Your Resident Microbes: Friends or Enemies?

Written by Dr. Diane E. Clayton
Believe it or not the average human contains 10 times more microbial cells than human cells. In fact our microbiome or our microbial “ecosystem” together with our DNA is what makes each of us unique. The only time we are microbe-free is during the 9 months we spend in the womb. During birth, after birth and during the first few years of life our resident microbes (comprising not just bacteria, but also viruses, fungi and protozoa) establish themselves in and on our body as a balanced and stable community, helping us grow and develop into healthy adults. Exactly how our resident microbes become established is determined both by our genetics and the environment we live in. So, when all goes well, we live in harmony with a stable community of microbes which confer upon us numerous health benefits.Continue reading

How to Fill the Gap with Fibre

farmers_market_fruitIt seems that very often we are told about the importance of having fruits, vegetables and whole grains in a balanced diet to obtain needed vitamins and minerals. With all the benefits of these foods, we forget that these foods also contain fibre which is an important part of our everyday diet. Fibre can help you in multiple ways. It can help you with controlling your weight by making you feel full for a longer time and it can also help you with digestion, as it aids with the movement of food through your digestive system.1 Foods with higher fibre amounts may make you feel full longer as they are more satisfying.1 Consider what may make you feel full longer—drinking a glass of apple juice or eating an apple whole. A whole apple may make you full longer because of the fibre in the apple and in its skin. Also, with enough fluid, fibre can help glide food through your system more quickly, helping you with issues of constipation.1 Some types of fibre provide the benefits of lowering levels of blood sugar and blood glucose, which in turn, can lower your risk of getting diabetes or heart disease.2 Fibre is a powerhouse for providing benefits to your digestive and heart health and overall well-being.Continue reading