Fiber Fueled

But you don’t need to have diabetes to show an influence from your gut microbiota! In another study, researchers discovered that foods had a very different blood sugar response in each person. The gut microbiome was responsible for this unique response. Using solely an individual’s gut microbial profile, they were able to predict which foods would

That’s just serotonin. Your gut produces more than thirty neurotransmitters. In Chapter 3 we will discuss one of the major ways that your gut can improve brain health—through short-chain fatty acids. A healthy gut microbiome is able to extend its influence across the blood–brain barrier to keep our mind sharp, our energy level high, and our mood re

More than 99 percent of your DNA comes from microbes. Yes, your genes are less than 1 percent human! Further, our human genomes are virtually identical—up to 99.9 percent the same. But our microbiomes may be as much as 90 percent different from one person to the next.

As for the high performers, there were five with a perfect 1,000 score—kale, collards, mustard greens, watercress, and Swiss chard. Bok choy, spinach, arugula, and romaine were the next four highest scores. In other words, greens were the top nine foods on the list. This wasn’t a list restricted to just greens. All foods were eligible, yet greens h

Good news: SCFA butyrate actually repairs leaky gut by increasing the expression of tight junction proteins and has been shown to actually decrease endotoxin release.

There are a few other sources of plant-based omega-3s to be aware of—walnuts, firm tofu, and edamame have a decent amount of ALA, although much less than flax or chia. Beans and Brussels sprouts have a small amount, as well.

In fact, 90 percent of serotonin and 50 percent of dopamine are actually produced in the gut.

F: Fruit & Fermented G: Greens & Grains O: Omega-3 Super Seeds A: Aromatics (onions, garlic) L: Legumes S: Sulforaphane (broccoli sprouts and other cruciferous veggies)

Yes and no. Fasting benefits the gut microbes because they get a break to reset, and anything but water interrupts that. But the fat-burning metabolic benefits continue if you drink coffee and avoid solid food. I personally have had great success with twelve hours of strict water fasting followed by coffee and delaying my first solid food for a few