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Bet you didn't know there's a link between the mouth and digestive problems
Bet you didn't know there's a link between the mouth and digestive problems

The Star

time19-06-2025

  • Health
  • The Star

Bet you didn't know there's a link between the mouth and digestive problems

For many of us, oral health is only a concern when tooth or gum pain occurs. Otherwise, regular dental checks are easily dismissed. However, this neglect can lead to a cascade of issues that include worsening cavities and gum disease as well as heightened risk for digestive problems. This might come as a surprise as the mouth and the gut appear to be completely separate. Professor Seow Liang Lin, dean of IMU University's School of Dentistry explained, 'Bacteria from gum disease can cross the blood barrier and survive gastric juices, allowing it to populate the gut and affect the balance of good gut bacteria that help with digestion. 'It is medically well-established that patients with gum disease are more likely to have inflammatory conditions of the gut such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and Crohn's disease.' She added: 'The oral cavity and the gut harbour some of the most dense and diverse microbial communities; they share a common factor, which is the presence of good and bad bacteria that usually exist in balance. 'However, this balance can be disrupted by many factors, such as the presence of oral bacteria in the gut which releases toxins that trigger inflammation, while suppressing the good bacteria that helps to fight inflammation.' Similarly, digestive health issues can also have an impact on oral health. For example, the backflow of acidic stomach juices in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) can erode teeth enamel, leading to thinning of tooth structure, irreversible tooth damage and sensitivity. Moreover, tooth loss has been found to be associated with a lower relative abundance of Faecalibacterium, which secretes short-chain fatty acids believed to have systemic anti-inflammatory effect. 'The relationship between oral health and gut health is more direct than most people realise, and oral health is more important than you think, because it can have an impact on your overall health and well-being. 'The oral cavity acts as a gate­way for microbial colonisation, shaping the composition of subsequent microbial communi­ties along the respiratory and digestive systems. 'Dental problems such as decay and gum diseases that have gone unnoticed may eventually lead to tooth loss and result in difficulty in chewing. 'This, in turn, may affect a person's food choices, such as avoiding meats or vegetables in favour of processed foods that are easier to bite into, and lead to malnutrition or constipation,' said Prof Seow. Another factor affecting oral health is smoking, which disrupts gum health in the oral cavity, triggers inflammatory responses in the mouth and reduces blood supply to the gums, leading to gum inflammation. Oral health redefined With ongoing research, more connections between oral health and other diseases may be established, but the existing data on gut health is already compelling and a good reminder to make oral health an important aspect of health. This means getting regular check-ups to detect problems early, when they can still be remedied e.g. tooth decay can cause sensitivity or pain, and thus prompt a visit to the dentist. However, gum disease can often progress without any pain and symptoms like bleeding are often ignored. Over time, the underlying bone structure will be compromised and the tooth become loose. By then, there is nothing that can be done to reverse it, pointed out Prof Seow. 'The usual advice is to see your dentist at least once a year but it is more relevant to look at your risk factors. 'If you have been practicing good oral hygiene and have no known issues, annual check-ups might be sufficient. 'However, the presence of tooth decay or gum disease, or the use of braces or other prosthesis that easily retain plaque, may require more regular attention, perhaps twice a year or even quarterly, depending on your dentist's recommendation,' she said. Prof Seow advocates making your dentist your trusted ally. 'Having a regular dentist who is familiar with your history can encourage more open discussion and education on oral care solutions that are relevant and effective for you,' she concludes.

The overlooked connection between your mouth and your gut
The overlooked connection between your mouth and your gut

Sinar Daily

time15-06-2025

  • Health
  • Sinar Daily

The overlooked connection between your mouth and your gut

Poor oral hygiene could be silently disrupting your digestion, triggering inflammation, and compromising your overall health. 06 Jun 2025 02:27pm Having a regular dentist who is familiar with your history can encourage more open discussion and education on oral care solutions that are relevant and effective for you, said Prof Seow Liang Lin. Photo: IMU University FOR many Malaysians, oral health is only a concern when tooth or gum pain occurs, and regular dental checks are easily this neglect can lead to a cascade of issues that include a worsening of cavities and gum disease as well as heightened risk for digestive might come as a surprise – after all, the mouth and the gut appear to be completely Prof Seow Liang Lin, Dean of the School of Dentistry at IMU University said: 'Bacteria from gum disease can cross the blood barrier and survive gastric juices, allowing it to populate the gut and affect the balance of good gut bacteria that help with digestion."It is medically well-established that patients with gum disease are more likely to have inflammatory conditions of the gut such as inflammatory bowel disease and Crohn's disease.' Prof Seow Liang Lin, Dean of the School of Dentistry at IMU University. Photo: IMU University Oral and Gut Health Intertwined Seow also said that the oral cavity and the gut harbour some of the most dense and diverse microbial communities; they share a common factor, which is the presence of good and bad bacteria that usually exist in balance. "However, this balance can be disrupted by many factors, such as the presence of oral bacteria in the gut which releases toxins that trigger inflammation, while suppressing the good bacteria that helps to fight inflammation,' said Seow. Similarly, digestive health issues can also have an impact on oral health. For example, the backflow of acidic stomach juices in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) can erode teeth enamel, leading to thinning of tooth structure, irreversible tooth damage and tooth loss has been found to be associated with a lower relative abundance of Faecalibacterium, which secretes short-chain fatty acids believed to have systemic anti-inflammatory effect.'The relationship between oral health and gut health is more direct than most people realise, and oral health is more important than you think, because it can have an impact on your overall health and wellbeing."The oral cavity acts as a gateway for microbial colonization, shaping the composition of subsequent microbial communities along the respiratory and digestive systems.'Dental problems such as decay and gum diseases that have gone unnoticed may eventually lead to tooth loss and result in difficulty in chewing. This, in turn, may affect a person's food choices, such as avoiding meats or vegetables in favour of processed foods that are easier to bite into, and lead to malnutrition or constipation," she common factor affecting oral health is smoking, which disrupts gum health in the oral cavity, triggers inflammatory responses in the mouth and reduces blood supply to the gums, leading to gum inflammation. The existing data on gut health is already compelling and a good reminder to make oral health equally important as other aspects of health. Photo: Canva Oral Health Redefined With ongoing research, more connections between oral health and other diseases may be established, but the existing data on gut health is already compelling and a good reminder to make oral health equally important as other aspects of means getting regular check-ups to detect problems early, when they can still be instance, tooth decay can cause sensitivity or pain, and thus prompt a visit to the gum disease can often progress without any pain and symptoms like bleeding are often ignored; over time, the underlying bone structure will be compromised and the tooth become loose; by then, there is nothing that can be done to reverse it.'The usual advice is to see your dentist at least once a year but it is more relevant to look at your risk factors. If you have been practicing good oral hygiene and have no known issues, annual check-ups might be sufficient."However, the presence of tooth decay or gum disease, or the use of braces or other prosthesis that easily retain plaque, may require more regular attention, perhaps twice a year or even quarterly, depending on your dentist's recommendation,' said a final word of advice, Seow advocates making your dentist your trusted ally.'Having a regular dentist who is familiar with your history can encourage more open discussion and education on oral care solutions that are relevant and effective for you," she said.

Milk Boosts Gut Diversity, Cheese Lowers Certain Microbes
Milk Boosts Gut Diversity, Cheese Lowers Certain Microbes

Gulf Insider

time04-06-2025

  • 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

Milk aids gut health, cheese lowers some microbes: new study
Milk aids gut health, cheese lowers some microbes: new study

Arab Times

time03-06-2025

  • 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.

The Gut-Skin-Wellness Connection: How Your Microbiome Affects More Than Just Digestion
The Gut-Skin-Wellness Connection: How Your Microbiome Affects More Than Just Digestion

Yahoo

time02-06-2025

  • Health
  • Yahoo

The Gut-Skin-Wellness Connection: How Your Microbiome Affects More Than Just Digestion

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In conjunction with World Digestive Health Day, SpaceGut, Malaysia's first AI-powered at-home Gut Microbiome Test Kit, empowers individuals to improve skin health and sleep quality through personalised diet plans based on advanced gut analysis. By identifying specific bacterial species related to inflammation, metabolic function, and immune modulation, SpaceGut helps address common skin issues and overall well-being challenges like anxiety and stress that reduce sleep quality. Beyond Digestion: The Gut's Critical Role in Skin Health and Sleep Quality With rising awareness about the importance of gut health, common misconceptions have also emerged, such as the belief that gut issues solely affect digestion and can be easily fixed with a single probiotic. In reality, everyone's gut microbiome is unique and influenced by age, diet, lifestyle and environment. Therefore, a personalised approach is essential. Skin health, for instance, is closely linked to gut imbalances, which can begin as early as childhood due to factors like antibiotic use, poor diet, or birth method. These imbalances often worsen in adulthood due to stress, consumption of processed foods, and sedentary lifestyles, reducing beneficial bacterial strains such as Akkermansia, Faecalibacterium, Alistipes Lactobacillus, and Blautia — all of which are vital in reducing inflammation and maintaining healthy skin. The gut is also critical for sleep quality. Often referred to as the "second brain", the gut is responsible for around 90% of the body's serotonin and over 50% of dopamine precursors – key neurotransmitters that influence mood and sleep. A deficiency in beneficial bacteria like Faecalibacterium, Bifidobacterium, Eubacterium, or Lactobacillus can lead to difficulty falling asleep, heightened anxiety, brain fog, and increased stress. General advice like "avoid sugar" only scratches the surface. The core issue lies in overgrowth or deficiency of specific bacterial strains in an individual's gut. This is where personalised microbiome testing has the potential to be transformative. SpaceGut's Science-Backed, AI-Driven Solution SpaceGut leverages next-generation sequencing and AI to provide personalised insights into gut health. It evaluates microbial diversity, abundance, and activity, across more than 30 health-related markers such as macronutrient metabolism, metabolic rate, sleep, and vitamin synthesis. Using a proprietary bioinformatics database of over 50,000 samples, SpaceGut's AI engine analyses an individual's microbiome to generate fully customised dietary plans, in lieu of general suggestions like "eat more fiber" or "take probiotics." Users receive a comprehensive food report that scores over 300 foods and beverages (across 10+ categories) from 0 to 10 based on their compatibility with the user's unique gut health profile. These include vegetables, fruits, legumes, proteins, seafood and carbohydrates, offering precise nutritional guidance. "The AI-powered microbiome analysis provides a tailored nutrition strategy targeting specific imbalances in each individual flora. By following this evidence-backed diet guide, users can rebalance their microbiome to improve immune function, mental wellness, skin health, digestive function, and overall health," remarked Datuk Tony Wong, Founder of SpaceGut Based on its published studies and company data, SpaceGut finds that that over 80% of customers who follow their personalised plans experience improved digestion and overall well-being. Discover how SpaceGut can improve your gut health at Stay connected with SpaceGut for more updates on Instagram ( or Facebook ( About SpaceGut SpaceGut is a pioneering healthtech company focused on transforming wellness through gut microbiome intelligence. Its flagship offering the SpaceGut Microbiome Test combines advanced laboratory diagnostics with proprietary, clinically validated AI to deliver personalised insights into digestive health and overall well-being. By decoding the gut microbiome, SpaceGut empowers individuals to make data-driven lifestyle and nutrition decisions that support improved digestion, immunity, mood, and long-term wellness. Backed by science and technology, SpaceGut is on a mission to make gut health accessible, personalised, and actionable. SpaceGut is expanding its ecosystem to include personalised supplement plans, expert-backed wellness guidance, and integrated nutritionist support to optimise health from the inside out. To learn more, visit or follow @space_gut on Instagram. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE SpaceGut Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

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