Current research – gut bacteria, health and disease
In the last few years the role of gut bacteria, health and disease have become increasingly clear but there is still a lot to learn.
A lot of research is being carried out today in relation to the role of our gut ‘microbiome’ – the micro-organisms, bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi, and their collective genetic material in each individuals gut. This research is mostly about how this is connected to health and disease, and in particular their interaction with genetics and the immune system in inflammatory bowel disease.
The Guts UK website explains in more detail.
- Gut microbiome and personality
Read details of research about the science of that ‘gut feeling’ by Dr. Katerina Johnson, University of Oxford - Gut microbiome testing
Useful information about microbiome testing from Guts UK - The guardian of the gut
Teaching resource from the Quadram Institute - Poo corner
Read this interesting detail “Poo Corner” from Great Ormond Street Hospital for children - Poo shapes and sizes and intestinal health
Poo comes in many shapes and sizes. The Bristol Stool Chart, created in 1997 by Bristol Royal infirmary is a diagnostic medical tool designed to classify the form of human faeces into seven categories. This chart is widely used in research and can help clinicians to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments for various diseases of the bowel. View the Bristol Stool Chart - Colonoscopy
View this useful video by the NHS that explains what a colonoscopy is and what to expect - Anti-inflammatory diets
Read this interesting article about the benefits of an anti-inflammatory diet and gut health published in SAGA magazine - Plant-based diets
You can read about current research relating to plant based diets and the impact on blood pressure by Warwick University.
Food and mood
Knowing what foods we should and shouldn’t be eating can be really confusing, especially when it feels like the advice changes regularly. However, evidence suggests that as well as affecting our physical health, what we eat may also affect the way we feel.
Mind have produce useful information that explores the relationship between what you eat and how you feel, including tips on how to incorporate healthy eating into your life.
Conditions
- Irritable bowel disease (IBS)
Read about irritable bowel disease (IBS) on this NHS IBS information page - Crohn’s disease
Read about Crohns disease on this NHS information page - Bowel cancer
Read about bowel cancer on this NHS information page
Other useful links
Crohn’s and Colitis UK
Crohn’s and Colitis UK is the leading charity in the battle against these and other forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). They work with all those affected by these conditions to achieve a better quality of life, improve services, and ultimately find a cure.
Email – helpline@crohnsandcolitis.org.uk
Helpline Service (including Crohn’s and Colitis Support, Disability Benefits and Parent to Parent service)
Phone – 0300 222 5700
Hours of service – Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
Crohns and Colitis – Support
Marie Curie
Based at Musgrove Park Hospital, Marie Curie is part of Taunton and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust – they provide one-to-one emotional support to people who are dying and to their families and carers.
Support line – 0800 090 2309
General enquiries – 0800 716 146
Marie Curie and Taunton and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Cancer Research UK
A number of bodies that work together to ensure that they make the best use of the funds they receive and continue to carry out world-class cancer research.