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Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Increase Cancer Risk
Liver cancer is now the 6th most common cause of cancer deaths in the US. Some risk factors are well known, like viral hepatitis, smoking, alcohol, obesity, diabetes, and cirrhosis (a late-stage liver disease that permanently damages the tissue). But more than 40% of liver cancers can’t be explained by any of those known risk […]
Healthy Plant-Based Diet Reduces Breast Cancer Risk
Researchers looked at adherence to a healthy plant-based diet and its association with breast cancer risk in over 65,000 women. Unique to this study, the quality of plant-based foods consumed was taken into consideration. Plant foods were categorized into two groups: healthy plant foods (including whole grains, fruit, vegetables, nuts, legumes, vegetable oils, and tea) […]
Regular Alcohol Consumption Alters the Gut Microbiome
A March 2022 review study published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology found that people with alcohol use disorder (AUD) have specific changes in their gut microbiome that include decreases in “good” bacteria like Faecalibacterium, which have anti-inflammatory properties, and Roseburia, which help maintain the integrity of the gut barrier. Too much alcohol can […]
Is Your Liver Healthy?
As alcohol use has increased exponentially during the pandemic, this is a question many of us may be thinking about. In fact, a recent study found that alcohol-associated liver disease is a leading contributor to liver-associated cancer deaths worldwide. Alcohol consumption can cause excessive fat buildup in the liver (fatty liver or hepatic steatosis), inflammation […]
Does Alcohol Increase Colon Cancer Risk?
Alcohol increases colon cancer risk, independent of genetic risk. The study, published in May of this year in EClinical Medicine, looked at alcohol consumption and its association with colorectal cancer risk in over 9,000 patients. Alcohol consumption was self-reported using the following categories: abstinent (0g/d), low (less than 1 drink daily), low to moderate (1 […]
Signs of Concussion Can Be Found in the Gut
Signs of a concussion can be found in the gut, according to a Houston Methodist study. Researchers who conducted the study took blood, stool, and saliva samples from 33 Rice University football players and found that tracking changes in the gut microbiome following head injury could act as an important marker for diagnosing concussions and […]
Genetics, Lifestyle & Environment Influence Food Allergy Risk
Genetics, lifestyle, and environment influence the risk of food allergies in early life. A review article published in Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology conducted a literature review of all scientific articles on food allergy and food sensitization published after 2015 and explored the following topics: the genetic risks for food allergy links between atopic […]
Eating Less Meat Lowers Cancer Risk
Eating meat 5 times or less per week lowers your risk of getting cancer, according to a recent study published in BMC Medicine. The study included over 470,000 participants and analyzed the risk of cancer in vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets. Diets were classified as: Regular meat consumption: consuming processed red meats and/or poultry more than […]
The Gut-Sleep Connection
You’ve probably noticed that when you’re sleep-deprived, you’re more susceptible to the flu or a cold. That’s no coincidence. Like an overheated computer, it’s your immune system malfunctioning because it’s not getting the sleep it needs. While you sleep, your immune system is hard at work producing infection-fighting antibodies and cytokines that help protect you […]
Gut Microbiome Impacts Severity of COVID-19
Correlation between the composition of your gut microbiome, cytokine levels and inflammatory markers in COVID-19 patients confirms that severity of COVID-19 is linked to the gut microbiome, according to a study in Gut. In this study, blood, stool, and patient records from 100 patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were evaluated. Results showed significant gut microbiome […]
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.