Science Weekly Your microbiome questions answered: part two
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May 29, 2025 Dr. James Kinross, a colorectal surgeon and author of Dark Matter, shares his expertise on gut health and the microbiome. He dives into factors beyond antibiotics that can harm our gut microbes, such as stress and sleep disturbances. Kinross discusses the complex relationship between alcohol and gut health, weighing its benefits and risks. He also compares probiotics from whole foods versus supplements, offering dietary tips to keep your microbiome thriving. A must-listen for anyone interested in nurturing their gut!
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Many Medicines Affect Microbiome
- Around a quarter to a third of all medicines have antimicrobial effects that can alter the microbiome.
- Any drug taken orally likely interacts with the gut microbiome due to the connected ecosystem of the gut.
Stress and Sleep Shape Microbiome
- Stress and sleep impact the gut microbiome through the gut-brain axis and immune system.
- People with poor sleep or shift workers have distinctly different microbiomes even controlling for diet.
Alcohol Alters Gut Microbiome
- Alcohol consumption affects the gut microbiome and liver health significantly.
- Different types of alcohol impact the microbiome differently, with sugary drinks harming it more.
