The Perfect Approach For A Child's Healthy Gut, How To Help Your Body Make It's Own Natural Antidepressants, The Problem With Probiotics & More With Seed's Raja Dhir.
Feb 15, 2024
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Raja Dhir, co-founder of Seed and a microbiome science expert, dives into the critical role of gut health for both children and adults. He discusses how C-section births can affect an infant's microbiome and shares insights into effective probiotics like Bifidobacterium infantis. Raja emphasizes the connection between gut health and mental well-being, highlighting how a healthy microbiome can produce natural antidepressants. The conversation also touches on dietary impacts, innovative probiotic solutions, and the importance of microbial diversity for optimal health.
Probiotics play a crucial role in maintaining gut health and promoting immune function and metabolism.
Fiber intake from diverse plant sources is essential for a healthy microbiome, and reducing fiber can have adverse metabolic effects.
Antibiotics can disrupt the microbiome, but supplementing with probiotics can support recovery and restoration for overall well-being.
Deep dives
The Role of Probiotics in Gut Health
Probiotics play a vital role in maintaining gut health by promoting a diverse and balanced microbiome. These live organisms have the ability to confer health benefits to their host, and their presence is crucial for optimal immune function and metabolism. Antibiotic use can disrupt the microbiome, leading to changes in neuroactive metabolites and increased susceptibility to heavy metal absorption. Probiotics, such as specific strains of bifidobacterium infantis, can help restore and rebuild the microbiome after antibiotic use. Additionally, probiotics have the potential to reduce the negative impact of pesticide exposure in bees by detoxifying xenobiotics, including neonicotinoid pesticides.
The Importance of Fiber and Microbiome Diversity
Fiber intake, particularly from a diverse range of plant-based sources, is crucial for maintaining a healthy microbiome. Fiber provides essential prebiotic substrates that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria and help diversify the microbial ecosystem. Cutting down on fiber intake, such as following a carnivore diet, can lead to a microbial deficit and a shift towards a proteolytic state, which may have adverse metabolic and cardiovascular effects. While some individuals may be sensitive to certain types of fiber, it's important to replace reduced fiber intake with other biologically relevant compounds like polyphenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids found in colorful fruits and vegetables. This balance is crucial for optimal gut and overall health.
The Impact of Antibiotics on the Microbiome
Antibiotics can have a profound impact on the microbiome, disrupting its balance and diversity. The effects of antibiotic use can be far-reaching, impacting the metabolism of neuroactive metabolites and increasing the absorption of heavy metals and microplastics. Antibiotics can alter the composition of the microbiome, reducing the abundance of certain low-abundance beneficial microbes. Supplementing with probiotics after completing an antibiotic course can help support the recovery and restoration of the microbiome, ensuring a healthy balance that promotes overall well-being. Understanding the potential long-term impacts of antibiotics and taking appropriate steps to restore gut health is vital for maintaining optimal health.
Acromancia may assist with fiber digestion
According to the podcast, Acromancia, a specific bacteria, may help with fiber digestion in those who struggle with bloating and gas from a high fiber diet. This challenges the idea that one should avoid fiber and suggests that it may actually aid in digestion. While other bacteria also serve this function, Acromancia is unique because it is not typically abundant in the gut. Therefore, when looking to optimize microbiome diversity for fiber digestion, it is important to consider a diverse cocktail of organisms that have pathways for fiber degradation.
Benefits of using ketones as fuel
The podcast highlights the benefits of using ketones as a fuel source. Ketones are considered the fourth macronutrient and are known to provide energy while consuming minimal calories. They are beneficial for reducing inflammation, supporting gut health, promoting brain function, and acting as a preferred fuel for vital organs like the liver, heart, diaphragm, and brain. The speaker shares personal experiences of using ketones during activities such as flying, working out, or improving sleep. HVMN, a company specializing in affordable and effective ketone supplements, offers a 30% discount to those interested in trying their product.
Ever wondered if babies born via C-section are missing crucial gut bacteria? Discover the answer to this question and more as you journey through the intricate realms of gut flora and fermentation, uncovering their profound impact on your health and vitality.
Today's show dives into the essence of probiotics — live organisms that bestow remarkable health benefits — and delves deep into how to improve and restore your (and your child's) gut health.
Several years ago, I interviewed probiotic expert and Seed co-founder Raja Dhir in this episode. Today, Raja's back.
Join me and Raja as we bust myths and unearth the science behind optimal gut health, all through the lens of cutting-edge research and practical insights. Get ready to be enlightened, empowered, and inspired to optimize your own microbiome for peak performance and well-being.
