Carbohydrate malabsorption is an underlying cause of irritable bowel syndrome-type symptoms in some patients. This article explores the impact of fermentable short-chain carbohydrates (FODMAPs) on gut function, the benefits and risks of a low-FODMAP diet, and how probiotics can help individuals with carbohydrate malabsorption.
Intestinal epithelial cells and opportunistic pathogens tame innate and adaptive immunity in celiac disease
25 Sep 2024by Heather Galipeau, Sara Rahmani
Damaged intestinal epithelial cells are a hallmark of celiac disease. New findings in Gastroenterology shed light on the previously unrecognized role of intestinal epithelial cells in celiac disease, indicating that the epithelium is not only the target of immune-mediated damage but could also be an active player in orchestrating inflammation.
Several patients report that wheat and gluten significantly worsen gastrointestinal symptoms. Wheat is a complex food containing fibers, carbohydrates (mainly starch), and proteins, including gluten. Gluten comprises a group of ethanol-soluble proteins found in grains such as wheat, rye, oats, and barley.
Protist Tritrichomonas arnold protects against viral-induced gluten intolerance
18 Dec 2023by Heather Galipeau, Mark Wulczynski
Celiac disease is a chronic immune-mediated enteropathy that may be unleashed by enteric viral infections. However, new findings in mice identified a commensal protist, Tritrichomonas arnold, that protects against reovirus-induced intolerance to gluten by counteracting virus-induced proinflammatory dendritic cell activation.
Small Intestinal Microbiome: An understudied ecosystem in celiac disease
8 Aug 2022by Heather Galipeau
While celiac disease affects predominantly the small intestine, the contribution of the small intestinal microbiota has been largely understudied. New findings characterize the duodenal microbiota in patients with active celiac disease and explores its functional relevance.
Analysing the molecular and biochemical mechanisms disturbing the complex network of communication is key to our understanding of the pathophysiology of the functional GI disorders. Together with ESNM we have prepared an exciting webinar series under the topic: Microbiota and Gut-Brain Connection: A new Frontier in Neurogastroenterology. This free resource is a great opportunity to hear leading worldwide experts presenting the most recent findings on this topic.
Gut microbes in celiac disease show impaired metabolism of dietary tryptophan, according to researchers at McMaster University
27 Oct 2020by Heather Galipeau
Evidence over the past few years suggests that metabolites produced from microbes in the gut play a crucial role in maintaining gut health.
Could our gut microbiota protect us against harmful byproducts of food processing?
3 Feb 2020by Megan Mouw
Our gut microbiota aids in the digestion and absorption of nutrients and in training our immune system. New research in mice reveals gut bacteria may also protect us from chemical modifications of food ingredients introduced by food processing.
A new narrative review updates the scientific background of the mechanisms, diagnosis and management of food intolerances
23 Jan 2020by GMFH Editing Team
A clear consensus on the mechanisms of action of food intolerances doesn’t exist due to their heterogeneous nature. A new narrative review sheds light on the scientific background of the mechanisms, diagnosis and management of food intolerances.
Advances in the understanding of how microbes promote food sensitivity
4 Apr 2019by Heather Galipeau
Genetic predisposition alone cannot fully explain the current rise of food sensitivities, like celiac disease. Scientists have characterized the bacterial enzyme elastase involved in driving immune activation and worsening reactions to gluten in genetically susceptible hosts.
