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Microbiome 101

What is the gut microbiome?

The gut microbiome is a community of 38 trillion microorganisms (hence our name, 38TERA) in the digestive tract that play a vital role in digestion, immune function, and overall health. These microbes help break down our food, produce essential nutri

What are prebiotics?

Prebiotics are the parts of our food that are not digested by human enzymes, so they're able to pass all the way through the small intestine and arrive in the colon (or large intestine) where they are digested by the enzymes that bacteria and fungi h

What's the difference between fiber, resistant starch and polyphenols?

Fiber and resistant starch are different in form but similar in function. Fiber is a complex carbohydrate found in plant foods, and some fiber (not all) is prebiotic and therefore fermented by our gut bacteria to produce short chain fatty acids. Resi

What are short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and where can we find them?

Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are small sized fats produced by the fermentation of dietary fibers (or resistant starches) by beneficial bacteria in the colon. The most common SCFAs are acetate, propionate, and butyrate. They serve several IMPORTANT

What are the preferred foods for a gut healthy diet?

A gut-healthy diet focuses on foods that promote a diverse and balanced gut microbiome. Here are some preferred foods:1. High-Fiber Foods: You want at least 25 grams of fiber per day for women and 38 grams per day for men.Fruits: Apples, bananas, ber

What are ways to improve the gut microbiome without changing our diet?

Improving the gut microbiome without changing the diet can be challenging since diet plays a crucial role in shaping gut health. However, there are several lifestyle and environmental factors that can also positively influence the gut microbiome:Regu