Review – 6/13/17

1. Is whole grain or white bread better for you? It depends on your gut bacteria! A recent study found no clinical significant difference between the two breads, and while half of the participants had a more positive glycemic response to whole grain bread, the other half had a more positive response to white bread. However, scientists did find that glycemic response could be predicted by gut bacteria composition and conclude that there is no one size fits all approach when it comes to nutrition. Cell Metabolism

 

2. Gut bacteria can determine your body’s responsiveness to medications. A recent study looking at the chemotherapy drug irinotecan found that some microbial make-ups metabolize the drug differently and produces a toxic byproduct, causing severe diarrhea and deeming the drug ineffective. American Society of Microbiology

 

3. Where you carry your extra weight may play a role in determining your cancer risk. An additional 4.3 inches around the waist and 3.1 inches on the hips shown to increase cancer risk by 13 and 15% respectively. British Journal of Cancer

 

4. We are in the midst of an “epidemic of unnecessary and unhelpful treatments” where conventional medicine is concerned. When Evidence Says No, But Doctors Say Yes is a must read for all. Pro Publica

 

5. Inflammatory bowel disease patients express concerns over social media about biologic therapy (medications that block immune system signals from causing inflammation). Over half expressed a negative experience and concerns about biologics. Scientists conclude that patients need better education surrounding these therapies (namely the fact that they have a high success rate and a very low rate of causing cancer). Gutbliss recommends nutrition therapy first for IBD; a therapy that not only results in remission for a large percentage of patients, but has no risk of causing cancer and can improve every aspect of overall health. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

 

6. A vaccine for celiac disease in those with the disease proves safe, effective, and well tolerated. When exposed to gluten, those who took the vaccine exhibited a muted immune response. The Lancet – Gastroenterology & Hepatology

 

7. Older black individuals are more likely to develop colorectal cancer. A recent study showed that in the 66 to 75-age range, compared to their white counterparts, blacks are 31% more likely to develop the disease. Annals of Internal Medicine

 

8. Focusing immunotherapy on the genetic characteristics of cancer tumors rather than on the location of the disease may give hope to those with colorectal cancer. Officially green lit by the FDA, this type of cancer therapy could give hope to those whose disease is non-responsive to chemotherapy. The Washington Post

 

9. Habitual diet (not a yearly cleanse) determines gut microbiome composition and the gut microbiome overwhelmingly determines overall health and disease risk. A recent review analyzes human dietary habits and aims to outline how best to use diet in optimizing microbial health. Current Medicinal Chemistry

 

10. Increasing the microbial diversity of your home is a meaningful and important step when looking to improve your health – try getting a dog, opening your windows, being mindful of the cleaning supplies you use, and bringing plants into the home. The New York Times

 

By: Leslie Ann Berg, MSPH