Health
Scientists crack code on how dietary fiber shields your body from harmful sugar damage
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
A new UC Irvine study may have finally uncovered how dietary fiber protects the body from sugar’s damage, and how protecting yourself starts in the gut.
Researchers at the UCI School of Medicine found that inulin, a naturally occurring fiber found in vegetables like onions, garlic and artichokes, can reshape the bacteria living in your gut to stop fructose before it hits your liver.
“We found that consuming a type of dietary fiber called inulin… changes the bacteria in the gut to promote the consumption of harmful dietary fructose,” said lead researcher Cholsoon Jang, PhD, of UCI’s Nutrient Metabolism & Disease Lab.
The findings, published in Nature Metabolism, reveal a new level of protection offered by fiber, not just in digestion, but in how the body handles sugar at the molecular level.
ACTRESS KRISTEN BELL’S EASY DIET TRICK TO HELP STABILIZE BLOOD SUGAR
Scientists say fiber could help prevent or reverse early signs of fatty liver disease. (iStock)
Jang and his team discovered that when people eat fructose (a common sugar in fruit and sweetened foods) gut bacteria in the small intestine can metabolize it before it reaches the liver. But without enough fiber, too much fructose “spills over,” overwhelming the liver and triggering fat buildup.
RISK OF COLON CANCER SLASHED BY EATING SPECIFIC TYPES OF VEGETABLES, STUDY FINDS
Fructose is a sugar found in fruit that can ‘spill’ into the liver, leading to liver disease. (iStock)
By feeding gut bacteria with inulin, researchers found that the microbes essentially burn through fructose early, preventing that cascade of damage.
Even more striking, once these bacteria were “primed” by inulin, they were able to reverse signs of fatty liver disease, reducing fat accumulation and boosting the liver’s natural antioxidants.
EXPERTS REVEAL 5-STEP APPROACH TO A HEALTHIER GUT AND STRONGER IMMUNITY
Jang says the research proves not all calories are created equal.
He says their work gives “insight into how fiber protects our health from harmful nutrients like fructose.”
The Nature Metabolism study identified how specific gut bacteria metabolize sugar before it reaches the liver. (iStock)
The study focused on non-obese participants: people who might otherwise slip under the radar yet still face hidden risks from high-sugar diets.
Jang noted that metabolic damage isn’t limited to those who are overweight. Even people who appear healthy can experience liver stress and insulin resistance if their gut microbes aren’t equipped to handle excess fructose.
“By identifying specific gut bacteria and metabolic pathways involved, our findings can guide personalized nutrition strategies,” Jang said.
Vegetables like garlic, artichokes and onions can be a good source of inulin, the helpful fiber studied by the research team. (iStock)
He added that future research will explore whether other common fibers beyond inulin can trigger similar protective effects.
MORE IN HEALTH NEWS
The implications stretch far beyond the lab. If certain fibers can train gut microbes to neutralize sugar before it harms the liver, it could open the door to new treatments for fatty liver disease, diabetes, obesity and even cancer.
For now, researchers explain that the findings indicate that fiber not only aids digestion but can be a defender of metabolic health.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
As Jang put it: “For example, by checking how well someone’s gut bacteria clears fructose before the body absorbs it, we can choose the right prebiotic or probiotic supplement for that person to improve results and reduce side effects.”
Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menu items.
Use escape to exit the menu.
Sign Up
Create a free account to access exclusive content, play games, solve puzzles, test your pop-culture knowledge and receive special offers.
Already have an account? Login
HHS Secretary Kennedy backs off Tylenol-autism claim
Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel says ‘less is more’ in terms of medicine for pregnant women and stresses how crucial it is to consult your obstetrician before making medical decisions on ‘Fox Report.’
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its website with a new stance on the potential link between vaccines and autism.
The new wording on the CDC’s site states, “The claim ‘vaccines do not cause autism’ is not an evidence-based claim because studies have not ruled out the possibility that infant vaccines cause autism.
“Studies supporting a link have been ignored by health authorities.”
AUTISM BY THE NUMBERS: EXPERTS SHARE REASONS FOR THE DRAMATIC SURGE IN DIAGNOSES
The agency noted that the statement “vaccines do not cause autism” has been “historically disseminated” by the CDC and other federal health agencies in an effort to prevent vaccine hesitancy.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its website with a new stance on the potential link between vaccines and autism. (AP Photo/Jeff Amy, File)
Previously, the CDC page stated, “Studies have shown that there is no link between receiving vaccines and developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD).”
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched a “comprehensive assessment” of potential causes of autism, the CDC stated.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
Those include investigations on “plausible biologic mechanisms and potential causal links.”
The header “Vaccines do not cause autism” remains on the page but is followed by an asterisk indicating that it was not removed because of a prior agreement rather than because the evidence supports it.
The agency noted that the statement “vaccines do not cause autism” has been “historically disseminated” by the CDC and other federal health agencies in an effort to prevent vaccine hesitancy. (iStock)
The Children’s Health Defense applauded the CDC’s updated web page.
“Finally, the CDC is beginning to acknowledge the truth about this condition that affects millions, disavowing the bold, long-running lie that ‘vaccines do not cause autism,’” Mary Holland, president and CEO of Children’s Health Defense in New Jersey, told Fox News Digital.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
“No studies have ever proved this irresponsible claim; on the contrary, many studies point to vaccines as the plausible primary cause of autism. Thankfully, HHS has now launched a comprehensive assessment on the causes of autism, including an investigation of plausible biological mechanisms.”
Other medical organizations have spoken out against the possibility of vaccines contributing to autism. (iStock)
Other medical organizations have spoken out against the possibility of vaccines contributing to autism.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
“Studies have repeatedly found no credible link between life-saving childhood vaccines and autism,” The American Academy of Pediatrics states on its website.
“Scientists are learning more about potential causes of autism all the time. One thing we know with certainty is that vaccines are not one of the causes. There is no single, root cause of autism.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
The latest CDC data show that for children aged 8 years (born in 2014), about one in 31 (3.2%) were identified with autism spectrum disorder. In 2000, about one in 150 (0.67%) children were diagnosed.
Fox News Digital reached out to physicians and to the HHS requesting comment.
Can bird flu be the next pandemic?
Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, weighs in on how concerned people should be about bird flu spreading on ‘Fox Report.’
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed that a resident of Grays Harbor County is the first person in the U.S. known to be infected with the H5N5 strain of avian influenza.
The case also marks the country’s first human bird flu diagnosis since February.
The patient, described by officials as “an older adult with underlying health conditions,” remains hospitalized after showing influenza-like symptoms in early November.
BIRD FLU CASES ON THE RISE, AS ILLNESS CONFIRMED AT GEORGIA COMMERCIAL POULTRY FARM
The DOH stated that the individual “had a mixed backyard flock of domestic poultry at home that had exposure to wild birds.
“Additional testing shows the virus to be H5N5, an avian influenza virus that has previously been reported in animals but never before in humans.”
The H5N5 virus is a close cousin of H5N1 — both are types of bird flu — but they’re not the same, experts say. (Reuters/Mike Blake)
Domestic poultry and wild birds are considered the most likely sources of the virus exposure, though the health investigation is ongoing.
Public health experts have not found any increased risk to the public to date, according to the press release.
RABIES INFECTIONS ARE INCREASING IN WILD ANIMALS — SHOULD YOU WORRY?
“Transmission of avian influenza between humans is extremely rare and has never been documented in the United States,” the report states.
The patient, who is only described as an “older adult,” remains hospitalized as of the latest report. (iStock)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and DOH “currently consider the risk to the public from avian influenza to be low.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
The DOH urges poultry owners, wildlife handlers and others who have contact with animals to exercise caution.
Measures include avoiding contact with sick or dead birds, using appropriate protective equipment and reporting sick wildlife or domestic animals to the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA).
“Infection with both [regular flu and bird flu] could result in the emergence of an avian influenza virus that is more easily transmitted from person to person.” (iStock)
The release also emphasizes that although the seasonal flu vaccine does not prevent bird flu infections, it is important because “infection with both viruses could result in the emergence of an avian influenza virus that is more easily transmitted from person to person.”
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
Previously this year, the CDC declared the bird flu emergency officially over.
The agency’s emergency response to H5N1 bird flu, which was activated in 2024, was “deactivated” July 2, the agency told Reuters, citing declining animal infections and an absence of human cases since February.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
The H5N5 virus is a close cousin of H5N1. While both viruses come from birds and share part of their genetic code, H5N5 has a different “end piece” of its structure that changes how it behaves, experts say.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
While H5N1 has caused human illness — and even deaths — for years, H5N5 has mostly been limited to birds until now, per health officials.
Tesla’s robotaxi clears a key hurdle in Nevada
New Hampshire Nears Launch of Bitcoin-Backed Municipal Bond | PYMNTS.com
World Insurance Acquires Van Syckel Insurance of New Jersey
Sam Bregman says he would push for term limits for New Mexico lawmakers
North Carolina jury convicts man in record meth case
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Video: ‘It Didn’t Have to Happen This Way:’ U.Va. Faculty Call for Review of Police Response to Protests
Missouri attorney general takes new legal aim at mail-order abortion pills over safety concerns
US judge orders end to Trump’s deployment of troops in Washington, DC
Analysis: Why Democrats are warning about Trump giving illegal orders | CNN Politics
How to Fix a Typewriter and Your Life
Federal judge allows Texas AG to challenge Harris County bail reforms: ‘Unleashing criminals’
-
Vermont1 week agoNorthern Lights to dazzle skies across these US states tonight – from Washington to Vermont to Maine | Today News
-
Education1 week agoVideo: Justice Dept. Says It Will Investigate U.C. Berkeley Protest
-
Business1 week agoDeveloper plans to add a hotel and hundreds of residences to L.A. Live
-
Business4 days agoFire survivors can use this new portal to rebuild faster and save money
-
Southwest1 week agoFury erupts after accused teen sex predator dodges prison; families swarm courthouse demanding judge’s head
-
Culture1 week agoVideo: ‘Flesh’ by David Szalay Wins 2025 Booker Prize
-
Washington, D.C1 week agoBarack Obama surprises veterans on honor flight to DC ahead of Veterans Day
-
Politics1 week agoMajor Pentagon contractor executive caught in child sex sting operation