Nutrients

How Gut Health and Diet May Affect Thinking and Social Outcomes Long After Childhood Cancer in Teens and Young Adults

Updated

Abstract

Oncological therapies can cause a microbial scar phenomenon that disrupts gut health and neurocognitive function in survivors of early childhood cancer.

  • The depletion of beneficial gut bacteria, specifically Firmicutes, is associated with an increased presence of harmful microbes following cancer treatments.
  • This microbial imbalance may lead to decreased production of neuroprotective substances, affecting brain health.
  • The compromised gut barrier allows harmful substances to enter the bloodstream, potentially causing systemic inflammation and neurotoxicity.
  • A pro-inflammatory diet could exacerbate these effects, while anti-inflammatory diets may help restore gut and brain health.
  • Integrating dietary and microbiome-focused approaches into care for survivors may offer new strategies for managing long-term neurocognitive issues.

Simplified

Full Text

Full text is available at the source.

What Lands in Your Inbox Each Week:

  • 📚7 fresh studies
  • 📝plain-language summaries
  • direct links to original studies
  • 🏅top journal indicators
  • 📅weekly delivery
  • 🧘‍♂️always free