The Importance of a Healthy Gut

June 10, 2020 by Daniela Leave a comment

In his blog “Turning the Tide” Dr. David Glass discusses pre-biotics, probiotics and most recently – postbiotics.

Post-biotics are metabolites of the bacteria in the intestine that have beneficial activities on the body. These include short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as propionate, butyrate and acetate (vinegar). I remember learning about these substances way back in physiology class in 2nd year medicine, but in those days their role in health was relatively unknown. We will discuss these in more detail. Here is a scientific report of research showing the benefits of a high fibre diet in managing viral infections, and particularly suppressing the cytokine storm – one of the really dangerous consequences of Covid-19 infections.

This is particularly relevant in our Covid-19 pandemic, as a healthy gut means a better immune system to protect you against the ravages of this frightening disease.

Up to 97% of Americans, and most probably most Westernised societies, are starved of fibre. This is the greatest nutritional deficiency in our modern age. Recommended daily fibre intake for women is 25 gms, and for men 38 gms. Note that no animal product has dietary fibre. There is no fibre in red meat, or white meat, or dairy products or eggs. (This is one of the big problems with a Banting or ketogenic diet). Most processed foods have had fibre removed. Thus white bread and pastries have very little fibre.

Dr. Glass suggests his readers…

…make sure you are increasing the diversity of your gut microbiome by ingesting a wide variety of plants and their fibres to boost your immunity.

Author: Daniela

I will forever be grateful that I was introduced to the utility and beauty of hand crafted products early in life - from the symbolic motifs sewn into the coarse linen fabric of Croatian traditional wear to the colorful Kilim carpets that decorated the parquet floors in my grandmother's living room. I treasure the memories of my grandfather teaching me how to protect myself against the "evil eye," the smell of the flower stalls in the open air market where my grandmother bought produce early every morning for the day’s meals and the summers spent at my great grandmother's where the village wags would come to gossip over thick, black Turkish coffee in her cool stone kitchen. Someone noted that "For all of us that want to move forward, there are a very few that want to keep the old methods of production, traditions and crafts alive." I am a fellow traveler with those who value the old traditions and folk wisdom. I believe the knowledge they possess can contribute significantly to our efforts to build a more sustainable world - one that values the individual over the corporation, conservation over growth and happiness over wealth.