Review – 11/8/17

1. Hypnosis can be an effective therapy for some functional GI disorders – acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic abdominal pain, and inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s & ulcerative colitis). Healio Gastroenterology & Liver Disease

 

2. Looking for a magic pill to transform your health (and your gut bacteria)? It exists! And it’s called “intensive lifestyle change”. While most of us have attempted lifestyle changes by transforming our diet and adopting an exercise plan, in order to be successful long-term, psychological factors (such as loneliness, isolation, depression, and anger) must also be addressed. Harvard Health

 

3. Breastfeeding protects against inflammatory bowel disease. In a review and meta-analysis of 35 studies (including 15,000 patients), researchers found that breastfeeding reduced the risk of developing IBD by 26% on average (while Asians experienced a 69% reduced risk of developing Crohn’s). The longer the duration of breastfeeding, the greater the reduction in risk. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics

 

4. Taking a probiotic pill (Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001) daily during pregnancy and in the first 6 months following birth lowered postnatal anxiety by half in a recent study. This confirms what we already know: a diet robust in fermented foods, leafy greens, and other high-fiber plants that helps you grow a good gut garden will also help you have a healthy pregnancy. BMC Pregnancy & Childbirth

 

5. Intestinal parasites like roundworms secrete a protein ( polygyrus Alarmin Release Inhibitor or HpARI) that could protect against asthma. The protein blocks the release of IL-33 – a major player in triggering immune reactions in allergic diseases like asthma. Scientists are hopeful this will open up new avenues for asthma therapeutics. Immunity

 

6. Gut bacteria regulate body composition by determining how much fat is extracted and absorbed from food. While “energy harvesting” has been a known microbial phenomenon, a recent study sheds light on the mechanisms behind it. Gut bacteria alter gene expression of the cells lining the intestinal wall, modifying how much NFIL3 (a protein involved in controlling the circadian rhythm) is produced, which determines how much fat the body absorbs and retains. Science

 

7. A causal link was found between C-section and increased weight gain. In a recent study performed in mice, those born via C-section, in the absence of antibiotic exposure, experienced an increase in weight gain when compared to their vaginal birth counterparts. The link was stronger in female offspring. Science Advances

 

8. A recent study shows a whole foods diet is protective against colon cancer and could act as a viable therapeutic for the disease. Brightly colored plant foods decreased interleukin-6 levels (increased levels are associated with colon cancer and other inflammatory chronic diseases), and were found to be 6 times lower than controls. While IL-6 lowering drugs are prescribed for inflammatory and chronic diseases, they are expensive and come with a list of side effects. Food as medicine! Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry

 

9. Mothers who delivered prematurely had lower gut bacteria diversity and lower levels of Bifidobacteria and Streptococcus. First step to increasing microbial diversity? Increase the diversity of plants in your diet. PLOS ONE

 

10. Topical acne medication – antibiotics and antiseptics – disrupt the skin microbiome and increase the risk of infection by changing the protective microbial balance. Choose a natural face cleanser like warm water, Manuka honey, … or even dirt! Antimicrobial Agents & Chemotherapy

 

11. This January, join Dr. Chutkan for her one-of-a-kind virtual interactive course – The Gutbliss Guide to SIBO. Designed for both patients and health care practitioners, this course provides you with the essential tools to make an accurate diagnosis, get symptoms under control, and achieve lasting relief. Space is limited – sign up today to reserve your spot! Gutbliss

 

By: Leslie Ann Berg, MSPH