In essence, the saying “we are what we eat" illustrates the idea that the food we put into our bodies has a profound impact on our physical, mental, and emotional health. It serves as a reminder of the importance of making informed and mindful dietary choices to support our overall well-being.
I did a search with regard to the number of different types of diets that can be found on the internet. It turns out there appear to be as many different types of diet as there are different types of finger prints! How do we know which diet is right for us?
As we know habit drives much of human behaviour, and this is no different in terms of what is most likely to show you on our dining room table. Not only is habit a driver for what we eat, but we filter all the food and drinks industries marketing and research through our own specific beliefs lens. As you will well know, one week a food is in favour and the next out.
Red wine would be a good example. On the one hand, you have alcohol being demonised for the negative impact it has on our health, and then on the other you see articles where ‘moderate’ consumption of red wine is viewed as beneficial for our health. Clearly my filter and that of most of my friends would chose to believe the later….maybe with the omission of the word 'moderate' at weekends!
What is becoming clearer in the last few years, is that some foods will suit some people and some foods not, even if they have been given the healthy green light. So how do we know what will suit us as an individual.
I see a very strong correlation between what is happening in the world of pain science and the world of gut health. Many of the ideas surrounding pain, and pain management can be rooted in outdated science and healthcare practices. Likewise with gut health. We need to make informed decisions based on sound research. More and more research is pointing us down the path of personalised medicine.
From a gut perspective, there is a growing body of scientific evidence linking a poor gut microbiome, often referred to as dysbiosis (an imbalance in the gut microbial community), to various aspects of ill health. Dysbiosis has been associated with a wide range of health conditions and diseases. Here are some key scientific links between a poor gut microbiome and ill health:
Digestive Disorders: Dysbiosis is often associated with digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and constipation. Imbalances in gut bacteria can contribute to symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and inflammation.
Immune System Dysfunction: The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in educating and regulating the immune system. Dysbiosis can lead to immune system dysfunction, potentially contributing to autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis) and allergies.
Inflammation: Dysbiosis is associated with chronic inflammation, which is a common underlying factor in various health conditions, including metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
Metabolic Disorders: An unhealthy gut microbiome has been linked to metabolic disorders such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Dysbiosis can affect energy metabolism, nutrient absorption, and fat storage.
Mental Health: Emerging research suggests a strong gut-brain connection, with dysbiosis potentially contributing to mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and stress-related conditions. The gut microbiome can influence neurotransmitter production and inflammation, which are linked to mental health.
Neurological Disorders: Some neurological conditions, including Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis, have been associated with changes in the gut microbiome. Researchers are exploring how gut dysbiosis might contribute to these disorders.
Cardiovascular Health: Dysbiosis may play a role in cardiovascular disease by contributing to inflammation and influencing lipid metabolism.
Cancer Risk: An imbalanced gut microbiome may affect the body's ability to metabolize and eliminate carcinogens, potentially increasing the risk of certain types of cancer, such as colorectal cancer.
Autoimmune Diseases: Dysbiosis can disrupt immune tolerance mechanisms, potentially leading to autoimmune diseases like Crohn's disease, lupus, and celiac disease.
Skin Conditions: Some skin conditions, such as eczema and acne, have been linked to gut health. Dysbiosis may contribute to systemic inflammation, affecting the skin.
Ageing and Longevity: Emerging research suggests that the gut microbiome may influence the ageing process and longevity. An imbalance in gut bacteria may accelerate the ageing of various bodily systems.
It's important to note that while there is a strong association between dysbiosis and various health conditions, causation is not always straightforward. Dysbiosis can be both a cause and a consequence of certain diseases, and individual responses to changes in the gut microbiome can vary.
The Zoe Programme, often referred to as the Zoe app, is a personalised nutrition and health platform that uses scientific research and artificial intelligence to provide individuals with insights into their unique dietary needs, gut health, and overall well-being. The programme was developed by a team of researchers and healthcare professionals, including scientists from King's College London and Massachusetts General Hospital.
Here are some key features and components of the Zoe Programme:
Microbiome Analysis: One of the central components of the Zoe Programme is the analysis of an individual's gut microbiome. Users typically submit a stool sample, which is analyzed to identify the composition of their gut bacteria.
Dietary Recommendations: Based on the analysis of the gut microbiome and other health metrics, the Zoe app provides personalised dietary recommendations. These recommendations are designed to optimise an individual's diet for their specific health needs and goals.
Tracking Meals: Users are encouraged to log their meals and dietary choices in the Zoe app. This data, combined with microbiome information, helps refine dietary recommendations over time.
Metabolic Responses: The Zoe Programme also offers a feature where users can track their metabolic responses to various foods. This involves consuming standardized meals and monitoring blood sugar levels to assess how different foods affect an individual's blood sugar.
Research and Scientific Studies: Zoe conducts research studies on nutrition and health, often involving large cohorts of participants. Users of the Zoe app may have the option to participate in these studies, contributing to ongoing scientific research in the field of nutrition and microbiome health.
Health Insights: Users receive personalised insights into their health, including information on how their diet and lifestyle choices may impact their gut health, metabolism, and overall well-being.
The Zoe App is proving to be very popular. I have been on a waitlist to join for the last 4 months. I will be starting in October.
In many ways I sort of think , !’d rather not know… what if it was to say ….’.’sorry Stu red wine really does not suit you.’’
Zoe Experience Two Personal Reflections
Two of our yoga class have been on the Zoe Programme, for a little while. So over to them to give a brief description of the benefits and maybe shortcomings ( or not) of being on the Zoe programme:
"I signed up for the Zoe nutrition programme because I wanted to lose weight healthily. to take stress off my joints which had become painful But, oh boy, weight loss has been the least of it!
Since eating for my unique biology (determined by analysing my blood sugar over 2 weeks, blood fat response, gut microbiome and taking a full history) my joints stopped aching, any scratch or pimple stopped hurting (no inflammation), my menopausal night sweats and hot flushes stopped happening and, best of all, for the first time since I was 5 (I'm 57) my digestive system started working properly!
And what about the weight? I hear you asking.... I've lost a little weight but not what I'd hoped for. My bloated tummy has gone so I look slimmer. And I now don't care about the weight because the whole idea was to stop the painful joints - and they've gone!
Following the Zoe plan requires commitment but once you get the hang of it (it took me a while... a couple of months or so) it can become second nature. There are no 'do's and don't's there are 'eat often, eat rarely' and they teach you how to combine foods too." Tanya
"I first heard about the gut microbiome back in 2012 …. Having discovered how having a diverse and healthy gut impacts our health I was determined to make sure my family had all the help they needed to nourish their own gut bacteria. Back then I came against a lot of resistance from both family and friends!!!! I wish Zoe had been around then!!!
Having eaten a healthy diet for years I was curious to know how my microbiome was doing. Zoe tests are really easy to do they test your poop, blood sugars and blood fat and assess how you respond to different foods. Zoe then provides you with a detailed analysis of how you metabolise fats and carbohydrates (sugars) and the diversity of your microbiome. Scores are given to foods which best support you and help you to stabilise your fats and sugars and nourish your gut bacteria for optimal health.
These 3 components are intricately connected and are essential for reducing inflammation and chronic disease. With zoe no food is off limits just an awareness of what you are eating and it’s affect on your biology….
Something I heard the other morning … doctors are essential for treating disease but we are responsible in managing our own wellness …. Zoe is definitely a step in the right direction educating us about our food choices and it’s affects on our health." Helen
One Final Message from Helen
Red wine has been shown to be the best alcohol for ur microbiome as it has loads of polyphenols!,
Enjoy a glass xx
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