Gut Chemistry 101: Akkermansia

Hi There Fitlifer,

Happy Thursday! I’m excited you’re here.

Here’s what we’ll dig into together this week…

• 🦠 The Vital Gut Bacteria 25% of Us Lack - Are You at Risk?

• 💪 More Protein = Better Aging

• 🍳 Here is the Perfect Breakfast Pairing for Daily Energy and Hormone Support…

• 🚑 What’s happening this week in health…

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🦠⚠️ The Vital Gut Bacteria 25% of Us Lack - Are You at Risk?

Warning: You might not want to hear this while you’re eating… Akkermansia muciniphila is a type of bacteria that lives in the mucus layer of your intestines and is vital for a strong gut barrier, which protects you from harm.

This bacteria does wonders for your body. It helps your body metabolize sugar and fats, which is important for avoiding obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Plus, it fights inflammation, which is linked to things like gut problems and autoimmune conditions.

Here’s the scary part: About 25% of us don’t have enough of this crucial bacteria, and some don’t have any at all! This might happen due to a poor diet, aging, or taking antibiotics.

If you’re dealing with issues like inflammation, frequent infections, or gut problems, it could be because you’re low on Akkermansia.

Boosting Akkermansia can be challenging because it doesn't consume the typical prebiotic foods. Instead, it relies on the mucus layer in your gut for nourishment. However, there are ways to help it thrive. Polyphenols, found in foods like berries, cocoa, fresh herbs, and cranberries, are like a special treat for Akkermansia. They help strengthen the gut's protective mucus layer, which is vital for its survival. My favorite way to get these quickly is Organifi’s Red Juice. Additionally, including healthy fats such as flaxseed, fish oil, and olives in your diet can support the growth and quality of the gut mucus lining, further aiding Akkermansia's growth.

Happy gut hacking!

🌱💪 More Protein = Better Aging

This is cool. A study was done on middle-aged nurses to determine if more protein was associated with healthier living. As you can probably guess, it was. Protein is essential in every stage of our lives, and getting sufficient amounts helps us thrive. I’m talking across the board—mentally, physically, actively, and emotionally—protein is key.

But that’s not the cool part…

In this study, they divided the protein sources into different categories to see if those had different effects on their respective groups. Those categories were: total proteins, animal protein, dairy protein, and plant protein.

Can you guess which protein source was associated with the highest increase in healthier living?

This may come as a surprise, but the winner is…

Plant protein!

So the next time someone tells you that plants alone can’t give you the protein you need to survive (let alone thrive), remember this!

If you want to add some plant protein to your daily routine, check out my favorite: Organifi’s Complete Protein.

🍳 Here is the Perfect Breakfast Pairing for Daily Energy and Hormone Support…

Fruit and protein make the perfect breakfast pair. Does that surprise you? It’s true! Eating within 30-90 minutes of waking up and ensuring your meal includes protein and carbs supports your cortisol response and other hormones while providing a steady energy stream for the day.

But isn’t fruit just concentrated sugar? Berries and citrus fruits, in particular, have a minimal impact on blood sugar levels. They also pack a double punch of fiber and vitamin C which is crucial for adrenal and thyroid health as well as carbohydrate metabolism.

Personally, I enjoy pairing berries or an orange with my morning eggs. If time is tight, a quick shake with Complete Protein or Collagen, combined with berries or Organifi’s Red Juice, and milk (of your choosing).

📱Surgeon General Calls for Social Media Warnings The U.S. Surgeon General advocates for tobacco-style warnings on social media platforms, citing the potential mental health risks to young users. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the negative impacts of excessive social media use and to encourage safer online habits among youth.

🌊 FDA Issues Warning on Pacific Northwest Shellfish The FDA has alerted consumers to avoid oysters and clams from the Pacific Northwest due to contamination with paralytic shellfish toxins. These toxins can cause severe health issues if ingested. Consumers are urged to check the origin of their shellfish and heed this warning to prevent potential illness.

🦟 CDC Warns of Rising Dengue Fever Risk in the U.S. The CDC has issued a warning about an increased risk of dengue fever in the U.S. due to the spread of mosquito populations capable of transmitting the virus. Health officials urge people to take precautions, such as using insect repellent and eliminating standing water, to reduce the risk of infection.

🛌 Sleep Deprivation and High Blood Pressure in Youth New research highlights a concerning link between lack of sleep and high blood pressure in children and teens. Inadequate sleep can contribute to cardiovascular issues early in life, emphasizing the importance of good sleep hygiene for young people's health and development.

🍊 Cooler Storage Enhances Blood Oranges A University of Florida study reveals that storing blood oranges at cooler temperatures boosts their health benefits. The cool conditions increase anthocyanin, phenolic content, and antioxidant levels, making the fruit even healthier. This finding presents a potential advantage for consumers and the citrus industry, although further research is needed to confirm commercial viability.

See you next week!

Remember, we’re in this together,

-Drew Canole

PS: Want to win some Organifi products? Share the newsletter with your friends, send feedback below, and share some Organifi love, let me know what you liked, what you'd like to learn more about, and what you're struggling with.