How Your Gut Bacteria Can Influence Your Weight

There are likely more bacterial cells in your body than human cells. Your body contains trillions of bacteria. It is estimated that in a 154-pound (70-kg) man, there are around 40 trillion bacterial cells and only 30 trillion human cells (3).

Most of these bacteria live in a part of your large intestine called the cecum. There are hundreds of different types of bacteria in your intestines. While some may cause disease, most of them carry out essential tasks to keep you healthy (4).

For example, your gut bacteria produce certain vitamins, including vitamin K, and communicate with your immune system to help your body fight off infection (5, 6). Your gut bacteria can affect how different foods are digested and produce chemicals that help make you feel full. As a result, they can affect your weight.

A number of studies have shown that people with high fiber intake have a lower weight, which may be due to the role that gut bacteria play in digesting fiber (13, 14, 15).

A recent study found that the ratio of two types of bacteria in your intestines may determine how much weight you lose when given a particular diet. These two bacteria are Prevotella, which digests fiber and carbohydrates, and Bacteroidetes, which people who eat more animal protein and fat have more of (16). In this study, 62 people were given a high-fiber, whole grain diet for 26 weeks. Those who had more Prevotella in their intestines lost 5.1 pounds (2.3 kg) more body fat than those with more Bacteroidetes in their intestines (17).

A diet containing too much fat, sugar or calories can lead to elevated inflammatory chemicals in the bloodstream and fat tissue, which may contribute to weight gain (20, 21). Your gut bacteria play an important role in inflammation. A study in 292 people found that those who were overweight had lower gut bacteria diversity and higher levels of C-reactive protein, an inflammatory marker in the blood (23). However, some species of intestinal bacteria may reduce inflammation and prevent weight gain.

The Best and Worst Foods for Your Gut Bacteria

Whole grains, fruits, vegetables and fermented foods all support healthy gut bacteria, while too many sugary foods, artificial sweeteners and unhealthy fats can be bad for your gut bacteria.

(Source: Adapted from: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/gut-bacteria-and-weight)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

I have been reading about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) lately. I would like to share with you the info I gathered.

According to a study published in Molecular Psychiatry (Brimberg, L. et al, 2013), one in 10 women who have a child with autism have immune molecules (antibodies) in their bloodstream that react with protein in the brain. Researchers say these anti brain antibodies do not harm the brains of the mothers who produce them because of the blood brain barriers, a filter that prevents most molecules from entering the brain.

But the immature or blood brain of a developing fetus may let the maternal auto antibodies pass through the placenta, allowing them to damage the fetal brain and perhaps cause autism.

Women who have autism linked antibodies are more likely to have other markers of autoimmune diseases, esp. rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, celiac disease, asthma, Type I diabetes. A 2009 Danish study that examined autoimmune disorders in more than 600,000 children born between 1993 and 2004, concluded that the risk of autism more than doubles for children who have a mother with RA or Celiac disease.

 

How would you deal with Autoimmune Diseases?

#ganoderma lucidum

#lion mane

#spirulina

 

Why should you Consume fibre daily?

1. Keeps you full longer - so great for weight loss

2. Nurtures beneficial gut bacteria, thus reducing the risk of digestive organ related cancers e.g Colon cancer

3. Slows down absorption of sugar consumed in food, so risk of diabetes can be reduced

4. Helps with elimination of waste, keeping your second brain (gut) healthy and functioning at its optimal levels

5. Cut down the risk of contracting deadly diseases -heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, colon cancer, other obesity related health issues

(Source: Time magazine, 2019)

How much fibre a day, u may ask?

Women - 25g a day

Men-38 g a day

According to dietary guidelines for Americans

Where do I get the fibre?

From vegetables, beans, legumes, whole fruit, whole grains. However, Make sure they are free from herbicides, pesticides, any form of toxins, and not genetically modified (GMO)

What do I consume?

Other than fruits, wholegrain food and vegetables, my favourite fibre rich food is my DXN Mycoveggie

It is a mixture of vegetables, fruit, a range of mushrooms, herbs and spices.. Zero calorie, cholesterol free, sugar free.

Easy to consume. Very versatile and delicious too. Add warm water, yogurt, and 1 scoop of Mycoveggie and honey if u like.. Even spirulina cereal..

Can add Chia seed, nuts etc.. whatever u feel like..

You can even sprinkle Mycoveggie on soups, salad, smoothie, juices, and on your bread spreads as well. Why don't u try it?

Do share the post with as people as u like if u found it useful

For more info, Pm or whatsapp me Dr Puven, Weight management consultant and Ganotherapist, on

+61432976703.

Best wishes for a healthy life