What can you do to feed your most helpful gut bacteria?

Our gut bacteria have a strong preference for plants and fibers as they pass through digestion relatively undigested and are able to fuel our gut bacteria instead. Protein can also be a fuel source for gut bacteria. Plant protein also contains fibers and plant pigments which seem to help balance things. The omega 3’s in fatty fish seem to also have a net positive effect when it comes to our gut bacteria.Best Fuel for our Gut Bacteria:Looking at the picture below, plant proteins seem to increase bifidobacterium and lactobacillus which help with inflammation reduction through the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA’s). Plant proteins are also associated with decreasing more harmful bacteria like Bacteroides. Another downstream effect is the increase of T-immune helper cells which help to regulate and reduce inflammation.These “Fiber Loving” Bacteria Produce SCFA’s which help to:Most animal protein tends to lower Bifidobacterium, which increases the chance of more harmful bacteria which can link with a higher chance of inflammation. In addition, animal protein also increases levels of something called TMAO and decreases short-chain fatty acids which is associated with inflammatory bowel disease.It’s all about BalanceIf this is a huge dietary shift for you, try to let go […]