Steroids used in Sports!

Anabolic steroids (AS) are a group of synthetic hormones, usually derived from testosterone. They are consumed as they aid in protein synthesis, muscle mass, strength, appetite and bone growth.

Steroids used in sports are usually anabolic in nature. Ideally, anabolic steroids are drugs that closely resemble androgenic hormones and are synthetically derived from the male hormones called the testosterone. The widespread use of anabolic steroids among athletes is precisely to achieve strength, weight gain, speed, endurance against pain and fatigue, and aggressiveness. They are most commonly used by athletes involved in track and field sports, particularly the throwing events, weight lifting, football and baseball. Despite their prolific usage by the sports fraternity, the research literature still reveals debate on whether anabolic steroids can really enhance one’s performance or not. However, almost all athletes who have administered these substances have affirmed to the benefits caused by these. In fact many athletes have also asserted that they would not have been as successful without consuming them.

Some common steroids employed by the sports fraternity include:

• Primobolan (Methenolone) - Primobolan can be administered in the body by either injecting it or consuming it in a tablet form. This steroid is highly popular among athletes because it builds muscle power without adding to its bulk. Also this steroid does not have many negative side effects like other ones and hence remains high in demand.
• Clenbuterol - Clenbuterol or Clen as it is popularly called is a selective beta-2 antagonist and a bronchodilator which is also medically prescribed for obstructive pulmonary diseases at times. Amongst athletes, it basic function lies in increasing lean muscle mass but it should be administered only in small qualities.
• Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) - Dehydroepiandrosterone is a steroid prohormone which is naturally produced by the adrenal glands. After its synthesis the body converts the DHEA into both male and female sex hormones i.e. estrogen and testosterone respectively. DHEA are extremely popular because they are considered to be anti-aging supplements. However research on its this very property is still going on. DHEA supplements were taken off the shelves of U.S. markets in 1985 and were made available only by prescription then. However, in 1994, it was reintroduced as a nutritional supplement after the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act was passed.

Though not all anabolic steroids pose as a threat to the athletes, some of them have been banned by a few sport’s organization which include the Olympics, NBA, NHL and NFL.

However, a few other steroids which find popular use among the athletes include oral ones like Anadrol (oxymetholone), Oxandrin (oxandrolone), Dianabol (methandrostenolone) and Winstrol (stanozolol). The injectable steroids include Deca-Durabolin (nandrolone decanoate), Durabolin (nandrolone phenpropionate), Depo-Testosterone (testosterone cypionate) and Equipoise (boldenone undecylenate).

Smart Bodybuilding Nutrition

There is so much confusing and contradictory information out there about healthy eating.  I will try to summarize what I have learned as a bodybuilder who wants to stay healthy as I age.  The choices of foods that we can now can have a significant effect not only on our body shape and quality of life, but also  mortality and on how well we age.

The components of whole food.
Foods are made up of many different components—some are “micro” or smaller quantity nutrients, like vitamins, and some are “macro” or larger quantity nutrients. The three macro groups that compose the majority of our diets are carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. These three units are the basic materials that fuel our activities and metabolism and maintain body composition. Selecting the best sources and amounts of these three macronutrients may help to minimize metabolic disorders (such as high cholesterol and blood sugar) and prevent loss of lean body mass and accumulation of body fat.)

The best carbohydrates.
Carbohydrates provide our body’s main source of quick energy. After carbohydrates are digested and after some processing by the liver, they are released into the bloodstream as a sugar called glucose to be delivered to the cells.

Insulin and insulin resistance.
The hormone insulin is produced by the pancreas to control blood sugar and store it in muscles for later use as glycogen. Insulin’s main job in the body is to promote the delivery of sugar energy as glucose to cells. When a small amount of glucose is delivered into the bloodstream, a small amount of insulin is produced by the pancreas to accompany it. When there is a large amount of glucose, the pancreas works to produce a large amount of insulin to facilitate its delivery so that cells can take in as much glucose as possible. Extra glucose that cannot be taken in by the cells circulates in the bloodstream and can be toxic to brain cells, so under normal circumstances, most of it is soon converted into triglycerides (fat) in the liver to be stored for later use. But we have to be careful with high blood levels of triglycerides, since they are what feed fat cells.
The correct amount of carbohydrate sources will provide enough sugar to give a healthy amount of glucose to the cells, but not too much at once. Thus, levels of glucose and insulin in the bloodstream are not unusually elevated for any long period of time. The pancreas works, but it is not overworked trying to keep up with an unusual demand for insulin.  However, in the U.S., much of the diet consists not only of large amounts of high-calorie carbohydrate sources, but also of carbohydrates from sweets and sodas, which are very concentrated sources of sugar. The net effect that intake of these calorie-dense carbohydrate foods creates is a bloodstream that is occasionally flooded with large amounts of glucose, a pancreas that is overworked, and large amounts of insulin and triglycerides circulating in the bloodstream. Note that excess insulin causes increased production of cholesterol.

Over time, these occasional glucose, triglyceride, and insulin floods can cause a decrease in the sensitivity of the cells’ response to insulin, which reduces the cells’ ability to take in glucose. Insensitivity to insulin is called insulin resistance, and it is a serious consideration in metabolic problems. Some HIV medications can worsen insulin resistance, so we need to be aware of nutritional considerations that can help. Ways to decrease insulin resistance are to exercise, follow a proper diet, and taking medications that improve insulin response. For instance, several studies have found that people consuming an overall high-quality diet, rich in fiber and adequate in energy and protein, were less likely to gain fat. This is why it is best to select the majority of your carbohydrate intake from fiber-rich, slow-releasing carbohydrate sources that do not contain an excessive amount of calories. And these good carbs should be accompanied by good sources of protein and fats.

Combining carbohydrates with protein, fiber, and fat.
Protein, fiber, or fat will slow the absorption into the blood of glucose from carbohydrates, which helps to reduce the rise in blood sugar and insulin spikes. So, mixing carbohydrates with protein, fiber, and good fats is one way to reduce their problematic effect on blood sugar and insulin. Ensure that every meal and snack you consume has a mix of these three macronutrients. But what are the best fats, protein, and high-fiber carbohydrates sources out there?

Fats and oils.
The main point is that since we need EFAs and other fats for health, we should be getting them in our diets from fresh, high-quality sources. A proper diet reduces the amount of starchy carbohydrates while maintaining a certain amount of healthy fats so that there is a different macronutrient balance than the old high-carbohydrate, high-protein, low-fat diets contained. This means striving to get fatty acids from several sources, the least of which are the saturated fats in butter or animal fat. Understand that saturated fats are not the demons we have been led to believe. When we realize that we evolved getting a certain amount of saturated fat from foods in the wild, it is only logical that they would have a place in a healthy diet. One recent study showed that dietary saturated fat and mono-unsaturated fat were associated with healthy testosterone production in humans, while EFAs had no effect. So it appears that we need a little saturated fat for optimal hormonal health. However, most people get far too much saturated fat, which promotes insulin resistance and metabolic problems, and not enough EFAs, which are needed for healthy cells and immune function.
The other important kind of fat that we should consciously include in our daily diet is mono-unsaturated fat, which we get from foods like olive oil. Recent data have shown that mono-unsaturated fats decrease the risk of certain cancers, and have an anti-inflammatory effect.

Fatty acid recommendations.
EFAs include the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Most people get an imbalance of these two by consuming too small an amount of omega-3 fats, which have anti-inflammatory properties, and relatively too large an amount of omega-6 fats, which tend to promote inflammation when out of balance. To get more omega-3s, eat more fish, including salmon, tuna, sardines, anchovies, mackerel, rainbow trout, and herring. Omega-6s are contained in common vegetable oils, like sunflower, safflower, and corn oils. Try to reduce your intake of these.

Oils and cooking.
Olive oil is one of the best oils to cook with. For sauteing that exposes oil to high temperatures, you can also cook with high-oleic sunflower oil, avocado, canola, macadamia, or any oil that is high in mono-unsaturated fatty acids.
Avoid cooking with oils made from corn and sesame. These oils contain more omega-6 fats, and less mono-unsaturated fats, so they have a higher potential for spoiling and turning to trans-fats, which are bad for the immune system. Try to avoid any intake of these oils when they are not absolutely fresh.
Also, choose oils that are minimally processed. Most of the clear oils in supermarkets are stripped of some of their natural components to make them more suitable for sitting on store shelves for long periods of time without spoiling. Do not use these stripped oils. When you do cook, do not overheat the oil so that it smokes, which causes the formation of carcinogens and destroys the beneficial fatty acids.

Avoid margarine, hydrogenated fats, or processed oils.
Do your best to avoid processed fats or oils, as they have negative effects on cellular health, overall metabolism, and your immune system. Look out for the words hydrogenated and partially-hydrogenated. These kinds of manipulated fats probably do increase the risk of cancer and heart disease. They also weaken healthy cellular immune metabolism. Lastly, they are also likely to promote high lipid levels and insulin resistance.

Protein, food for the immune system.
Dairy protein fractions, such as caseine (contained in milk curd) and whey, are at the top of the list of proteins that optimally feed lean body mass growth. In dairy products, the amino acid balances, insulin-raising potential, and overall growth factor content add up to one thing: milk proteins were created to make mammals grow bigger. While there is a lot of hoopla related to which dairy protein fractions are best, there is more misinformation than reality in this area. Those with lactose intolerance should be careful in their selection of milk-based products. Aged cheeses and yogurt may be more tolerable for those who cannot digest lactose.

Benefits of Dianabol - Methandrostenolone advantages

Methandrostenolone (also known as Dbol and Dianabol) is one of the best anabolic steroids and performance enhancing drugs when it comes to improving mood, self-esteem, appetite, and self-confidence enhancements and normalizing effect on all functions of the body. Use of this anabolic steroid is also associated with nearly permanent glycogenolysis, nitrogen storage, protein synthesis, muscle mass, muscle function, and body strength gains.

Categorized as a Schedule III drug under the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 1990, Methandrostenolone is medically recommended to people suffering with osteoporosis and health complications requiring improved protein synthesis. It is routinely prescribed by medical practitioners for treating health conditions like chronic adrenocortical insufficiency, thyrotoxicosis, interstitial-pituitary insufficiency, diabetic angiopathies (retinopathy and nephropathy), steroidal diabetes, and pituitary dwarfism.

Dianabol has a profound effect on protein metabolism and promotes well being by facilitating positive nitrogen balance besides promoting physical and mental state and improving sleep patterns. This steroid is commonly part a part of a long bulking cycle and multiple doses of it are required to be taken throughout the day because of its short active life. The recommended dose of Methandrostenolone is 25-50 mg per day when taken orally and 50-150 mg per week when taken in an injectable form and it is commonly stacked with testosterone enanthate, Nandrolone, Anadrol, Proviron, testosterone propionate, Trenbolone acetate, and testosterone cypionate. This anabolic steroid is not advised to people suffering from health problems like testicular atrophy, testicular cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, liver damage, kidney damage, stroke, high blood pressure, and respiratory problems.

Research suggests - puberty delayed by stress

The development of genital organs of the carp can get delayed to a significant extent when subjected to stress, as per a NWO research at Utrecht University. The stress hormone, cortisol, plays a critical role in delaying puberty, according to this research.

It was assumed by the researchers that the hormone, cortisol, is behind puberty delays.

Cortisol would seem to affect the testes. It directly delays the development of reproductive cells into sperm cells. This slows the growth of the sexual organs and also the supply of steroids to the blood. During puberty, anabolic steroids from the testes ensure that the brain, the pituitary gland and testes develop properly. Because the cortisol produced under stress reduces the supply of steroids, communication to the brain and the pituitary (a gland under the brain) is reduced. This means that, like the testes, these organs develop more slowly, thus slowing down overall development.

The whole complex of hormones involved in puberty is self-regulatory. The brain produces the gonadotropin-releasing hormone, which stimulates cells in the pituitary. On order, the pituitary then excretes the gonadotropins, the luteinising hormone and the hormone which stimulates the follicles. In the testes, the gonadotropins promote the production of reproductive cells and steroid hormones. The steroid hormones contribute to the production of the reproductive cells and ensure communication between the brain and the pituitary gland, thus completing the cycle.

The finding is believed to have critical implications for medical practitioners on a worldwide basis.

Letrozole by QD Labs - exceptional estrogen reducer

Letrozole is considered to be one of the most widely used estrogen reducers in today’s steroid market. This is because it can offer greater benefits than Nolvadex or Proviron when it comes to reducing or eliminating estrogen levels. This drug is also used by members of the medical fraternity for handling cases of infertility for ovulation induction. In addition to that, it is also hailed as an exceptional product when it comes to reversing the spread and extent of breast cancer after treatment options such as Tamoxifen therapy have failed to deliver any results.

Femara is chemically described as 4,4′-(1H-1,2,4Triazol-1-ylmethylene)dibenzonitrile and has the molecular weight of 285.31 g/mol. The inactive ingredients of Femara tablets are colloidal silicon dioxide, ferric oxide, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, maize starch, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, odium starch glycolate, talc, and titanium dioxide.

Letrozole and Bodybuilding

Letrozole can reduce the levels of estrogens in bodybuilders and others by as much as 98 percent, which is more than what Proviron and Nolvadex can offer. Furthermore, it facilitates improvements in the levels of luteinizing hormone, sex hormone-binding globulin, and follicle-stimulating hormone to a great extent. This means that bodybuilders on anabolic steroids do not need to worry about water retention, acne, or gynecomastia. In short, this miracle drug is best for both bulking and cutting cycles that involve harsh androgens.
Recommended dose of Letrozole

The recommended dose of Letrozole is 2.5 mg per day, with or without meals.

It is important to note that Letrozole tablets are required to be kept at a controlled temperature of 25°C (77°F) with excursions permitted up to 15-30°C (59-86°F).

Anabolic Steroids in the Treatment of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a skeletal disease in which the bone mass is low and the bone tissue is degenerating.  Over time, the bone becomes more and more fragile and gains an increased tendency to fracture.  It is one of the most common bone diseases in the US, with more than 25 million people affected.

Every year, osteoporosis is responsible for causing 1.3 million fractures in various parts of the patients’ body like spine, hip, and wrist.  The most serious of these is hip fracture.  About 5 to 20% of osteoporosis patients with hip fracture die within a year, and 50% others become incapacitated.

The term osteoporosis means “porous bones.”  The skeleton is made up of a thick outer covering and a strong inner lattice comprised mainly of collagen, calcium, and other minerals.  This inner lattice looks somewhat like a honeycomb.  The spaces between them are filled with blood vessels and bone marrow.

When these spaces become bigger, osteoporosis occurs.  Bigger spaces between the bones cause the bones to be fragile and to break easily.  Osteoporosis is a condition affecting the whole skeleton, although the most common effects are fractures in the hip, spine, and hip.

The elderly face greater risk of developing osteoporosis, and consequently, the chances of having the disease increase with age.  Osteoporosis in patients also tends to worsen with age.  The incidence of fractures due to osteoporosis is expected to increase in the next 60 years.

This disease is caused by a number of factors, the first one being hormone deficiency.  Women in particular are more prone to osteoporosis than men because bone loss in women becomes accelerated 5 years after menopause.  Other factors that are known to cause or increase the chances of developing this skeletal disease include low calcium intake, having a sedentary lifestyle, drinking too much alcohol, and smoking.

One of the treatments being done for osteoporosis is the use of anabolic steroids.   These have been found to help patients, specially the very elderly ones, who are experiencing bone loss at a rapid rate.

Anabolic steroids are more popularly known as the substances that are used to enhance body building and muscle gain.  These substances are also being used widely in medicine, and treatment for osteoporosis is one of its important applications.  Anabolic steroids have been shown to stimulate the formation of new bone, to increase the absorption of calcium, and to provide relief from spinal fracture pain.

According to studies, administration of anabolic steroids to osteoporosis patients resulted in an increase in bone mass in both men and women.  Another advantage of using steroids is that the patients’ fat tissue gets converted into muscles, which helps to strengthen the body.

About 3% of bone mass is gained every year as a result of anabolic steroid administration, with the maximum effect being observed during the first months of treatment.  This gain in bone mass is attributed to the anabolic steroid’s ability to stimulate bone formation and to promote muscle tissue growth over fat tissue growth.  Anabolic steroids have also been shown to increase the absorption of calcium in the body by activating vitamin D.

Low Diversity of Bacteria May Increase Risk for Asthma

Low gut microbial diversity in the intestines of infants can increase the risk for asthma development. These are the findings of the age 7 follow-up in a multi-year study led by researchers at Linköping University in Sweden.

 In 2011 the results of a comprehensive survey of the intestinal microbiota of allergic and healthy children were published. In the samples from the infancy period, the degree of variation and diversity of the bacteria strains was significantly lower among those who had developed allergic eczema when they were two years old.

A follow-up study was conducted when the 47 participating infants reached their seventh birthday. By then eight of them - 17% - were suffering from chronic asthma. 28% had hay fever, 26% still had eczema, and 34% reacted to the allergens in a skin prick test. But it was only the asthma cases that could be connected to low intestinal microbial diversity at the age of one week and one month.

It might seem a bit of a stretch to think the contents of the intestines could influence what happens in the airways. The results of this study, however, give further credence to this connection, which has previously been demonstrated in animal studies "A high diversity of gut microbiota during the first months of life seems to be important for the maturation of the immune system," says Thomas Abrahamsson, paediatrician and researcher at Linköping University, and principal author of the article.

The hypothesis is that in order to function effectively, the immune system needs to be "trained" by large numbers of different microorganisms. In the absence of sufficient stimulation from large numbers of different bacteria, the system may overreact to innocuous antigens it encounters.

A high gut microbial diversity has also been shown to strengthen the barrier function of the mucous membrane. "We are speculating that a deficient maturity of the immune system at an earlier age and a less efficient mucosa barrier function can open the way to certain types of viral infection that can be linked to the development of asthma," says senior author Maria Jenmalm, professor of experimental allergology.

The analysis of the bacteria flora in the children's stools was carried out using a method known as 454 pyro sequencing at the Science for Life Laboratory, in conjunction with researchers Anders Andersson and Lars Engstrand. This is a powerful genetic method that identifies DNA sequences typical of different bacterial species, including those that cannot be cultivated in the traditional way.

Gluten allergy doesn't really exist

A leading allergy doctor has debunked a host of myths, saying that gluten allergy doesn't exist - and nor do hypoallergenic pets.

Dr David Stukus, an allergy specialist from Columbus, Ohio, wrote a presentation debunking various common allergy misconceptions after years of hearing patients declare inaccuracies. One pet peeve is the patients who say they can't eat bread because they're allergic to gluten, he says. "There's this claim about 'gluten allergy,' which really doesn't exist,"

"It's not really a recognised allergy. Wheat is a recognised allergy - but a lot of people will misinterpret that as gluten. Wheat allergy does not necessarily equal an allergy to all gluten. He continued: "Gluten has been blamed for all that ails humanity."

In fact, there are only three disorders that can be scientifically attributed to gluten, he says: coeliac disease, wheat allergies and non-coeliac gluten sensitivity. Coeliac disease is what's known as an autoimmune condition. This is where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue.

Patients with non-coeliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) display gluten sensitivity symptoms - such as bloating, diarrhoea and stomach pain - but test negative for the disease despite symptoms disappearing on a gluten-free diet. "If you think you may have an allergy, you should see a certified allergist for proper evaluation, testing, diagnosis and treatment," Dr Stukus said. Also in the firing line are so-called hypoallergenic dogs.

Dr Stukus said: "Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog or cat. "Allergens are released in saliva, sebaceous glands and perianal glands. It's not the fur people are allergic to. "It is true that some breeds are more bothersome for allergy sufferers than others" - which is why some people are fine around some breeds and not others.

"Many early medical beliefs have been proven to be incorrect as research has advanced. Unfortunately, some of these beliefs are still on the Internet, where an astonishing 72%  of users turn to for health information."

Another widely circulated myth is that people suffering from an egg allergy can't have such jabs - as they may include tiny bits of egg protein.

He explained: "Egg embryos are used to grow viruses for vaccines such as the flu, yellow fever and rabies shots. "However, it's now safe to get the flu shot, which can help prevent serious illness, but a referral to an allergist is recommended beforehand is recommended."

He also advises against home allergy tests, which can be unreliable. 'These tests might be able to reveal sensitisation, but being sensitized to a certain allergen, like milk, doesn't mean you're allergic. "These sort of at-home screening tests are not reliable and can often lead to misinterpretation, diagnostic confusion and unnecessary dietary elimination."

Allergies and cancer on the rise due to GM foods

Food allergies have become a global epidemic and conventional medicine has no cure. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control, food allergies (in kids) have increased by 50% between 1997 and 2011. Could this have anything to do with genetically engineered foods?

Since the 1990s, when genetically modified (GM) foods were approved, we have seen a dramatic increase in food allergies, asthma, ADHD and many forms of cancer. As expected, most corporately-controlled, government health 'experts' would say genetically modified (GM) foods are 'safe' - but where are the safety studies to back up this unscientific claim of safety? GM foods cause massive damage to the digestive system.

Leaky gut syndrome 'sets the stage' for food allergies and disease

We all know that a 'leaky gut' is defined as the development of gaps between the cells that make up the inner lining of our intestinal tract. As the intestines breakdown, they allow unwanted (foreign) substances to enter our bloodstream. Simply put - if you suffer from leaky gut - undigested food, bacteria and metabolic waste products pollute the entire body causing inflammation, food-related allergies plus many other chronic degenerative diseases.

The digestive system is responsible for maintaining about 80% of our natural immunity. How could any physician, in their right mind, not understand that toxic food creates a toxic body - which, in turn, produces symptoms such as food allergies, skin rashes, brain fog, fatigue - the list goes on and on. On the next NaturalNews Talk Hour, every doctor needs to tune in and discover the real reason why GMOs are literally destroying modern society.

GM corn linked to cancer tumors

A study  led by Gilles-Eric Seralini of the University of Caen, clearly states that eating genetically modified corn caused rats to develop horrifying tumors, widespread organ damage, and premature death. To make matters even more shocking - this is the only long-term study examining the health risks associated with eating GM foods. But that won't stop greedy corporations, like Monsanto, from pushing their agenda of owning the entire food supply through patent-protected, GM seeds.

If you're looking for a good reason to avoid GMOs - here are the shocking results of the French study - listed above:

Up to 50% of males and 70% of females rats suffered premature death.

Rats that drank trace amounts of Monsanto's herbicide Roundup Ready had a 200% - 300% increase in large tumors.

Rats fed GMO corn and traces of Roundup Ready suffered severe organ damage - including liver damage and kidney damage.

This study fed rats NK603, the Monsanto variety of GMO corn that's grown across North America and widely fed to animals and humans. Keep in mind, this is the same type of corn found in corn-based breakfast cereals, corn tortillas and corn snack chips.

'Dog Dust' May Combat Allergies and Asthma

Exposure to "dog dust," or the dried flakes of skin that fall from Fido, may protect against developing allergies and asthma in later life by altering intestinal bacteria, a new study in mice suggests. The dust appears to contain bacteria that, when present in an animal's gut, affects the production of immune cells in the animal's airway.

"Perhaps early life dog exposure introduces microbes into the home that somehow influence the gut microbiome, and change the immune response in the airways," said study researcher Susan Lynch, an associate professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco.

Past research has shown that exposure to pets, particularly dogs, during infancy may prevent people from developing allergies, and other work has found that bacteria in the gut can affect allergies and asthma. The new study adds to the research because it links these ideas — showing that the reason exposure to dog dust may prevent allergies is that the dust affects the population of gut microbes.

In the study, Lynch and her colleagues exposed mice to dust from a dog owner's home, and then tested the mice's immune response to cockroach allergens and ovalbumin (a component of egg whites), two substances that commonly trigger asthma attacks. They found that mice exposed to dog dust had fewer immune cells in the airway that respond to allergens, compared with mice not exposed to dog dust.

The findings hint at a mechanism for how dog exposure may protect against allergies or asthma. "It seems to be that early life exposure to dogs, and cats to a lesser extent, can protect against asthma allergens," Lynch told LiveScience, though she stopped short of recommending exposing infants to dogs. Lynch added that the findings fit in well with the hygiene hypothesis, the theory that a lack of exposure to beneficial microbes is linked to the development of autoimmune diseases and asthma in western nations.

The researchers also found the gut microbial makeup of the two rodent groups differed: The mice exposed to dogs had more of the bacteria Lactobacillus johnsonii, an organism found in the dust from dog-owner homes. When the researchers added L. johnsonii to the diet of the unexposed mice, they found the mice showed a reduced immune response in their airways to both, though not as much as mice originally exposed to the dog dust.

The next step will be understanding exactly what these microbes are doing in the gut, and how they affect the immune response in the airway, Lynch said.

Ultimately, understanding this process could lead to the development of microbial-based therapies to treat or prevent asthma.