The Tiny, Tart Secret to a HEALTHIER Gut
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted May 25, 2024
Most of us have FINALLY gotten the message that our bodies have been desperately sending us all along…
Good health relies on good GUT health.
In fact, the microbiome in your digestive tract is connected to nearly every other aspect of your well-being. (I’ll have more on this bacterial treasure trove in just a minute.)
This means we should take every opportunity to promote happy, healthy, belly bacteria so THEY can support the rest of our health, from head to toe.
Recent research revealed one more way we to do precisely that.
But when you hear what this powerful gut health tool is, you might be surprised (and find yourself fighting off a powerful craving for some turkey).
Your gastrointestinal tract is home to trillions of microscopic bacteria collectively known as your microbiome.
Your microbiome plays a pivotal role in digestion, immune function, metabolism, and even mental well-being. And researchers now say cranberries could be the next best step in supporting it.
This tiny, tart Thanksgiving staple packs a serious punch when it comes to revitalizing your microbiome—and it works FAST.
In fact, a study recently published in the journal Biofilms and Microbiomes revealed that short-term supplementation with cranberry extract can work wonders for your gut health in as little as FOUR days!
The extract had what the guys in lab coats call a bifidogenic effect on the gut. But all it really means is that cranberry promotes the growth and proliferation of beneficial bacteria.
In this case, Bifidobacteria, in particular, responded well to the berry extract.
These good gut bugs are known for their ability to support digestive health, boost immunity, and keep things running smoothly in your gastrointestinal tract.
Plus, Bifidobacteria is also linked to lower the risk of developing diabetes and heart and blood vessel diseases.
With the ability to revitalize gut health in as few as four days, cranberry supplements are proving to be a powerful tool in the quest for optimal health.
So, whether you’re tired of feeling bloated, gassy, and just not quite right in the digestive department, or you simply want to care for your microbiome to boost your overall health, it might be time to embrace the power of cranberries.
P.S. Adding cranberry to your regular gut health routine is a great idea. But many folks also benefit from a quality probiotic. Check out my earlier post “Probiotics 101” for help choosing the right one.
Source:
Roussel, C., et al., (2024). Short term supplementation with cranberry extract modulates gut microbiota in human and displays a bifidogenic effect. Npj Biofilms and Microbiomes, 10(1), 1- 15. [doi. org /10. 1038/ s41522-024-00493-w]
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
WARNING—Your Water Bottle Is Hiding a Disgusting Secret
Recently, a few people have asked me if it’s true that their water bottle has more germs than a toilet seat. It’s a shocking comparison that’ll make you think twice about everyday objects you use without much thought. So, is this claim true? Well, I must warn you that you might not like the answer…...
Research Reveals 3-for-1 Brain Protection "Checklist"
Age-related brain diseases—including stroke, dementia, and depression—threaten our quality of life. They can take the shine right out of your Golden Years. But you don’t have to take these threats lying down. While there are no guarantees in life, there are steps you can take to turn the odds in your favor—especially when it comes...
Mailbag: Your “Healthy Diet” Might Leave You Running on Empty
“Do supplements really work?” Hopeful Skeptic Hi Hopeful, That’s a fantastic question! It gets straight to the heart of a vital fact about human biology. Our bodies are incredible machines. But they don’t work in a vacuum. They require outside help to function. For example, they can’t manufacture most vitamins and minerals on their own....
Forgotten 80s Superfood Reemerges as Artery Superstar
Do you remember when vitamin E was the talk of the town? This common nutrient had a surge of popularity in the 80s and 90s. But now I can’t remember the last time I had a patient ask me about it. Well, it turns out this forgotten 80s superfood deserves another moment in the spotlight....
Strokes CAN Strike Twice—This Simple Fix Cuts Your Risk 20%
They say lightning never strikes twice in the same place. But that old adage couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to strokes. If you’ve had a stroke, you might think you’re out of the woods once you recover. But the reality is far different… A comprehensive study published in JAMA revealed the...
Can Your Diet Defend Your Brain From Aging?
Our brains work hard every day, helping us solve problems, create memories, and connect with loved ones. But as we age, they face new challenges that can quietly chip away at our vitality. One of those challenges? The buildup of iron. Though iron is essential for many functions, too much can harm your brain, contributing...
Common Deficiency DOUBLES Risk of Your Body Attacking Itself
Most of us know vitamin D as the “sunshine vitamin.” And many think of it mainly for bone health as we age. But research now suggests that this nutrient may be just as crucial for supporting our immune system throughout life, beginning as early as childhood. In fact, a lack of vitamin D, especially in...
What Is a Healthy Night’s Sleep? Three Critical Criteria
We’ve all heard the advice about how important getting enough sleep is to your health. Heck, I have even given this advice countless times. But here’s what the so-called sleep experts aren’t telling you—that perfectly uninterrupted eight hours of sleep they keep preaching about? It’s a myth. In fact, if you wake up several times...
Can Your “Poop Schedule” Predict Disease?
We all do it. If you’re alive, you poop. Some of us are so regular that we could set a clock based on our bathroom habits. Others, not so much. And yet, talking about bowel movements remains one of those taboo topics. Even your doctor skims over it during your annual checkup! But the truth...
Mailbag: "Digestive Drama" Strikes MILLIONS Over 50
“As an older woman I’m noticing changes in my digestion. Why does it become more difficult to digest food as we get older?” —Grumbling Gut Age-related changes to digestion are common, and they don’t get talked about nearly enough. It seems our stomachs decide to alter the rules just when we’ve mastered the game of...