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Are Gut Microbes Controlling Our Appetites?
Health | February 10, 2015
A recent study done in conjunction with three major American universities has brought a great deal of insight on just how the millions upon millions of microbes in our guts interact with us. However, just to be sure, they do not, in fact, turn us into ravenous, mindless eaters.
Still, the research is compelling. What we eat affects us much more than we realize. The bacterial microbes that live in our digestive systems are infinitely more complex and demanding than previously thought. The study claims that bacteria in our guts have their own particular appetites. This, in turn, affects our own cravings and appetites. Some bacteria have a taste for fat, some for sugar while others prefer protein, etc.
In other words, what is known as our gut microbiome is made up of a diverse amount of bacteria with different nutritional preferences. Strangely enough, these bacteria send signals to our brains influencing our appetites as well. According Dr. Carlo Maley, one of the authors of this particular study, “Bacteria within the gut are manipulative.”
While this may seem like something straight out of a silly sci-fi movie, it’s not as bad as it sounds. That is, we are not effectively zombies forced to yield to the whims and appetites of microscopic bacteria. The study does suggest where our cravings for particular kinds of food may come from. Especially, when we binge or indulge for a long period on specific types of foods. Essentially, if we eat a lot of sugar and fat, our bodies are going to continue to crave sugar and fat because those are the bacteria we are indulging.
Fortunately, Dr. Maley states that we can affectively alter the bacterial landscape in our guts within 24 hours by eating appropriately. For example, if we eat vegetables and protein we directly affect and nurture those particular bacteria affected by such nutrients. We also, starve out or diminish the bacteria hungry for sugar and fats.
This recent study makes a compelling argument for probiotics and foods rich with healthy bacteria such as yogurt as well. More and more research seems to indicate that probiotics may have a positive effect on our digestion and overall health.
How’s your digestion these days? Any particular cravings that come and go?
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Is it a picture of Kéfir ? I like that stuff, very efficient probiotic ! 😉
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My digestion is not very good. I have a lot of sensitivities and suffer from water retention. Also I work at place with juices that its good but they also have like a healthy frozen yogurt made out of fruits vegetables and nuts and one that’s made out of vanilla, almonds, dates and sea salt is so good that when I’m at work I eat a lot of it….thats not good. I’m trying to teach myself not to eat it …
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its weird, i dont have any cravings for anything at any time, not during pregnancy/periods, not when im hungry or tired, never.. Anyone else like me? 🙂
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I don’t either. Sometimes I would like a chocolate around that time of month, but I wouldn’t consider it a craving.
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Same. No cravings ever really. Maybe sometimes I’ll want a certain type of cuisine like, Indian or Japanese but never a craving for any specific food.
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Kefir is a great source of probiotic. I hv been making my own at home for about 2 yrs now. Very healthy for the gut.
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I cut back all my sugar in the month of January. It was hard the first week because I truly was craving it so badly. I have allowed sugar back into my diet this past week. It is so true for me that when I eat sugar, I want more sugar….I haven’t felt as good, and I have eaten badly because of it.
Also, I diligently followed your diet in January…but did feel myself “crashing” because of lack of carbs. I am not sure if it was just me adjusting, or my body communicating with me telling me that I need more carbs to function at the level that I function (I am a 4th grade teacher, and I have 4 kids of my own ages 12, 10, 8, & 7–I need LOTS of energy). Still trying to figure that out…I did lose weight and see a change when I ate less carbs…but it was hard because on your diet–the only time I can eat carbs is at 7 am! And then the rest of the day I am only veggies/protein. It works, but it’s hard!
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Hi Amy im not Zuzka but I’m a busy mom as well and I too, like you, tried the low carb diet and yes it was hard especially with kids you need energy, but have you heard of carb cycling? Read up on it and research its basically, in short, you have high carb, low carb and no carb days depending what’s your workout is for the day. I’ve been doing for awhile and I feel better. Hope this helps. Good luck.
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la valette-du-var, france
I don’t spend as much energy as you do (don’t have kids), but I have to say that following Zuzka’s diet has made a huge difference for me ! I feel more energized, whereas before I felt sleepy before every meals, especially after lunch, and now I’m never tired … even ! Plus, I’ve never been that toned and I’ve never lost so much cellulite haha, so it has a ton of advantages. That’s why I really really wish you’ll find a way that works for you because it feels amazing ! Maybe you should eat more veggies and fruits so that you have more vitamins ? But yeah I don’t really know what I’m talking about hahaha so I just want to give you my support 😀 hope that Zuzka and other Warriors can advice you real good 🙂 so you can figure it out ^^
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Jodee,
Thanks for the heads up- I looked it up!! May be something I consider!
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las vegas, nv, usa
Amy,
You’re welcome. Hope it’ll help. It helped me so im not so deprived of the starchy but healthy carbs that are still good for you.
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Manon- thanks for the encouragement, I am trying it out and seeing how I feel again this month. It may be an adjustment period thing. Thank you!!
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la valette-du-var, france
Yes maybe ! That’s what I’m hoping 😀
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I would love to learn about carb cycling:-)
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nürnberg, germany
I do only have cravings for dairy products and meat…but they are enomous:D
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I´d say I have slowly very slowly digestion, I try to eat five times a day as simple as possible but when I eat more specially during weekends sth happens! …and I could die for chocolate!!! I love it to bones!! specially dark chocolate!! I always try to control myself of course ;D
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santa cruz, ca
Hi everyone, a great read about the human microbiome is Missing Microbes, written by Dr. Martin J. Blaser, M.D. This book was written in 2013, and so is very current. Our microbiomes may as well be the absolute most influential organ for our total health. Absolutely amazing read. Highly recommend for anyone. Not a difficult science read at all; comprehensible for any reader.
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So guys, the craving that I get is usually hard boiled eggs. I am addicted to them, I have to have 2 to 3 of them a day n when I’m out I freak out. Have to boil them right away, you know Dr.Maley is so right, I started eating eggs few months ago and up til then I was never craving eggs as I do now. Wow I’m a believer 🙂 and I also crave dark chocolate so much lately , don’t know what that’s about….take care warriors 🙂
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la valette-du-var, france
Hey Angela !!! Same thing with eggs that’s crazy !!! I’m addicted to them too, when I get back home, I don’t want anything sweet like a fruit or something, I just want my hard boiled egg hahaha, so I totally feel you ! And same thing I wasn’t eating eggs at all before because I was intolerant to them, but now that I can digest them again, I crave them so bad hahaha
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Omgsh Manon I’m so glad you do too, I was getting worried about how weird that is. I’m so glad you can tolerate them now, they are so good for you. I have only two left, oh oh guess what I’m going to make tomorrow? Yes boil some eggs yummm 🙂 awesomeness my friend
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la valette-du-var, france
Hahahaha ! Don’t you feel stressed out having only two left ? 😮 hahaha
Thanks Angela :D, I’m glad too, that was really something I was missing a lot in my diet because it’s so easy to prepare 🙂
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Yes I was very stressed out :):) but not anymore, made some last night. Do you eat cage free eggs? I do and I cannot believe the difference, so good and so much meater or should I say eggier 😉 haha just wanted to makeu laugh. Take care my friend warrior
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la valette-du-var, france
Hahahaha ! You’re so funny ! Yes I do, actually I never tried anything else but cage free eggs, so I’ll have to believe you when you say it’s eggier haha ! Have a nice weekend Angela ! Enjoy your eggs <3
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Lol….hilarious, enjoy your eggs too. Have a Happy Valentine’s day n a great weekend. 🙂