Review – 3/19/17

1). Proton pump inhibitors (PPI’s) do not decrease the risk of developing esophageal cancer – one of the primary reasons PPI’s are prescribed – a 2017 literary review and meta-analysis finds. PPI’s are also linked to increasing the risk of serious bacterial infections. Learn more about tapering off of your PPI medication. PLOS One

 

2). Twelve common chemicals in the environment have significant effects on our youth’s intelligence (not to mention on our microbiome!), and pesticides are at the top of the list. Scientists say that by eating organic foods, we can decrease our exposure to harmful pesticides (which have proven unnecessary in a recent report and study) by 80 to 90%. The additional expense of organic foods is a small price to pay when brain health is at jeopardy! The Atlantic

 

3). Still wondering if a gluten-free diet is right for you? Here’s a dynamic history of the gluten free diet and growing scientific support that non-celiac gluten sensitivity is real and worthy of attention. While some believe gluten has no adverse health effects in people that have no symptoms when eating gluten, others believe gluten has detrimental affects even when asymptomatic and should be avoided. But adopting a gluten-free diet must be done in the right way to reap its benefits. CNN

 

4). Exercise has a significant impact on extending the survival of colon cancer patients, even those in the advanced stages of the disease. Just 5 hours of non-vigorous exercise (walking, gardening, house cleaning, etc.) per week lowered the risk of early death by 25% and as little as 30 minutes a day slowed disease progression by 16% in a recent study. Looking for ways to prevent colon cancer altogether? Diet, and how it affects gut bacteria, proves to have a significant impact. 2017 Gatrointestinal Cancers Symposium

 

5). Johnson & Johnson admits to cancer-causing ingredients, including quarternium-15, a chemical that releases formaldehyde – a carcinogen linked to leukemia and brain cancer. If you’re looking for microbe-friendly, harmless products for you and your family, download the Environmental Working Group’s Healthy Living app. Daily Health Post

 

6). Sleep loss, and sleeping outside the normal “biological night” disrupts the circadian rhythm and detrimentally affects gut bacteria. In individuals studied, sleep loss increases the risk of metabolic disease, including type 2-diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. While food and exercise are vital to a healthy microbiome, sleep is just as important! Molecular Metabolism

 

7). Red and processed meats are cancer causing, but is the risk the same for everyone? Those who consume these foods in moderation, limit refined sugar intake, and consume lots of fruits and vegetables are at a lower risk, while those who are infected with Helicobacter pylori or who suffer from inflammatory bowel disease are at a higher risk. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science & Food Safety

 

8). Celiac patient symptoms prove to be poor indicators of ongoing mucosal damage in the intestines, while NSAIDs, PPIs, and SSRIs shared a positive association with mucosal damage. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics

 

9). Paint your nails much? If so, you may want to consider switching to a more natural option. Triphenyl phosphate, an endocrine disruptor, was found in 26 study participants who had recently painted their nails, and its presence in their urine markedly increased after nail polish was used. EWG

 

10). Could secondhand sugars be as harmful as secondhand smoke? Maybe so! There is evidence that shows the sugars passed on during pregnancy and breastfeeding can disrupt healthy growth and development in the offspring and can significantly increase obesity risk. Washington Post

 

By: Leslie Ann Berg, MSPH