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Digestive health news
Bacteriophages: Meet the viruses that hunt superbugs
Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that infect and kill bacteria. These microscopic predators are found everywhere, from soil and water to food and the human gut. Because they attack only specific bacteria, researchers ...
5 hours ago
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Fiber, bathroom habits key to preventing and treating hemorrhoids
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has released a new clinical practice update providing expert guidance on the diagnosis and treatment of hemorrhoids, a common condition affecting approximately 50% of people ...
10 hours ago
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Men and women may differ in how fitness level is linked to gut microbiome diversity
Aerobic fitness may be influenced by microbes in the gut, but men and women appear to show a different connection, according to a first-of-its-kind study. Researchers will present these findings at the 2026 American Physiology ...
Apr 27, 2026
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The one-two punch of stress and nighttime eating may lead to toilet trouble
It's well known that chronic stress can disrupt bowel function, sending people running to the bathroom or making them constipated. New research presented at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2026 suggests that eating late at night ...
Apr 23, 2026
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IBS treatment response predicted by gut microbiome in new study
In a new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the low FODMAP diet and the antibiotic rifaximin provided similar and significant relief for patients with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D).
Apr 22, 2026
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How coffee reshapes the gut-brain axis and lifts mood—even without caffeine
New research from APC Microbiome Ireland, a research center at University College Cork, has comprehensively explored the mechanisms behind coffee's positive effects on the gut–brain axis for the first time. The study published ...
Apr 21, 2026
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Gut microbiome changes may signal Parkinson's disease risk
Analysis of microbes in the gut can reveal whether a person faces an elevated risk of Parkinson's disease, before they have developed any symptoms, suggests a new study led by University College London (UCL) researchers. ...
Apr 20, 2026
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A black licorice compound slashes gut inflammation and cell death in IBD models and animals
A new study published in Stem Cell Reports demonstrates how a human stem cell-derived model of the intestine can be used to identify potential therapies for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), highlighting glycyrrhizin as a ...
Apr 16, 2026
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Poor hygiene and food handling practices increase the risk of bacterial outbreaks in Brazilian households
A significant number of Brazilians engage in improper food hygiene and handling practices at home. Examples include washing meat in the kitchen sink and failing to properly wash vegetables. These findings were revealed by ...
Apr 15, 2026
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Why bowel movements start: Newly identified ATP signaling may explain the colon's strongest contractions
Giant migrating contractions (GMCs) are powerful waves of colonic movement that propel intestinal contents toward the anus and are essential for defecation. Yet despite their physiological importance, the mechanisms that ...
Apr 15, 2026
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Rethinking the gut microbiome: Health is not about staying the same, say experts
At any moment, your body hosts trillions of microorganisms, on your skin, in your hair, and especially in your gut. Together they form the microbiome. It plays a crucial role in digestion, immunity, and overall health. Yet ...
Apr 9, 2026
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Gut inflammation may rewire the 'second brain,' triggering lasting motility problems
Research by Milena Bogunovic, MD, Ph.D., associate professor of pathology, sheds light on how inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, such as that associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), can lead to long-lasting ...
Apr 8, 2026
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Loss of microbiota alters the profile of cells that protect the intestinal wall, experiments reveal
A research team led by scientists from the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in São Paulo, Brazil, has made significant progress in understanding the relationship between gut microbiota and intestinal cells. The study, ...
Apr 8, 2026
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Are your bathroom habits normal? New book addresses concerns
When you're an expert on the gut, you're used to conversations others might shy away from. So a book on pooping and what can go wrong in the process is on brand for Trisha Pasricha, a second-generation gastroenterologist ...
Apr 7, 2026
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High‑fat diets linked to rapid decline in protective gut immune cells
In a preclinical study from Mass General Brigham, researchers have found that even short-term exposure to high levels of dietary fat results in a quick and selective loss of critical gut immune cells called ILC3s, promoting ...
Apr 6, 2026
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Researchers create first working model of specialized gut cells
Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University investigators have for the first time created human intestinal organoids that include functional Paneth cells, a specialized cell type that is found in the inner lining of the intestine. ...
Apr 6, 2026
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Celiac disease may blunt high-fiber benefits when key gut microbes are missing
Many people with celiac disease are advised to eat more fiber to support digestion and manage symptoms, either through diet or prescribed fiber supplements. New research from McMaster University shows that the benefits of ...
Mar 31, 2026
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Constipation is common, but with simple changes, you can manage and even prevent it
Chances are you've experienced constipation at some point in your life. It's one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints, affecting people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Constipation is typically defined as ...
Mar 30, 2026
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Boosting good gut bacteria population through targeted interventions may slow cognitive decline
The origin of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's or dementia isn't limited to the brain. The state of your gut can quietly set off a cycle of chronic, system-wide inflammation that nudges the brain toward cognitive ...
IBS diets don't work for everyone: New research shows why—and it's not just about the food
If you've ever tried a diet to fix gut symptoms, you'll know it can be hit or miss. One person swears it changed their life. Another follows it carefully and feels no better.
Mar 27, 2026
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Fiber in whole wheat foods protects against gut inflammation in mice, research finds
Enriching the diet with wheat fiber protects mice against intestinal inflammation, according to a study published by researchers at the Institute for Biomedical Sciences (IBMS) at Georgia State University. The finding helps ...
Mar 25, 2026
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Meta-analysis of nearly 15,000 people links IBS to low-grade inflammation signs
New research from the University of Newcastle has found that people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) show detectable biological changes, challenging the long-held perception that the condition lacks a physical basis. The ...
Mar 25, 2026
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Couples share 30% of their gut bacteria. Here's how that may affect health
When living with a partner, you might be sharing more than just the same home, lifestyle, and interests. You might also share various microscopic organisms residing on and in you.
Mar 23, 2026
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Gut microbiome thrives on fiber—tapeworms confirm it
Intestinal worms can help reduce inflammation in the human body—but only if they have enough dietary fiber. Without it, they switch into a hibernation-like state and their protective effect disappears. This is the finding ...
Mar 19, 2026
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Switching from milk to solid food in early life helps reprogram the gut's immune defenses, researchers find
According to a team of researchers at Baylor College of Medicine, Tongji University and collaborating institutions, weaning or switching from milk to solid food in early life doesn't just change what babies eat, it helps ...
Mar 19, 2026
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