Gut microbiome testing: The secrets of your gut | Profs Tim Spector and Nicola Segata

[@EvgeniiaDolinenko]

Dr Tim Spector, you changed my life with your 30 plants advice. It pushed me to quit sugar too and change my diet in general. But it all started with 30 plants. ❤

[@matthewhook3375]

Same here. His advice about 30 plants, eating fermented foods and foods rich in polyphenols has had a transformative effect on my life in just the last month. Still at the very beginning of my journey but already I feel so much better, more energetic, more motivated, better mood and so on.

[@bobadams7654]

Well done. I've been making organic milk kefir for years. Very tasty. Very easy. Let me know if you want a recipe. If you're in UK I can send u some free kefir grains aswell.

[@watchyourplate9150]

​@@bobadams7654If only am in UK i will ask some

[@elenal2556]

​@bobadams7654 Please share your recepie!

[@bobadams7654]

@elenal2556 Put Organic kefir grains in a kilner/mason jar. Add 1 litre Raw or organic full fat milk. Close the lid and put in a cupboard. Might take 24 - 72 hours, depending on temperature. If you leave it too long it can become fizzy. I generally open it daily to let the gas out. When it's thick and creamy, put a neoprene sieve over a large bowl NB Never use any metal utensils! Tip kefir into sieve, gently stir it with a wooden spoon so kefir goes into the bowl, and the grains are keft in sieve. Put grains back in the jar, refill with milk and repeat the process. Pour your kefir into a glass container that will fit inside your 'fridge. Enjoy! NB I wash both containers after approx 2 brewings. If your grains ever get slimy, gently rinse in filtered water. Put your grains, in milk, in 'fridge and they will "sleep". Wake them up by putting them back in the brewing cupboard.

[@ageingfeminist]

I have never eaten junk food, cooked almost everything from scratch, loads of vegetables v little meat, regular fish, virtually no alcohol, never smoked...fit, active person...then bang over a few weeks was overwhelmed by an autoimmune disease (PMR and GCA). That was 4 years ago when i turned 70. Still have it. Symptoms controlled by steroids. The story is clealry more complicated. The complexity of the immune system should be emphasised in some of these talks. People may have the perfect microbiome but they will still get cancers and autoimmune disease...it won't be because they failed to get their diet right. It is not right to make people feel like they can control aging and disease...and if they fail they clealry did something wrong.

[@sue3519]

I am a Middle Eastern and my diet is quite good but for years I ate dairy didn’t know that it was causing inflammation so when i stop I feel much better but when I go back inflammation comes back. Check for food allergies. I kinda realised that my gut microbes don’t like dairy. But when I started soy & miso cheese my gut & health became much better especially my IBS & my rheumatoid symptoms

[@bobadams7654]

Sorry to hear about your health issues. Must have been a real shock. I don't think Zoe are trying to make people feel guilty if they fall ill - there are many factors, but there are things we can do that can help mitigate some of the potential issues.

[@normsky5504]

Read the plant paradox by Dr. Steven Gundry. A lot of the so called healthy foods are full of lectins which are harmful to our gut microbiome. Leaky gut is a major cause of inflammation in the body.

[@lroyjohnston5560]

U can ruin gut by just being stressed out

[@bhenny560]

Sorry to hear this. We are learning so much though. Early time restricted eating and fasting is a feature of good health and regularly eating fish is a no no. 30 different plants per week. Fermented foods. I didn’t see where you mentioned these protections but all and all you are right we are going to die some day anyway we are not immortal. I think these new eating protocols should be taken seriously. Many of us thought we were doing the right thing but we were falling short. New evidence I believe can put us on right tract. Good health to you.

[@ambition112]

0:00: 🧠 Our gut microbiome is connected to our brain through chemicals and neurotransmitters, playing a key role in our mental health and overall well-being. 5:10: 🌱 Understanding the gut microbiome is crucial for maintaining overall health and preventing chronic diseases. 10:48: 🌿 The video discusses the incredible complexity and diversity within species, using the analogy of a jungle, and highlights the importance of understanding the differences at a high level and within species. 15:36: 🧬 The gut microbiome is highly changeable and can be influenced by diet, but acquiring new microbes requires a combination of diet and existing microbiota. 20:32: 📈 There has been a steady improvement over the past four years in testing frequency and cost reduction. 25:57: 💩 Collecting and preserving small amounts of fecal samples for DNA sequencing has become more acceptable over the years. 30:48: 💰 The cost of microbiome testing has significantly decreased over the years, making it more accessible. 36:44: 🔬 Understanding the microbiome and its impact on health requires a holistic approach and further research on the chemicals produced by the microbiome. 40:58: 🔬 The microbiome contains a large amount of undiscovered species, with only 20% remaining unknown. 45:57: 🔬 The microbiomes of people living traditional lifestyles differ significantly from those who consume processed food and have modern sanitation, with more fiber-degrading bacteria and a larger unknown component. 51:05: 🌱 Eating a diverse range of whole plants can improve gut health. 55:58: 🍽 Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome during the holiday season by providing a minimum diet can help bounce back from indulgences. 1:01:03: 🔬 The microbiome is unique to each individual and changes can be seen in a few days, but long-term improvements in health may take four to six months. Recap by Tammy AI

[@javadivawithdog]

TY, TAMMY

[@lauraw.7008]

25:33 I think people might not realize how well mixed the 💩 is, grinding & mixing in the gut all the way down. 33:42 recognizing how complex and inter-connected our whole body is, look at the whole. 41:42 “parasites” - I wonder if some of those only appear to be parasites on first examination. Maybe providing a benefit that’s not been teased out.

[@nasali4817]

1. Get poop test. 2. If on medication, take every six month poop test for biome. 3. Avoid junk food. 4 . Eat fiber. 5. Fermented food. 6. Eat atleast 30 plant a week or aim it .example ( kefir, kimchi , ginger, garlic , onion, broccoli, tomatoes, bell peppers, mushroom, spinach, green leafy vegetable , cranberry, pomegranate and bok choy , dark chocolate , blue berries , ( rest you figure out) 7.intermittent fasting and eat more veggies, bean.

[@patangel1652]

Thank you

[@andrewroberts8959]

Lol kefir isn't a plant

[@misscinnamon5690]

Too bad stool samples are often inaccurate and a waste of time and money. Depending on the company you use you'll get different and often conflicting results. And one laboratory were using dog poo as their standard , therefore everyone using their test " needed treatment".

[@AntonPuzorjov]

thanks for the list! I'd only also add genuine kvass as a lactose free source of fermented foods - full of great bacteria from sourdough and delicious at the same time

[@janycebrown4071]

👍 👍 👍 Avoid processed foods 🌝

[@jrapprentice]

It is so good to hear a top scientist say the evidence made him change his mind about the importance of what used to be their subject. Too often in nutrition scientists nailed their self importance to a particular idea and denied the validity of new evidence. In nutrition this extended to suppressing contrary evidence. Thank you Tim. Science returns to nutrition.

[@v.h.l.4261]

Science is full of big egos 🙂 but there are also many great scientists who are only seeking the truth.

[@haleybloss9685]

Thank you all for what you do! ❤

[@susanchristian1665]

I do enjoy listening to these broadcasts, but often feel I live in a different world to Tim and his colleagues. Yes, it would be lovely to get all these tests regularly on the NHS, but in the real world some of us haven't been able to see a doctor in three or four years, haven't been able to get even the 'normal' tests for colesterl or blood sugar. I was a ZOE member, but found it very difficult to use largely because everything had to be done on the app, not easy for those of us who don't 'live' on our phones, it was impossible to save or print out any of the information provided, and often the scores didn't seem to make any sense. I'm very glad they're doing the work but they need to make it a lot more user friendly if they want it to be more widespread.

[@lynne9870]

I agree. And I wasn't even allowed to join Zoe as I have Crohns disease! I have a lot of inflammatory conditions and you would think I would be a person most likely to benefit from the tests. But no, apparently not. I have changed my diet to aim for the 30 plants and I have much more fibre now, but I would have liked a test to see where I am starting from.

[@margeretheath597]

I agree. Regarding glucose, ketones and lipids, you can buy glucose and ketone devices, and you can get your GP to order FASTED lipid panel via a phone call - you are entitled to this once a year at least. I’m with you on the fact that we are not supported with gut function normalisation. NHS dieticians repeat the guidelines, instead of the latest research facts. Or what one’s individual body can tolerate. Surely giving us our data without “medical advice” empowers us?

[@margeretheath597]

Also Bluecrest and other labs do offer blood tests etc for a price. You can get the GP to monitor your inflammation biomarkers too. Just PUSH. The NHS does not “do” until one PUSHES for parity of support as an individual .

[@tansmum]

I agree with you. I have learnt a lot, from being on the Zoe project. But the lack of support. The chat function just doesn't respond, the fact that you can't print off recipes, who can cook whilst holding a phone?? And I have still not received my test results. I wouldn't currently recommend it

[@susanchristian1665]

@@tansmum I had to push really hard to be allowed to retake one test that had got lost somewhere. I still, many months later, haven't had the result from that.

[@PClanner]

Tim, would love to have a Q&A with you as there are things that do not make sense to me. Let me outline them here. 1) The gut biome function is to remove the nutrients from the available stream of food and pass them via the bloodstream to those items requiring them. This also means we are feeding the bacteria - a symbiotic relationship. The bacteria that is not fed will not endure? If it's 'type' is killed off, how is it re-instated, as surely you need the bacteria present to help remove the nutrients when you change diet. 2) The need of fiber. If the function of fiber is to prevent quick injection of nutrients into the blood supply which has the added effect of essentially clogging up the bowel (as a person with IBS is acutely aware). Consider that if our food was totally digested and all parts used - there would be no faeces ... Just a couple there that I could think of. Would like to see your response

[@AnnetteBossom]

Tim, Nicola & Jonathan, what an amazing discussion and so much understandable information for the lay person. Thank you so much! You three are scientific Rock Stars😊 1:03:09

[@elizabethlemoine8857]

Thank you. Before Zoe, I did as much of my own research as I could. This podcast episode's most wonderful news is the refutation of a most disheartening assertion, read in Dr John Hunter's book "Irritable Bowel Solutions: The essential guide to IBS, its causes and treatments". That is: that the microbiome infants acquire is fixed very shortly after birth and remains constant until old age. That if one component of the original mix is lost, it cannot be regained. Dr Spector and Dr Segata seem to say the opposite is true, which is really wonderful news. Carry on, Zoe! Really excellent work.

[@rachaelfearon5644]

I would loved for my daughter to see you doctor she has really bad gut health with other sickness like endometriosis and can't even work after finishing university with all her health conditions, but we live in Jamaica which is hard to get the help from you guys, I always love to watch Zoe learned a lot from all the doctors on his podcasts

[@anthonygrodecki7968]

Ok with out doing testing you can change things for the better fairly quickly. As a example people with over growth or yeast infection in their biohm can just remove starches and sugars from diet including active charcoal. Followed by correction of leaky gut. This affects Autistic ADHD and many other conditions. Thank for bringing this to a large audience. So much more work needs to be done but I believe we are on a great journey of discovery.

[@anoshya]

Just fortunate to have any food when some are starving in the World

[@earthling8506]

Waiting for my gut micro biome sample test results, so this talk has been fascinating. I spent much of late 2021-summer 2022 and early this summer, having my gut nuked by broad-spectrum antibiotics for two different conditions. Now my gut is in its worst state I can remember. So hopeful that the Zoe programme will help turn that around. Watch this space

[@CattyT1]

I’m in a similar state and have a very poor levels despite big efforts on my part.

[@madmud101]

Best of luck on your recovery!

[@earthling8506]

@@madmud101Thank you.

[@Bee10290]

Has it made a difference? Iv taken antibiotics and got h pylori infection so considering if this will help?

[@noki8001]

The five simple general rules: - Eat around 30 different plans/vegetables a week - Eat colorful plants, they are rich in polyphenol (bitter foods: extra verging olive oil, dark chocolate, coffee) - Small amount of fermented foods - Time restricted diet, 10-12h window, give the microbs a rest - Don't poison them with the chemical of ultra processed foods (sweeteners, emulsifiers, preservatives, etc..)

[@annegibson7374]

I love the way Jonathan gives short, unobtrusive paraphrases of what's being said all the way through a discussion - it is very helpful for us listeners.

[@RSLtreecare]

Truly fascinating. All the Zoë presentations are really valuable. I look forward to gaining more experience and blending this with my interest. I'll add to my comments. I grew up on a farm, large poo clean ups was part of the day...

[@chastad]

BRAVO! Very clearly explained both what we know and what we still don't know. I appreciate Dr. Spector's caution about extrapolating too far from what has been researched so far. looking forward to more discoveries.

[@Spangletiger]

Thank you for another insightful discussion about our inner 'jungle'. I've heard the 30 different plants advice before. I was wondering if that was even possible (and I live on plants!) but then the person talking about it went on to explain that this number included things like nuts, seeds, spices, herbs, teas and coffee. Once I started counting them in, I realised that I wasn't doing so bad!

[@EvgeniiaDolinenko]

Exactly. It seems impossible but with some effort it is. 😊

[@lauraz8349]

Seems hard, but for me it helps to use salad mixes that might have 5 or 6 varieties of greens in it, a mix of sprouted grains and seeds in what bread you eat, make yourself a mix of nuts and seeds that you can have handy to sprinkle on salads and oats, etc. Eat a homemade fruit salad instead of single fruits. If you do this and eat a wide variety of beans in your meals, you'll hit this target easily.

[@janethargate1051]

I am a woman in my early 70s. Most women I know have gut problems while our husbands have far fewer problems. I have been on PPIs for some years since I first had chemo for a lymphoma. I was interested to hear your comment on PPIs though I have been led to believe that they are important since an endoscopy showed considerable damage to the mucosa. I think it would be interesting to have more women involved in your discussions since there clearly is some difference here and it would be interesting to know why.. Thank you for your interesting podcasts and for making them freely available.

[@amandajane8227]

The dentist Dr Ellie recently did a video on why women experience different dental health to men. She also talks about the microbiome of the mouth.

[@gurrolesaddler3202]

Thank you for educating us, so clear and concise.

[@tdolma80]

Zoe podcast is always interesting to listen to and at the same time you can learn lots from. I trying my best to take 40 different in one week to grow my microbiome. Thanks Tim, NIcola and of course Jonathan.

[@urwhatu8]

I am so frustrated with Zoe! I eat way more than 30 plants per week. I eat fermented foods like sauerkraut, fermented beats, fermented cauliflower, a “yogurt” I make from a variety of specific bacteria that I have sent away for and that I ferment for 36 hours, kombucha, miso and a variety of pre and probiotics every day. I have been doing this for over a year. But Zoe says my microbiome is not very good: I think my score was 42 out of 100! And there is no way to discuss with anyone at Zoe as the chat function doesn’t work. The whole experience has left me throwing my hands in the air and saying what is the point. If you can eat as well as I eat and get lousy scores it’s very frustrating. My triglycerides are 70, my LDL is 60, my HDL is 90 and yet Zoe says I have a metabolic problem with fats. Wouldn’t those biometrics be in the unhealthy range if my fat metabolism is so bad? I’m beginning to question the veracity of the tests.

[@suereid6427]

Quite understand your frustration! Given your problems with chat and the need to find answers have you tried emailing Zoe? It can take time to get a reply but they might be able to sort out Chat for you (I've had problems at times with it too) or correspond with you on this issue by email. Good luck!

[@applegal3058]

Did you get into contact with them afterwards?

[@MariaPiazza-w8z]

Amazing podcast. Thank you for all you do for our health

[@janehardy-qd6zq]

What did i discover? That Nicola has seen more of me than anyone else! 😂 Love my Zoe journey, its hard to get out of the habits but i am getting to 30 plants a week most weeks and I am now obsessed with leveling out my blood sugar spikes!

[@michaelstreeter3125]

Good idea to have occasional mini-adverts where you break out of the interview and Jonathan Wolfe gives a short speech - inspired. keeps attention and saves money by not having YT adverts!

[@juliabennett3106]

I can relate to you. I have always eaten a healthy balanced and diverse diet. I grow many veggies and fruit in my back garden. I was rarely sick and on no medications. Then in March this year I got Giant Cell Arteritis and Polymyalgia Rheumatica. I am 77 years old and am now taking prednisolone and other medications b/c of side effects of the medication. I believe the trigger was my flu injection which I had taken just some weeks prior as I was going overseas. The specialist I saw overseas agreed with me .

[@laurajones6263]

Wow, the fascination just keeps growing! Exponentially. So so grateful to you guys for getting this stuff out there for us 'normal' people. And doing all the intensive lab work! I'm looking forward to years of dietary tweaking as you uncover more details of the picture. I wonder, is there also research ongoing about the interaction of a person's genome (and epigenetics) in terms of innate diet choices, and therefore likely microbe species? Or do the microbes you are born with create the dietary preferences? I've been a veggie-mad person for as long as I have memories. Smoked salmon with lots of lemon and a huge mixed salad would be my ultimate favourite food (cf. mashed potato and peas as my ultimate savoury comfort food). My mum also really loves her veg, and apparently mashed spuds, even cold, were her mum's pregnancy food addiction. Maternal DNA or microbes in the womb?? My dad was much more a carnivore, but hated meat fat. Meat fat makes me feel physically sick - I'll spend ages removing every atom of bacon rind on the rare occasions I eat it. But when I had regular (very successful) accupuncture for hayfever, my therapist was always telling me I needed to eat more red meat. For my microbes??? I also totally agree with Jonathan about the changes in what you want to eat. Until a couple of years ago I only really 'liked' peanuts, cashews and pistachios in the nut family. As part of my 'get to at least 30 plants' campaign, I started regularly eating mixed nuts of all sorts, and now find myself preferentially picking brazils and pecans out of my mix, which for 40 years I thought I didn't really like. Microbes? Response to certain polyphenols???? Thanks loads for everything.

[@user-om1sr9kt3t]

Smoked salmon is not healthy Instead cook unprocessed salmon in the oven

[@maplin007]

If you just eat Beef water and salt for a few months your gut is also healed , not your biome which adapts but your actual physical gut.

[@HAL9000_ICantDoThat]

I don't discredit just the meat diet, as Jordan Pederson has done, but having just one food source I can't imagine being beneficial for your microbiome. Your microbiome thrives on diversity of nutrients and you would surely be deficient in key vitamins and minerals.

[@maplin007]

@@HAL9000_ICantDoThat Actually the only possible deficiency is sodium people have eaten just beef and salt for 40 years no deficiencies have turned up. In fact the vegan diet can have up 16 deficiencies and needs massive supplementation. Any nutrient chart will show whats in beef and liver, add butter, eggs etc all high nutrient foods but it is possible on beef. You actually absorb your food better and have no anti nutrients detracting. we absorb most of our food in the small intestine anyway. The microbiome is still diverse all that shifts is the numbers. You also get less gas and bloating, I'd say its pretty much zero. I would say it takes the onus off of the Biome which still functions fine if not better.

[@AngelaBee_13]

You guys are amazing and are doing so much good for people. Thank you. 💕

[@irinanelson4620]

Thank you! Fantastic talk! Please tell us more about the specific foods that feed specific organisms in the microbiome and their link to hormones imbalances (ie, oestrogen and how to avoid food that increases oestrogen levels in the body)

[@janehardy-qd6zq]

Plants - lots of variety is the basis of alot of it.Try to have 30 different types each week.

[@madmud101]

They probably don’t know the detailed function of all these microbes and how they interact with the body - here’s hoping research continues and expands!

[@breannajoy]

Beta glucuronidase is an enzyme made by the body. But also is a metabolite of some bacteria that can be found in the gut. The following are high producers of beta glucuronidase which in high amounts can recirculate estrogens that are supposed to be bound for the toilet. - Bacteroides fragilis, - Bacteroides vulgatus, - Bacteroides uniformis, - Clostridium paraputrificum, - Clostridium clostridioforme, - Clostridium perfringens, - Escherichia coli, - Eubacterium, - Peptostreptococcus, - Ruminococcus, - and Staphylococcus. “Gut microbial β-glucuronidases reactivate estrogens” J Biol Chem. 2019 Dec 6; 294(49): 18586-18599.

[@ShereenAmos]

Fascinating stuff! Thank you so much for sharing

[@zardi9083]

My god, let the man speak, Jonathan!

[@hea7055]

ZOE gives lots of information about feeding the gut microbes but what about SIBO? Apparently feeding the good guys with fibre, resistant starch etc will also feed these baddies in the upper GI tract when SIBO is present. Has ZOE any advice/studies on the best way to treat SIBO?

[@beckybarrow7993]

As a Clinical Laboratory Scientist, I am fully aware that if there is no stabilization in the specimen, yeast will overgrow. Does your sample have something to stop further growth?

[@CattyT1]

I’ve just had my results back and am ashamed as to how bad my gut bugs are, despite home brewed v lively kombucha, apple cider vinegar, probiotics, live yoghurts, 30 plants etc. I had 5 days of iv strong antibiotics for a surgical complication 4m ago, followed by bowel prep for colonoscopy so I’m hoping that has contributed to the pathetic state of my internal city. Can’t wait to see the suggestions for how to fix it or how long it will take.

[@madmud101]

That sucks! Best of luck to you!

[@frankhorn8485]

Really important research chaps - thank you! I did the Zoe programme for 4 months and it taught me a lot. It does strike me that you have an easy way to track change of biome by doing a re-test at the end of the programme. I asked to do this but the option wasn’t there.

[@andreabentham4135]

It is now, they’re re-testing after 4 months

[@hdw5831]

Compliments for covering this topic. It's a pity that so much was about theory and not enough about more practical matters, including based on questions from the audience. This is such an important topic that you would expect a lot of people would watch a podcast like this. it became after a while too complicated and provided too little information that would be useful to people.

[@madmud101]

I’m wondering what further generalised guidance you are looking for? The key takeaways (lifted from other comments are): 1: reduce ultra processed foods, 2: increase amount and variety of plants (~30 each week), 3: consider eating within a 10 or 12 hour window, 4: consume some fermented foods, 5: get a poop test if you can afford it to see where you’re at.

[@dodgycat476]

Currently completing the Zoe so very interesting to hear the likely improvement to expect.

[@leeatbruhl7323]

Would love to know about skin care products, shampoos, conditioners, moisturisers etc and how they effect the gut. Which ones are safe or not? Etc I know this isn’t related to food but these things also effect our gut and our health right?!

[@MichaelMastin]

I'm interested in municipal water's use of chlorine and chloramines impact on gut health.

[@jenniferhurley5023]

Fascinating podcast with Tim and Nicola. Is there any hope for those of us who have to take PPIs?

[@matthewhook3375]

I second that question. I tried to stop taking them after listening to this podcast and within 48h the reflux struck back hard 😞Going to try again after losing some weight.

[@jenniferhurley5023]

@@matthewhook3375 I tried too but had the same problem as you, Matthew. I will try again

[@sharongowdridge5139]

Loved the podcast so so interesting. Thanks

[@bulldog3512]

It is so exciting to think of feeding the biome as a beloved pet. It has changed my life overnight, well actually 9 days. I water fasted then fed it. Total reset, outstanding!

[@robwoodphotos]

When I did the Zoe test my diet was described as poor and received a low score of 42 but my micro biome was described as good with a score of 66. How is this possible?

[@pynn1000]

Thanks for this. I've been part of a huge nutrition study (self-recording 24hrs of food, drink, days allotted randomly), occasional other tests, like thorough medicals, major health events checked. Don't get individual results. Poop tests now included, probably the only one where I'd really like to see my results.

[@melanieshee2983]

I'm fascinated by gut microbines. Developed salmonella food poisoning few years ago and now have chronic bilateral uveitis which cannot shift as also triggered hla b27 positive gene. Tried to develop good microbines ever since but still struggling

[@irinanelson4620]

Thank you! Amazing talk! 👏👏👏👏

[@ak-id1yh]

I don't live in the UK so i can't take the Zoe microbiome test unfortunately. But i recently had a microbiome test done by another company and i find the results very confusing and difficult to understand. For instance my bacteria is apparently made for a meat based diet and they recommend eating more plants and vegetarian protein sources.... i have been vegetarian for 27 years and eat 30+ types of plants a week. So their advice to improve my gut microbiome is to eat exactly what i'm already eating 🤔

[@funghouls5498]

Tried but ZOE not available in Canada yet. Get on it guys. Thank you

[@francescaallen5966]

I’m interested to know how my gut biome has been effected by gastric by pass (!) ….

[@CynCopeland-TheAnswerIsMeat]

With Tim's list of things to do to help your microbiome, I would have swapped the order and started with ELIMINATING UPF aka things that are toxic to your microbiome.

[@matthewhook3375]

I've been on proton pump inhibitors since 2016, saddened to hear they're damaging to the microbiome (which I've been making a concious effort to improve for the last month, after learning about it thanks to Prof. Spector and Zoe!) I tried to stop taking them for the last two days but GERD struck back with avengence 😥 Will try again once I've lost some weight.

[@lroyjohnston5560]

Ween down off them and take apple cider vinegar

[@bea-lq2vb]

ACV is very difficult to consume, even diluted, when suffering from GERD or similar problems that require PPI's. @@lroyjohnston5560 it makes the existing heartburn and reflux feel even worse.

[@matthewhook3375]

@@lroyjohnston5560I only take one a day, and it's in a capsule so I can't really split it in half or anything. It's kind of all or nothing, and with nothing the heartburn is debilitating. How much ACV do I need to take? Like a shot glass before meals or something? Or should it be mixed with water?

[@theresaparrent9544]

Magnesium for Gerd. Will help strengthen your esophageal sphincter.

[@abigailbloom9160]

I had to come of PPI's incredibly slowly , took me about 8 months to come off them.I used to open the capsules roughly count the beads, (if it was powder just take half out) and put half back in - nightmare but worth it . ACV doesn't work for everyone. There is loads of stuff on here about acid reflux /gerd including ACV. Good luck.

[@ds6882]

Excellent thankyou for explaining in ways that is easier to understand 🙏❤️X

[@lankimo23]

Hi. Could you please inform Prof Tim Spector that the ZOE Health Study App is not available in the Caribbean region. He could announce when it'll be available so that folks there can join his "ZOE Health Studies". Thank you.

[@kristensheridan685]

Hoping Zoe becomes available in Australia!!!!

[@vickiblack5427]

Will the retesting ever check if Zoe has changed my very poor blood sugar control (original graph looks like Himalayas!) and nearly as bad, poor fat control.

[@AbsenceLacksNothing]

Mine was/is exactly the same. Not even my “Excellent” microbiome made a difference.

[@vickiblack5427]

@@AbsenceLacksNothing Thanks for letting me know. I shan’t get my hopes up then.

[@SusanKnowlesWHNP-NNCE]

Learning lots!

[@joecaner]

Is it proper to call an organism in one's gut that's beneficial to the host a parasite? Would it not be more accurate to call that organism a symbiote?

[@klasina55]

I wish your program was extended to the Netherlands.

[@toms8879]

what about people who are on the carnivore diet. what happens to their microbiome. those carnivore gurus say you don't your microbiome. if carnivore diet has bad effect on the microbiome what can the expect in the future for health issues.

[@jenhutchinson5021]

If most of your diet is good, are there any natural food types which are positively bad?

[@ewu2030]

Is the gut microbiome affected in any way by exercise? Is there any benefit on the gut health for doing cardio or hiit? never saw anything related to this so far...

[@FacesandSpacesStowmarket]

If this is the Zoe guy then shame on you, I was interested in my gut biome and general health and I have been scammed out of over £100, What organisation says "thanks for reaching out" when I messaged 4 days ago, (as this is the only way to communicate). Do just wait until I pay another £49.99 a month for a rely. ??

[@alisonburgess345]

Maybe it could be called a "Gut Garden" or something - everyone knows how to look after a garden !

[@javadivawithdog]

With FIT tests or Cologard testing being offered by most insurances in the US, this is just much more accepted.

[@lemonchicken3740]

I see a lot of information online about foods plants that contain lectin being not good for your gut health is there any truth in this? May be a video on this topic would be interesting.

[@amandalcullen]

I would like to ask. My Daughter had a burst appendix and septic shock. She now has ongoing gut issues they are looking at Crohn's disease. She has been on many antibiotics. Is there a particular gut biome test kit that is worth the money and can help her heal her gut?

[@Scruffed]

I've been through a similar thing as your daughter (though I wasn't diagnosed Crohn's disease), I don't recall having my biome tested, but my doctor assumed that the amount of antibiotics that I was administered would have wiped out any good (and bad) bacteria I had in my gut, I had a draining tube sticking out from my abdomen for a few days, needed help to get up from bed and to walk, and was often in very intense pain when walking or moving in certain ways. The doctor prescribed a probiotic liquid that I took every day for several days (I don't recall how many), told me to only eat soup for a week, then gradually introduce some solids like boiled chicken breast and rice, then told me to eat papaya and prunes, and gradually start eating regular foods, avoiding very fatty foods until I feel completely better. It took me about a month to make a full recovery. I hope your daughter is receiving good medical advice.

[@eugeniebreida1583]

I would do all I could to talk my MD into ordering a medically prescribed FMT (fecal microbiota transplant). It is the key to restoring health, in my opinion. Pharma does not want us to utilize this avenue, as they can make very little on human poo.

[@amandalcullen]

@@Scruffed yes my daughter was similar she had 5 drains in. 2 initially and was sent home too soon. Back in 2 days later with high temperature and further infections in bowl, kidney and liver so drains in all 3 areas. When she was finally discharged she was given advice to eat only a liquid diet but it was her best friend who works in the same hospital that advised the probiotics. She is still in pain ( which comes and goes) almost a year later. Hence the checking for crohn’s.

[@anthonyatkins8179]

I wish they I wish they discussed the relationship between the appendix and the microbiome and also how dangerous an alcohol binge can be

[@TamaEnergy]

Love to hear about laxatives

[@ross1972]

Has there been any work on the influence of those close to us like our family who live in the same home? If someone catches covid it gets passed around those we live with. Do we pass around gut microbiota, just by accident?

[@eugeniebreida1583]

Yes, family proximiity, along with family pets, do impact one another's biomes (skin, oral, intestinal, etc)

[@pheart2381]

Elephant infants actually eat some of their mother's dung by instinct.Not suggesting that would be beneficial for humans,but in the animal kingdom copraphagy is fairly common. Guinea pigs have to recycle their pellets to get full nutritional value from the food.

[@herbalist36]

Great program as usual, how can I get a decal for my computer the ZOE

[@oliviagiles9220]

I loved this! I did the Zoe programme in April. I was fascinated by the detail in my microbiome report and score (which was very average despite having what I thought was a healthy diet) and I have made a lot of changes to my diet as a result. How can get my microbiome retested on the same basis to see whether the changes I have made are starting make a positive difference?

[@janehardy-qd6zq]

if you continue to be a Zoe member you might get reinvited, i just did and i have been in it since June

[@daxapanchal9959]

Love these thank you. With everyone’s garden (gut) being unique to each individual and the foods we eat adds different microbes/ bacteria and adding to this bag (gut) the mass produces foods, international soil plus manmade chemicals/fertilising, creating huge quantities of complex microbes 🦠 and bacteria’s 🧫 how does ZOE pinpoint what to change to help a specific outcome to improve? Many thanks in advance

[@daviddjerassi]

I thank you all for such a interesting podcast explaining this ground breaking research we hear nothing about its an awful that you both Tim & Jonathan really drowned out Nicola so many times just when he started to get going ?.

[@michellea9857]

There are many Microbiome Tests out there, Chuckling Goat, Health Path, Zoe, Randox etc. Which one is the best?

[@andrewgiles4296]

Useful information. Is it too late to start when you are in your late 60s?

[@Нфт-ц8и]

How about the Eskimo people. The used to eat no plants at all, mostly carnivore diet and were extremely healthy people that lived well into their 90s and had perfect teeth. You theory about 30 plants a week just doesn’t make sense

[@JeanWILCOX-q8e]

Possibly the cold temperatures are helping as in last 3 winters I have had virtually no heating and haven't caught a single cough or cold since 2019 nor ever had Covid

[@JeanWILCOX-q8e]

However do take on board what you're saying and would also like this fact explained scientifically.

[@tahiraali8017]

Best way to test gut microbiome?

[@WiiDawn]

Pay Zoe lots of money 😂

[@NixyScarlett]

@@WiiDawn And get heathy in the process - the programme is life changing

[@WiiDawn]

@NixyScarlett You don't need to pay zoe lots of money to get healthy, just listen to the podcasts for free. Not many people have a few hundred pounds to spare for this. Eating a healthy diet is expense enough.

[@NixyScarlett]

@@WiiDawn yes but you don’t get the added benefit of knowing how to eat healthy for you. The pod cast advice is amazing and ground breaking - shame the NHS don’t follow

[@WiiDawn]

@NixyScarlett Guess I just have to wing it then. Can still repopulate the gut microbiome going by these podcasts though, so half way there. Wish zoe could lower their price too though, they'd get a lot more custom if they did.

[@tashasgran]

i’ve been following these podcasts for quite a while and changed my diet to organic as much as possible. Never had much UPF. However Full fat milk, cheese, home grown veg and salads, seeds, nuts and small portions of meat etc. Very little Fish as I don’t like it. At 80 yrs very acceptable weight and feel really well, annual review shows kidneys as good as a 50 yr old. Weight usually 65 k but now 58k. Sold on it.

[@janerogers190]

Does Zoe test your microbiome at the beginning and then again after 6 months?

[@mariannerady1137]

When will the tests be available in Germany? I've been on the list for a long time and would love to understand my gut biome better

[@janeroper7592]

Can't wait for Zoe testing to be available in the Channel Islands - any idea when this might be?

[@tradwifeuk2117]

Dr William Davis is the guru about this. His discoveries includes SIBO/SIFO eradication fermentations.

[@helenjowett7879]

Very difficult to even find any vegetables on the plate when away from home. Also eating mass produced bread makes me feel ill.

[@SamanthaAshman-l2f]

Amazing

[@beepbeep-m6m]

Please please make a video about Psoriasis!!

[@monevaluation4716]

What do you think about the role of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome and the gut please?

[@floatingisland544]

I would like to join, but I still can't in the Netherlands....

[@1Rannette]

This is great. Can a test help those with IBS please?

[@AnotherproblemOn]

Hello ! I had a question : do ADHD drugs stop benefits provided by fasting? I have both IBS and ADHD. Thus i try to do intermittent fasting + eat fermented food+fiber ; but in the morning i have to take ADHD drug. Does it interfere in my healing process through stopping fasting benefits at the microbiot level? (I know it doesn't stop some fasting benefits related to other places but microbiot, but microbiot fasting kind of stand on it's own. so can it be stopped when glucose fasting isn't, or when autophagy isn't for long term fasting, for example? Hope i'm clear).

[@laviniafaulkner3202]

thank yo very much for sharing

[@milliemaxgoldring]

Hi Tim on my Zoe tests I was found to have an excellent micro biome but poor response to Carbs and Fats. I thought I was having an excellent diet . Whole grain porridge for breakfast with Banana and berries and Mainly olive oil fat , vegetarian. This left me confused. I eat veg salad fruit daily. Greek fat yoghurt nuts seeds. Occasional fish whole grain bread avocado strawberries blueberries etc etc. But my diet came back as poor. I have now cut out as much carbs as possible and cheese and yoghurt all wine to try and reduce my cholesterol from 7.8. So I don’t understand how my excellent micro biome is helping me? I would love an answer.

[@rosemarywesson4580]

Interesting. I seem to be the same as you and have been left confused

[@cew9837]

And sadly tbe zoe app/prfogramme won't be any help. It doesn't do much after you get your poop test profile results.. choloresterol can be genetic so diet may only help so about 20% so my dr told me...it's got a long way to go in terms of usefulness

[@Scruffed]

Your diet seems very, very similar to mine, except the vegetarian part (I eat many different types of meat and eggs every day, and oatmeal/flax waffles instead of the porridge). No Zoe test, so no idea how good my biome is, what I will say is that it has helped me lose 20 kg in a year, drastically improved my blood lipid test results, inflammation markers and bowel movements.

[@elizabethlawrence1713]

I belatedly discovered that the full fat supermarket Greek yogurt I have been eating for years was not live.

[@silverlinings3946]

You don't have many fermented foods in your diet, that would be a problem. Yogurt might not be live, for a start, but if you eat only that as your fermented food, it will not be enough.

[@robinhall1653]

Jonathan I have been a member of Zoe for a long time and became an owner last year. I have never been offered a gut microbiome test - I think that many of us escaped the net. How can I get a test?

[@killpop8255]

Surpised no mention of alcohol or buying components in tablets. I've got bio360 pro30 max and felt better over the time ive been taking them. But i do have a beer at night.

[@ВикторияТодорова-ю5з]

Благодаря!

[@normsky5504]

Echoing the teachings of Dr Steven Gundry.

[@grnnmatportal615]

I would love to do the test, and become a member, but you probably don't ship to Norway?

[@birgitburesch9881]

When will the zoe app be available in my country (Austria)?

[@puntuated7647]

Can a test kit be ordered without becoming a member?