
Weird “Timing Trick” RESTORES Gut Balance?
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
Most people have no clue what a microbiome is.
But if you’re a regular reader of Living Well Daily, you likely don’t just know what a microbiome is. You also probably realize how vital it is to keep your own balanced for overall good health.
But if you’re new here (or in need of a refresher): a microbiome is a community of microorganisms that exist in a particular environment, including fungi, bacteria, and viruses.
In humans, the term is typically used to describe all the microorganisms living in one specific part of the body. And more often than not, it’s referring to the sum total of all of the gut bugs (mostly bacteria) that live in your gastrointestinal tract.
Your microbiome has a huge impact on the well-being of your gut, of course. But it also influences the rest of your health from head to toe.
You can help keep your microbiome healthy by ditching ultra-processed foods, avoiding too much sugar, and eating more naturally fermented foods like sauerkraut and yogurt.
But 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.
I’ve explained some of the many benefits of intermittent fasting before.
Experts often refer to it as time-restricted eating or modified fasting. And it’s exactly what it sounds like.
When you practice intermittent fasting, you eat only during a specific window of time during the day. And the fewer hours you can eat, the better.
The most common form of time-restricted eating is to skip breakfast and only eat during the hours from noon to 6:00 PM. In other words, you’re simply reducing the amount of time in which you allow yourself to eat.
People practice intermittent fasting for various reasons, including weight loss, better blood sugar control, and even improved mental function and sleep. But it turns out those aren’t the only benefits of time-restricted eating.
A new animal study published in the journal Cell Reports revealed that intermittent fasting ALSO helps restore balance and good health to the gut microbiome.
The researchers put mice on a time-restricted diet, and the rodent’s microbiomes greatly improved. And that, in turn, can lead to BIG health benefits.
You see, when you restrict the time that you’re eating, you typically end up getting two benefits for the price of one:
- improved blood sugar
- automatic calorie restriction leading to weight loss
When that’s combined with the positive effects of a now well-balanced microbiome, the potential benefits skyrocket.
You gain better glucose, cholesterol, and fatty acid control. And the microbiome’s beneficial influence on blood sugar and weight also improves your metabolic health.
The best way to get started with intermittent fasting is to eat breakfast an hour later each day until you’re not eating until noon. Or, if you’re a big breakfast fan, you can do the opposite. Eat dinner an hour earlier each day until your window for eating is down to 6 to 8 hours.
P.S. Research suggests intermittent fasting can activate the immune system in a way that could help us tackle tumors. If someone you care about is battling cancer, this research may help.
Source:
“Diet and feeding pattern modulate diurnal dynamics of the ileal microbiome and transcriptome,” Cell Reports, Volume 40, Issue 1, 5 July 2022, 111008, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111008

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
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...
“Canary in the Coal Mine” Test Sniffs Out Brain Issues Early
One of the most common questions I get is how to tell if you’re starting to experience cognitive decline. I get it—losing your memory is scary, especially when it sneaks up on you. But here’s some exciting news that might put your mind at ease. A fascinating new study suggests that your nose might be...
BEAT Stubborn Leg Swelling Without Dangerous Diuretics
“I need help with edema.” —Swollen Hi Swollen, When patients complain of edema—fluid retention that causes feet, ankles, and legs to swell—I explain that, while conventional medicine immediately prescribes diuretic drugs, nature offers us effective solutions we can try first. I’ll share those in just a moment, but first, let’s take a quick look at...
Mental Health Linked to 30% FASTER Aging [6-Step FIX]
Your mind and body are more connected than you might realize—and a groundbreaking new study proves just how profound that connection really is. In fact, it’s this mind-body link that helps explain why battling depression can put you on the fast track to physical decline. Depression is the most common mental health condition worldwide. We’ve...