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.
People eating a mixed diet with animal foods share gut bacteria with vegans and vegetarians, a new study found
21 Jan 2025by 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.
The gut-heart axis: how the gut microbiota impacts cardiovascular health
23 Dec 2024by Cristina Sáez
The fundamental role of gut bacteria in overall health has been recognized for years. Imbalances in its composition have been linked to autoimmune, gastrointestinal, and metabolic diseases, and now also to cardiovascular conditions. Increasingly, scientists are studying the gut-heart axis and suggest that the gut microbiota could become a new therapeutic target for preventing and treating heart diseases.
The human gut microbiome is packed with enzymes that can transform food, drugs, or pollutants. New research maps interactions between dietary xenobiotics and the gut microbiome, explaining why diet can work differently for different people.
Are we getting closer to defining a ‘healthy’ gut microbiome? Here’s what recent studies show
28 Oct 2024by Hervé Blottière
While a higher gut microbiome diversity is generally considered a marker of health, specific microbial features that predict a host’s health and well-being are unknown. New studies characterize healthy gut microbiome trajectories in children and adults and link them to health outcomes.
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.
The fourth edition of IBS Days covered the latest IBS diagnosis and treatment advances in a postgraduate course. Read about the highlights and discussions (part 2).
The link between environmental and microbial factors and Crohn’s disease risk
29 Jul 2024by Rene van den Wijngaard
Whether environmental and microbial factors are the cause or consequence of Crohn’s disease is still subject to debate. Two recent studies by the Crohn’s and Colitis Canada—Genetic, Environmental, Microbial project have identified new clues.
An altered gut microbiome has been linked to various chronic diseases. New findings in mice reveal that a disrupted paternal gut microbiome impacts pregnancy health and increases the risk of growth issues in their future offspring.
While gut health and the microbiome have captured the attention of both researchers and the lay public, there is a gulf between popular media claims about gut health and the actual science. We spoke to Kristina Campbell, a microbiome science writer, about her new book on the subject called “Gut Health for Dummies”.
