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Weight control could be more genetic than previously thought.New studies confirm a genetic mutation that makes people feel full all the time, which may explain why some people are less interested in food and naturally thin. The first study included half a million participants between the ages of 40 and 69. Through DNA samples, medical […]
What You’re Not Eating Could Be Making You Sick
Did you know that it may not be what you’re eating, but what you’re not eating that’s causing your GI distress? Most of us embark on dietary changes by omitting the culprits we believe cause us harm. Whether it’s gluten, dairy, processed sugar, or alcohol, our main focus is usually on subtracting the “bad” from our diets, rather […]
Stock image image of bread skull and crossbones with crumbs on white background
Should I avoid gluten is probably a question many of us have asked ourselves over the last few years. Here is some useful information that may help you  get to the right answer. As you may know, gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley) can trigger an immune response in some individuals, causing damage […]
Acid reflux in old women
Recently diagnosed with esophagitis and reflux, my doctor recommends I take proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for the rest of my life, but I’d prefer to use alternatives, such as a healthy diet, exercise and stress reduction. Is this possible? -Dan Dr. Chutkan: Dan, you’re on the right track in being cautious of lifelong PPI use. Stomach acid […]
Gluten Found In Many Gluten-Free (GF) Labeled Restaurant Foods
Avoiding gluten is the number one therapy for treating celiac disease, yet a new study finds that GF labels are overwhelmingly unreliable. Using a portable device designed to detect gluten (Nima), crowd-sourced data was collected measuring the risk factors for and rates of gluten contamination in restaurant foods labeled GF. Results found that out of the […]
Gallbladder – Leave It In Or Take It Out?
Rose was in a big hurry when she came to see me. Gallbladder surgery was looming on the horizon based on a test (HIDA scan) that showed a poorly functioning organ, and she needed answers fast. Her symptoms were pretty mild and non-specific: bloating, a feeling of fullness after eating, and vague abdominal discomfort, but […]
Ketogenic low carbs diet concept. Healthy balanced food with high content of healthy fats. Diet for the heart and blood vessels. Organic food ingredients, white marble background, copy space top view
I’m trying to lose weight and I keep stumbling upon the keto diet and other low carb options for weight loss. What’s your opinion on diets that limit or completely eliminate carbohydrates? Would it be ok for me to do a 4-week crash keto diet, then slowly reintroduce carbs? -Keri Dr. Chutkan: Keri, growing a […]
Your Gallbladder
Did you know since laparoscopic technique was introduced into popular practice in the 1990s, the number of cholecystectomies (surgery for gallbladder removal) in the US has almost doubled? Laparoscopic cholecystectomy minimized what was a large incision to a few tiny punctures, reduced infection rates, scar tissue, hospital stay, and surgery time, and sped up healing […]
Moroccan Sweet Potatoes
By the time you finish preparing these stuffed sweet potatoes, your home will be fragrant with the aromas of cinnamon, garlic, and ginger. The lentils in this dish are a standout—richly spiced, thick, and hearty. Scooping them over tender baked sweet potatoes is a perfect way to transform them into a complete and satisfying meal; […]
Pumpkin Banana smoothies on a white wooden background. toning. selective focus
With the nostalgic flavors of a pumpkin pie, this smoothie will become your fall favorite. Pumpkin is high in antioxidants and a great source of energy to keep you fueled throughout the day. This smoothie is also an excellent precursor to winter with both the warming and anti-inflammatory properties of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. For […]
The concept of starvation, bulimia. A pea on a fork on a white plate.
Want to slow down the aging process, live longer, feel younger? Eat less. Partial results from the most comprehensive study on calorie restriction (a 2-year randomized controlled trial including 200+ healthy adults looking at the effects of calorie restriction on metabolism) in humans and its effect on slowing the aging process have just been released. Tests […]
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Could your gut bacteria make you smarter (or not so smart)? Recent studies show overwhelming evidence that the microbial communities living within our gut play a central role in brain function and development, behavior, and even cognition, including learning and memory. A recent paper outlines how advances in microbial research can be utilized to understand individual […]
Two puzzle pieces on blue background as a symbol of autism awareness.
Early life antibiotic exposure shows no association with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A recent study including all live births in Manitoba, Canada between 1998 and 2016 looked at antibiotic exposure (defined as having filled one or more antibiotic prescriptions in the first year of life) and ASD diagnosis. The study found that antibiotic exposure (both number […]
Seasoned nut loaf, guacamole, romaine lettuce, salsa & almond nut cheese wrapped in a collard leaf.
Collard leaves are great for your microbes and can take the place of a traditional grain-based wrap. Use this list for inspiration and then fill the wrap with any of the Live Dirty, Eat Clean–approved ingredients on the plan. Have fun and get creative. Ingredients Sliced or shredded colorful vegetables: cabbage, carrots, beets, jicama, red […]
Colorful incense stick. Lavender, Rose, Patchouli, Sandal
First results are in! Researchers using a birth-cohort of 33,000 Chinese babies have released impressive findings already, just 6 years after the start of the cohort. Scientists found that exposure to incense burning, a practice common in southern China, increases hypertension risk in pregnant mothers. Nature →Takeaway: Exposure to fumes and chemicals during pregnancy may be risky for both […]
Artificial Sweeteners Prevent Gut Bacteria From Reproducing
Non-nutritive sweeteners, or artificial sweeteners including Stevia, have bacteriostatic effects that prevent gut bacteria from reproducing and increase Firmucutes in mice. PLOS →Takeaway: Eliminating non-nutritive sweeteners from the diet is an important step in improving microbial health. Even Stevia can be problematic, although derived from a natural source. If you feel the need to sweeten a beverage or […]
t-lymphocyte. white blood cell. Lymphocyte. B-Lymphocyte
Beneficial gut bacteria help determine our ability to fight off infection, but how? Scientists discover that gut bacteria communicate with immune cells and cells lining the intestinal wall to regulate the immune system’s response to infection. Beneficial gut bacteria are responsible for attaching to the intestinal wall and signaling the cellular production of IL-10, a cytokine […]
Homemade tomato and red pepper gazpacho soup.
This chilled Middle Eastern tomato-based soup is refreshing, spicy, and flavorful, and it can also be made in advance and served on a warm summer day. You get the perfect combination of spices that offer anti-inflammatory benefits along with a huge dose of lycopene from the fresh tomatoes.  SERVES 4 Ingredients 4 cloves garlic, minced […]
homemade healthy Chia seeds and strawberry overnight oatmeal in jar. toning. selective Focus
Overnight oats are a great option when you need a handy breakfast to go but you still want to eat according to the Live Dirty, Eat Clean Lifestyle. Add omega-rich chia seeds into the mix, and you have an easy-to-make, portable breakfast. Combine the ingredients in a jar at night, then in the morning top […]
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.