A type of probiotic bacteria may help treat colitis, a recent study on mice suggests.

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that are naturally present in the digestive tract. When taken in supplement form, probiotics are said to boost immunity and enhance digestive health.

In the recent study, scientists focused on mice with colitis (a condition marked by inflammation of the colon). A form of inflammatory bowel disease, colitis often results in painful sores, rectal bleeding, abdominal cramping, and weight loss.

Study results showed that a probiotic called Bacillus polyfermenticus helped reduce rectal bleeding and inflammation in the mice. The study also found that mice treated with the probiotic gained more weight and had greater angiogenesis (a process necessary for wound-healing) in their colon tissue when compared to mice that didn't receive Bacillus polyfermenticus.

Past studies indicate that aloe vera and boswellia may also benefit colitis patients.

Preliminary research indicates that antioxidants extracted from ginkgo biloba may help shield cells from radiation damage.

For the study, scientists worked with human white blood cells collected from healthy donors (ages 18 to 50). After treating half the cells with ginkgo biloba extract and half with a salt solution, the researchers exposed all the cells to a type of radiation often used in cancer treatment. Results suggested that ginkgo helped protect against radiation poisoning, most likely to due to the herb's antioxidant effects.

An herb used medicinally for thousands of years, ginkgo biloba is thought to stimulate circulation. Although research on ginkgo biloba's health effects is still fairly limited, studies suggest that the herb shows promise in the treatment of early-stage Alzheimer's disease, tinnitus, asthma, Raynaud's disease, and macular degeneration.

Eating flaxseed may help cut your cholesterol, according to a recent research review.

Sifting through 28 studies (with a total of more than 1,500 participants), investigators found that consumption of flaxseed was linked to significant decreases in total cholesterol and LDL ("bad") cholesterol. However, flaxseed did not appear to considerably alter levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol. What's more, flaxseed's cholesterol-lowering effects were more apparent in females (especially postmenopausal women) and people with higher cholesterol levels.

Rich in fiber and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseed has been shown to benefit people with diabetes, menopausal symptoms, and high blood pressure in previous studies.

Since whole flaxseeds may pass through your intestine undigested, nutrition experts often suggest grinding flaxseed (in a coffee grinder, for instance) before adding it to cereals, smoothies, and other foods.

New research shows that taking up a mind-body exercise program could help cancer patients fight fatigue. A common side effect of chemotherapy, fatigue may make cancer patients more prone to depression.

For the study, researchers focused on 269 cancer patients (ages 20 to 65) who were undergoing chemotherapy or treatment for advanced disease. For six weeks, study members joined in an exercise program that included three weekly high-intensity workout sessions (lasting 90 minutes each and combining cardiovascular exercise with strength training) and one weekly body-awareness session (including practices such as stretching, deep breathing, and Pilates). The program also involved four weekly half-hour sessions of relaxation training, as well as two weekly half-hour massage sessions.

Among the 235 participants who completed the study, researchers observed a decrease in fatigue and an increase in vitality. What's more, the study members showed improvements in physical functioning, as well as in mental and emotional wellbeing.