But for how casually and frequently we reference the gut, few of us know exactly how it works, why it sometimes doesn't or much about its intimate relationship with the brain. Even medical experts have only recently come to appreciate the microbiome's connection to mood, anxiety and neurodegenerative disease. That's because the microbiome is a complex community comprised of trillions of microbes - and every single gut is unique to the specific person. It's an ecosystem as mysterious to us as the deep ocean, or outer space or the brain...which it evidently shares a "communication highway" with.
The FDA released a new scientific analysis Friday, concluding that fluoride supplements have limited benefits for children's teeth and may be linked to emerging safety concerns, including gut issues, weight gain and cognition. For the same reason fluoride may work to kill bacteria on teeth, it may also alter the gut microbiome, which may have broader health implications, the agency said in a statement.
During her final year she died on 19 August 2024 she was verified as the oldest living person, a feat that drew the attention of researchers who explore the biology of ageing. We wanted to learn from her particular case to benefit other people, says Manel Esteller, a physician specializing in genetics at the University of Barcelona in Spain. At the time, Branyas was living in the small town of Olot, in the Catalonia region of Spain, where she enjoyed reading books, playing with dogs
While many of us assume that diet is the only way to feed the trillions of microorganisms (including bacteria, fungi and viruses) that make up the microbiome, there are myriad daily habits that can help nurture this important part of the body. Diet often takes centre stage in discussions about the gut microbiome, and rightly so it plays a major role, says Dr Emily Leeming, a scientist, dietitian and research fellow at King's College London, and author of Genius Gut.
By looking after his gut microbiome, the trillions of microbes that live in the colon lining and impact overall health, he's also lowering his risk of colon cancer, which is rising in people under 50. Research has linked eating plant foods such as vegetables, nuts, and beans to a diverse microbiome, which is an indicator of good gut health, and a lower colon cancer risk. While ultra-processed foods, including processed red meats such as hot dogs and salami, have been linked to less diversity and a higher risk.
There are differences in Alzheimer's patients and their gut microbiota, and that's been verified by many groups now. Prior research has shown that when you make changes in the gut microbiota of Alzheimer model mice, you in turn have effects on the pathology of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's - amyloid plaques and tau accumulation.
