A healthy gut houses trillions of microbes that dictate essential functions of our body, acting as the central hub to digesting food, regulating our immune system, producing mood-altering neurotransmitters, and controlling metabolism. One of the major roles played by the gut is to keep a balanced microbiome, which helps prevent harmful pathogens from entering the bloodstream and regulates inflammatory responses, as nearly 70 per cent of our immune system resides in it.&nbsp;The other roles include breaking down food and absorbing vital vitamins, minerals, and amino acids required for cellular repair and energy. It also produces about 90 per cent of serotonin in the body, which acts to communicate directly with the brain, influencing mood, anxiety levels, and cognitive function. In addition, it also influences how our body stores fat, controls blood sugar, and regulates hunger hormones. Health experts also highlight the growing importance of gut health, noting that maintaining a healthy gut microbiome is essential not only for digestion but also for immunity, mental wellbeing, metabolism and healthy ageing. Reacting to the healthy gut, Dr Saroj Dubey, Consultant Gastroenterologist at Kailash Hospital, Noida, said the gut houses trillions of microorganisms that collectively form the microbiome. "The gut is home to trillions of microorganisms that collectively form the gut microbiome. These microbes do much more than help digest food. They support immune function, help produce essential nutrients, regulate metabolism, and play an important role in maintaining the body's overall balance. In fact, a significant portion of the immune system resides in the gut, making it a critical line of defence for long-term wellbeing. What makes the gut particularly important is its influence beyond digestion. Through the gut-brain axis, the gut and brain are in constant communication, affecting everything from mood and energy levels to overall health. When the balance of beneficial and harmful bacteria is disrupted, a condition known as dysbiosis can contribute to chronic inflammation, which has been associated with a range of long-term health concerns, including metabolic and lifestyle-related disorders," Dr Saroj Dubey said. However, Dr Dubey said maintaining gut health does not necessarily need drastic lifestyle changes. He added that a diet rich in fibre, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fermented foods, jointly with frequent physical activity, adequate sleep, and stress management, can help to provide a healthy gut microbiome. "Over time, these habits not only support digestive health but also lay a stronger foundation for overall health, resilience, and healthy ageing," he added.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/doctors-remove-10-cm-long-living-worms-from-under-woman-s-skin-in-china-here-is-how-she-got-infected-1781789024261">Chinese woman killed frogs at home, ended up with 10 cm-long living worms under her skin</a><h3>Modern lifestyle &amp; normalised unhealthy eating habits</h3>Echoing a similar opinion on gut health, Pranshul Aggarwal, Executive Director of Medicef Pharma and Purobien Lifesciences, noted that modern lifestyle often comes at the cost of personal health. He stated that the modern lifestyle has normalised unhealthy eating habits, leading to imbalances in our diet, which impact our health gradually. "In today's fast-paced world, being in good health is perhaps the greatest blessing. Ironically, many of us spend our healthiest years chasing financial success, often compromising our well-being in the process. We work harder, sleep less, eat on the go, and neglect self-care—only to spend our hard-earned money later trying to restore the health we once took for granted. At the heart of a healthy body and mind lies an often-overlooked organ system: the GUT. Modern lifestyles have normalised unhealthy eating habits, with refined foods, excess sugar, processed meals, and nutritional imbalances becoming a daily routine. Amidst the rush of achieving our goals, we frequently ignore the subtle signals our gut sends through digestive discomfort, fatigue, improper sleep and other health disturbances," Aggarwal said. "For decades, researchers have sought to understand why so many acute and chronic health conditions appear to be linked to GUT health. Traditional wisdom, particularly systems such as Ayurveda, has long emphasised the central role of digestive health in overall well-being. Today, modern science is increasingly validating this perspective through research on the GUT microbiome, the trillions of beneficial microorganisms that reside within our digestive tract," he added. Aggarwal added that modern scientific research is increasingly validating these traditional beliefs through studies of the gut microbiome, which consists of trillions of beneficial microorganisms living within the digestive tract. He concluded by emphasising that gut health should be viewed as a cornerstone of overall wellness. "These microscopic allies influence immunity, metabolism, energy production, brain function, even growth and development. A balanced gut microbiome supports physical vitality and mental wellness, while its disruption can contribute to a range of acute and chronic health concerns," Aggarwal also said. "The message is clear: a healthy gut is not just about digestion, it is the foundation of long-term health. By nurturing our gut, we take a step toward achieving a healthier body, a sharper mind, and a better quality of life," he further said. &nbsp;

Health experts also highlight the growing importance of gut health, noting that maintaining a healthy gut microbiome is essential not only for digestion but also for immunity, mental wellbeing, metabolism and healthy ageing.

A healthy gut houses trillions of microbes that dictate essential functions of our body, acting as the central hub to digesting food, regulating our immune system, producing mood-altering neurotransmitters, and controlling metabolism. One of the major roles played by the gut is to keep a balanced microbiome, which helps prevent harmful pathogens from entering the bloodstream and regulates inflammatory responses, as nearly 70 per cent of our immune system resides in it. The other roles include breaking down food and absorbing vital vitamins, minerals, and amino acids required for cellular repair and energy. It also produces about 90 per cent of serotonin in the body, which acts to communicate directly with the brain, influencing mood, anxiety levels, and cognitive function. In addition, it also influences how our body stores fat, controls blood sugar, and regulates hunger hormones. Health experts also highlight the growing importance of gut health, noting that maintaining a healthy gut microbiome is essential not only for digestion but also for immunity, mental wellbeing, metabolism and healthy ageing. Reacting to the healthy gut, Dr Saroj Dubey, Consultant Gastroenterologist at Kailash Hospital, Noida, said the gut houses trillions of microorganisms that collectively form the microbiome. "The gut is home to trillions of microorganisms that collectively form the gut microbiome. These microbes do much more than help digest food. They support immune function, help produce essential nutrients, regulate metabolism, and play an important role in maintaining the body's overall balance. In fact, a significant portion of the immune system resides in the gut, making it a critical line of defence for long-term wellbeing. What makes the gut particularly important is its influence beyond digestion. Through the gut-brain axis, the gut and brain are in constant communication, affecting everything from mood and energy levels to overall health. When the balance of beneficial and harmful bacteria is disrupted, a condition known as dysbiosis can contribute to chronic inflammation, which has been associated with a range of long-term health concerns, including metabolic and lifestyle-related disorders," Dr Saroj Dubey said. However, Dr Dubey said maintaining gut health does not necessarily need drastic lifestyle changes. He added that a diet rich in fibre, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fermented foods, jointly with frequent physical activity, adequate sleep, and stress management, can help to provide a healthy gut microbiome. "Over time, these habits not only support digestive health but also lay a stronger foundation for overall health, resilience, and healthy ageing," he added. Also read: Chinese woman killed frogs at home, ended up with 10 cm-long living worms under her skin Modern lifestyle & normalised unhealthy eating habits Echoing a similar opinion on gut health, Pranshul Aggarwal, Executive Director of Medicef Pharma and Purobien Lifesciences, noted that modern lifestyle often comes at the cost of personal health. He stated that the modern lifestyle has normalised unhealthy eating habits, leading to imbalances in our diet, which impact our health gradually. "In today's fast-paced world, being in good health is perhaps the greatest blessing. Ironically, many of us spend our healthiest years chasing financial success, often compromising our well-being in the process. We work harder, sleep less, eat on the go, and neglect self-care—only to spend our hard-earned money later trying to restore the health we once took for granted. At the heart of a healthy body and mind lies an often-overlooked organ system: the GUT. Modern lifestyles have normalised unhealthy eating habits, with refined foods, excess sugar, processed meals, and nutritional imbalances becoming a daily routine. Amidst the rush of achieving our goals, we frequently ignore the subtle signals our gut sends through digestive discomfort, fatigue, improper sleep and other health disturbances," Aggarwal said. "For decades, researchers have sought to understand why so many acute and chronic health conditions appear to be linked to GUT health. Traditional wisdom, particularly systems such as Ayurveda, has long emphasised the central role of digestive health in overall well-being. Today, modern science is increasingly validating this perspective through research on the GUT microbiome, the trillions of beneficial microorganisms that reside within our digestive tract," he added. Aggarwal added that modern scientific research is increasingly validating these traditional beliefs through studies of the gut microbiome, which consists of trillions of beneficial microorganisms living within the digestive tract. He concluded by emphasising that gut health should be viewed as a cornerstone of overall wellness. "These microscopic allies influence immunity, metabolism, energy production, brain function, even growth and development. A balanced gut microbiome supports physical vitality and mental wellness, while its disruption can contribute to a range of acute and chronic health concerns," Aggarwal also said. "The message is clear: a healthy gut is not just about digestion, it is the foundation of long-term health. By nurturing our gut, we take a step toward achieving a healthier body, a sharper mind, and a better quality of life," he further said.

Health experts also highlight the growing importance of gut health, noting that maintaining a healthy gut microbiome is essential not only for digestion but also for immunity, mental wellbeing, metabolism and healthy ageing.

Why healthy gut is foundation of long-term health? Experts explain

Medical experts have found in a clinical trial that a smart drug called daraxonrasib can double survival time in patients with pancreatic cancer, the deadliest cancer in the world. They noted that it is a “game-changer” and one of the biggest breakthroughs in decades, which can pave the way for a treatment revolution. A clinical trial involving 500 patients with advanced pancreatic cancer that had already spread found that an experimental pill doubled survival time while causing fewer side effects compared with chemotherapy. The results were unveiled at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in Chicago. According to the study, patients who received the new drug survived for an average of 13.2 months, nearly twice as long as those treated with chemotherapy, whose average survival ranged between 6.6 and 6.7 months. “These results are landscape-changing,” said Dr Rachna Shroff, the chief of oncology at the University of Arizona Cancer Center and an ASCO expert in gastrointestinal cancers, who was not part of the study. “We are seeing unprecedented survival.” Reflecting on the findings, Shroff said she became emotional when she first reviewed the results of the trial, which was conducted by researchers at the renowned Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. Having spent 16 years treating pancreatic cancer patients, she said the breakthrough moved her to tears, describing the study as exceptionally meaningful and praising the investigators for their work. Dr Julie Gralow, ASCO’s chief medical officer and executive vice-president, who was also not part of the clinical trial, stated that it was a “game-changer”. She added, “I’ve heard this study described as a home run. I would actually say it’s a grand slam.”&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/florida-mosquito-district-first-to-use-drone-to-release-sterile-mosquitoes-against-invasive-pests-1780311128919">Florida mosquito district first to use drone to release sterile mosquitoes against invasive pests</a><h3>How does Daraxonrasib act against cancer?</h3>Daraxonrasib targets KRAS, a protein that drives the growth of almost all pancreatic cancers. The drug works by binding molecules together to latch onto and deactivate KRAS. This protein belongs to the RAS gene family, which can cause cancer cells to continuously receive signals to grow and multiply, even when they should stop, allowing tumours to develop and spread. More than 90 per cent of patients with the most common type of pancreatic cancer, metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC), carry a mutation in the KRAS gene known as a RAS G12 variant. This mutation results in an overactive KRAS protein that fuels cancer progression. Daraxonrasib is a next-generation RAS(On) multi-selective inhibitor. Unlike earlier treatments that target only specific KRAS mutations, it can switch off the KRAS protein across multiple variants, and even in cases where no specific KRAS variant is present, helping to halt cancer growth. “The idea of targeting Kras has always been the holy grail in most malignancies, but specifically in pancreas cancer, because it is nearly ubiquitous and it is an early driver of pancreas cancer growth,” said Shroff. “The Ras revolution is here, and this study is proof of principle that targeting Kras in pancreatic cancer is feasible and effective.” Paula Hanford, the chief executive of UK-based Pancreatic Cancer Action, stated that the finding was one of the most significant developments in treatment that has ever been witnessed. “For far too long, people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer have had incredibly limited treatment options and survival rates that have remained devastatingly low. To see a trial showing the potential to nearly double survival time in advanced pancreatic cancer is hugely encouraging and gives real hope to patients and families facing this disease.”&nbsp;

Paula Hanford, the chief executive of UK-based Pancreatic Cancer Action, stated that the finding was one of the most significant developments in treatment that has ever been witnessed. 

Medical experts have found in a clinical trial that a smart drug called daraxonrasib can double survival time in patients with pancreatic cancer, the deadliest cancer in the world. They noted that it is a “game-changer” and one of the biggest breakthroughs in decades, which can pave the way for a treatment revolution. A clinical trial involving 500 patients with advanced pancreatic cancer that had already spread found that an experimental pill doubled survival time while causing fewer side effects compared with chemotherapy. The results were unveiled at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in Chicago. According to the study, patients who received the new drug survived for an average of 13.2 months, nearly twice as long as those treated with chemotherapy, whose average survival ranged between 6.6 and 6.7 months. “These results are landscape-changing,” said Dr Rachna Shroff, the chief of oncology at the University of Arizona Cancer Center and an ASCO expert in gastrointestinal cancers, who was not part of the study. “We are seeing unprecedented survival.” Reflecting on the findings, Shroff said she became emotional when she first reviewed the results of the trial, which was conducted by researchers at the renowned Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. Having spent 16 years treating pancreatic cancer patients, she said the breakthrough moved her to tears, describing the study as exceptionally meaningful and praising the investigators for their work. Dr Julie Gralow, ASCO’s chief medical officer and executive vice-president, who was also not part of the clinical trial, stated that it was a “game-changer”. She added, “I’ve heard this study described as a home run. I would actually say it’s a grand slam.” Also read: Florida mosquito district first to use drone to release sterile mosquitoes against invasive pests How does Daraxonrasib act against cancer? Daraxonrasib targets KRAS, a protein that drives the growth of almost all pancreatic cancers. The drug works by binding molecules together to latch onto and deactivate KRAS. This protein belongs to the RAS gene family, which can cause cancer cells to continuously receive signals to grow and multiply, even when they should stop, allowing tumours to develop and spread. More than 90 per cent of patients with the most common type of pancreatic cancer, metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC), carry a mutation in the KRAS gene known as a RAS G12 variant. This mutation results in an overactive KRAS protein that fuels cancer progression. Daraxonrasib is a next-generation RAS(On) multi-selective inhibitor. Unlike earlier treatments that target only specific KRAS mutations, it can switch off the KRAS protein across multiple variants, and even in cases where no specific KRAS variant is present, helping to halt cancer growth. “The idea of targeting Kras has always been the holy grail in most malignancies, but specifically in pancreas cancer, because it is nearly ubiquitous and it is an early driver of pancreas cancer growth,” said Shroff. “The Ras revolution is here, and this study is proof of principle that targeting Kras in pancreatic cancer is feasible and effective.” Paula Hanford, the chief executive of UK-based Pancreatic Cancer Action, stated that the finding was one of the most significant developments in treatment that has ever been witnessed. “For far too long, people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer have had incredibly limited treatment options and survival rates that have remained devastatingly low. To see a trial showing the potential to nearly double survival time in advanced pancreatic cancer is hugely encouraging and gives real hope to patients and families facing this disease.”

Paula Hanford, the chief executive of UK-based Pancreatic Cancer Action, stated that the finding was one of the most significant developments in treatment that has ever been witnessed.&nbsp;

'Game-changer': Daily pancreatic cancer pill could nearly doubles survival time, study finds

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Why healthy gut is foundation of long-term health? Experts explain

Daily pancreatic cancer pill could nearly doubles survival time, study finds