
Pleasant Pick-Me-Up Supports Gut Balance
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
Can't Shake Negative Thoughts? Check Your GUT First
Everyone struggles sometimes to stay positive or see the bright side of things. It’s part of being human. You might think those negative thoughts start in your brain—but it’s more complicated than that. A simple change to your daily habit can help dial down those negative feelings. New research suggests that this simple strategy could...
Repair Your Gut Barrier With the “Sunshine Cure”
Happy Fourth of July! As you celebrate with sunshine, good food, and great company, don’t forget—those summer rays aren’t just lifting your spirits… they’re also working behind the scenes to protect your gut and boost your health. Your gut health is more important than most people realize. It directly affects your overall well-being—from immunity to...
The 5 Health Numbers Your Doctor Wishes You'd Track
Have you ever been told you should “advocate” for yourself when it comes to your healthcare and wondered what that really means? It’s not just a buzzword—it’s a powerful concept that empowers you to take charge of your own health journey. In fact, it could save your life. Being your own best health advocate starts...
Do THIS Every 20 Minutes to STOP Digital Eye Strain
Our eyes are under assault—they are the true victims of our current digital age. And it’s because we are constantly glued to screens… phones, tablets, computers, TVs—you name it. Unfortunately, that screen time is taking a serious toll. Digital eye strain affects millions worldwide. In fact, up to 50 percent of computer users could develop...
Mailbag: The Calcium Mistake That's Hardening Your Arteries
“What type of calcium is best to take with bisphosphonates for osteoporosis? I know some varieties can build up in arteries. Thanks for the help.” —Bone Builder Hi Builder, When a patient asks me about calcium, I ask them a peculiar question in return… “Ever wonder how elephants and giraffes build and maintain their massive...
Doctor-Approved Method to Ditch Blood Pressure Meds
In a world where drug solutions dominate healthcare, it’s refreshing to discover that best remedies sometimes don’t involve a single pill. A groundbreaking study shows simple relaxation techniques could be your secret weapon against one of America’s deadliest health conditions. Best of all? It’s free, easy to start right away—and your results are bound to...
Trouble Hearing? Your Heart Could Be at Risk
With research exploding and data pouring in, scientists are uncovering some weird (and surprisingly helpful) health connections. Today’s odd couple? Hearing loss and heart failure. Turns out your ears and your ticker are more connected than you ever imagined. A major study published in the journal Heart looked at over 164,000 people for nearly a...
Stay Up Late? It Could Destroy Your Mental Health
If you dread mornings but come alive at night, there’s concerning new research you need to know about. A recent study found that “night owls” are at higher risk for depression. But before you rush to set your alarm to get up with the sun tomorrow, there’s more to the story… Chronotypes are essentially your...
Go from Flabby to Fit with this Common Vitamin
If you’re like many of us, you woke up one day, looked in the mirror, and realized you’re no spring chicken anymore. Even worse—when you weren’t paying attention—it seems you somehow misplaced the muscles of your youth and have gone from fit to flabby. Aging has a way of humbling us like that. But scientists...
Seasonal Allergy “Off Switch” Discovered in the GUT
“Doc, why am I suddenly suffering from seasonal allergies when I’ve never had them before?” It’s a question I get all the time—and my answer might surprise you. Stop looking up at the trees—and start looking down at your gut… Your sneezing fits, itchy eyes, and runny nose might have more to do with what’s...