Gutbliss Weekly Review – January 29, 2016

1. Psychotherapy, including cognitive therapy, relaxation, and hypnosis, prove effective in relieving IBS symptoms, and the beneficial effects last 6 to 12 months. For a GI condition that affects almost 20% of the population, these are important findings. Medical News Today

2. Researchers find that delivery mode (vaginal versus C-section) has equal if not greater effects on the microbiome than feeding methods (breast fed versus formula). JAMA Pediatrics

3. Kale…not healthy? Correct! It’s nutritious, and we will be healthy if we eat it. Michael Ruhlman, in his recent Washington Post article, argues that the misleading nomenclature surrounding the American food system, including words like healthy, refined, and natural, is at the heart of why so many of us are confused about what to eat. Washington Post

4. To protect your child against asthma and obesity, a new study supports the judicious use of antibiotics in early life. Nature

5. Could viruses extracted from toxic sewage take the place of antibiotics in this era of rapidly rising antibiotic resistance? Yes! Bacteriophages continue to make headlines. The Wall Street Journal

6. A new study sheds light on how antibiotic use can lead to C. diff infection. Bacteria in the large intestine convert bile acids into secondary bile acids, which prevent C. diff spores from growing. During antibiotic use, these important bacteria, as well as the secondary bile acids they generate, are no longer present, and in their absence, C. diff spores proliferate. NCSU

7. Scientists are finding that diseases have distinct microbial footprints, and are working to map and utilize these microbial characteristics to diagnose, treat, and prevent disease, including colorectal cancer, type I diabetes, liver disease, and Crohn’s.

8. Factors that disturb the infant microbiome like C-section, formula feeding, immunizations, and antibiotics, have lifelong effects on metabolism, immunity, and neurological function and could contribute to diseases such as allergies, asthma, obesity, autism, and more, a new study states. International Business Times

9. Using the clues your body gives you, including the look, smell and consistency of your stool, is one of the most important things you can do for your health! #BeYourInnerDoctor Health

By: Leslie Ann Berg, MSPH