Chemical substances are part of everyday life and are found, among other things, in food and drinking water.
A study published in Nature Microbiology, reported by the media outlet Rynekzdrowia, shows that these substances may affect gut bacteria more than previously assumed.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge have examined how chemicals influence the gut microbiome.
These are the bacteria that play an important role in the body’s health.
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The study suggests that we are exposed to these substances daily through common foods such as fruit and vegetables.
Results from experiments
In the study, researchers tested more than 1,000 chemical substances on different types of gut bacteria. They found that 168 of them had a negative effect.
The most harmful substances were pesticides and industrial chemicals, including those used in plastics. These can inhibit the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
The researchers also observed signs that some bacteria may become more resistant to antibiotics when exposed to chemicals.
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Ongoing uncertainty
Although the results are clear in laboratory settings, there is still a lack of knowledge about how much people are actually affected in everyday life.
The researchers point out that we are exposed to chemicals from multiple sources, making it difficult to measure the overall impact.
Common chemicals in food and the environment may disrupt the balance of gut bacteria more than previously recognized.
Sources: Rynekzdrowia and Nature Microbiology.
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