Food addictives might be affecting your gut

A study has found that nanoparticles present in common food additive could affect gut microbiota in human beings. The study investigated the health impacts of food additive E171 (titanium dioxide nanoparticles) which are commonly used in high quantities in foods and some medicines as a whitening agent.

Found in more than 900 food products such as chewing gum and mayonnaise, E171 is consumed in high proportion every day by the general population. The study conducted on mice found that consumption of food containing E171 has an impact on the gut microbiota (defined by the trillions of bacteria that inhabit the gut) which could trigger diseases such as inflammatory bowel diseases and colorectal cancer.

Increasing rates of dementia, auto-immune diseases, cancer metastasis, eczema, asthma, and autism are among a growing list of diseases that have been linked to soaring exposure to nanoparticles. Co-lead author  said the study added substantially to a body of work on nanoparticle toxicity, safety and their impact on health and environment.

"The aim of this research is to stimulate discussions on new standards and regulations to ensure the safe use of nanoparticles in Australia and globally," he said. While nanoparticles have been commonly used in medicines, foods, clothing, and other applications, the possible impacts of nanoparticles, especially their long term effects, are still poorly understood.

Titanium dioxide consumption has considerably increased in the last decade and has already been linked to several medical conditions, and although it is approved in food, there is insufficient evidence about its safety.

"It is well established that dietary composition has an impact on physiology and health, yet the role of food additives is poorly understood," he said. "There is increasing evidence that continuous exposure to nanoparticles has an impact on gut microbiota composition, and since gut microbiota is a gatekeeper of our health, any changes to its function have an influence on overall health," he added.

"This study presents pivotal evidence that consumption of food containing food additive E171 (titanium dioxide) affects gut microbiota as well as inflammation in the gut, which could lead to diseases such as inflammatory bowel diseases and colorectal cancer," he said.

Another co-lead author said, "Our research showed that titanium dioxide interacts with bacteria in the gut and impairs some of their functions which may result in the development of diseases. We are saying that its consumption should be better regulated by food authorities."

"This study investigated effects of titanium dioxide on gut health in mice and found that titanium dioxide did not change the composition of gut microbiota, but instead it affected bacteria activity and promoted their growth in a form of undesired biofilm. Biofilms are bacteria that stick together and the formation of biofilm has been reported in diseases such as colorectal cancer," he added.

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25-year old student discovers way to kill superbugs without antibiotics

The rise and proliferation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is becoming an increasingly prominent threat, not just here in the states but across the world. In light of this, the search for a means by which to fight these resistant bacteria without the use of antibiotic agents has become of utmost importance. Currently, about 700,000 people succumb to antibiotic-resistant infections annually, but that number is predicted to skyrocket to about 10 million by the year 2050 if we don’t change our ways. Fortunately, one 25-year-old student may have discovered at least one method of fighting off such organisms with ease.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                    PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/       
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Ph.D. student and her peers recently pioneered what they believe is a way to circumvent the use of antibiotics. In an interview she said, “We’ve developed a new class of antimicrobial agents, which are very unique. They come in the form of tiny star-shaped molecules that are made from short chains of proteins. We found that they are very effective at wiping out [bacterial] infections in mice and they are also relatively non-toxic to the body.”

In addition to being rather adorable, these little star-shaped protein molecules actually attach to bacteria and then tear apart their cell walls. The researcher says that when the stars attach to bacteria’s cell walls it disrupts their cell division process. The process of dividing and multiplying is how bacteria survive. When the star polymers attach, it also creates a lot of stress for the bacteria, and actually initiates a process of self-destruction. So, in addition to preventing the proliferation of bacteria, the stars actually help to kill off the present bacteria as well.

“We still need to do a lot of studies and a lot of tests—for example, to see whether these polymers have any side effects on our bodies,” the researcher explains, but she is very hopeful that the finding can be of use in the near future.