Ep. 140: How to Feed Your Gut Microbiome

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We hear lots of talk about the importance of a healthy and diverse gut microbiome. So what foods should we be eating to maintain our gut health, and how does a healthy microbiome affect the rest of our body? What’s the science behind at-home microbiome testing products, and are they worth trying? How could microbial science help with early detection or treatment of conditions like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s? Medcan’s director of food and nutrition, Leslie Beck, RD, sits down with Dr. Brett Finlay, microbiologist and University of British Columbia professor, to find out. 

LINKS

• Want to learn more about the ways your diet is affecting your gut microbiome? Email nutrition@medcan.com to book a consultation with a Medcan dietician. 

• Read some articles by Leslie Beck about gut health and the microbiome:

  • What to eat to bolster gut health

  • Fermented foods belong in a gut-friendly diet

•  Visit ProbioticChart.ca to learn more about probiotic interventions available in Canada. 

• Read The Blue Zones of Happiness: 9 Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who've Lived The Longest by Dan Buettner, mentioned by Dr. Finlay.

• Learn more about direct-to-consumer microbiome tests discussed in this episode, like Viome, Zoe or DayTwo.

• Should you get a microbiome test? In addition to Leslie and Brett’s perspectives, the New York Times’ Well blog weighs in.

• Check out the Nutrition for Precision Health program by the U.S. National Institute of Health.

• See the 2021 study from Stanford University and published in Cell: Gut-microbiota-targeted diets modulate human immune status. 

• Hungry for more? Listen to our episodes about the benefits of eating fermented foods or following the MIND diet.

INSIGHTS

1. What is the gut microbiome? [2:20]

2. What role does our microbiome play in our overall health and wellness? [3:33]

3. What are some of the health problems that have been associated with a less diverse microbiome? [5:39]

4. Which factors affect the condition and health of our gut microbiome the most, and what does a healthy microbiome look like? [6:42]

5. What do we know so far about the ways our diet can affect the gut microbiome? [7:59]

6. What’s the deal with probiotic supplements, and how much can they improve gut health? [13:35]

7. Can gut cleanses or gut resets actually dramatically improve gut health? [17:04]

8. There are several at-home microbiome tests on the market. How do they work? What information do they provide, and how helpful are they in improving gut health? [18:51]

9. What can we expect for the future of microbial science, and what is Dr. Finlay most excited about? [22:53]

10. Hear Dr. Finlay’s four pieces of advice on the best ways to keep your gut microbiome healthy and diverse. [27:35]

*LEGAL

This podcast episode is intended to provide general information about health and wellness only and is not designed, or intended to constitute, or be used as a substitute for, medical advice, treatment or diagnosis. You should always talk to your Medcan health care provider for individual medical advice, diagnosis and treatment, including your specific health and wellness needs. 

The podcast is based on the information available at the time of preparation and is only accurate and current as of that date. Source information and recommendations are subject to change based on scientific evidence as it evolves over time. Medcan is not responsible for future changes or updates to the information and recommendations, and assumes no obligation to update based on future developments. 

Reference to, or mention of, specific treatments or therapies, does not constitute or imply a recommendation or endorsement. The links provided within the associated document are to assist the reader with the specific information highlighted. Any third-party links are not endorsed by Medcan.

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