Latest news with #Lawsonibacterasaccharolyticus
Gulf News
03-05-2025
- Health
- Gulf News
Cup half-full: How drinking coffee could improve your gut health
Coffee lovers always knew they were on the winning team. In a world where health trends shift by the minute, they're the first to say, 'See? Told you so,' whenever new research praises coffee. The claims about coffee's benefits are so wide-ranging, it can almost sound like a magical elixir. Haircare? Yes—scientists have found evidence that coffee might stimulate hair growth. So yes, go ahead and sip that cup of Joe for stronger strands. Live longer? Hand that cup of coffee right away! Skincare? We're getting there. Coffee is packed with stellar ingredients that have been extensively studied, making it feel like it could save you from just about everything. And now, the spotlight is on gut health. The many joys of coffee It gives you a jolt for sure, but there's more bubbling beneath the surface. It contains polyphenols, which are plant-based compounds that act like antioxidants. These same polyphenols also have prebiotic effects, meaning they help feed the good bacteria in your gut. Yes, your flat white might be quietly cheering on your microbiome. According to researchers, coffee consumption has been linked to a higher diversity of gut bacteria, especially the kind that are associated with anti-inflammatory effects. A more diverse microbiome often translates to better digestion, immune function, and even mood regulation. How coffee helps the gut In 2024, new research made headlines. A study by ZOE, published in Nature Microbiology, analyzed data from over 22,000 people across 25 countries. The results showed that coffee drinkers had distinct gut bacteria profiles compared to non-drinkers. One bacterium, Lawsonibacter asaccharolyticus, stood out, appearing 6 to 8 times more in coffee drinkers. Moreover, this boost occurred regardless of whether participants drank regular or decaf coffee. This suggests it's not the caffeine, but rather compounds like chlorogenic acid (a type of polyphenol), that play a role. Further lab tests confirmed that coffee helps L. asaccharolyticus thrive. This bacterium then breaks down coffee's polyphenols into useful byproducts like quinic acid and hippurate—both linked to antioxidant effects and reduced inflammation. In short, your morning brew may be quietly fine-tuning your gut. But, what about acid and bloating? That said, coffee isn't everyone's cup of tea. As Sharifa Khan, a Dubai-based dietician says, For those with sensitive stomachs, coffee, specially on an empty stomach, can lead to acid reflux, bloating, or discomfort. This isn't just anecdotal. Studies confirm that coffee stimulates gastric acid secretion. A 2010 review in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research notes that while coffee doesn't cause ulcers, it can aggravate symptoms in those with existing digestive conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It's not just the caffeine—though that plays a role—it's also other compounds like catechols and N-alkanoyl-5-hydroxytryptamides, which increase stomach acid production. A study published in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2004) found that coffee consumption significantly reduced lower esophageal sphincter pressure, making acid reflux more likely in susceptible individuals. So, what can you do if you love coffee but your gut doesn't? You need to know your personal tolerance. If not, you don't have to give it up entirely. Consider: Switching to low-acid coffee varieties: Made from beans processed to reduce acidity. Opting for cold brew, which is naturally lower in acid due to its brewing method. Drinking coffee after a meal, which helps buffer its acidic effects on the stomach lining. Coffee and fibre: A solid combination Here's a lesser-known fact: coffee contains a small amount of soluble fibre, as Khan says. It's not enough to replace your fruits and veggies, but it can add a little support to your daily intake. That fiber, combined with the prebiotic polyphenols, can create an environment that promotes good bacteria. Pair your cup with high-fibre snacks like oats, bananas, or almonds, and you're giving your gut a gentle nudge toward wellness. So, if coffee makes you feel good, both mentally and physically, you're likely doing something right. Its impact on gut health is still being studied, but early research shows a clear trend: moderate coffee drinking is associated with better gut diversity and improved bowel movement patterns.
Yahoo
16-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
A New Study Found That This Morning Beverage Can Improve Your Gut Health Almost Instantly
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Sipping on a cup of joe is an easy way to infuse some much-need pleasure into a hectic morning or slow afternoon at work. But a growing body of research suggests that coffee might do your physical health a solid, too, even helping your gut cultivate some great bacteria. A new study, which was published in Nature Microbiogy, found that a coffee habit is linked with a certain type of bacteria growth that's believed to boost your gut health. However, the link is a little complicated. So, with that in mind, here's what the study found, plus what doctors want you to know. Meet the experts: Danbee Kim, MD, nutrition expert, weight loss surgeon, and assistant professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School; Nicola Segata, PhD, study co-author, professor, and principal investigator at the CIBIO Department of the University of Trento; Rudolph Bedford, MD, a gastroenterologist at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA For the study, researchers analyzed fecal (i.e. poop) data from more than 20,000 people and tracked how much coffee they consumed on a daily basis. The researchers found that people who regularly drank coffee also had a bacterium called Lawsonibacter asaccharolyticus in their gut. 'People who drink coffee, on average, have a six to eight times higher amount of this bacterium in the gut,' says Nicola Segata, PhD, study co-author, professor, and principal investigator at the CIBIO Department of the University of Trento. We don't actually know a ton about L. asaccharolyticus. The bacterium was first identified in research in 2018. It produces butyrate, a sign of gut fermentation that suggests good digestion and nutrient absorption, Segata explains. "It's probably producing short-chain fatty acids, which are supposed to be positive modulators of immunity,' Segata adds. Still, he says that 'strong data' is needed to learn more about what this actually does for your gut health. What he does know is that there's a solid link between coffee consumption and the presence of L. asaccharolyticus. Segata and fellow researchers actually fed coffee to L. asaccharolyticus that was growing in petri dishes and found it made the bacteria grow faster. 'It's clear that the coffee was stimulating it,' Segata says. This stimulation is possibly due to metabolites in the coffee. Plus, it's 'probably not the caffeine, because decaf had a similar effect," Segata adds. As of now, this bacterium is just linked to coffee. However, aronia berries contain chlorogenic acid and polyphenols like coffee, so they may have a similar effect, says Danbee Kim, MD, nutrition expert, weight loss surgeon, and assistant professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. 'Other foods high in chlorogenic acid—such as blueberries, apples, and pears—might also support the growth of this gut bacteria, though more research is needed to confirm this,' she says. Having a cup or two of coffee a day promotes the growth of Segata says. But he points out that 'heavy' coffee drinkers, who have three or more coffees a day, have up to 10 times more of the bacteria in their gut compared to people who don't drink coffee. There are a few to keep in mind. The biggest potential drawback is that it could raise your risk of acid reflux, says Rudolph Bedford, MD, a gastroenterologist at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA. 'It also increases gastrointestinal mobility and can potentially cause diarrhea,' he says. But, overall, Bedford says that coffee is considered a relatively safe drink for people, provided they don't overdo it on the caffeine. You Might Also Like Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals
