Gut Check: Let's Talk Akkermansia & Continuous Glucose Monitors (& What Dr. Colleen Cutcliffe Changed After Using One!)
Feb 14, 2024
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Dr. Colleen Cutcliffe, CEO of Pendulum, discusses the gut microbiome's role in metabolic health, antibiotic impacts, probiotics, and continuous glucose monitors. She highlights Pendulum's glucose control benefits for diabetes and the synergy with GLP-1 medications for improved outcomes.
The gut microbiome is crucial for metabolic health, immune response, and brain health.
Continuous glucose monitors provide valuable insights into how different foods affect blood glucose levels.
Deep dives
Pendulum's Journey and Microbiome Products
Pendulum, a microbiome company, has been in business for a decade and has been focused on research and development before launching their products two to three years ago. Their flagship product, Pendulum Glucose Control, is the first probiotic to be shown to lower A1C and blood glucose spikes in individuals with type 2 diabetes. They also offer Metabolic Daily for better sugar and carb metabolism, as well as a single strain of Acromancia, which has emerging evidence of its importance for the microbiome and general health. They are also exploring the use of polyphenols to increase Acromancia levels.
Understanding Acromancia and Gut Microbiome
Acromancia is an important strain of bacteria in the gut microbiome, and Pendulum has a specific strain called Acromancia muciniphila (AKK). This strain has the potential to help with metabolic health, cardiovascular health, immune system response, and even brain health. The discovery of the impact of the gut microbiome on obesity is mentioned, with research revealing that fecal microbiome transplants can lead to weight gain or loss in mice, depending on the donor. While such transplants are happening in humans, the safety and specific components of the microbiome are still areas of concern.
Health Implications of the Gut Microbiome
The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in our overall health, including metabolic health, cardiovascular health, immune system response, and even brain health. Researchers have found that antibiotics and diet are the main factors that impact the gut microbiome. Antibiotics can disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria in the gut, while a diet high in fiber and polyphenols can help to support the growth of beneficial bacteria. Pendulum recommends taking probiotics and increasing fiber intake after antibiotic use to promote the restoration of a healthy microbiome.
Pendulum's Glucose Control and Natural GLP-1 Production
Pendulum's Glucose Control product is designed to help individuals with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. It works by promoting the natural production of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), a hormone that helps regulate blood glucose levels and reduce food cravings. Unlike GLP-1 medications, which provide a concentrated dose of the hormone, Glucose Control aims to increase the body's natural production of GLP-1 by introducing specific strains of bacteria into the gut. Feedback from users suggests that the product may also have benefits for weight loss and appetite suppression.
In this episode, Dr. Colleen Cutcliffe, CEO and co-founder of Pendulum, delves into the vital role of the gut microbiome and Pendulum's innovative products in optimizing metabolic health. She discusses the significance of the gut microbiome in metabolic health, immune function, and beyond. Dr. Cutcliffe offers practical advice for individuals navigating antibiotic treatments and emphasizes the importance of choosing high-quality probiotic supplements. Furthermore, she underscores the benefits of continuous glucose monitors and explores the possible synergies between Pendulum's Glucose Control and GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic for enhanced outcomes. Additionally, she outlines Pendulum's research focus on improving gut metabolism and elucidating the gut-brain connection as promising avenues for future intervention.
Takeaways
The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in metabolic health, cardiovascular health, immune response, and brain health.
Microbiome transplants have shown promise in treating obesity and other health conditions.
Antibiotics and diet can significantly impact the composition of the gut microbiome.
Probiotics and prebiotics can help restore and support a healthy gut microbiome.
Pendulum's glucose control product has been shown to lower A1C and blood glucose spikes in people with type 2 diabetes.
Continuous glucose monitors provide valuable data on how different foods affect blood glucose levels.
Combining Pendulum's glucose control with GLP-1 medications may offer additional benefits.
Pendulum is focused on ongoing research and development to improve metabolic health and support patients in transitioning off medications.
00:00
Introduction and Background
02:01
Pendulum's Journey and Products
04:30
What is Akkermansia?
06:43
The Importance of the Gut Microbiome
09:22
Microbiome Transplants and Obesity
14:12
Factors Affecting the Microbiome
16:12
Recovering from Antibiotic Use
18:25
Probiotics and Prebiotics
20:07
GLP-1 and Pendulum's Approach
28:53
Pendulum's A1C Study
30:41
CGM and Glucose Control
33:00
Weight Loss and Glucose Control
35:21
Butyrate and Butyrate Supplements
36:30
Future Research and Conclusion
42:11
Disclaimer: The Women Want Strong Men Podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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