Do you ever think about your gut bacteria? Probably not!
But since 2008’s human microbiome project, our knowledge of gut bacteria has continued to grow. We now know they are a major influence on our health.
They can affect our digestion, immunity and brain health. Certain types can overgrow and cause conditions like bad breath and gum disease.
But scientists are also learning how we influence our bacteria. They’ve found our lifestyle affects our microbial populations (our ‘microbiome’). And one thing is clear: diversity equals health.
Scientists have found that periods of fasting may affect our gut microbiome. Our modern diet seems to decrease gut bacteria diversity. This creates imbalances in our microbiome. Microbiome imbalances can cause many health problems, including bad breath.
But it’s not just what we eat. It’s when we eat and how often, too. Our overall lifestyle also affects our intestinal flora. It seems exercise and fasting greatly affect microbial diversity.
Fasting may help rejuvenate brain cells. Exercise induces a unique shift in gut microbiota.
How Fasting Helps Balance Your Gut Microbiome
Studies have shown that fasting and feeding patterns affect our metabolism. Our gut microbiome is highly dynamic. It consists of trillions of diverse microorganisms. These have a variety of important functions.
We have a normal physiological rhythm of feeding or fasting. It involves cyclical changes in our gut microbes. Obesity can interrupt that rhythm. This may contribute to imbalances linked to weight gain. Research shows that fasting or restricted feeding can restore our normal rhythm. This can help protect us against obesity and metabolic diseases.
Your body is designed for periods without food. Your sympathetic nervous system regulates these periods, responding to fasting and exercise.
Your body has inbuilt mechanisms to keep it productive when you fast. Fasting stimulates the body to burn energy reserves. Fasting while exercising stimulates catalysts and cellular factors. These activate the breakdown of glycogen and fat for energy.
Allowing time for bacteria to reset
Fasting seems to allow time for a bacterial reset. Your gut bacteria begin work on their own populations. During this time, the health and diversity of gut bacteria is maintained.
‘Intermittent fasting’ refers to a cycle of fasting and non-fasting (e.g. the 5:2 method). You should fast for 12-16 hours (equating to only eating 11 am -7 pm). In other words, you’re just skipping breakfast.
Intermittent fasting may be a great way to start a bacterial reset. This helps maintain the overall health of your microbiome.
Fasting to cure your gum disease
So, we’ve seen that fasting or restricting meal times can:
- restore your body’s natural rhythm and microbial cycle
- give your microbiome a curative holiday
This can help you keep your oral flora and intestinal flora healthy. It can also help to cure your bad breath and cure gum disease naturally.
When your body can’t follow its natural rhythm, problems occur. The oral microbiome and gut microbiome become imbalanced. This leads to the overgrowth of harmful bacteria. These harmful bacteria cause tooth decay and gum disease. They also release VSCs – Volatile Sulfuric Compounds. These are the main culprits causing your bad breath.
Meanwhile, in your gut microbiome, imbalances may damage your digestion. This can allow foul odors to travel up the digestive tract. These odors can cause bad breath.
By keeping your gut microbiome and oral microbiome balanced, you may reduce your bleeding gums. In the long term fasting may help to cure bad breath naturally.
If you suffer from bleeding gums or gum disease, make sure to consult with your dentist.
Have you experienced bleeding gums? Leave your comments in the section below.
For more information on Dr. Lin’s clinical protocol that highlights the steps parents can take to prevent dental problems in their children: Click here.
Want to know more? Dr Steven Lin’s book, The Dental Diet, is available to order today. An exploration of ancestral medicine, the human microbiome and epigenetics it’s a complete guide to the mouth-body connection. Take the journey and the 40-day delicious food program for life-changing oral and whole health.
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yes please could I receive free updates. I have been advised I have periodontal disease and have tried everything. I’m now doing the 5:2 fasting diet in hope that it helps.