When people think of bacteria, they often associate them with illness. In reality, trillions of microorganisms naturally live on and inside the human body, forming what is known as the human microbiome. This diverse community includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes that inhabit areas such as the gut, skin, mouth, and respiratory tract. Rather than simply existing alongside us, these microorganisms work together with the body to support many essential functions.

Figure 1:Progression of liver cirrhosis from a healthy liver to chronic hepatic injury and advanced cirrhosis. Chronic inflammatory insults such as viral hepatitis, alcohol misuse, and fatty liver disease lead to repeated hepatocyte injury, fibrosis, distortion of hepatic architecture, reduced hepatic blood flow, and impaired liver function. Image adapted from Swiss Medica Introduction Liver cirrhosis is the end stage of chronic liver injury characterized by diffuse fibrosis,

Celiac disease is managed through a strict gluten-free diet. However, because gluten-free processed foods rely heavily on rice, patients face an unintended risk: rice efficiently absorbs heavy metals from flooded soil. Studies show that individuals on a gluten-free diet have significantly higher levels of arsenic, mercury, lead, and cadmium, which can lead to long-term health issues. To minimize this risk, patients should diversify their diets with alternative grains like qui

This article looks at the role of the colon in health and wellness, causes of constipation, treatment of constipation and lifestyle changes useful to improve the health of your colon. The Colon’s Role in Your Health and Wellness The colon, also known as the large intestine or large bowel, is the area of the digestive tract that is responsible for absorbing water and nutrients from food waste and for forming stool. The colon is approximately five feet in length and is divided

Introduction Obesity is a complex medical condition that is closely linked with serious health complications, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension among others. Medications aimed at weight reduction have been attempted since the early 20th century, although most are limited by significant adverse effects. Since the early 2020s, a new class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (GLP-1Ras) has demonstrated safe and effec

Cover Image: BRITISH NUTRITION FOUNDATION. Fibre - Nutrition Information - British Nutrition Foundation [Internet]. British Nutrition Foundation. 2023. Available from: https://www.nutrition.org.uk/nutritional-information/fibre/ What is Fiber? ‌Dietary fiber is a type of plant-based carbohydrate that the human body cannot digest or absorb. Fiber is an important component of a healthy diet. It helps prevent constipation, lower cholesterol, manage blood sugar and reduce the risk

Image was designed by the Author Introduction Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignancy that originates in the colon or rectum, both of which are part of the large intestine. Millions of people globally are diagnosed with this disease, leading to approximately one million deaths each year. While CRC traditionally affected older individuals, it is now increasingly being diagnosed in people under the age of 50, with men being more affected than women [1]. In the absence of effect

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Despite its prevalence, it is also one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer when detected early. It affects the colon and rectum, key parts of the digestive system, and often develops silently (1). That’s why awareness about its risks, symptoms, and screening options isn’t just important, it can be lifesaving. What Is Colorectal Cancer? Colorectal cancer develops when abnormal cells grow unc

The Brain Have you ever heard the term “hunger cues”? Or wondered why your body tells you to stop eating once you feel full? That sensation isn’t random -- it’s controlled by a hormone called leptin. Leptin is a protein hormone produced primarily by fat (adipose) cells in your body. Its main job is to help regulate energy balance. After you eat, fat cells release leptin into the bloodstream. This hormone travels to a part of the brain called the hypothalamus, which is respon

Have you ever felt “butterflies” before something exciting or a sinking feeling when you’re nervous? These experiences aren’t just in your head! They’re part of a real, ongoing conversation between your gut and your brain. This relationship, often called the gut–brain connection, shows how closely your physical and emotional states are linked. A Two-Way Communication System The gut and brain are constantly sending signals back and forth. While the brain communicates with the

by Kat Pachas BSN, RN Bloating, that uncomfortable feeling when your belly feels tight and full, is something many people deal with now and then. It often happens after eating a big meal full of carbohydrates, like a large plate of your favorite spaghetti. But bloating can also be caused by health conditions. Many people know about irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) could also be behind your painful bloating, even though many peop

Introduction Why does a slice of cake feel so satisfying even when we are hungry? Beyond taste, beyond calories, beyond sweetness, sugar activates a network in the brain structure known as the mesolimbic pathway. When we eat sugar, this system releases dopamine, reinforcing behaviours the brain interprets as rewarding. While this response is a part of normal human physiology, the frequency and intensity with which it is stimulated in modern dietary environments is historicall

Crohn's disease (CD) represents a complex, chronic, and progressive inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract. It is a subtype of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes chronic inflammation throughout the digestive tract. Unlike ulcerative colitis, CD can affect any segment from the mouth to the anus and often penetrates the deeper layers of the bowel wall. Because inflammation can penetrate deep into the bowel wall, it can lead to complications like strictur

If you are someone dealing with chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs), trying to somehow stop the relentless cycle of repeated infections, taking so many courses of antibiotics that your doctor prescribes only to obtain short-term relief and eventually making the bacteria resistant to them, you have already realised that the pain is not just physical. At this point, you are living with hundreds of thoughts, from planning your day around bathrooms, panicking at the first hi

In clinical medicine, it’s easy to assume that if two patients receive the same diagnosis and the same prescription, their outcomes should look similar. In reality, that’s rarely the case. Some patients respond immediately to treatment, while others see little benefit or experience unexpected side effects. While genetics and lifestyle are often cited as explanations, another factor is gaining attention for its quiet but also very significant role: the gut microbiome. The gut

Feeling those pre-exam butterflies is normal. But when they turn into full-blown stomach cramps, nausea, or a frantic urge to visit the bathroom, it’s more than just nerves—it’s science. This physical reaction is a powerful example of the brain-gut connection, a real, two-way communication system between your thoughts and your digestive tract. Understanding how it works is your first step to managing it. The Brain - Gut Hotline : Your Body's Stress Response When your bra

Let's start by being truthful - most people only start caring about their gut when: a) their stomach feels like a balloon b) every meal becomes a gamble c) they're googling symptoms at 1am wondering if they need surgery. If that sounds familiar, relax Half the time, it isn't something serious. It is just your gut way of communicating with you. I say this eith experience, I've been there The turning point for me was realising that I need to feed my gut bacteria what they need

The human body hosts trillions of microbes that live in harmony with us. Far from being mere passengers, these microscopic communities influence digestion, immunity, mood, and overall health. This article explores what the microbiome is, how it affects health, and practical steps to nurture a beneficial microbial ecosystem. What is the Microbiome? The microbiome refers to the collection of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes) that reside in and on the

Obesity is a public-health challenge with complex causes beyond simple caloric imbalance. Emerging evidence points towards the gut microbial ecosystem - known as the gut microbiota - as a biological factor influencing energy homeostasis, metabolism and inflammation. The interactions between diet, environment and microbiota may in part help explain why many individuals may struggle to either lose weight or maintain weight loss. Recent advances in our understanding of gut micro

Understanding how the Microbiome can be used in Cancer Treatment The human microbiome comprises a diverse array of microorganisms that can be found in various parts of the body. The presence of these microorganisms is extremely vital in the gut, where they synergistically interact with their host's immune system to maintain health and harmonise the defence system. By carefully interacting with the immune system, the microbiome can modify and improve the innate and adaptive im