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Bacteria's connection to health and weight Jul 18th 2012, 05:00 With Mayo Clinic nutritionists Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D. read biography Latest entries Bacteria's connection to health and weight July 18, 2012 Fasting and food choices July 11, 2012 Summer food safety tips June 30, 2012 Marketing and Mickey — A change in food marketing to children June 20, 2012 A call for healthier options across the globe June 12, 2012 Connect with others who've been there. Share stories. Learn. Join Mayo Clinic's online community. Free E-newsletter Subscribe to Housecall Our weekly general interest e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics. Sign up now Nutrition-wise blog July 18, 2012 Bacteria's connection to health and weight By Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D. Bacteria. We can't see them, but we spend much of our lives washing and sanitizing to rid our hands, surfaces and food of them. Most people view bacteria as undesirable, dirty and unwanted. More and more research is emerging, however, about the potential benefits of bacteria. In fact, bacteria are critical to maintaining normal gastrointestinal and immune system function. It appears that bacteria can even affect energy absorption. Researchers have identified a difference in the types of bacteria found in a lean person's gut versus those that live in the gut of someone who is obese. The amount of energy is small, but researchers wonder if over time this could be a factor in weight maintenance. Are you wondering how you might encourage these beneficial bacteria to set up shop in your gut? Eat fermented foods. The bacteria that make fermentation possible may also be beneficial to your health. A variety of dairy products and vegetables such as sauerkraut and pickles all contain beneficial bacteria. Vinegar is also a source. Use vinegar on salads, in soups and on sandwiches. Eat fruits and vegetables. The fiber and type of sugar (oligosaccharides) in fruits and vegetables set up a healthy intestinal environment that allows good bacteria to thrive. A healthy diet of nourishing foods in moderate portions and regular exercise are the mainstays of achieving a healthy weight. But what you eat goes beyond just calories. Feed yourself and your gut well. Bacteria may play a bigger role in our health than we've given them credit for. Thinking about trying more fiber or fermented foods to be more bacteria friendly? Already eating this way and reaping benefits? Share your experiences. To your health, Katherine blog index References DiBaise JK, et al. Gut microbiota and its possible relationship with obesity. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2008;83:460. Conterno L, et al. Obesity and the gut microbiota: Does up-regulating colonic fermentation protect against obesity and metabolic disease? Genes & Nutrition. 2011;6:241. Zeratsky K (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 16, 2012. Embrace the Olympic spirit in your personal pursuits Jul 18th 2012, 05:00 If the stress in your life is more than you can cope with, get help right away. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Go to the nearest hospital or emergency room Call your physician, health provider or clergy National Alliance on Mental Illness www.nami.org 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

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