Review – 8/17/17

1. The key to flu prevention lies in the gut, and is contingent on eating more plants! Desaminotyrocine (DAT), a byproduct produced when a specific gut bacteria strain (Clostridium orbiscindens) breaks down plant foods, protects against the influenza virus by increasing antiviral responses. Science

 

2. Colorectal cancer death rates are increasing among white Americans under the age of 55 (in the Generation X and millennial populations), and falling in older generations and minority groups. This perplexing statistic is causing scientists to revisit screening recommendations. Gutbliss has an important recommendation to offer this at risk population – eat more plants! JAMA

 

3. Trauma experienced in childhood could permanently alter gut bacteria, increasing the risk of severe irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In a recent study, those with IBS who experienced trauma in early life had markedly different gut bacteria and more severe, longer lasting symptoms than those who didn’t. Researchers also found a strong correlation between gut bacteria and parts of the brain where sensory information is processed. Microbiome Journal

 

4. The age-old advice (backed by little evidence) of finishing a course of antibiotics, even if you feel better, to reduce the risk of promoting the growth of drug-resistant bacteria has been turned on its head. Compelling evidence suggests just the opposite – prolonged use of antibiotics increases the risk of antibiotic resistance – and scientists are finding that shorter courses of antibiotics have the same outcome as longer courses. The Daily Beast

 

5. The American Medical Association (AMA) passes a resolution urging hospitals to provide plant-based meals and to remove cancer-causing, processed meats from their menus. Hospitals have been known to serve a hamburger meal to a patient who just received triple bypass surgery. Hopefully this incredible disconnect in hospitals between food and health is coming to an end! PCRM

 

6. The intestinal tract plays an integral role in type 2 diabetes. Gastric emptying rates affect post-meal blood sugar levels and glucose-related hormone release. Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders

 

7. Self-care and cosmetic products can be sold without ever being tested. Without regulation, how are we to know what’s safe and what’s not? When considering personal care products, check out EWG’s Skin Deep Database for some helpful tips. New York Times

 

8. Does colonoscopy prep wipe out your gut microbiome? While the answer is yes, studies show that the gut microbiome is restored within 2 to 4 weeks. A recent study also showed that splitting the prep into two parts (1 liter taken the night before and the second liter the morning of) resulted in a quicker restoration of gut bacteria. Gut

 

9. Exposure to antibiotics during pregnancy and at birth significantly alters the infant gut microbiome during the first 3 months of life (a crucial time in the development of microbial homeostasis and immunity) a recent study finds. Microbiome Journal

 

10. From double dipping to sharing a bowl of popcorn to blowing out candles… here are some quick facts about how much bacteria is actually transferred during 7 common “dirty” food habits. While these facts might send you running for the hills, Gutbliss would like to remind you that being exposed to a diverse array of microbes through daily living and interacting with others isn’t necessarily a bad thing, and could in fact be good for our health! CNN

 

By: Leslie Ann Berg, MSPH