Review 10/18/16

1. Gut bacteria may cause migraine headaches, a recent study suggests. Those who possess higher levels of nitrate-processing gut bacteria may experience migraines when nitrates in food are broken down at an expedited rate, causing dilation in blood vessels in the brain and scalp. This may also explain why some foods trigger the onset of migraines in certain individuals. The Guardian

2. Chronic sleep fragmentation (SF), waking frequently throughout the night, alters eating behaviors, encouraging obesity and insulin resistance – all results of changes in the microbiome. SF is linked to an overgrowth of Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae and a decrease of Lactobacillaceae families, resulting in inflammation in white adipose tissue and increased insulin sensitivity in mice. Scientists hypothesize that these changes are due to increased intestinal permeability. Suffer from SF? Check out these 8 tips for better sleep. Nature

3. …And the search for a pill to cure obesity continues. Scientists tested the anti-obesity effects of four individual strains (L. casei IBS041, L. acidophilus AD031, B. bifidum BGN4, and B. longum BORI) in mice over an 8-week period. While each strain improved different aspects of metabolic health, B. longum BORI significantly suppressed mouse weight gain without affecting food intake. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications

4. Gutbliss’ very own, Dr. Robynne Chutkan, appeared on The Dr. Oz Show twice this month! Learn more about fiber and discover a customizable plan to successfully relieve your IBS symptoms in these short video clips. Then head over to Gutbliss.com for completely natural and highly effective fiber supplements to help you along your gut bliss journey.

5. High altitudes increase the progression of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Scientists found that exposure to high altitudes decreases oxygen delivery to the intestinal lining, which increases inflammation and can induce relapse in those with IBD. Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology

6. A guide to the look and consistency of your stool and what it says about your health? Yes, please! At Gutbliss, we view stool as one of the best ways to listen to your body and self diagnose. Turn around and take a look! The Conversation

7. Wondering just how detrimental antibiotics are to the microbiome? A recent review looks at the effects of antibiotics on microbial composition and GI infections and the role they play in creating a microbial climate for the formation of antibiotic resistant genes. Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology

8. Is microbial diversity all it’s cracked up to be? The stability, structure, and function of the microbiome also play integral roles in determining microbial and long-term health. One study shows that the microbiome could be stable without being diverse and the researchers encourage a broader approach to microbial analysis and research to better understand what makes up a “healthy” microbiome. Gut Microbes

9. Allergies in children are a sign that something’s amiss in the gut microbiome, leading to “mistuning the immune system”. Scientists encourage families to expose infants to a large array of microbes, beginning at birth with a vaginal delivery and breastfeeding, and extending into childhood with getting a dog and avoiding antibiotics. Live dirty for long-term health. The Wall Street Journal

10. Major depressive disorder (MDD) is diagnosed subjectively, but a new study shows that MDD possesses distinct fecal microbial characteristics that may offer a more objective diagnosis. When the fecal microbiome was tested in MDD patients, researchers observed more Firmicutes, less Bacteroidetes, and higher amounts of Prevotella, Klemsiella, Streptococcus, and Clostridium XI. The fecal microbiome may also be a useful biomarker for disease activity in Crohn’s patients and a diagnostic tool for irritable bowel syndrome. Journal of Affective Disorders

By: Leslie Ann Berg, MSPH