This interesting radio 4 programme was posted on Thyroid UK. Various scientists describe their research on microbes in the gut and how important the complex chemistry between the food we eat and these microbes may be for the immune system to distinguish between our own good bacteria and other outside bacteria.
Olive oil is said to be the perfect food for our microbes.
(Skip the first quarter if you're squeamish) :
That Gut Feeling: Part Two
Food Programme
Dan Saladino returns to the world of the gut microbiota, the vast array of microbes within us all.
Here is another link on the same 'Food Programme' about fermented foods, such as sauerkraut, of which I'm a huge fan - I believe it has probably healed the little brushes (microvilli) in my gut and relieved all my digestive issues better than any probiotic I'd ever tried. This is also explained in the link above.
Interesting that the people making these fermented foods say they are not allowed to call them probiotics.
Actually, Polaris, I'd like to know more about your home-made sauerkraut. How big a batch do you make? How long does it last?
I find that the stuff I've bought is too much. Although it's fairly small jars (350g) it takes me quite a while to get through one on my own (and nobody else likes the smell).
Sorry FB, as explained, I go through a lot and buy a large 680 g. jar of Biona organic every week - I'm sure others can give tips on home made sauerkraut and the site above explains the general principle - it was a way of preserving vegetables with salt through the long winters so there shouldn't be a problem with it going off, although my health food shop recommends keeping it in the fridge.
People have complained here before about smell but I've not had this experience (or got used to it!). Could it be why they Infuse Biona with juniper berries?
Yes - they do show you the various fermented foods on the site above and it's best to make to make your own - very simple - I have tried but too lazy to continue🙁
I go through a 680 g. jar of Biona Organic Sauerkraut in a week or so and am told by others here that, as it is pasteurised, doesn't work as well as home made. For me, it works well enough that, if I do have any return of reflux, gastric pain, etc. it stops it almost immediately. Biona do sell unpasteurised but it's more expensive and not available in my local health food shop, although I'm sure they'd order it in if asked.
I hope it works for you Foggy but I found I had to avoid gluten as well - am used to it now but that's not easy to begin with, especially if you're not into baking....
Hi Polaris. Thanks for the information. I think to start with I'm simply going to buy some and perhaps when I have more energy (ever hopeful) I'll have a go at making it.
Good advice about the gluten...I've suspected for some time that this might be a problem but have tested negative for coeliac disease (I note that there are some problems with the accuracy of the test).
I've always been a 'healthy' eater, preferring fresh homemade to anything packaged, boxed, processed etc. but am aware that I have become 'lazy' through lack of energy. So you are not alone in this!
I'm now going to make an effort to return to proper 'healthy' eating! In the past I have avoided gluten so it shouldn't be to difficult but I will miss cakes (I love them) and pasta (I love this even more) and bread. Gluten free has never appealed to me so I'll just do without.
Having looked at all this, I really think I need to heal my gut!
Thanks for all your input...I'm going to get started pronto.
Yes! giving up fresh bread, cake and pasta is really hard (fell off the wagon several times and tried to convince myself ciabatta was OK - interestingly, it's made with olive oil and I can probably get away with a little). I don't eat g/f stuff either, apart from rice spaghetti (M & S best tasting).
When tum healed and I had more energy, it was really hard to to fill the gap - nuts seem to work, especially walnuts (really good for you too), and rice cakes.
I've never been tested for coeliac, etc. and, apparently, you have to go back to bread etc. for six weeks before you can be tested - as you say, not reliable anyway.
De Sarah Myhill prefers to call SIBO - Gut Fermentation in her book - Sustainable Medicine. She suggests taking BIG doses of VitC before sleep and keep increasing to bowel tolerance The book makes great reading as does her amazing website - like having a Doc in your room .....
Thanks for this Marz. I take 1000 Vit C before bed as I'd noticed it had a really good effect on skin - more of this would be an added bonus - will look for the book. Reminds me that I've been meaning to try the minerals on her website too. 🙂
I drink a glass of kefir everyday. I notice an increase in bloating when I don't drink it. I am introducing bone broths and gelatins, and selenium into my diet as well. I'll keep posted.
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The book makes great reading as does her amazing website - like having a Doc in your room .....
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