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Did you know certain gut bacteria strains make us more susceptible to weight retention and weight gain?
This discovery was kicked off several years ago through an examination into the microbiomes of twins. The twins were genetically identical, living in the same house and eating the same foods. Given their distinctly related genetic and environmental conditions, one twin was predisposed to weight gain, while the other twin remained lean.
This inverse metabolic phenomenon led researchers to investigate the microbiomes within each twin.
The study gathered microbial samples from each twin and inserted them into gnotobiotic mice (mice without a microbiome). The two groups of mice received the same diet and environmental conditions.
Following identical diets, the group injected with the microbial matter from the overweight twin had a substantial increase in weight, while the group with the lean twin's microbiome remained lean. Furthering the study, researchers gave all the mice a knockout antibiotic and then reversed each group's microbial samples. This caused the lean mice to become obese, and inversely, the obese mice became lean.
This finding reveals that organisms within our microbiomes are directly influencing how each of us responds to food.
Combining today's microbiome metabolism research with the accessibility to personal microbiome testing, we gain a significant advantage for reversing chronic diseases and improving our health.
I believe that this is the way forward in treating root cause symptoms. When it comes to optimal health, each of us contains a unique "microbiome footprint" to use to our advantage or disadvantage. There is no doubt that the Western Diet has caused universal dysfunctions within each of our microbiomes. Here are some ways to begin healing and restoring your gut microbiome.
Tips For Gut Restoration
Get a microbiome test.
Diagnose and Repair "Leaky Gut Syndrome" if present
Heal and repair your intestinal mucosa - Gut Lining.
Eliminate foods that are causing GI discomfort and stress.
Remove all Processed Foods & SEED OILS from the diet
Start adopting a fasting regimen to provide relief and restoration to your gut.
Tailor your prebiotics and probiotics to your microbiome.
Eat more fermented foods. These will help promote alpha-diversity within our microbiomes.
Three months is an optimal time to start re-introducing various foods back into your diet.
The goal is to become Metabolically Resilient and Flexible.
If you're interested in learning more about microbiome testing, my recommended prebiotic/probiotic foods and supplement, and proven protocols that heal you from the inside-out, get in touch with me!
I would love to work with you in creating your personalized plan for health optimization!
Food For Thought:
If you learned something new or insightful, please share this with someone you think might also enjoy
If you need any help or have any questions, get in touch with me at zach@zachwinfieldfitness.com or Instagram @zachwinfieldfitness
Live Well,
Zach Winfield
References
https://science.sciencemag.org/content/333/6038/101