Pleasant Pick-Me-Up Supports Gut Balance
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted May 21, 2023
Your gut bacteria are like a little community of tiny workers. Each bug has its own job to do.
And there are a LOT of the tiny little critters.
In fact, scientists estimate you have about 100 trillion of these microorganisms in your digestive tract. Collectively, they’re referred to as your microbiome.
The problem is some of those bugs are working for you, SUPPORTING your health, while others are working against you, HARMING your health.
But your goal shouldn’t be to destroy all the bad bugs. Because when it comes to gut flora, the focus should be on diversity and balance.
And new research just revealed an unexpected tool that can help you do precisely that.
A recent study published in the journal Nutrients revealed that caffeine helps keep bad belly bugs in check.
A group of bacteria called Erysipelatoclostridium is associated with inflammation, poor blood sugar control, and increased obesity risk. However, the MORE caffeine study participants consumed, the LESS Erysipelatoclostridium they had in their gut-bug mix.
But the benefits didn’t end there. Higher caffeine levels were ALSO associated with…
- increased bacterial diversity
- more Faecalibacteriumbacteria (a good gut bug)
- more Alistipes bacteria (another good gut bug)
In other words, your morning cup of Joe (or afternoon tea) is more than just a pleasant pick-me-up. It also keeps your microbiome in balance.
But don’t stop there. Following are a few more steps you can take to set yourself firmly on the road to microbiome mastery:
- Steer clear of antibiotics unless you absolutely need them.
- Eat more fermented foods, including unpasteurized sauerkraut and pickles, and yogurt. (And for the more adventurous: miso, natto, and kimchi).
- Take a good probiotic. I like to rotate my supplements to get a wide variety of bacterial species.
- Probiotics need food and fiber (a prebiotic) is one of the best ways to feed them. Eat plenty of fiber-rich fresh, raw vegetables.
- Prioritize getting a good night’s sleep, work on keeping your stress levels in check, and get some regular exercise.
Your microbiome affects nearly every aspect of your health, from blood sugar to mood. So keeping it balanced and healthy is WELL worth the effort.
P.S. Watching WHAT you eat isn’t the only way to boost the health of your gut bugs. It turns out there’s also a weird but powerful “timing trick” you can use to help modify and restore your gut microbiome. CLICK HERE to reveal what it is
Source:
“The Association between Caffeine Intake and the Colonic Mucosa-Associated Gut Microbiota in Humans—A Preliminary Investigation.” Nutrients 2023, 15, 1747. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15071747
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
9 Modern Health Threats that ACTUALLY Matter
The world is a scary place sometimes. It can feel like we’re surrounded by health threats and forced to seek out miracle cures to fix them. But here’s the thing. When everything feels so urgent, it’s easy to get caught up in minor concerns while overlooking the real threats to your wellbeing. While debates about...
Ancient Wise Man's Gift Brings Modern Pain Relief
As we exchange gifts to celebrate Christmas today, we remember the biblical story of the Three Wise Men bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. While you might be hoping to find some gold in your stocking this year, it turns out that frankincense could be the REAL treasure—especially if you’re battling knee pain. Yes,...
Mailbag: Restless Legs Ruining Your Sleep? Try THIS
“What can I do to help my restless legs? They bother me in the daytime if I sit down for a while, but some nights, it keeps me up all night.” – Looking for a Leg Up on Sleep Hi Leg Up, Few things are more frustrating than being nestled all snug in your bed,...
The Simple Metabolic Health Hack You’re NOT Using
If you’re like most Americans, you don’t give much thought to your metabolism. But here’s a shocking statistic that might change your mind… One in three U.S. adults is walking around with hidden metabolic syndrome. This ticking time bomb is a cluster of conditions that can send your risk of heart disease, stroke, and type...
The Sunshine Vitamin's Surprising Heart Benefits Revealed
Most folks know that vitamin D is vital for bone health. And if you’re a regular Living Well Daily reader, you also know how critical it is for overall health. But now, incredibly, a new study has revealed something that could change how we think about the “sunshine vitamin” forever. Researchers uncovered evidence that this...
Discover How Gut Bugs Shape Your Brain Health
We’ve all experienced an intuitive “gut feeling” before. But what if I told you your gut is doing FAR more than just sending you hunches? A new study has uncovered a fascinating link between the bacteria in your digestive system and your brain health. It might just change everything we thought we knew about preventing...
Build a Stronger Immune System at Any Age
As we age our immune systems need a little extra TLC to keep us healthy and strong. But don’t worry, boosting your immunity doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In fact, some of the best immune-boosting strategies are simple habits you can incorporate into your daily routine. So, let’s dive into some tried-and-true tips...
Natural Solutions to Snoring
Regardless of whether you’re the snorer or the unfortunate bedmate, snoring is a source of stress for countless couples. The endless, rhythmic, sawing sounds can disrupt the rest of even the deepest sleepers. But before you resort to earplugs or separate bedrooms, let’s explore some natural ways to tackle snoring. Snoring isn’t just annoying. It...
Shedding New Light on Depression with this “Sunlight” Hack
You’ve likely heard of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This form of the blues hits as the leaves fall and the days grow shorter. Well, new research reveals that the same therapy that helps many folks battling SAD feel better could be a ray of hope for those fighting other types of depression, too. Here’s what...
Mailbag: Reverse Atherosclerosis Naturally? Science Says Yes—Here's How
“What actually reverses heart clogging?” -Heartfelt Hi Heartfelt, I have good news. We used to think reversing arterial plaque buildup or “heart clogging” was impossible, but now we know better. When my own patients ask me about atherosclerosis (the medical term for clogged arteries), I explain that—while complete reversal can be challenging—research confirms that specific...