Gut Hero: How Fiber Dooms Toxic Gut Bacteria
It’s well known that eating fiber keeps us regular, but did you know that fiber also fuels friendly gut microbes?
The bad guys live mostly off of sugar and carbs and send distress and fatigue signals to the brain when supplies get low, tricking you into thinking you’re hungry when you’re not. The good guys on the other hand send the brain happy calm satisfied signals when they’re fed with their secret ingredient: fiber.
The gut is getting so much attention in research these days it’s been linked to lung health, heart health, and even joint health.
Mice fed a carb heavy western diet had mass extinctions in their beneficial microbes after just a few generations. Scientists had to reintroduce friendly strains through probiotics to help the mice recover. That’s right, the gut is such a competitive place that the scales can quickly tip to the wrong side if diet doesn’t support the good guys.
Most People Get Half the Fiber They Actually Need!
South-Africans who eat a traditional diet get an average of 55 grams of fiber each day, more than twice the recommended daily amount from the FDA! This gives them far more diversity in friendly bacteria than westerners. Bonus, they have much better health markers than westerners, like levels of bile acids and fats in the colon as they age.
To take care of your tummy, eat lots of green leafy veggies, cruciferous veggies, legumes, and high fiber fruits like apples, pears, and berries. Need ideas? We’ve got tons of recipes on our blog!
Quick and Tasty (Also High in Fiber) Recipes:
- Avocado, Sprout, and White Bean Sandwich
- Chickpea Burger with Asparagus and Blueberries
- Southwest Quinoa and Bean Stuffed Peppers
- Gluten-Free White Bean and Mushroom Swedish Meatballs
- Protein-Packed Bean Salad
Fast Facts: Legumes win the day for packing in the most fiber per serving (over 15 grams) in split peas, lentils, and black beans. Celebrate the United Nations’ International Year of the Pulse with your daily dose of fibrous legumes.
Further Reading:
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Low-fiber Diet May Cause Irreversible Depletion of Gut Bacteria Over Generations
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/01/160113160657.htm
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Can More Fiber Restore Microbiome Diversity?
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/04/160411133952.htm
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What You Eat Can Influence How You Sleep
Daily intake of fiber, saturated fat and sugar may impact sleep quality
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/01/160114213443.htm
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Human Gut Microbiome Evolution: From Hunter-Gatherers to a Western Lifestyle
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/02/160225135211.htm?trendmd-shared=0