Weird “Timing Trick” RESTORES Gut Balance?
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted September 2, 2022
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
The Secret Ingredient to a Longer, Happier Life
Let’s face it. We’re all in need of an attitude adjustment from time to time. After all, when you turn on the news these days, the world can seem pretty dark. That is unless you make it a practice to look for the silver linings. In fact, Harvard researchers say when you do, something quite...
Do You REALLY Need All Those Skincare Products?
I often get questions about skincare products—and here’s what I’ve learned. In today’s beauty-obsessed world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of spending hundreds every month believing you need countless products to fight aging and achieve healthy, glowing skin. However, many dermatologists argue that LESS is MORE when it comes to skincare. Simplifying your...
“Ebb and Flow” Technique TRANSFORMS Senior Brain Health
You know by now that exercise is good for you. It keeps your heart healthy, your muscles strong, and your waistline trim. But what if I told you that a trendy “ebb and flow” workout technique—often associated with young fitness enthusiasts—could actually be a game-changer for us “oldsters” when it comes to brain health? And...
Mailbag: Slash Your Risk of Bone Fractures as You Age
“My doctor recently told me that I have osteoporosis. What can I do to reduce my risk of fractures and maintain strong bones as I age?” – Margaret Hi Margaret, Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I’m sure it was a shock. Osteoporosis is a serious condition that affects millions of people, and it’s not...
Household Favorite EXPOSED as Cancer Risk?
We all want to believe that the products we use daily are safe. After all, if they weren’t, they wouldn’t be on store shelves, right? Well, I hate to break it to you, but sometimes, the truth is far more alarming than we’d like to admit. The World Health Organization (WHO) has just dropped a...
Hidden Heatwave Threat REVEALED
Heat waves can have serious consequences. After all, staying cool isn’t just a comfort issue. When the mercury soars, it threatens your health—especially when you’re a senior. There are various reasons for this, including chronic medical conditions and bodies that just don’t regulate temperature as well as they once did. But there’s another heat-linked threat...
The Hidden Threat Behind Your Achy Joints
Picture this… You’re trying to enjoy a leisurely stroll in the park, but each step sends a jolt of pain through your knee. Or maybe you’re attempting to open a stubborn jar lid, only to have your fingers refuse to cooperate, leaving you feeling frustrated and helpless. Perhaps you’re simply trying to get out of...
Parkinson's Signs You Can't Afford to Miss
Imagine waking up one day to find your body betraying you. Your hands tremble as you try to button your shirt. Your feet shuffle when you want to walk with purpose. Once strong and clear, your voice now barely reaches above a whisper. This is the reality for those living with Parkinson’s. But what if...
Do Protein Needs Drop with Age? The SURPRISING Answer
I had a patient ask me the other day if they needed as much protein now as when they were younger. After all, we aren’t quite as active as seniors compared to when we were spring chickens. It’s a good question. And the answer might surprise you… Remember when you could devour a whole pizza...
Follow Your “Gut Feeling” to Reduce Diabetes Risk
It seems like every day we learn something new about the incredible influence our gut has on our overall health. From mood to immunity, and even to how well we sleep, the community of microbes in our digestive tract is pulling the strings behind the scenes. So, it should come as no surprise that researchers...