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.
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