This is a brief summary of a research study: Ousey et al., 2023, Current Biology 33, 1–11
January 9, 2023 ª 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2022.10.066
The Yolk
- This is a study on mice – commonly studied before humans
- Both groups fed normal diets
- One group had their microbiome wiped out with antibiotics for 4 weeks
- This lack of microbiome group was found to:
- Consume 50% more sucrose food (sugar) over a longer time
- Ask for significantly more sucrose food by pressing buttons
- Changes in the brain where eating regulation occurs
- The above changes were reversed when microbiome was replenished
Perspective
- Read studies instead of taking titles as they are – this was a mice only study
- We cannot extrapolate this particular study to humans, though there are plenty of similar studies with similar results
- It’s still important to have a healthy microbiome as it has been shown to be connected to many changes in eating patterns and weight
- Antibiotics are necessary for bacterial infections but wipe out microbiome – the good news is the gut can be built back up
- Follow basically all the healthy stuff – exercise, sleep, no smoking, less alcohol
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