One of the most important factors that determines one’s intestinal health is diet. The typical Western diet – rich in meats, processed and refined foods and sugar – has an unhealthy, yet not totally understood, effect on the beneficial microbes of the gut. (1-3)
In one study, diet was responsible for changing 57% of the gut microbiology, where only 12% was determined to be genetic. (4) In addition, a high-fat processed food diet was shown to decrease the beneficial strain of bacteria, Bifidobacterium, which protects the gut lining.
In that same report, the researchers concluded that a Western diet (high in fat and sugar) causes dysbiosis, which affects the health and integrity of the intestinal environment, beneficial microbes, skin and associated lymphatics, as well as the integrity of the immune system. (4)
Studies suggest that diets rich in plant-based complex carbohydrates reduce the populations of certain pathogenic bacteria compared to high-fat or high-protein diets. (4) Complex carbohydrates also increase levels of beneficial Bifidobacterium spp., such as B. longum subspecies longum, B. breve and B. thetaiotaomicron.
Refined sugar may be the true disruptor of the intestinal microbial theatre, as a higher sugar diet was shown to increase pathogenic populations of certain bacteria, such as C. difficile, which is known to cause acute intestinal irritation. (4)
Vegetarian diets have been found to change the microbiome in humans for the better. High amounts of fiber from a plant-based vegetarian diet result in increased short-chain fatty acid production by good microbes that prevent the growth of potentially pathogenic bacteria, such as E. coli. (4)
In humans, high-fat Western-style diets fed to individuals for a period of over one month were shown to induce a 71% increase in cellular toxicity or endotoxins that are linked to irritation of the gut lining (dysbiosis) and related health concerns. (4)
These endotoxins were found in the cell membranes of cells in the digestive tract. When these cells reach the end of their short lifespan, the toxins are released into the intestinal tract, bloodstream and lymphatic vessels – putting the body at further risk. (4)
Intestinal Microbes Govern Health
Intestinal irritation from altered intestinal bacteria is linked to a host of intestinal-based concerns. Studies have also linked weight concerns and blood sugar issues to microbial disturbances. (4) Alterations in the microbiology can cause a migration of bacteria away from their normal sites, triggering an overzealous immune response, as we see in conditions like SIBO and candida. (4)
Prebiotics and Probiotics
According to the research, probiotic and prebiotic treatments may be an approach to tackling intestinal irritation and disturbed microbiology and, in turn, the health concerns they are associated with. In one study with genetically overweight mice, the ingestion of prebiotic fibers increased Firmicutes and decreased Bacteroidetes, which is the microbial profile found in lean mice. They also saw an increase in beneficial strains Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus. (4)
In addition, certain strains of Lactobacilli have been linked to healthy weight loss. >>> Read more on this here
>>> Read part 1 of this series on SIBO & Candida here: 2 Minute SIBO Therapy Rediscovered
>>> Read part 2 of this series on SIBO & Candida here: SIBO Starts In Your Stomach
Claytonovata says
May someone help me having a small question.
A split yr before, I was identified as having a candida albicans
I would like to try out some diet program against Candida albicans.
On the internet, a lot of information on this issue.
Although experiences typically diverge. And I did not find the correct selection for me.
Maybe the forum members can suggest a well-known diet or a lot of recipes against candida?
I will be really thanks for almost any help
Many thanks!
carla says
yo fui con una alergologa me aconsejo eliminar el azucar dice que candida se alimenta de ella, elimino consomes, sal china, fruta pero solo cierto tipo y no en mucha cantidad, y lo que he descubriendo es que existen ciertos tipos de alimentosme caen muy mal y me producen migraña, como comer chocolate varios dias, la leche deslactosada me ha caido muy bien, lo que debe de hacer es ir viendo con que alimentos se pone malo, ciertos lacteos me producen muchos gases otros no , beber agua pura ayuda mucho, estoy probando aloe vera natural en ayunas con miel y limon, a ver que tal
Grazyna says
I suffered from abdominal pains, bloating. The doctor advised me to stay away from gluten and dairy products. I didn’t. I started taking enzymes M7 every day for 2 years. The pain was gone. I stopped eating regular bread, I ate Ezekiel bread (no problem), I started making milk and water kefir, make sourdough bread. I don’t have such sever problems as few years ago. But I still stay away from anything that is human made unless it is necessary (tomato paste), in such a case I buy organic. So, my conclusion is, enzymes and friendly bacteria helped a lot in solving my intestine problems.
Barbara F Donley says
I have also read that certain gut bugs like l.acidophilus can over produce d-lactic acid. Which makes muscle pain, brain fog,etc…like fibromyalgia. How do you select those out of increasing fermented stuff.