Gut microbiome
In this greater age of consciousness about health in general and in the brain health, in particular, various studies have been conducted, some still Ongoing, to find out the various factors that affect brain health. The focus is on the influence of the gut microbiome (the balance of good and bad bacteria in our gut, of the food we eat, or do not eat, or drink, medications we take, nutrients we lack, etc. The studies also examine the role of probiotics, prebiotics, dietary changes, and fecal microbiota transplant (FMT), which is a procedure that transfers healthy donor stool into a patient’s colon to restore beneficial gut bacterial flora balance. Don’t worry, the transfer is not through the mouth but directly into the colon. It is about 90 percent successful. The food items that help in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome are fermented foods, like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, tempeh, kombucha, and miso. In Asia, “buro,” like fermented rice and fish or veggies, fermented
rice and shrimp (balao-balao), and others, are beneficial to the gut microbiome. But be careful about the chemical additives in them.
Hidden dangers
The hidden dangers of these gut-friendly fermented items include the high amount of sodium (salt), which is unhealthy to those with high blood pressure, cardiovascular, and kidney problems. The high sugar content of some fermented items, as in smoothies, is bad for those watching their weight, pre-diabetics, and diabetics. The lack of fiber also leads to high blood sugar spikes
Personally, I love the Chobani Greek yogurt, with Mango-Passion or Strawberry, Banana, which is, of course, with added sugar. Better, especially for diabetics, is plain Greek yogurt, which has less sugar. Eating junk food, soft drinks, alcohol, tobacco, vaping, chronic use of marijuana, antibiotics, all cause damage to the microbiome, and thus negatively affect brain health. An imbalanced microbiome is also harmful to our immune system, gastrointestinal (digestion-metabolism), and musculoskeletal system- skeletal, cardiovascular, and overall health.
Triple-biotics
As far as aids to our gut microbiome, the “triple-biotics,” one capsule with prebiotic, probiotic, and post-biotic, to help modulate the microbiome and slow down cognitive decline and improve brain health. These supplements and good food we eat reduces inflammation in the brain, alters neuro- transmitter signaling and increases levels of microbial metabolites. There are countless wellness stores, popular in social media, selling trendy “super pills or food or drink,’ claiming amazing results for brain power, are mostly without scientific basis or backing, and could be dangerous. A balanced, healthy gut microbiome leads to a healthier body, more effective immunity to illnesses, and maximizes potential longevity. Before embarking on any new diet strategy, it is safer to discuss this with your physicians.
Lithium and memory
Could an old mood stabilizer and a gold-standard long-term treatment for bipolar disorder that increases the risk for suicide, helps in the management of Alzheimer’s Disease? “Low-dose oral lithium could slow memory decline in older patients with mild cognitive impairment, according to a University of Pittsburgh study published March 2, 2026, in JAMA Neurology, noting that the
“The neuroprotective effect was especially apparent in those who tested positive for amyloid-beta, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s.” Although lithium shows potential to slow down the clock, there is no evidence that it is a cure for restoring memory. Lifestyle changes appear to promote more robust benefits for brain, cardiovascular, and metabolic health. New study shows the Flu vaccine, and in some cases, also the COVID-19 vaccine may also lower the risk for Alzheimer’s Disease.
Alcohol and cancer
Here is a report in the journal Cancer about the link between Alcohol Consumption and risk for colorectal cancer:
- “Factors such as a diet high in processed meat and low in fiber, obesity, Physical inactivity has been linked to colorectal cancer risk.
- A recent study found that consistently drinking large amounts of alcohol and larger averages for lifetime alcohol consumption might also increase the risk for colorectal cancer.
- The results suggest another possible danger related to the heavy use of alcohol throughout one’s life.”
As we have alluded to in a previous column, the most recent studies showed that there is no safe level of alcoholic intake. Previously, the rule was not to exceed one drink for women and two for men. Today, one drink is considered one too many. Let’s face it, alcohol (ethanol/ethyl alcohol) is a chemical. However, the reality is, while people today are more health-conscious and are staying away from alcoholic beverages, indulgence with one or two drinks at occasional parties or celebrations is understandable and will not pose a high risk because this is not excessive/or daily drinking.
Soft drinks and dementia
I have written about the danger of consuming soft drinks, which I termed the “poisonous liquid candy.” It increases the risk for metabolic disease, especially among children. Cola or uncola, diet or regular, they are all unhealthy drinks. Worse, it is now evident that frequent consumption of diet soda is “tied to an increased risk for dementia, ” and certain physical conditions may mediate the association. New findings from the Northern Manhattan Study (NOMAS) showed a fourfold increased dementia risk among dementia-free individuals who consumed more than one diet soda per day. – MedPage News
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
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Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, medical issionary,
newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He is a decorated recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, US senator, and later a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry S. Truman, President George HW Bush, Astronaut Gus Grissom, pugilist Muhammad Ali, distinguished educators, renowned scientists, etc. (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and PhilipSchua.com On Amazon.com, search for “Where is My America?” Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com
