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Study Finds Smoking May Relieve Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms

8/26/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers at Japan's RIKEN Center discovered that smoking may benefit ulcerative colitis by promoting the growth of Streptococcus mitis in the gut.
This bacterial growth triggers an immune response that reduces inflammation.
Hydroquinone from smoking enhances this effect, indicating that prebiotics or probiotics might offer similar benefits without the risks of smoking.
The study was published in the journal Gut on August 25, 2025.

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Story summary

Researchers at Japan's RIKEN Center discovered that smoking may benefit ulcerative colitis by promoting the growth of Streptococcus mitis in the gut.
This bacterial growth triggers an immune response that reduces inflammation.
Hydroquinone from smoking enhances this effect, indicating that prebiotics or probiotics might offer similar benefits without the risks of smoking.
The study was published in the journal Gut on August 25, 2025.