In the first part of the series of posts on prebiotics I made it clear that even though only some types of carbohydrates such as inulin, oligofructose and resistant starch are officially labeled as prebiotics, a lot of fermentable substrates found in vegetables, fruits and other whole foods actually work as prebiotics since they stimulate […]
Prebiotics. Part 1: What Are Prebiotics?
Gut bacteria play an essential role in the digestive process of most carbohydrates since the human body only produces the needed enzymes to digest fats, proteins, starch, and a few simple sugars. The remaining food components are either passed through undigested or digested by microorganisms in the colon. Prebiotics are classified as food ingredients that […]
Sauerkraut – A Probiotic Superfood
Regular consumption of fermented foods is associated with several health benefits, and adding sauerkraut, kimchi or cultured dairy into the diet is often an important step in improving gut health. Sauerkraut is cabbage that’s been fermented by various lactic acid bacteria, and during this process, the sugar content of the cabbage is reduced, and we […]
Is the Rise in Grain/Gluten Sensitivity and Celiac Disease Caused by Changes in the Human Microbiome?
Grains are difficult for humans to digest, and consequently we see a whole range of health problems associated with the consumption of wheat, barley and other cereals. Proteins and other antinutrients found in grains seem to be especially problematic, and anecdotal reports suggest that a lot of people see significant health improvements when they exclude […]
Gut Bacteria Control Our Digestive Health
Research shows that more than 90% of cells in the human body are microbial, and we are only now starting to discover the complexity of the interaction between the human microbiome (microbes and their genes) and the rest of our body. While outdated textbooks often contain a small segment on gut bacteria and their role […]
Gallstones Associated with Dysbiosis, New Study Finds
Cholelithiasis (presence of stones in the gallbladder) is a very common condition affecting 10-15% of adults in Europe and the USA. This makes it the most common gastrointestinal disorder requiring hospitalization. The pathogenesis of Cholelithiasis isn’t fully established, but new research suggests that dysbiosis could be an important underlying cause. Cholelithiasis can then be added […]
Unhealthy Diet Promotes an “Obese Microbiota”
A recent study published in the scientific journal Science investigated the relationship between gut bacteria, diet, and weight gain. Gut microbes were transplanted from a pair of human twins, one obese and the other lean, into germ-free mice. As seen in previous studies, the sterile mice who received microbes from the lean twin (“lean microbiota”) […]
Why You Should Start Eating Fermented Foods Today
Fermentation is a metabolic process converting sugar to acids, gases and/or alcohol using yeast or bacteria. The fermentation process is what makes fermented foods such as sauerkraut and kimchi so rich in probiotic bacteria. Fermentation has traditionally been used as a means of preserving food, and it’s only recently that we have strayed away from […]
Science Shows You How to Lose Weight in 4 Steps
Although I’ve written extensively on the human microbiome, inflammation and weight loss before, I’ve yet to compile a simple list that will help you lose weight in a healthy manner. Research has made it clear that just looking at calories in vs. calories out is a simplistic view on overweight and obesity. Of course you […]
Probiotic 2.0
DNA sequencing has made it clear that hundreds of species of microorganisms inhabit the human body. While it’s too soon to tell exactly what a “healthy” microbiome looks like, it seems that greater diversity is probably a good thing and that some species have an especially beneficial effect on our health. Providing fermentable substrates (“prebiotics“) […]