Tag: Gut bacteria

Research consistently shows that individuals with higher levels of the beneficial gut bacteria *Akkermansia muciniphila* often exhibit healthier metabolic profiles, including improved insulin sensitivity and weight management. This guide explores what foods increase Akkermansia, providing actionable dietary strategies to support your gut microbiome.

Recent scientific discoveries have solved a decades-long mystery, confirming that humans cannot produce queuosine on their own and must acquire this vital micronutrient from external sources like diet and gut bacteria. Boosting your internal supply involves a two-pronged strategy focused on the foods you eat and the health of your microbiome.

According to research published by Harvard Health, the global sales of probiotic supplements reached nearly $4 billion in 2016 and are projected to continue growing, yet many of the most potent sources of beneficial microbes can be found in common fermented foods. Navigating the world of probiotic-rich foods can be confusing, so it is important to know which food has more good bacteria to make the most impact on your gut health.

Many people mistakenly believe canned pumpkin contains live, beneficial bacteria. In reality, while not a probiotic, this fibrous food is packed with powerful prebiotics that play a crucial role in supporting gut health and digestion.

All true yogurt must contain at least two specific types of bacteria for fermentation: *Lactobacillus bulgaricus* and *Streptococcus thermophilus*. Understanding exactly what gut bacteria does yogurt have is key to unlocking its full digestive and immune-supporting potential.

According to a study presented at ASM Microbe 2024, a protein-rich diet can rapidly change the gut microbiome's composition and affect its byproducts. While protein is essential for our bodies, any that escapes digestion in the small intestine travels to the large intestine where it can feed gut bacteria.

The human body does not naturally produce the enzyme required to break down cellulose, explaining why we often see corn kernels pass through our digestive system undigested. The idea that some people can digest corn cellulose better than others is a common misconception rooted in varying digestive efficiency, not an enzymatic ability that we possess.

Research has shown that the gut microbiome plays a critical role in overall health, and ancient remedies like licorice are now being investigated for their effects on this complex ecosystem. In fact, preliminary research suggests licorice could help inhibit certain pathogenic bacteria while supporting beneficial gut bacteria, potentially aiding microbiome balance and nutrient absorption. The question is, can licorice truly influence gut bacteria for the better?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, occasional abdominal bloating affects as many as 25% of healthy individuals. The question of whether do raisins help with bloating is complex, as this dried fruit contains compounds that can both support digestion and trigger discomfort, depending on an individual's sensitivity and consumption habits.

Over 95% of the fatty acids produced by beneficial gut bacteria are short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like acetate, propionate, and butyrate. These metabolites are the crucial end-products of dietary fiber fermentation in the colon and play a profound role in human health.