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is powerful medicine.

Certain types of microbes in the gut may be an early warning for Alzheimer’s disease Science Translational Medicine
In this study from Washington University, people with pre-clinical Alzheimer’s were found to have higher populations of certain bacteria involved in breaking down the amino acids arginine and ornithine, and lower levels of those involved in protecting neurons. These changes in gut bacteria were present years before people developed cognitive issues like memory loss and […]
Most side-effects of Ozempic are gut related
The most common side-effects of the weight-loss drug Ozempic are gut related. Here’s what you need to know. Ozempic, also known as Semaglutide, is a synthetic form of a human hormone called glucagon-like peptide one (GLP-1), that’s secreted in our gut and helps our body know when we’re full. The drug causes the stomach to […]
Is constipation just based on number of BMs?
How do you know if you’re constipated? Is it just based on how many times a week you have a bowel movement? There are lots of different criteria for diagnosing constipation. Most are based on the number of stools you’re having—fewer than three per week being the standard textbook definition. But the fact is you […]
Regular laxative use is a risk factor for dementia
Regular laxative use may be a risk factor for dementia, according to a research study published in the journal Neurology. The study involved over half a million people and compared regular laxative users to those who used laxatives infrequently or not at all. Regular laxative users were 51 percent more likely to develop dementia than […]
Infections in childhood increase obesity risk
Previous studies have assessed the relationship between antibiotic use and childhood obesity, but these studies didn’t take into account the possibility that the infections themselves (and not just the medications used to treat them) may also increase childhood obesity risk. This study followed over 61,000 children over a 4-year period and assessed infection frequency and […]
Variety is key for the microbiome
I’m fond of pointing out that “you are what you feed your microbes”, and more and more scientific evidence is bearing that out. A recent Washington Post article highlights just how important it is to feed your gut bacteria what they need, which is lots of indigestible and hard-to-digest plant fiber. But it turns out […]
Ultra-processed foods tied to colon cancer in men
These results seem odd; why men and not women? Let’s take a closer look at this study. Researchers from Tufts University assessed the influence of ultra-processed foods (including sugar-sweetened beverages, ready-to-eat meat-containing meals, baked goods, etc.) on cancer risk in three groups of men and women. Food consumption was measured using a dietary intake form […]
Certain types of microbes in the gut may be an early warning for Alzheimer’s disease Science Translational Medicine
In this study from Washington University, people with pre-clinical Alzheimer’s were found to have higher populations of certain bacteria involved in breaking down the amino acids arginine and ornithine, and lower levels of those involved in protecting neurons. These changes in gut bacteria were present years before people developed cognitive issues like memory loss and […]
A new study in Nature Communications confirms that when it comes to weight loss, not all calories are created equal.
It’s all about what you’re feeding your gut microbes! Processed foods that are low in fiber and typical of a Western diet (think packaged chips, cereals, and sugary snacks) are rapidly absorbed in your upper GI tract – providing maximal calories for you, and minimal for your gut bacteria. Less processed high-fiber foods like lentils, […]
Infections in childhood increase obesity risk
Previous studies have assessed the relationship between antibiotic use and childhood obesity, but these studies didn’t take into account the possibility that the infections themselves (and not just the medications used to treat them) may also increase childhood obesity risk. This study followed over 61,000 children over a 4-year period and assessed infection frequency and […]
Variety is key for the microbiome
I’m fond of pointing out that “you are what you feed your microbes”, and more and more scientific evidence is bearing that out. A recent Washington Post article highlights just how important it is to feed your gut bacteria what they need, which is lots of indigestible and hard-to-digest plant fiber. But it turns out […]
Ultra-processed foods tied to colon cancer in men
These results seem odd; why men and not women? Let’s take a closer look at this study. Researchers from Tufts University assessed the influence of ultra-processed foods (including sugar-sweetened beverages, ready-to-eat meat-containing meals, baked goods, etc.) on cancer risk in three groups of men and women. Food consumption was measured using a dietary intake form […]
Dr Robynne Chutkan
Dr. Chutkan's Newsletter
Read the latest news and research from Dr. Chutkan’s blog. From the most up to date science on the microbiome, to the best in gut-derived wellness – we are your complete guide to gut health! Sign-up now and receive FREE access to the Gutbliss Food Guide, Meal Plan, & Recipes, which includes all the basics on how to eat to optimize your microbial health.