Latest news with #LiJiao
Gulf Insider
6 days ago
- Health
- Gulf Insider
Milk Boosts Gut Diversity, Cheese Lowers Certain Microbes
Milk is a staple in many households. It has long been valued for nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, yet new data hint at another benefit that involves the intricate community of microbes inside the digestive system. Recent findings, led by Dr. Li Jiao from Baylor College of Medicine, shows that milk consumption is connected with an uptick in several helpful bacteria, while cheese may reduce certain microbes important for a balanced intestinal environment. Experts say dairy interacts with the microbiome, which is the mix of microorganisms in the body that help break down nutrients. Milk seems to support a broader range of gut microbes, a sign of a more adaptable gut. Scientists have explored the role of milk in encouraging the growth of bacteria linked to lower inflammation and improved gut barriers. Some researchers suggest this trend could relate to the carbohydrate content in dairy, but details remain under investigation. Several dairy-linked microbes stand out. One is Faecalibacterium, known for producing substances that help maintain gut balance and calm inflammation. Another is Akkermansia, often mentioned for its link to healthy weight and blood sugar control. Investigators say these bacteria can be more abundant in the gut when milk intake rises. Cheese appears to bring different consequences by reducing Bacteroides, which are common gut residents that may influence colon conditions. It also seems to lower Subdoligranulum, a genus thought to play a part in metabolic health. Scientists have noticed that Bifidobacterium, regarded as a probiotic, may increase with certain dairy habits too. This possibility has drawn interest among professionals looking for dietary ways to support digestion. Although yogurt is often praised for its probiotic potential, this study didn't find clear links between yogurt intake and gut microbiota changes. That's likely because participants reported very low yogurt consumption overall, limiting meaningful analysis. Without enough data, researchers couldn't determine whether yogurt had the same effects on key bacteria like Akkermansia or Faecalibacterium. More diverse and higher yogurt intake in future studies may be needed to explore how fermented dairy compares to milk and cheese. A few researchers highlight that milk has more lactose, which might help raise the presence of healthful bacteria. Cheese, produced through fermentation, contains less lactose but includes other elements that might shape the gut in a different way. Dietitians remind people that daily dairy recommendations can differ by age, lifestyle, and health status. Individuals who are sensitive to lactose or prone to certain digestive concerns might need to choose their dairy products carefully. Some nutrition guidelines in the United States advise around three cups of dairy daily, although personal needs vary. Many folks fall short of this amount, which leaves a door open for considering how milk or cheese might add microbial variety. Health experts caution that these findings shouldn't lead to broad assumptions about all dairy products. The study involved a small group of older men, and their average dairy intake was lower than national averages, so the results may not apply to other groups or dietary patterns. Still, the research adds weight to calls for more personalized dietary advice. Instead of focusing only on dairy quantity, future guidelines might need to emphasize the type of dairy product and its effects on gut bacteria balance and overall health. The study included only 34 participants, most of whom were older men. This limited sample size makes it hard to apply the findings to younger people, women, or more diverse populations. Also, the reliance on self-reported food frequency questionnaires introduces some uncertainty. People don't always remember their food habits accurately, which can affect how well their dairy intake matches up with microbiome changes. Studies increasingly point to the idea that food choices affect more than just basic nutrition. Milk consumption, in particular, is now tied to the presence of microbes that could protect against a variety of gut-related issues. 'Dairy consumption may influence host health by modulating the structure and composition of the colonic adherent gut microbiota,' said Dr. Jiao. The broader health connection is an active topic, and future efforts may include trials that examine long-term changes. Researchers plan to learn more about how each type of dairy modifies these microorganisms in people of different ages and backgrounds. They also want to understand the range of nutrients, such as calcium or protein, that might work alongside gut microbes to keep digestion running smoothly. Also read: New COVID Variant NB.1.8.1 Starting To Spread Worldwide: What We Know
Arab Times
7 days ago
- Health
- Arab Times
Milk aids gut health, cheese lowers some microbes: new study
NEW YORK, June 3: A recent study led by Dr. Li Jiao of Baylor College of Medicine has revealed new insights into how dairy products influence the gut microbiome — the complex community of microbes residing in the digestive system. The research shows that milk consumption is associated with an increase in several beneficial bacteria, enhancing gut biodiversity and potentially contributing to better digestive health. Conversely, cheese consumption appears to reduce certain gut microbes important for maintaining intestinal balance. Milk is known for its nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D, but this study highlights its role in supporting a broader range of gut microbes, which indicates a more adaptable and resilient gut environment. Scientists observed that milk intake promotes bacteria like Faecalibacterium, which helps regulate inflammation and maintain gut balance, and Akkermansia, linked to healthy weight management and blood sugar control. Some researchers suggest that milk's carbohydrate content, particularly lactose, may be responsible for encouraging these beneficial microbes, though further research is ongoing. Unlike milk, cheese — produced through fermentation and containing less lactose — was found to decrease levels of Bacteroides and Subdoligranulum, both of which play roles in colon health and metabolic function. The study also noted a possible increase in Bifidobacterium, a probiotic bacteria, with certain dairy consumption patterns, drawing interest from nutrition experts looking for dietary ways to support digestion. Despite its reputation as a probiotic food, yogurt did not show significant effects on gut microbiota in this study. Researchers attributed this to low yogurt consumption among participants, which limited the ability to analyze its impact on key bacteria such as Akkermansia and Faecalibacterium. Future research with higher yogurt intake levels is needed to better understand how fermented dairy compares to milk and cheese. Experts note that daily dairy recommendations vary depending on age, lifestyle, and health. Individuals with lactose sensitivity or digestive issues should choose dairy products carefully. While the U.S. dietary guidelines suggest about three cups of dairy per day, many people consume less, opening opportunities for considering how milk or cheese might enhance gut microbial diversity. The study involved only 34 mostly older male participants and relied on self-reported dietary data, which can introduce inaccuracies. Consequently, the findings may not generalize to younger populations, women, or those with different eating habits. Dr. Jiao emphasized that 'dairy consumption may influence host health by modulating the structure and composition of the colonic adherent gut microbiota.' Future studies aim to examine long-term effects and explore how different dairy products affect gut microbes across diverse populations. Understanding the interplay between nutrients like calcium and protein and the gut microbiome may lead to more personalized dietary guidelines that focus on the type of dairy consumed, rather than quantity alone, to promote digestive health.
