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Tag: inflammation

  • Why You May Be Waking Up With A Puffy Face, From MDs

    Why You May Be Waking Up With A Puffy Face, From MDs

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    You’ll likely know whether or not you consumed alcohol the night before, but sometimes sodium-rich foods can sneak up on you. Most often, sodium-rich foods are present in processed snacks or meals, but you’ll occasionally find high amounts of sodium in products like soups, broths, sauces, and even canned or pickled vegetables. 

    Swelling can also signal dehydration, especially if you’ve consumed loads of salty food or alcohol. “Lack of proper hydration can cause your body to retain water, resulting in puffiness,” Anna Askari, M.D., family physician at One Medical, explains. “This can be exacerbated by alcohol or caffeine consumption, which dehydrate the body.”

    So while hydration is important all the time, it will be even more essential when paired with alcohol and higher salt intake. 

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    Hannah Frye

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  • Vitamin D Could Prevent Inflammatory Diseases, New Study Finds

    Vitamin D Could Prevent Inflammatory Diseases, New Study Finds

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    “Research studies have observed associations of vitamin D with inflammation, but data in representative older adult studies is lacking,” the study authors explain.

    The research involved assessing the levels of both vitamin D and CRP in over 5,000 Irish adults over the age of 50, accounting for any confounding variables. Their analysis, revealed that participants who were deficient in vitamin D had a higher status of CRP.

    “In conclusion, older adults with deficient vitamin D status had higher levels of inflammation as measured by CRP,” the study authors write, adding that given inflammation is an important pathological driver of chronic diseases of aging, plus the fact that research shows vitamin D therapy can reduce inflammation in some disease settings, “optimising vitamin D status could represent an effective low risk/low-cost pathway to modulate inflammation in community dwelling older adults.”

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    Sarah Regan

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  • How Sulfur Can Help Heatproof Your Skin, From A Dermatologist

    How Sulfur Can Help Heatproof Your Skin, From A Dermatologist

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    When your skin is exposed to high temperatures, your chances of sporting an oily complexion, triggering breakouts, and constant flushing go way up. 

    The secret: Find a product with sulfur in it. Board-certified dermatologist Shereene Idriss, M.D., FAAD (aka the “Pillowtalk Derm“), recently reviewed the benefits of this buzzy ingredient in a TikTok video—according to Idriss, the single ingredient can help protect your skin from those negative impacts that come with heat exposure.

    “Sulfur acne treatments are the treatments you didn’t know you needed, especially if you have oily skin,” she says. But there’s more to those benefits than meets the eye, even for non-breakout-prone skin types: 

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    Hannah Frye

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  • Therabody Vs. Normatec: Which Compression Boots Are Better?

    Therabody Vs. Normatec: Which Compression Boots Are Better?

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    ICYMI, a recovery routine is just as important as exercise itself. Building sufficient recovery time into your schedule promotes healthy circulation, reduces inflammation and muscle soreness1, and promotes proper lymphatic drainage2. The magic of compression therapy lies in the circulatory system, which is responsible for delivering oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to every cell in your body while also flushing your system of toxins. In this Therabody vs. Normatec comparison, we’ll break down the pros and cons of these two popular compression tools.

    Compression boots bring the benefits of compression therapy to the comfort of your own couch, no masseuse required. You can use compression boots to boost recovery, or to warm up before your workout. While there are plenty of brands on the market to choose from, the gold standards are Therabody and Normatec. In fact, these brands are used and endorsed by professional athletes, trainers, and celebrities.

    If you’re not sure about slipping your entire leg into a massage boot that makes you look somewhat like an intergalactic traveler, we get it. Our editors were skeptical before testing the best compression boots. “The unlikely recovery tool wasn’t on my radar, but I got a chance to try out a pair for our roundup of the best compression boots. This gentle compression therapy supports circulation, and the effect is instant relief,” notes Braelyn Wood, mindbodygreen Deputy Commerce Editor.

    To help you navigate the world of compression therapy, we put together a roundup of the best compression boots from Normatec and Therabody, with tips on who can benefit from each. Keep scrolling for four options that span all fitness goals and price points.

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    Kelsea Samson

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  • Your Gut & Vaginal Microbiome Are Linked—Here’s Why It Matters

    Your Gut & Vaginal Microbiome Are Linked—Here’s Why It Matters

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    Alas, it’s true: “The gut and vaginal immune systems are interconnected,” says board-certified OB-GYN Karen Toubi, M.D.

    “The gut microbiome helps educate and modulate the immune system, which can influence immune responses in other areas, including the vagina,” Toubi says.

    So when your gut health is struggling, be it after you’ve been sick, had a long weekend of junk food and alcohol, etc., that may be reflected in your vaginal health, too.

    What’s more, your gut and vagina actually share bacteria back and forth. “Microbes can migrate between the gut and vagina, establishing a dynamic relationship,” notes board-certified OB-GYN Renita White, M.D. 

    Your gut and vaginal microbiome profiles aren’t identical, but they do have shared characteristics. “The vaginal microbiome is made up of a mix of bacteria, but is dominated by Lactobacillus species,” White says. This specific bacteria is also found in the gut, she adds. 

    “This type of bacteria produces lactic acid1, which helps to keep vaginal pH more acidic in order to ward off infections,” White notes. In other words, you need this bacteria to be balanced if you want your vaginal microbiome to thrive without complications. 

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    Hannah Frye

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  • How Ginger Helps Ease Anxiety & Creative Ways To Cook With It

    How Ginger Helps Ease Anxiety & Creative Ways To Cook With It

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    Ginger is a root vegetable that is well-recognized as a form of herbal medicine. It is a member of the same plant family as cardamom and turmeric.

    Ginger has benefits beyond flavoring your favorite stir-fry recipe or easing an upset stomach. In fact, ginger is purported to have a variety of powerful therapeutic and preventive benefits. There is clear evidence of the effectiveness of ginger as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory agent2. It also may be helpful for treating nausea. Ginger is known to decrease markers of age-related oxidative stress3, such as inflammation, swelling, and pain, and has been used for thousands of years for the treatment of hundreds of ailments like these.

    Animal studies have indicated that it can raise serotonin levels4 and, therefore, may reduce anxiety.

    With its delightfully tangy and invigorating scent and flavor, ginger is one of the most commonly consumed dietary condiments in the world. The resin from its rhizomes (roots) contains many bioactive components, which is why this pungent ingredient is believed to produce a variety of remarkable pharmacological and physiological effects.

    Interest in ginger has increased significantly in recent years. From scientific studies, we now know that ginger exerts its anti-inflammatory power by suppressing the action of COX-2, the enzyme responsible for swelling and pain, and inhibiting the biosynthesis of the inflammatory mediators prostaglandin and leukotriene5.

    According to several valid and reliable studies that date back to the 1990s, the anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) activity of ginger is very real6.

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    Liana Werner-Gray

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  • Could Probiotics Help When Dealing With Chronic Sleep Loss?

    Could Probiotics Help When Dealing With Chronic Sleep Loss?

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    Based on analyzing protein, lipid, and DNA oxidation levels, along with gut-brain axis hormones and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the brain, the researchers observed that chronic sleep restriction not only caused oxidative stress, but also promoted inflammation and altered gut-brain axis hormones.

    Interestingly enough, however, for the mice with chronic sleep loss who had been administered a probiotic formula, the researchers saw that the probiotic boosted antioxidant capacity in their brains, which helped to temper the aforementioned oxidative stress. “It positively regulated gut–brain axis hormones and reduced peripheral and brain inflammation induced by chronic sleep restriction,” the study authors added.

    Of course, this study was done on mice, and we can’t definitely say if results could be replicated in humans. But the authors concluded that probiotic supplementation “could be a possible strategy to counteract oxidative stress and inflammation promoted by sleep loss.” And given the existing research, we know probiotics come with a slew of other benefits.

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    Sarah Regan

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  • The Plunge Cold Tub Review, Tested & Medically Reviewed

    The Plunge Cold Tub Review, Tested & Medically Reviewed

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    “While cryotherapy is a great tool for most of us, I recommend that patients with high blood pressure avoid it due to the cold shock response,” Bonney advises. “When you plunge your body into cold water, your blood vessels constrict. This triggers an involuntary sudden increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and even your respiratory rate. This is not an issue if you’re able to compensate—but if you have high blood pressure or are on meds for high blood pressure, or a history of cardiovascular disease, then you may not be able to compensate normally.”

    Bonney adds that pregnant people should also avoid cryotherapy. “A temperature drop in the body can provoke fetal growth restrictions, preterm birth, and other complications,” she explains.

    If you’re not sure whether cold plunging is a good idea for you, it’s always wise to speak with your doctor.

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    Jamey Powell

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  • 8 Pine Nut Benefits & How They Compare To Other Nuts

    8 Pine Nut Benefits & How They Compare To Other Nuts

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    Even though pine nuts are nutritious and have been linked with a number of health benefits, they aren’t suitable for everyone. 

    Pine nuts are considered a tree nut and aren’t safe for people who are allergic to tree nuts. Pine nut allergies can cause life-threatening symptoms, including swelling of the tongue and throat and difficulty breathing. If you have a tree nut allergy, it’s important to steer clear of all tree nuts.

    It’s also important to keep in mind that pine nuts are rich in calories. While this makes them a great choice for a quick, filling snack, it’s important to not overdo it when you’re eating pine nuts, or any other nut for that matter. Overconsuming calories from any source, no matter whether it’s nutritious, can cause you to gain weight. Sticking to a handful of nuts is a smart way to keep your portion sizes in check. 

    Lastly, eating pine nuts may cause a condition called “pine mouth” or Pine Nut Syndrome (PNS)15. PNS is an uncommon taste disorder that causes a person to develop a bitter, metal-like taste in their mouth 12 to 48 hours after consuming pine nuts. This bitter taste usually gets worse after consuming other foods and can last up to four weeks. While PNS is strange, it’s not dangerous, and symptoms usually resolve on their own after a few days.

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    Jillian Kubala, MS, RD

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  • This Anti-Inflammatory Spice Could Soothe Arthritis Symptoms

    This Anti-Inflammatory Spice Could Soothe Arthritis Symptoms

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    Scientists certainly seem to think so. A recent review of studies1 published in the National Library of Medicine found that curcuma helps reduce inflammation and may be particularly useful for treating the symptoms of osteoarthritis. The authors of the review found that the most commonly researched dose of curcumin (around 1,000–2,000 mg daily) has strong antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. 

    The authors also noted that because curcumin is quite safe in high doses, it’s a more promising treatment option than other inflammation- and pain-management pharmaceuticals, which often come with a host of unwanted side effects.

    Nevertheless, the review noted that scientists have not quite landed on if or how it might prevent the onset of the disease altogether. “Further research is needed to determine the preventive role of curcumin in the pathogenesis of OA, the effects of long-term usage of curcumin in preventive purposes and treatment of osteoarthritis, as well as to determine optimal therapeutic dosages,” noted the authors of the review.

    Osteoarthritis is a common joint disorder that affects over 32 US adults2. It’s a degenerative disease that occurs when protective cartilage wears down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and difficulty staying active and moving around.

    The joints that are most commonly affected by osteoarthritis are those in the hands, knees, hips, and spine. As the cartilage breaks down, the bones in the joint can begin to rub against each other, causing pain and inflammation. 

    While some treatment options exist, such as nonsteroidal antirheumatic drugs, they come with side effects, including stomach upset and an increased risk of ulcers and gastrointestinal complications.

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    Jenny Fant

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  • After Years Of Testing & No Diagnosis, This Is What's Helped Me Feel Better

    After Years Of Testing & No Diagnosis, This Is What's Helped Me Feel Better

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    Years spent in and out of hospitals forced me to make some hard changes.

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    Tegan Bukowski

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  • Alternate-Day Fasting: Is It A Safe Way To Lose Weight?

    Alternate-Day Fasting: Is It A Safe Way To Lose Weight?

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    Alternate-day fasting, as the name suggests, involves fasting every other day. So, if you were to follow this fasting schedule, you would eat normally one day and fast the next day.

    The alternate-day fasting protocol has gained popularity largely due to the research of Krista Varady, Ph.D., a professor of nutrition at the University of Illinois, Chicago. In her book The Every Other Day Diet, Varady describes how you can lose weight by eating what you want—half of the time.

    The idea behind alternate-day fasting is that instead of having to limit your calories every day, as many diet regimens require, you only have to restrict your calorie intake on alternate days.

    When you fast, your body starts to burn stored fat for energy, a process known as lipolysis1. Over time, it goes into a metabolic state known as ketosis2, where it uses fat as its main source of energy, instead of sugar.

    When done correctly, ADF can also give you the benefits of fasting beyond weight loss. Emerging research shows that alternate-day fasting can be a useful tool for improving metabolic markers, boosting heart health, lowering chronic inflammation, and promoting cell repair, says Madiha Saeed, M.D., an integrative family physician and author of The Holistic Rx.

    However, most people will find fasting every alternate day challenging. Furthermore, this diet may not be safe for everyone and should only be undertaken under medical supervision, says Bindiya Gandhi, M.D., an American Board-certified physician who practices family medicine and integrative medicine. 

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    Sanjana Gupta

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  • Olive Oil vs. Vegetable Oil: The Differences & When To Use Each

    Olive Oil vs. Vegetable Oil: The Differences & When To Use Each

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    Olive oil is linked to several health benefits. “Oleic acid1, the main fatty acid in olive oil, is a monounsaturated fat (MUFA) that can reduce inflammation2, lower LDL (harmful) cholesterol levels, increase HDL (healthy) cholesterol levels, decrease blood pressure, reduce cardiovascular disease risk, and support neurological function,” says Shapiro.

    Olive oil also contains other bioactive compounds (it’s estimated to have more than 303) that offer additional health benefits. It’s rich in phenols and phytosterols, which have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, explains Shapiro. These bioactive compounds can neutralize free radicals in the body, protecting our DNA and other cells from oxidative damage.

    “Ultimately, the antioxidant capacity of these bioactive compounds can be helpful in reducing risk of cardiovascular and cancer diseases, diabetes, and inflammation, which is the precursor for many diseases,” Shapiro says.

    Research shows that olive oil can also have positive effects on mental health4 and stress levels, and it can moisturize your skin and hair.

    It is important to note that extra-virgin olive oil is the healthiest olive oil since it contains the highest concentration of bioactive compounds compared to other oils. This is because it undergoes the least processing. Meanwhile, refined vegetable oil loses most of its beneficial qualities and nutrients during processing. 

    The nutritional breakdown of a tablespoon of olive oil5 looks like this:

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    Lindsay Boyers

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  • This Emotion Drives Inflammation — How Often Do You Feel It?

    This Emotion Drives Inflammation — How Often Do You Feel It?

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    Shameflammation is present in every single one of us to some degree, and it can make us feel overwhelmed, anxious, hopeless, aimless, and totally disconnected from our intuition. It can be both the underlying cause and result of chronic health conditions—it’s often the one thing standing between us and optimal health. Shameflammation can make us feel like we’re constantly swimming upstream and at war with our bodies. Thoughts and emotions are like nutrients for your head, heart, and soul, and unfortunately, many of us have been feeding ourselves junk food for a long, long time.

    So, now let’s answer the question I know a lot of you are asking yourselves: Why shame? Out of all the negative emotions in this world, why do we use shame for the term that represents the negative impact of our emotional world on the physical? Over the years, I’ve learned that shame is perhaps the strongest, most damaging negative emotion of all. Brené Brown, a renowned shame and vulnerability researcher, says that “shame is lethal” and explains that shame affects all of us and profoundly shapes the way we interact in the world. 

    After years of consulting patients with all types of health struggles, I can say that nowhere is shame more at play than when it comes to our bodies and our health. It’s often a huge barrier to healing. Let me ask you this: When something goes awry with your body or health, big or small, how do you feel? The answer is probably a mixture of anger, fear, and maybe even some embarrassment, right? That sounds a whole lot like shame to me. The common thread between many emotions, especially those surrounding our body and our health, is often shame. 

    Research shows1 that, as humans, we feel a lot of health-related shame and that shame can have a significant impact on our ability to stay healthy, heal from illness, and make healthy choices. Why? Because any type of shame—whether it’s related to food, our body, or a health condition—makes us feel unworthy of the vibrant health we crave, cutting us off at our knees as we try to get there. According to shame experts, shame exists on a spectrum, ranging from self-consciousness or embarrassment to a deep sense of inadequacy and fear, but these feelings all tell us one thing at the end of the day—that we don’t deserve that healthy and happy life. 

    Unfortunately, despite knowing that shame affects our health in big and small ways, we don’t know all that much else due to a lack of research in this area.

    In one fascinating study, researchers posited that the impact of shame on our health “is unacknowledged, under-researched, and under-theorized in the context of health and medicine.” They go on to say that shame can have a significant impact on health, illness, and health-related behaviors and that shame’s influence can be described only as “insidious, pervasive, and pernicious2.” Pretty strong language, isn’t it? It is, but it’s also true.

    Your healing can’t shine when it’s soaked in shame.

    Excerpt courtesy of Gut Feelings: Healing the Shame-Fueled Relationship Between What You Eat and How You Feel. Copyright © 2023 by Will Cole. Published by goop Press, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

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    William Cole, IFMCP, DNM, D.C.

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  • Grapeseed Oil Vs. Olive Oil: What’s The Difference + Is One Best?

    Grapeseed Oil Vs. Olive Oil: What’s The Difference + Is One Best?

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    The primary benefit of using grapeseed oil is that it’s a source of Vitamin E (or tocopherol). Vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient that functions as an antioxidant in the body and protects cells from damage.

    Around 90% of men and 96% of women3 in the US don’t get enough of this essential nutrient. Each tablespoon of grapeseed oil contains 3.9 mg of vitamin E, roughly one-third of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for adults2.

    Grapeseed oil has a high polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content. While we need to get PUFAs from our diet, they’re less stable and more prone to degradation than monounsaturated fat (MUFAs).

    Grapeseed oil may offer anticancer and antitumor support, thanks to resveratrol4. The oil also contains carotenoids4, known for supporting vision, and quercetin5, which has cardioprotective properties. 

    The oil has a neutral flavor oil that can subtly blend into dressings or baked goods; another potential benefit. Its relatively high smoke point also means it can be used for high-heat cooking and deep frying.

    Beyond its uses in the kitchen, grapeseed oil is celebrated for some cosmetic applications. It can be used topically to lock in moisture and it may help ease skin redness6. 

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    Johanna Modak, NTP

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  • Are Seed Oils Bad For You? The Pros, Cons & Whether They’re Safe

    Are Seed Oils Bad For You? The Pros, Cons & Whether They’re Safe

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    Omega-6 fats are usually considered more pro-inflammatory, while omega-3s are considered anti-inflammatory. However, researchers argue9 that because fats are complex compounds that have different effects on the body, oils can’t be perfectly placed into “good” and “bad” boxes.

    Scientists are still studying the relationship18 between omega-6 and omega-3 fats and their role in inflammation, which is highly complex and not black and white. Also, although there’s a general agreement in the nutrition world that most diets are too high in omega-6 fats, there’s no definitive consensus18 on what the optimal omega-3 to omega-6 ratio should be.  

    While it’s true that omega-6-rich diets may harm health by promoting an inflammatory environment in the body, the real problem isn’t omega-6 fats. According to Crouch, “While eating something with seed oils every once in a while won’t strike up an inflammatory disease process, we need to pan out and view the big picture,” she says.

    The major issue with Western diets is that they tend to be high in inflammatory ultra-processed foods and deficient in omega-3 fats—and a number of other nutrients—which regulate inflammation in the body. 

    The omega-3s EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)—which are readily used by the body—are concentrated in seafood9 like salmon, sardines, anchovies, and rainbow trout, as well as algae.

    Omega-3s can also be found in foods like walnuts and hemp seeds, but the type of omega-3 found in these foods is poorly converted into DHA and EPA, making seafood and algae the best sources of these important fatty acids. 

    If you’re concerned that your intake of omega-3s is too low and your intake of omega-6 foods, like seed oils, is too high, try reducing your intake of ultra-processed foods and increasing your intake of seafood. If you don’t like fish or follow a plant-based diet, taking an algal oil supplement can help you increase your DHA and EPA intake. 

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    Jillian Kubala, MS, RD

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  • 11 Best Tea Tree Shampoos In 2023 For A Fresh, Clean Scalp

    11 Best Tea Tree Shampoos In 2023 For A Fresh, Clean Scalp

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    Rosemary leaf extract, witch hazel, and tea tree oil clarify the scalp, but coconut oil makes an appearance so it doesn’t strip the skin dry. While technically a clarifying shampoo (which should be used every now and then, whenever your hair needs a thorough cleanse), it’s gentle enough to use on the daily, especially if you have an oil-prone scalp. 

    Oblivion Clarifying Shampoo, R+Co ($27)

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    Jamie Schneider

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  • Inflammation and Immunity Troubles Top Long COVID Suspect List

    Inflammation and Immunity Troubles Top Long COVID Suspect List

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    SOURCES:

    Alexander Truong, MD, pulmonologist, assistant professor, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta.

    Alexander Charney, MD, PhD, lead principal investigator, RECOVER adult cohort, associate professor of psychiatry, genetics and genomic sciences, neuroscience, and neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York.

    Michael Peluso, MD, assistant professor of medicine, infectious diseases doctor, University of California, San Francisco.

    Rainu Kaushal, MD, senior associate dean for clinical research, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York.

    The Lancet eClinicalMedicine: “Characterizing long COVID in an international cohort: 7 months of symptoms and their impact.”

    Nature Reviews Microbiology: “Long COVID: major findings, mechanisms and recommendations.”

    Immunity, Inflammation and Disease: “COVID-19 associated EBV reactivation and effects of ganciclovir treatment.”

    Clinical Infectious Diseases: “Persistent Circulating Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Spike Is Associated With Post-acute Coronavirus Disease 2019 Sequelae.”

    Cell Reports Medicine: “The IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF cytokine triad is associated with post-acute sequelae of COVID-19.”

    Nature Medicine: “Data-driven identification of post-acute SARS-CoV-2 infection subphenotypes,” “Molecular states during acute COVID-19 reveal distinct etiologies of long-term sequelae.”

    Nature Immunology: “Immunological dysfunction persists for 8 months following initial mild-to-moderate SARS-CoV-2 infection.”

    Science Translational Medicine: “Persistent post–COVID-19 smell loss is associated with immune cell infiltration and altered gene expression in olfactory epithelium.”

    European Respiratory Journal: “Circulating anti-nuclear autoantibodies in COVID-19 survivors predict long COVID symptoms.”

    Journal of Medical Virology: “Persistence of neutrophil extracellular traps and anticardiolipin auto-antibodies in post-acute phase COVID-19 patients.”

    Johns Hopkins Medicine: “What are common symptoms of autoimmune disease?”

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  • Is Sesame Oil Good for You? Here’s What The Research Says

    Is Sesame Oil Good for You? Here’s What The Research Says

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    “Sesame oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which can make it a great way to help lower cholesterol,” says Amy Shah, MD, a double board-certified integrative medicine doctor.

    The lignans, tocopherols, phytosterols, natural antioxidants, and bioactive compounds in sesame can contribute to protecting heart health6 and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, especially when used in place of saturated fats.

    A separate study found that when patients were given a blend of sesame and rice bran oil with the antihypertensive drug nifedipine, they significantly reduced total cholesterol7, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.

    An important point, however, is while sesame oil (in addition to other vegetable oils) can improve and protect heart health, it’s not a magic bullet. Diet, exercise, and healthy lifestyle habits are still the cornerstones of cardiac health, but sesame oil can add protective properties thanks to the vitamins and compounds found in it.

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    Colleen Travers

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  • This Color Food Dye Was Just Linked To Gut Inflammation & IBD

    This Color Food Dye Was Just Linked To Gut Inflammation & IBD

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    After 12 weeks of regular intermittent exposure (which mimics the type of exposure a human might get from food), researchers found that AR harmed gut health and contributed to chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in mice.

    Specifically, researchers found that AR directly disrupts gut barrier function, alters gut microbiota composition, and is linked to an increased susceptibility to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD is an umbrella term for diseases like Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis, which are characterized by chronic inflammation and autoimmunity in the gut.  

    Study author Waliul Khan, Ph.D. explained in a news release: “What we have found is striking and alarming, as this common synthetic food dye is a possible dietary trigger for IBD. This research is a significant advance in alerting the public on the potential harms of food dyes that we consume daily.”

    Yes, you read that correctly—daily. Many people consume AR every single day in foods like candy, soda, dairy products, and cereals. Children are also at risk, as it’s often added to kid’s products to add color and texture.

    Previous research had shown us that some food dyes, including AR, triggered inflammation and oxidative stress. But this study gave us more information on exactly how this dye actually affects our gut and is linked to disease. This is a big deal when you consider that around 1.3% of U.S. adults report being diagnosed with IBD2 (either Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis). Furthermore, there’s currently no cure, and many treatments fail to put the disease fully into remission. 

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    Gretchen Lidicker, M.S.

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