Gutbliss Weekly Review – February 26, 2016

1. Drink coffee, reduce your risk of liver disease (or cirrhosis). While scientists find that 2 cups daily reduce risk of disease onset by 44%, coffee doesn’t cancel out excessive alcohol consumption, nor can it reverse liver damage once it occurs. Gutbliss warns against excessive coffee consumption, as caffeine can result in less than ideal bowel movements and digestive upset. Interested in more on liver disease? Recent studies show that the gut microbiome plays a role in the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Science Alert

 

2. Gut bacteria are the reason we’re overweight, a new documentary suggests. Using the scientific evidence, The Diet Myth reveals the important role gut bacteria play in our expanding waistlines and proves the undeniable link between antibiotics, poor diet, and altered gut bacteria in making us fat. news.com.au

 

3. We are experiencing a rapid extinction of bacteria in our guts: 180,000 years ago, the human gut had “up to 50% more bacterial species and twice as many bacterial genes than ours do.” Scary stuff when we know that one defining characteristic of a “healthy” microbiome is how diverse it is – the more diverse, the better! What’s the solution to the modern depleted microbiome? Eat more fiber! Our ancestors ate approximately 10 times the amount of fiber than we eat today. Los Angeles Times

 

4. Scientists call for additional research to investigate the safety, benefits, and protocol of bacteria swabbing C-section birthed newborns (known as vaginal seeding) to help establish the infant microbiome. While the practice may be beneficial in theory, some scientists believe we are still not sure that passage through the vaginal canal establishes a “healthier” microbiome, and if so, whether vaginal seeding is effective. There is also concern that the practice could expose newborns to pathogenic bacteria. CNN

 

5. A physiological difference between functional constipation (FC) and Irritable bowel syndrome constipation (IBS-C) is identified using MRI to assess mechanical differences in response to a laxative. IBS is a difficult disease to diagnose and by identifying these physiological differences in constipation types, doctors hope to make more accurate diagnoses and in turn, arrive at more effective treatments for both conditions. Neurogastroenterology & Motility

 

6. Malnourished children possess an underdeveloped microbiome when compared to their healthy counterparts. This lack of microbial development impacts nutrient absorption and metabolism, and may uncover the reason why nutrient supplementation isn’t effective in solving childhood under nutrition. Scientists look at ways to repair the microbiome and arrive at more effective treatments through probiotic supplementation. Note: Childhood malnutrition exists in well-fed populations who consume the Standard American Diet, a diet high in calories, fat, sugar, and salt, and low in nutrients. Live Dirty, Eat Clean! MIT Technology News

 

7. Eat more fiber for breakfast for an easy way to jump-start your daily intake, improve your microbial balance and diversity, and reach your stool nirvana! Try this breakfast porridge and take a look around for other colorful and tasty, microbe-friendly meals. The Full Helping

 

8. High fructose corn syrup is now being called isolated fructose in some “all natural health” foods. Eat foods that don’t make health claims – whole foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds. What sweeteners are best for gut health? Fruits and veggies are the Gutbliss go to, but if you must have an added sweetener on occasion, choose Manuka honey or coconut palm sugar. REAL farmacy

 

9. Neurological dysfunction experienced in those suffering from non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) and celiac disease (CD) share similar pathological and physiological pathways and characteristics, and the neurological manifestations in both conditions respond equally well to a gluten free diet. Think you may suffer from NCGS? An elimination diet may help! The American Journal of Gastroenterology

 

10. Put your Gutbliss Weekly Review knowledge to good use and join Dr. Chutkan’s 7-day microbiome challenge! WDRB

 

By: Leslie Ann Berg, MSPH