Five recent IBS studies, quick and interesting hits:
1. A massive new meta-analysis of 1.9 million people found ADHD is linked to 58% higher odds of IBS - one of the clearest gut-brain crossover links yet, and the first review devoted specifically to GI symptoms in ADHD. My take: This is mind-boggling to me-who would have thought that ADHD and IBS would be linked together?
2. The largest-ever genetic study of IBS - 2.8 million people across 22 biobanks worldwide - found a likely causal link between IBS and how your body regulates triglycerides, pointing to a completely new drug-repurposing angle for treatment-resistant cases. My take: This is exciting because it offers hope for people with treatment resistant cases.
3. A 20-year study of over 650,000 IBS patients found two common IBS medications - antidepressants and opioid anti-diarrheals like loperamide - are linked to a higher risk of death (researchers stress this doesn't prove the drugs caused it, and any one patient's individual risk stays low). My take: This is concerning, and leads me to hope that some of the new possible medications in development can have the same or improved effects, but without the risks that antidepressants and opioid anti-diarrheals possess.
4. Cedars-Sinai researchers found that excess hydrogen sulfide gas from gut microbes rewires gene activity in the small intestine - al mechanistic explanation for why some IBS symptoms (especially diarrhea and pain) get so severe. My take: This is exciting, because it could provide some goods insight on areas to target in IBS research.
5. A 9-year study following teens with IBS found two out of three grow out of it by adulthood - and identified sleep quality, mental wellbeing, and food sensitivities as factors that can tip the odds either way. My take: This is extremely relieving for both me and I can only assume other teenagers, as the idea that IBS can be grown out of within a few years is very exiting.
That's the roundup. See you next Saturday.
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Subscribe to the Weekly Update →Gut Gainz is for education and personal support only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. IBS, weight changes, stomach pain, food restriction, or ongoing symptoms should be discussed with a doctor, parent/guardian, registered dietitian, or qualified healthcare professional.