Unlocking the Power of the Microbiome for Optimal Health with Pendulum
Jan 10, 2024
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In this episode of Wild Health Podcast, we sit down with Colleen Cutcliffe, CEO and co-founder of Pendulum, to explore the power of the microbiome for optimal health. We learn about the significance of keystone bacteria, probiotics' impact on chronic illness and metabolic health, and practical tips for incorporating Akkermansia into your routine. Discover the relationship between high fiber diets, polyphenols, and increasing Acromancia levels, as well as the philosophy of selling directly to consumers and the limitations of FDA approval.
The gut microbiome is a complex ecosystem that plays a crucial role in overall health and well-being.
Making changes to the microbiome through factors like diet and antibiotics can have immediate and long-term effects.
A high-fiber, diverse diet and lifestyle choices like having a pet and exposing oneself to nature contribute to a healthy microbiome.
Deep dives
Understanding the Importance of the Microbiome
The podcast episode discusses the significance of the gut microbiome in our overall health. Through DNA sequencing technologies, scientists can now explore the role of the microbiome in various aspects such as metabolism, immune system, gut-brain function, allergies, and asthma. The microbiome is a complex ecosystem of microbes that exist inside and on our bodies, and it is essential for our well-being. While the gut microbiome is the focus, there are other microbiomes on our body, like the skin and nasal microbiomes. The episode emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between humans and these microbes.
The Development and Evolution of the Microbiome
The microbiome begins to evolve even before birth, with exposure to microbes in the womb and during a vaginal birth. As a person grows, the microbiome becomes more diverse and complex. It is a dynamic entity that can change over time based on various factors like diet, antibiotics, and other lifestyle choices. Making changes to the microbiome can have immediate and long-term effects. For example, taking antibiotics can decimate most of the microbiome within hours, while changing one's diet can alter the microbiome over the course of weeks or months.
The Role of Diet in Microbiome Health
Diet plays a significant role in maintaining a healthy microbiome. High-fiber and high-polyphenol foods, such as fruits, vegetables, pomegranates, green tea, red wine, and dark chocolate, provide the necessary nutrients to support beneficial microbial strains. On the other hand, processed foods are detrimental to the microbiome. A diverse diet that incorporates these healthy foods can promote a thriving microbiome. Moreover, lifestyle choices like having a dog, walking in nature, and not excessively sterilizing our environment support the exchange of beneficial microbes and contribute to a healthy microbiome.
Understanding Microbiome Testing
Microbiome testing is a relatively new field, and as such, the understanding of different microbes and their implications is still evolving. Various gut tests exist, but they differ in terms of quality, sensitivity, and specificity. While the tests can provide valuable insights into one's microbiome composition, it can be challenging to determine specific actions based on the results. More research is needed to fully understand the actionable insights from these tests. However, some indicators like low levels of bacteria and specific strains, such as acromancia, can guide interventions.
The Potential of Acromancia for Health Optimization
Acromancia, a keystone strain in the microbiome, has emerged as an important bacterium that influences gut health and metabolism. It plays a crucial role in gut lining maintenance and repair, regulating intestinal mucin production. Additionally, acromancia stimulates the production of GLP-1, a molecule involved in glucose metabolism and appetite control. While further research is needed, early studies show promising results related to acromancia's impact on reducing food cravings and improving glucose control. Acromancia supplementation can be utilized as an intervention for conditions like type 2 diabetes, gut dysbiosis, and metabolic disorders. While the field of microbiome research is still young, it holds great potential for personalized health optimization.
In this episode we sit down with Colleen Cutcliffe, the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Pendulum, to learn about a variety of lifestyle changes at the core of microbiome improvement, from fiber-rich diets to adopting pets.
Colleen shares about the early stages of microbiome testing, and the significance of keystone bacteria that act as a metabolic powerhouse.
We explore the intriguing relationship between probiotics and their impact on chronic illness, metabolic health, and practical tips for incorporating Akkermansia into your routine.
Join us for an information packed episode, where we break down the science behind achieving optimal health through understanding the microbiome.
Listeners are welcome to apply WILDHEALTH20 at pendulumlife.com for 20% off their purchase!
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