Hidden pollutants in food and water could be sabotaging your gut bacteria, warns study

Chemicals designed to hit insects or fungi — like herbicides, insecticides, flame retardants, and plastics — also wreak havoc on gut microbes (Image: Pexels)

Did you know that every day chemicals might be harming your gut? Studies say that gut health is under siege from the most unexpected sources. Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered 168 substances that can disturb the growth of Kuyt bacteria, the microbes that help keep our digestion, immunity and even mental health in check

Many of these chemicals weren’t previously thought to affect living organisms at all. Yet they’re all around us, seeping into food, water, and even household environments. Alarmingly, some may even encourage gut bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, potentially making infections harder to treat.

The Cambridge team looked at 1,076 chemical contaminants and their impact on 22 species of gut bacteria under lab conditions. What they found was startling: chemicals designed to hit insects or fungi — like herbicides, insecticides, flame retardants, and plastics —  also wreak havoc on gut microbes.

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Our gut is home to an estimated 4,500 types of bacteria that balance digestion, metabolism, immunity, and mental health. When this ecosystem tips out of balance, the consequences can range from digestive troubles to weight issues, immune dysfunction, and mood swings.

Traditional chemical safety testing doesn’t cover these effects. Most chemicals are designed with one target in mind, humans aren’t usually on the list. But as this study shows, our resident bacteria are more vulnerable than we imagined.

The researchers didn’t stop at cataloguing harmful chemicals. They created a machine learning model capable of predicting which new or existing chemicals could damage gut bacteria. This could pave the way for “safe-by-design” chemicals in the future, reducing unintended harm before substances hit the shelves.

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Dr Indra Roux, first author, said: “We were surprised at how strongly some everyday chemicals, like plasticizers and flame retardants, affected gut bacteria. Chemicals we come into contact with daily can have unforeseen effects.” Professor Kiran Patil added: “Now we have the data to predict risks and hopefully make new chemicals safe from the start.”

How to protect your gut

• Always wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating
• Avoid using pesticides in your home garden
• Reduce contact with household chemicals whenever possible

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.