Symbiotic relationship with microbiome

Dear Friend,

Nutrition is a broad space and while we have many recommendations, the key is creating a plan that can be sustained for the long term.

We have two common themes for our clients’ nutrition plans:

• High Protein

• High Fiber

Protein we have discussed in a prior newsletter post. Our position is unchanged with the caveat that the ideal maximum amount of protein is dependent on what an individual can sustain long term.

Fiber Benefits

• Microbiome health

• Constipation prevention

• Cholesterol management

Microbiome health

The microbiome is a symbiotic relationship with organisms and what we feed it determines the mixture of the gut bacteria. It typically takes 3-4 months to repopulate the bacteria. If we eat mainly sugary foods the bacteria will be populated by species that flourish in that environment. Being a symbiotic relationship, there are feedback systems to make us (host) “crave” more sugary foods.

Using this strategy, eating cruciferous vegetables which are high in fiber and low in carbs will populate the gut bacteria to our advantage. I have been on a high protein and high fiber plan this year and have personally noticed less “craving” for sweets and carbs.

Constipation prevention

Constipation has not been an issue for me until I increased my protein intake. It is a common issue for many individuals and increased fiber makes the stools bulkier and thus a mainstay for constipation treatment.

Cholesterol management

High fiber reduces cholesterol levels by limiting the reabsorption of cholesterol through the intestines. Some individuals have a cholesterol map that shows their body is a hyper-absorber of cholesterol, therefore high fiber can have huge impacts to decrease cholesterol levels.

Next time we will talk about strategies to increase fiber intake.

At BodyTimeMD, we believe in a tailored nutrition plan that can be sustained slow and steady. Hope this provides some insight, let’s talk if you are interested in finding out more about your body.

 This newsletter is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute giving medical advice or endorsing any treatment. The use or application of the content herein forms no doctor-patient relationship. The information in this newsletter should not substitute for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Thanks,

Mike