Every individual is different and our bodies react to various kinds of food in a different manner. Computer algorithms have been devised by scientists which study the eating habits of individuals and study how their bodies react to particular food. The algorithms design diets for individuals after the study and it has been observed that such diets have helped in controlling diseases like diabetes, obesity and heart ailments.
Blood sugar and diseases
Everything that we eat is converted into sugar/glucose in our stomach. This sugar enters the blood stream and the body releases insulin to regulate this body. The body cells absorb the sugar and utilize it for producing energy or store the sugar as fat. Diabetes and a lot of other diseases including obesity are born when the body is unable to control the sugar in the blood. “Blood glucose is key to weight management and diabetes, and is linked to many, many other diseases, including cancer,” says Eran Segal, a computational biologist. A personalized diet can help in maintaining a normal blood sugar level.
The gut bacteria
The friendly or healthy bacteria that live in our stomach can protect our body from harmful pathogens and carcinogens. They can influence the entire metabolic activity of the body, synthesis certain vitamins, boost the immune system and help in optimum absorption of nutrients in the body. We can nourish the gut bacteria by eating diet that is good for them.
Foods to supercharge your gut bacteria
Bananas give a boost to the health of friendly bacteria known as phyla and the high content of potassium and magnesium helps in lowering inflammation. Blueberries are a rich source of fiber, vitamin k and antioxidants. The gut bacteria are increased, immune system boosts and memory improves with the consumption of blueberries. Cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, kale and broccoli contain glucosinolates, which is rich in sulphur.
The gut bacteria breaks down glucosinolates and releasing substances fight various types of cancers including colon, liver, stomach and breast. Beans can give you a healthy gut and brain, they contain proteins, folate, B- vitamins and fiber. Beans release short-chain fatty acids that improve the gut, helps in weight reduction and micronutrients get absorbed easily in the system.
Although, the results of this study will take some time to show more effects. Feeding the gut bacteria to improve health is an idea that makes sense. A diet plan friendly to the gut bacteria would eventually make your body strong against the diseases like obesity, diseases of the heart and diabetes.