Psyllium husk is an excellent source of soluble fiber, forming a gel-like substance that helps regulate blood sugar, cholesterol, and bowel movements. However, its primary role is more functional - improving digestive mechanics - rather than serving as a prebiotic powerhouse to promote microbiome diversity. It can be added to your diet but works best when complemented with other fibers like resistant starch or inulin for more comprehensive gut health benefits.
Thanks for this. It made me realize that while I’m eating a good amount of variety of fruits/vegi/nuts/seeds, I’m also still neglecting key areas. Time to up my oats and beans!
You're on the right track with variety. Adding oats and beans is a smart move - they’re rich in beta-glucans and resistant starch, excellent for gut health. Just keep an eye on your overall carb intake to avoid overdoing it - balance is key!
This is a bad idea if you are metabolically challenged btw. Oats and beans destroyed my guts and blood sugar. IBS, Chrones, etc. Now I am free of all gut issues eating largely ketogenic. Not saying everyone should or needs to be keto! But this idea that you have to eat a lot of hard to digest beans and grains for gut health is flat out wrong. I eat vegetables and fermented foods and bone broth and my gut is finally healed from the damage all those grains and beans did! No more blood sugar swings either or bloating!
Personalization in nutrition is very important. It’s great that a ketogenic approach works well for you. However, it’s important to note that this can’t be blanket advice. Oats and beans are beneficial for many due to their prebiotic fibers, but they can be challenging for individuals with conditions like IBS or metabolic issues. Everyone’s gut and metabolic health are unique, and what works for one person may not work for another.
If you’re allergic to fish, you can still get omega-3s through plant-based sources like flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and hemp seeds, which provide ALA (a precursor to EPA/DHA). For direct EPA and DHA, algae-based supplements are a great fish-free option and are widely available. Always check with your doctor before starting a new supplement, especially with allergies.
Thank you so much Doctor. I will do. Thank you for sharing your wonderful insights on a healthy lifestyle. You inspire me to stay consistent in following them.
A wonderful deep dive into the subject. I've linked to it in my post:
https://drmick.substack.com/p/dietary-starches
Thanks for the mention Mick! Great insights
Mushrooms have beta-glucans, and are a good source of selenium and various polysaccharides
Yes, mushrooms can indeed be a great addition. Their beta-glucans contribute to microbiome diversity and SCFA production for our gut health.
Where does psyllium husk fiber fall on this spectrum?
Psyllium husk is an excellent source of soluble fiber, forming a gel-like substance that helps regulate blood sugar, cholesterol, and bowel movements. However, its primary role is more functional - improving digestive mechanics - rather than serving as a prebiotic powerhouse to promote microbiome diversity. It can be added to your diet but works best when complemented with other fibers like resistant starch or inulin for more comprehensive gut health benefits.
Thanks for this. It made me realize that while I’m eating a good amount of variety of fruits/vegi/nuts/seeds, I’m also still neglecting key areas. Time to up my oats and beans!
You're on the right track with variety. Adding oats and beans is a smart move - they’re rich in beta-glucans and resistant starch, excellent for gut health. Just keep an eye on your overall carb intake to avoid overdoing it - balance is key!
This is a bad idea if you are metabolically challenged btw. Oats and beans destroyed my guts and blood sugar. IBS, Chrones, etc. Now I am free of all gut issues eating largely ketogenic. Not saying everyone should or needs to be keto! But this idea that you have to eat a lot of hard to digest beans and grains for gut health is flat out wrong. I eat vegetables and fermented foods and bone broth and my gut is finally healed from the damage all those grains and beans did! No more blood sugar swings either or bloating!
Personalization in nutrition is very important. It’s great that a ketogenic approach works well for you. However, it’s important to note that this can’t be blanket advice. Oats and beans are beneficial for many due to their prebiotic fibers, but they can be challenging for individuals with conditions like IBS or metabolic issues. Everyone’s gut and metabolic health are unique, and what works for one person may not work for another.
I know this from experience my wife has Crohn’s and she eats oatmeal (like I do) every other day. And beans in salads and pasta eg.
She’ll even have a little Dal when i cook it.
Anyway, thanks for all you do to help us learn and eat more healthily. 🙏🏽
You must have missed this part of my post: "Not saying everyone should or needs to be keto!"
How to get omega3 fatty acids if you are a fish allergen
If you’re allergic to fish, you can still get omega-3s through plant-based sources like flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and hemp seeds, which provide ALA (a precursor to EPA/DHA). For direct EPA and DHA, algae-based supplements are a great fish-free option and are widely available. Always check with your doctor before starting a new supplement, especially with allergies.
Thank you so much Doctor. I will do. Thank you for sharing your wonderful insights on a healthy lifestyle. You inspire me to stay consistent in following them.
I’m glad you find it useful:)
I"m glad you resonated!