make by itself and needs to get from food.

Huitlacoche consumption, along with nixtamalization (treating corn with an alkaline solution then washing it to remove the seed hulls and also making a ton of nutrients more bioavailable), is a building block to a healthy maize-heavy diet!

(Nixtamalization also allows corn to be made into a dough, vital for tortillas! It also makes tryptophan in the corn more available for your body to absorb, which your body can convert into B vitamin niacin, which is vital for your health! It also drastically reduces any fungal toxins that might be present in the corn, making it a lot safer to consume. It's so cool what we humans can do! <3)

Corn truffles! Sometimes, if the heat and humidity are high, corn can create a fungus that causes the kernels to expand and become the delicious delicacy known as huitlacoche (whee-tla-KOH-cheh). Also known as Mexican truffles and corn smut, when cooked, they taste like a cross between mushrooms, fresh corn and black truffles. While we never end up with many of these, some farms purposely infect their fields to cultivate the truffles. We are so thankful to all of the indigenous cultures and communities that the history and origin of this fungus belongs too!

source: Green Nature Farms

[barkoutloudseo]

 Tips on How to Choose the Best Anxiety Chews for Your Dog

It's heartbreaking as a dog owner to see your pet squirm in anxiety. From the fear of thunderstorms to separation anxiety, or just general nervousness, there has to be a solution that can calm your pet down. One such increasingly popular solution? Anxiety chews. These little treats can give comfort, but when there are so many varieties in the market, how do you choose the best ones for your dog? Let's break it down.

What Are Anxiety Chews?

Anxiety chews are bite-sized treats that are intended to help your dog manage anxiety. Those are formulated from natural calming ingredients, such as chamomile, L-theanine, and hemp. These have been proven to soothe your dog's nervous system. While helping your dog to be calm, some of these chews can also help to promote dental health, functioning as a treat – so multidirectional indeed.

 Ingredients to Look For

Now, with this article, you could know what is in the chews and know which anxiety chews will work best for your dog. All chews are not alike, and some may be more potent than others for your dog. The following are some key ingredients to look for:

1. Chamomile: Reduces anxiety and promotes relaxation.

2. Hemp or CBD: Many pet parents believe in hemp-based chews. Such ingredients are calm but do not have psychotropic effects, and hence they are safe for your pet.

3. L-Theanine & L-Tryptophan: Most calming chews contain amino acids, which curb anxiety and aggression. Amino acids help send relaxing chemicals through the brain, including serotonin.

4. Passionflower: Passionflower has an inductive property of calming effects, therefore making it very effective in reducing the anxiety of a dog and helping to reduce hyperactivity.

5. Valerian Root: A natural ingredient, mostly used in the treatment of anxiety in humans, acts in a somewhat similar way on a dog, providing relief against stress.

Size Matters: Finding the Best Chews for Small Dogs

If you are a smaller breed, you will want to pick a chew that is suitable for your dog's size. Many anxiety chews are made for all sizes, but the dental chews made for small dogs give less of a mess and are easier on the stomach. A chew that is too big can pose a hazard of choking or be hard for your dog to chew. Always make sure to look for the packaging to see what is recommended for chew size by your dog's weight.

Benefits of Dental Chews on Anxiety

Ever imagined to combine your pet's dental care with anxiety relief? Some of the best anxiety chews for dogs come in dental-friendly forms, especially geared towards small dogs. These will help:

- In the Promotion of Calm: Anxiety chews can keep your dog relaxed during stressful situations, making them an imperative part of your pet's daily routine if they are prone to stress.

Some of the anxiety chews come in textured form that cleans your dog's teeth as well as freshen his breath while chewing.

- Prevent Boredom: Chewing forms one of the natural ways whereby dogs relieve stress. If your dog has something to spend his time on, chewing on, then he is unlikely to become anxious and chew the chair or bark incessantly.

What to Avoid?

While some chews are healthy ingredient chock-fulls, there are others you'd be better off not putting in your pup's mouth:

- Artificial Preservatives or Colors: Steer toward natural ingredients and away from artificial additions.

- Grain or Gluten: If your dog is sensitive, avoid chewing with unnecessary fillers such as grains or gluten. Always select chews that list high-quality proteins or vegetables first.

### Trial and Error: What Works for Your Dog?

Just like humans, each dog is unique in its reaction to different products. Some may work wonders on one dog while proving ineffective on another. Some dog parents found that CBD-based chews work wonders for them, while others found their anxiety to improve much better through amino-acid-based chews. It may require some trial and error, but once you find the best chews in relieving anxiety in your dogs, the benefits will pay for themselves.

When to provide Anxiety Chews?

You would rely on your dog's specific triggers for the proper time to administer the anxiety chews. If your dog has separation anxiety, you should give him a chew about 30 minutes to an hour before you leave. If your dog is fearing loud noises or any fireworks, then prior to the occurrence of the stress, giving them a chew will surely calm them down. For common anxiety, giving them a chew once a day can be beneficial in the long-term calming effect. The dosage of which depends on the instructions from the label.

How to Make Your Dog Feel Calm and Happy

What you want to do is get the kind of anxiety chew that is suitable for your dog and start addressing some of that stress and tension to improve your pup's overall life. By being able to focus on all-natural, high-quality ingredients and a chew that fits your pup's size and needs, you are one step closer to helping them feel a little less anxious, and getting chews that are dual-duty as dental aids? That is just bonus points overall.

Remember, every dog is different, so spend a little time figuring out what works for your furry best friend. A calm dog is a happy dog—and a happy dog makes for a happy home!

[foodfactstash]

Golden Crescents of Nourishment

Curved yellow bundles, nature's perfect snack,

A nutritionist's dream in portable form.

Potassium-rich, electrolytes you pack,

Keeping muscles and nerves in top-notch norm.

Resistant starch, a prebiotic treasure,

Feeds gut flora, keeps digestion sound.

Vitamin B6, in goodly measure,

Boosts mood and brain health, benefits abound.

Your natural sugars, a quick energy source,

Paired with fiber to temper the spike.

Magnesium and manganese reinforce

Bone strength and metabolism alike.

Tryptophan whispers sleep's sweet lullaby,

While folate nurtures life's first fragile cry.

Peeled or whole, you're a nutrient-dense treat,

Making wellness both simple and sweet.

This poem highlights several key nutritional benefits of bananas, including:

1. High potassium content for muscle and nerve function

2. Resistant starch as a prebiotic for gut health

3. Vitamin B6 for brain health and mood

4. Natural sugars paired with fiber for sustained energy

5. Magnesium and manganese for bone health and metabolism

6. Tryptophan for sleep regulation

7. Folate, important for prenatal health

#BananaPower 🍌 #FuelYourBody #HealthySnacking #BananaBoost #NatureFuel #PotassiumPerks #SnackSmart #EnergizeNaturally #FeelGoodFood #FiberRich #HealthyAndHappy #MindBodyBalance #BananaBenefits #VitaminB6Boost #GoBananasForHealth

[leedsomics]

Multi-Omics Unveils Strain-Specific Neuroactive Metabolite Production Linked to Inflammation Modulation by Bacteroides and Their Extracellular Vesicles

Bacteroides species are key members of the human gut microbiome and play crucial roles in gut ecology, metabolism, and host-microbe interactions. This study investigated the strain-specific production of neuroactive metabolites by 18 Bacteroidetes (12 Bacteroides, 4 Phocaeicola, and 2 Parabacteroides) using multi-omics approaches. Genomic analysis revealed a significant potential for producing GABA, tryptophan, tyrosine, and histidine metabolism-linked neuroactive compounds. Using untargeted and targeted metabolomics, we identified key neurotransmitter-related or precursor metabolites, including GABA, L-tryptophan, 5-HTP, normelatonin, kynurenic acid, L-tyrosine, and norepinephrine, in a strain- and media-specific manner, with GABA (1-2 mM) being the most abundant. Additionally, extracellular vesicles (EVs) produced by Bacteroides harbor multiple neuroactive metabolites, mainly GABA, and related key enzymes. We used CRISPR/Cas12a-based gene engineering to create a knockout mutant lacking the glutamate decarboxylase gene (gadB) to demonstrate the specific contribution of Bacteroides finegoldii-derived GABA in modulating intestinal homeostasis. Cell-free supernatants from wild-type (WT, GABA+) and {Delta}gadB (GABA-) provided GABA-independent reinforcement of epithelial membrane integrity in LPS-treated Caco-2/HT29-MTX co-cultures. EVs from WT and {Delta}gadB attenuated inflammatory immune response of LPS-treated RAW264.7 macrophages, with reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1{beta} and IL-6), downregulation of TNF-, and upregulation of IL-10 and TGF-{beta}. GABA production by B. finegoldii had a limited impact on gut barrier integrity but a significant role in modulating inflammation. This study is the first to demonstrate the presence of a myriad of neuroactive metabolites produced by Bacteroides species in a strain- and media-specific manner in supernatant and EVs, with GABA being the most dominant metabolite and influencing immune responses. http://dlvr.it/TC8cKT

[pawsofkerry]

Dog Separation Anxiety Relief

Ease dog separation anxiety with our natural soft chews. Infused with organic hemp oil, chamomile, and L-tryptophan, these calming treats reduce anxiety, stress, and motion sickness. Ideal for dogs struggling with separation or fear of storms. Made in the USA, they offer a gentle and effective way to help your dog feel more secure. Shop now for natural dog separation anxiety relief!