Top 5 Favorite Antioxidants for Gut Health, Fatty Acid Metabolism, and Fitness

Antioxidants are like the prisms of life.

The symbolism of the antioxidant is that of protection.

Antioxidants protect us from volatile oxygen molecules. With the protection of antioxidants, our body can filter the chemical reaction from oxygen consumption in a positive way. We become more efficient in our environment.

There is one secret that I haven’t talked enough about. I will share this with you today.

Human Power Runs on Short Chain Fatty Acids.

The basic cellular functions appreciate short chain fatty acids that are metabolized by a variety of bacteria all combining to form a significant part of the human ecosystem and microbiome. Fortunately, there is evidence of plasticity with changes of microbiome related to changes in diet.

One example of a strategy would be a simple focused plan to consume foods that increase diversity within in the gut. I’ll give you reasons why antioxidants are crucial in gut health evolution.

The ecosystem of the microbiome changes like waves in athletes.

This picture is an example of how easily it is to notice quick alterations in an athlete.

It isn’t a far guess to assume that the function and health status of the immune system is also highly related to this.

Antioxidants have effect on DNA/RNA relationships

I believe that antioxidants represent some vital life force in the world. I have many favorite antioxidants. Things like polyphenols or proanthocyanidins may balance the adrenals, supporting cognitive function.

My favorite antioxidants:

This is the first list. More lists coming soon so please click the follow the blog button.

1. Acai

acaiyummy

I have so many good memories on great beaches with wonderful people. It is from the Amazon rainforest and the pure unsweetened pulp is a highly valuable item in my opinion. This is an Amazon affiliate link that supports the future of the blog.

Me years ago on a beach far away.

When I was in Brazil, my thought specifically to get more acai was the benefit for my skin while in the hot sun. I know I needed protection and I believed this helped keep me healthy.

2. Wild Alaskan Salmon or also natural astaxanthin.

This is one of the SLAMMERS in the antioxidant world! It’s the reason why salmon and many marine life forms, and things that eat marine life forms, often have a pink hue.

This is an extremely valuable antioxidant with effects throughout the body because it crosses the blood-brain barrier. Aside from reaching your brain, it can also reach into your eyeballs and impart its DNA supporting wisdom upon the optical lens.

If you are not a fish eater, then a great alternative may be an algae like chlorella.

3. Chlorella

Okay, I had to give it a category of its own here. I bring chlorella everywhere that I travel, when I traveled. I mix it with matcha powder to start every day.

lookslikelittlepeas

Chlorella was green before being green was even a thing.

The reason I love it when traveling is because when traveling the food can be unpredictable. I know that if I have it with me, I am guaranteed some awesome antioxidants to start the day. This, I believe can offset less beneficial food that I may consume later on because lets have some fun right.

By the way, I have been consuming chlorella for almost 12 years now. Korea seems to produce most of the top quality chlorella, while there are other niche or naturally occurring areas that provide chlorella.

4. Matcha

I think I might overuse matcha a little bit because I love it so much. I am just hoping that the L-Theanine will protect my central nervous system in the meanwhile.

5. Berries

This was just the next thing that came to mind and the last one of the list for now. Berries can be so refreshing and sweet.

I love the way that berries can help with normal hydration because they contain water.

I love the way that berries feel in my mouth and all over my tongue.

Make sure to hit the Follow Blog button

Sometimes we need other people to reflect light on to us and that gives us more balance.

I hope that some positive light was reflected upon you while reading this article.

May your gut bacteria reside in harmony with the world.

Sources
Puertollano E, Kolida S, Yaqoob P. Biological significance of short-chain fatty acid metabolism by the intestinal microbiome. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2014;17(2):139‐144. doi:10.1097/MCO.0000000000000025
Pandey KB, Rizvi SI. Plant polyphenols as dietary antioxidants in human health and disease. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2009;2(5):270‐278. doi:10.4161/oxim.2.5.9498
Cires María José, Wong Ximena, Carrasco-Pozo Catalina, Gotteland Martin. The Gastrointestinal Tract as a Key Target Organ for the Health-Promoting Effects of Dietary Proanthocyanidins. Frontiers in Nutrition.
VOLUME 3, 2017, PG 57
Grosicki GJ, Durk RP, Bagley JR. Rapid gut microbiome changes in a world-class ultramarathon runner. Physiol Rep. 2019;7(24):e14313. doi:10.14814/phy2.14313
Kanakis CD, Tarantilis PA, Polissiou MG, Diamantoglou S, Tajmir-Riahi HA. An overview of DNA and RNA bindings to antioxidant flavonoids. Cell Biochem Biophys. 2007;49(1):29‐36. doi:10.1007/s12013-007-0037-2
Trosvik P, Rueness EK, de Muinck EJ, Moges A, Mekonnen A. Ecological plasticity in the gastrointestinal microbiomes of Ethiopian Chlorocebus monkeys. Sci Rep. 2018;8(1):20. Published 2018 Jan 8. doi:10.1038/s41598-017-18435-2

 

Body Composition disease prevention Fat Loss Fitness Nutrition, Immunity, and Digestion supplements

Three Simple Steps to Understanding Digestive Issues and the #1 Healing Food

Without good digestion, you cannot be in good health.

Almost everything about the human body relies upon the proper functioning of digestion.

At least 70% of all immune system function is in the digestive tract.

Nearly all components required for life are absorbed or created in the digestive system.

The state of your digestive system is indicative of your overall health. This is why it is imperative to listen to the signals that your body sends. Anything such as bloating, cramping, diarrhea, constipation, throw-up, and bloody stool should not be ignored.

Step 1. Mind-body Awareness: How do Certain foods affect you?

My journey in nutrition began as a way to build muscle without adding body fat. Therefore, I would study my body everyday and consider how the foods I ate affected the shape, size, and feel of my physique. That is how I determined “healthy” vs “unhealthy.”

But the reality goes much deeper than body fat percentage.

Here are the questions you can consider during and after each meal you consume:

  1. On a scale of -10 to +10, how effective does my digestion feel?
  2. Do I feel like I ate too much, too little, or just the right amount of foods?
  3. Are the foods I consumed causing gas, bloating, or an upset stomach?
  4. On a scale of -10 to +10, how energized do I feel?
  5. Do certain foods upset my stomach only when combined with other foods?
  6. Am I satisfied?

The goal is to have perfect digestion.

Step 2. Aim for Perfect Digestion

What is perfect digestion?

It is the maximum absorption of nutrients without causing harm or discomfort to the body.

Some foods are naturally highly digestible.

For example , bananas eaten alone are almost never known to cause an upset stomach. Avocados are also a very gentle food, high fiber, and highly satisfying.

Other foods are very difficult to digest.

Difficult foods to digest include processed milk, processed foods, highly saturated foods, and starchy or sugary foods.

Eat healthy. This is easier said than done, but simple really. Consume only foods that your digestive system approves of, and avoid all the rest. In this manner, only you know what is best for you.

Step 3. Seek out Healing Foods

Some healing foods are very common. For example, almost everybody has had broccoli at least once this year.

But other healing foods remain outside certain perspective.

My personal favorite number 1 Healing Food is Kefir

Kefir

Raw Kefir is my all time highest ranked healing food.

Kefir is similar to yogurt, but it is in the liquid form because the molecules are smaller. As a result of smaller molecules, the digestion is much easier on the body. But thats only one reason why it’s great for digestion…

Raw Kefir is created by combining Kefir “grains” (the live culture) with raw milk. The Kefir “grains” eat the lactose sugars from milk and convert the milk into a zero-glycemic probiotic superfood.

Kefir contains large amounts of beneficial Lactic acid bacteria:

By consuming lactic acid bacteria, the internal environment in your intestines is more suitable for the bacteria that naturally resides in your body. In other words, Kefir bacteria doesn’t necessarily stay inside you, but during the time that it is inside you, it is helping you grow your own healthy bacteria. Therefore, you have more intestinal balance.

The healthy bacteria in our bodies are beneficial in many ways.

  1. For one, healthy bacteria are essentially enzyme factories. They produce catalysts that make our bodies function more efficiently.
  2. Secondly, beneficial bacteria break down indigestible particles such as plant fibers.
  3. Third, healthy bacteria produce and convert vitamins. For example, Vitamin B12 is required in the metabolism of nearly every cell in the body and is vital in brain, nervous system, and blood formation. The only thing on this entire planet that can produce Vitamin B12 is bacteria. Another vitamin involved in healthy circulation and clotting is Vitamin K — which can only be converted to the preferred form (Vitamin K2 in the Mk7 form) through bacteria.
  4. Fourth, beneficial bacteria are essential for proper immune functioning. These bacteria can physically take the place of potentially harmful bacteria. Beneficial bacteria can also produce antifungal, antiviral, and antiyeast compounds.
  5. Fifth, these healthy bacteria can regulate a normal inflammatory response. When the bowels are inflamed, you are not healthy. By sustaining a healthy environment in the digestive system, beneficial bacteria are vital to overall health.

Kefir is high in Protein:

In addition to containing all of the benefits above, Kefir is also a valuable source of highly absorbable protein. Most of the protein in Kefir is essentially pre-digested as a result of the fermentation process. The Amino Acids from Kefir protein are in healthy ratios and promote healthy body functions.

Kefir is particularly high in the amino acid Tryptophan, which can be converted into various neurotransmitters. Kefir also contains a good ratio of L-Lysine to L-Arginine, amino acids that are vital to immune function.

Of course, Kefir also contains the essential amino acids like L-Leucine and L-Valine which directly support muscle tone. Kefir is just a great way to get your protein.

Kefir contains vitamins and minerals:

Aside from some of the B family vitamins, Kefir is high in both calcium and magnesium. Calcium, of course, supports bone density and magnesium has a variety of functions. I usually consume Kefir before bed because it can promote a healthy wake-sleep cycle.

Kefir benefits are backed by both testimonial and scientific evidence

I don’t sell Kefir, I just love it.

It heals me and has healed so many others. I consume it on a regular basis — I do not experience ANY symptoms of colds or flus when I regularly consume Kefir.

Believe in the cure…

You may never be healed completely or be able to eat like other people.

But that doesn’t mean your quality of life has to suffer.

If you believe that there is always something that you can do to make you feel better, then you will continue to search for the answers.

The more empowered you are with knowledge, the healthier you can seek to become.

The truth is out there.

Go forth and heal!

Nutrition, Immunity, and Digestion