Gutbliss Weekly Review – February 5, 2016

1. A scientist in search of poop in facial hair discovers new antimicrobials, a hopeful finding in this age of antibiotic resistance (although maybe resistant bacteria have finally met their match!). Washington Post

 

2. Infants born with “overactive” immune cells are more prone to developing food allergies – and scientists hypothesize these overactive cells may also lead to other allergic diseases such as eczema and asthma. Science Translational Medicine

 

3. Low fiber intake is linked to a 24% increased risk in breast cancer. Eat. More. Fiber. Time

 

4. Climate alters gut bacteria and intestinal physiology. When mice were placed in cold and room temperature chambers, the cold-chambered mice became 50% more efficient at absorbing nutrients, 40% more insulin-sensitive, and developed a microbiome and intestinal anatomy drastically different from that of room temperature-chambered mice. The Economist

 

5. While consuming healthy fats from nuts, seeds, avocados, and oils like coconut and olive oil, is vital for good health, it’s still important to keep your dietary fat in check. Excessive fat intake can lead to less than ideal bowel movements (oily stool can be a sign of too much fat), as well as digestion and gallbladder issues. Business Insider

 

6. A calorie is not a calorie. From calorie counts being “flat out wrong”, to specific types of gut bacteria having the ability to extract more calories from your food than others, we’re realizing that the calorie is not a reliable measurement. Eat a plant-based, whole food diet filled with colorful, high fiber foods and tune-in to your hunger and satiety cues to reach your ideal weight. It’s the only way! BBC

 

7. Scientists may have discovered a way to “partially restore” the microbiome of babies born via C-section – by slathering the newborn with the vaginal fluid from the mother upon delivery. Nature

 

8. If you’re looking to boost your immunity and improve your digestion, don’t underestimate the power of nutrition. Incorporate these spices into your dietary regimen, along with a colorful, veggie-rich diet. Mind Body Green

 

9. Dietary glutamic acid, an amino acid found in plant and animal protein, is associated with a decreased risk of colorectal cancer in normal weight individuals. Glutamic acid is abundant in spirulina, cabbage, asparagus, tomatoes, mushrooms, chives, lean meats, fish, and eggs. Cancer

 

10. Maternal diet determines the microbiome of breast milk, which in turn, determines the infant microbiome. What can breastfeeding mothers do to optimize their breast milk bacteria flora? Live Dirty, Eat Clean! Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine

 

By: Leslie Ann Berg