by Mónica Quinzo
Gut microbiota plays a role in cholesterol metabolism by influencing bile acid production. Recent research has identified a microbial process that helps maintain metabolic balance and prevent fat accumulation. Understanding this interaction may provide insights into metabolic health and disease prevention.
A new study reveals that consuming fiber-rich foods can play a crucial role in cancer prevention. The research shows that some products of fiber digestion by gut microbiota, such as butyrate and propionate, can alter gene expression and exert anti-tumor effects. These findings highlight the importance of including whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, and nuts in our daily diet to support long-term health.
Could a simple change in diet transform your gut microbiome and reduce your risk of chronic diseases? This article explores recent research testing a diet inspired by non-industrialized dietary patterns.
by Andreu Prados
The composition of the gut microbiome depends mainly on diet. A new study sheds light on the most beneficial diet for your gut – and it may have to do with the food quality and diversity you consume rather than whether you follow a vegan, vegetarian, or omnivore diet.
We continue our series on the gut axis, this time focusing on the gut-skin connection. You might have noticed it yourself—how a heavy, sugary meal can lead to breakouts the next day, or how certain food allergies can trigger rashes. This is the gut-skin axis at work, demonstrating an association between the health of our gut and the condition of our skin, and vice versa.
For the first time, a European group of researchers have analyzed the microbiome of more than 2,500 different types of foods. The insights gained will help better identify good and bad ‘bugs’ and improve the quality and safety of existing products. Additionally, the research sheds light on the influence of food microbiome on our own gut microbiome and overall health.
Scientists are starting to elucidate the roots of gastrointestinal symptoms that appear after a meal in people with irritable bowel syndrome. Current research highlights the immune drivers of gut pain, which could offer clues on how to treat IBS.
by Andreu Prados
While antibiotics save countless lives each year, they can cause irreversible changes to the balance of the gut ecosystem. Learn more about the short- and long-term effects of antibiotics on gut health, as well as science-based strategies for recovery after their use.
Two hospitals in Barcelona, the Clínic and Bellvitge, have launched Spain's first Fecal Microbiota Bank. Their goal is to obtain donations of stool from healthy individuals to perform microbiota transplants on patients suffering from potentially fatal infections of bacteria known as C. difficile infections. We step into the fecal microbiota transfer units of both hospitals to learn how they operate and meet some of the donors.
The topic for World Microbiome Day 2024 is “Feed your microbes”. We have interviewed scientists about the knowns and unknowns of what is a healthy gut microbiome and the current level of application of microbiome-directed personalized nutrition to healthcare.
