What chemicals from food can harm my gut health according to the University of Cambridge study?

The study identified 168 human-made chemicals, including common pesticides, industrial chemicals, plasticisers, and flame-retardants, that can suppress beneficial gut bacteria.

Why is gut health important and what happens if gut bacteria decline?

Healthy gut bacteria are crucial for digestion, immunity, metabolism, and even mental well-being. Decline can lead to digestive issues, metabolic disorders, immune dysfunction, and mood changes.

What steps can I take to protect my gut health from chemical exposure in India?

Wash produce thoroughly, reduce home pesticide/plastic use, eat a fibre-rich and diverse diet, and consider probiotics under medical advice.

Home / Health / Hidden Gut Attack: Chemicals in Food Harmful

Hidden Gut Attack: Chemicals in Food Harmful

27 Nov

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Summary

150 chemicals in everyday food can destroy gut health.
Common pesticides and plastics suppress essential gut bacteria growth.
Chemical safety tests rarely assess gut bacteria impacts.

Trillions of microbes in our gut perform vital functions, but a new study from the University of Cambridge reveals they are under threat from everyday chemicals. Researchers found that 168 human-made chemicals, including pesticides, plastics, and flame-retardants, can suppress the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, a finding not previously considered in chemical safety assessments.

The scale of chemical use in agriculture and manufacturing means residues can easily enter our food and environment. This invisible pollution can lead to gut dysbiosis, linked to digestive, metabolic, and immune issues, and potentially even affect mood and neurological health. The study highlights that these chemicals can trigger antibiotic-resistance mechanisms in some bacteria.

For India, with diverse diets and widespread chemical use, this research is a stark warning. Preventive measures like thorough washing of produce, reducing plastic and pesticide use at home, and opting for a fibre-rich, varied diet are recommended. Policymakers are urged to include microbiome safety in chemical regulation.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.