Dietary FIBER, Bloating, and Intestinal Gas

Summary

This video explores the impact of diet on gut health, emphasizing the importance of fiber for colon cells. It delves into whether humans are herbivores, carnivores, or omnivores, using examples like cows and pets to illustrate digestion differences. The discussion highlights how consuming grains or grain-fed animals can lead to gut inflammation and difficulty digesting plants. The video suggests that fermented foods can aid digestion and recommends grass-fed meat and plant consumption, excluding grains, for optimal gut health.

Takeaways

• 🌿 Fiber is essential for the health of the colon and is considered almost a nutrient.
• 🐄 Cows are herbivores designed to consume grass, not grains, which can lead to health issues and an inflammatory meat profile.
• 🔍 The pH of a cow's stomach changes significantly when consuming grains, becoming more acidic and leading to conditions like Subacute ruminal acidosis.
• 🍖 The diet of animals, especially the presence of grains, affects the inflammatory profile of the meat, with grass-fed meat being less inflammatory.
• 🐕 Dogs and cats are carnivores with very acidic stomachs, suggesting that humans, with their moderately acidic stomachs, are omnivores.
• 🍽 The Standard American Diet, which is high in grains, can lead to gut damage and difficulty in digesting fiber from plants.
• 🌾 Grains contain anti-nutrients like phytic acid, gluten, and others that can block mineral absorption and cause gut issues.
• 🌡 The human stomach's acidity indicates an omnivorous diet, capable of digesting both plant and animal foods.
• 🍲 Fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi are beneficial as they contain prebiotics, broken-down fiber, and additional microbes that aid digestion.
• 🥩 For those with digestive issues, a carnivore diet with grass-fed meat might be beneficial, while fermented vegetables can help those with less severe issues.

Q & A

What is the significance of fiber in our diet according to the script?

Fiber is essential in our diet and is almost classified as a nutrient. It plays a crucial role in supporting the health of our colon cells.

What are the three types of diets mentioned in the script, and how do they relate to our dietary needs?

The script mentions herbivore (plant-eaters), carnivore (meat-eaters), and omnivore (a combination of plant and animal) diets. It suggests that humans are omnivores, capable of digesting both plant and animal products, but the type of diet can influence gut health and inflammation.

How does the pH of a cow's stomach change when it consumes grain instead of grass?

The pH of a cow's stomach becomes 10 times more acidic when it consumes grain compared to when it eats grass. The typical pH should be around 6.4, but it drops to around 5.3 with grain consumption.

What is Subacute ruminal acidosis, and how is it related to grain-fed cattle?

Subacute ruminal acidosis is a condition in cows where their microbiome creates a very acidic environment, leading to inflammation. This condition is common in grain-fed cattle, which have a more inflammatory profile in their meat due to an imbalance in omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.

Why might the type of diet a cow is on affect the health benefits of the meat it provides?

The diet a cow is on can significantly affect the meat's inflammatory profile. Grass-fed beef tends to have a healthier balance of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids and lower inflammatory compounds compared to grain-fed beef.

How does the pH level of the human stomach compare to that of a dog or cat, and what does this suggest about our dietary needs?

The human stomach is less acidic than that of a dog or cat, with a pH range of 1.5 to 3.0. This suggests that humans are omnivores, capable of digesting both animal and plant-based foods.

What is the 'standard American diet' and why is it considered a poor dietary choice in the script?

The 'standard American diet' is characterized by a high consumption of animal products and grain products, often refined. It is considered a poor dietary choice because it can lead to inflammation and gut damage due to the high intake of grains and their associated anti-nutrients.

How does the consumption of grains affect the gut and the ability to digest fiber?

Consuming grains can lead to gut damage and inflammation, making it difficult to digest fiber-rich foods. This can result in issues like bloating and constipation, especially for those with pre-existing gut damage.

What role do microbes in the large intestine play in our health, and how does their diet affect this?

Microbes in the large intestine ferment fiber and other substances, producing acids, vitamins, and other compounds that support colon health and the immune system. The diet we consume, particularly the fiber content, directly influences the health and diversity of these microbes.

Why are fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi beneficial for gut health, according to the script?

Fermented foods are beneficial because they contain prebiotics, broken-down fiber, and beneficial microbes that can aid in digestion and colon health. They also decrease anti-nutrients and make other nutrients more bioavailable.

What dietary recommendations are made in the script for different levels of digestive health?

For those with severe digestive issues, a carnivore diet with grass-fed meat is suggested. For those with marginal issues, fermented vegetables might be beneficial. For those without digestive problems, a combination of grass-fed animal products and non-grain plant foods is recommended.

Outlines

00:00

🌿 The Impact of Diet on Colon Health and Microbiome

This paragraph discusses the importance of fiber for colon health and the confusion surrounding human dietary needs. It explores the dietary habits of different animals, such as herbivores like cows and carnivores like dogs and cats, to understand what humans might be best suited to consume. The speaker highlights the difference between grass-fed and grain-fed cattle, noting how the pH of a cow's stomach changes significantly with grain consumption, leading to inflammation and an imbalance in omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids. This can affect the health profile of the meat, suggesting that diet significantly influences the quality of food, including meat. The speaker also touches on the acidity levels in the stomachs of humans and other animals, hinting at the digestive capabilities and dietary needs.

05:01

🍽️ Dietary Fiber and Gut Microbiome: A Complex Relationship

The second paragraph delves into the challenges faced by individuals with gut damage when consuming fiber-rich foods. It suggests that such individuals might benefit from reducing vegetable fiber intake and discusses the role of the microbiome in the large intestine. The speaker explains how microbes ferment fiber and other substances, producing acids and vitamins that nourish the colon and support immune health. The paragraph also addresses the adaptability of gut microbes to different diets, including carnivorous ones, and the inflammatory effects of consuming grains or grain-fed animals. The importance of fermented foods, which are rich in beneficial microbes and nutrients, is highlighted as a way to improve gut health, especially for those with digestive issues.

10:02

🥗 Navigating Dietary Choices for Optimal Health

The final paragraph offers advice on dietary choices based on the discussion of gut health and microbiome. It emphasizes the benefits of grass-fed, grass-finished animal products over grain-fed ones due to their lower inflammatory potential. For those following a vegan or vegetarian diet, the speaker advises against consuming grains and instead recommends other plant foods like vegetables. For individuals with severe digestive problems, a temporary shift to a carnivorous diet might be necessary, while those with milder issues could benefit from incorporating fermented vegetables into their meals. The paragraph concludes with a general recommendation for a balanced diet of grass-fed animal products and plant-based foods, excluding grains, for optimal health.

Keywords

💡Fiber

Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that the human body cannot fully digest. It is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system and is often referred to as the nutrient that feeds the colon cells. In the video, the importance of fiber is discussed in the context of a healthy diet, emphasizing that a lack of fiber can lead to issues in the large intestine. The script mentions that fiber is crucial for the proper functioning of the colon and is often misunderstood in dietary discussions.

💡Herbivores

Herbivores are animals that primarily consume plant material. In the video, herbivores are used as an example to discuss dietary habits and the implications of consuming a diet that is not aligned with an animal's natural tendencies. The script points out that cows, which are herbivores, are often fed grains instead of grass, which can lead to health issues and an acidic stomach environment, deviating from their natural diet.

💡Carnivores

Carnivores are animals that primarily consume meat. The video script uses carnivores to contrast with herbivores and omnivores, discussing the natural diet of animals like dogs and cats. It mentions that these animals have a very acidic stomach, which is adapted for digesting meat, and suggests that their diet can provide insights into human dietary needs.

💡Omnivores

Omnivores are animals that consume both plant and animal material. The video script uses the concept of omnivores to describe the human diet, suggesting that humans have a digestive system capable of processing a mix of plant and animal foods. It is mentioned that humans can survive on plant-based diets, but might not thrive as well, indicating the importance of a balanced intake of nutrients.

💡pH

pH is a measure of how acidic or basic a substance is. In the video, the pH levels of the stomachs of different animals are discussed to illustrate the适应性 of their digestive systems to certain types of food. For example, the script notes that the pH of a cow's stomach becomes more acidic when it consumes grains, which can lead to health problems, highlighting the significance of diet on the body's internal environment.

💡Inflammation

Inflammation is the body's response to harmful stimuli and can be a part of the healing process. However, chronic inflammation is often associated with various health issues. The video script discusses how a diet high in grains or grain-fed meat can lead to inflammation in the gut, which can affect the digestion of other foods and the overall health of the individual.

💡Microbiome

The microbiome refers to the collection of microorganisms that live in a particular environment, in this case, the human gut. The video script emphasizes the role of the gut microbiome in health and how it is influenced by diet. It explains that the fermentation of fiber by gut microbes produces beneficial substances and that a diverse microbiome is linked to better digestion and health.

💡Fermented Foods

Fermented foods are those that have been processed by microorganisms, which can break down the food and produce new nutrients. The video script discusses the benefits of fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi, which contain probiotics and are lower in anti-nutrients, making them easier to digest and beneficial for gut health.

💡Anti-nutrients

Anti-nutrients are substances in food that can interfere with the absorption of nutrients in the body. The video script mentions that grains contain anti-nutrients like phytic acid, which can block the absorption of minerals, and that these can be reduced through fermentation, making the food more nutritious and easier to digest.

💡Grass-fed

Grass-fed refers to livestock that has been raised on a diet of grass, as opposed to grain. The video script suggests that grass-fed meat is healthier due to a better balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation. It is recommended as a healthier option compared to grain-fed meat, which can contribute to an inflammatory profile in the meat.

Highlights

The importance of fiber for colon health is discussed, emphasizing its classification as a nutrient.

The dietary habits of herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores are compared to understand human dietary needs.

Cows are designed to consume grass, not grains, which affects their stomach pH and health.

Grass-fed cattle have a healthier pH level and less inflammatory meat compared to grain-fed cattle.

The ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 in meat is affected by the cow's diet, with grass-fed meat being less inflammatory.

Dogs and cats, being carnivores, have an extremely acidic stomach, which indicates their dietary needs.

Humans have a mixed diet of both animal and plant, with an acidic stomach suggesting an omnivore digestion.

The Standard American Diet, high in grains, is criticized for its impact on gut health.

Grains contain anti-nutrients that can cause gut damage and affect the ability to digest fiber.

The role of the microbiome in the large intestine is highlighted, focusing on fermentation and its benefits.

Fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi are recommended for their prebiotic and probiotic benefits.

Fermentation decreases anti-nutrients in food and makes nutrients more bioavailable.

For those with digestive issues, a carnivore diet might be beneficial, especially if the meat is grass-fed.

Vegetarians and vegans should avoid grains and focus on other plant foods for better gut health.

People with no digestive problems might benefit from a combination of grass-fed animal products and plant foods, excluding grains.

The video concludes by recommending watching a related video on the microbiome for further understanding.

Transcripts

So today we're going to talk about what

would happen if you were to actually

starve your colon your large intestine

of the fiber it really needs to support

your colon cells because we all know

that fiber is essential it's almost

classified as a nutrient there's just a

lot of confusion in this area and a lot

of questions that people have and so

we're just going to bring up these

questions what type of food would our

bodies be best designed to consume are

we really herbivores plant eaters okay

are we carnivores meat eaters or are we

omnivores a combination of both plant

and animal now I want to touch on that

for just a little bit because it'll kind

of give you a little Foundation of what

I'm going to talk about next

if we take a look at a cow which is an

herbivore callus are not designed to

consume meat they were designed to

consume grass and of course we end up

feeding them grains right more than

grass which makes a huge difference in

the health of that cow which I want to

bring up since I have cattle and I was

involved in a study comparing grass-fed

to grain-fed cattle so this is very

interesting now if we just take the pH

of the stomach of a cow when it consumes

grain it's 10 times more acid than if it

consumes grass so typically the pH of

the cow's stomach should be about 6.4

that's almost seven and it's almost

neutral okay

but when a cow starts consuming grain

the pH changes it becomes 10 times more

acidic it's right around like 5.3 okay

and when you talk about pH every whole

number when it comes down like from a

six to a five is not just one number

it's by a power of 10. and there's a big

problem nowadays with cows consuming

grains they develop a common condition

called Subacute ruminal acidosis this is

a situation where their microbiome is

creating a very acidic condition and

this creates a lot of inflammation and

it's already a known factor that cows

that are raised on grains

have a more inflammatory profile in

their meat in other words the omega-6

omega-3 is really off and grain fed is

like eight to one okay so very small

amounts of Omega-3 grass-fed is like

three to one which is better in a study

that I participated in my beef came to

almost a one to one so it was definitely

not an inflammatory type meat it was

definitely an anti-inflammatory meat

because it buried low amounts of omega-6

fatty acids because you have to realize

that the grains are very heavy in

omega-6 this could also explain any

studies that were done on Meats in

general

they're probably not doing studies on

grass-fed grass-finished meat they're

doing on the grain-fed meat which is in

some cases inflammatory so I just want

to differentiate that one point because

it's really what that cow ate that

determines the health of that meat when

we take a dog or a cat they're more

carnivore and we'll see meat but they

also been known to eat other things too

you know whatever is available grass

acorns things like that but typically

they're carnivores and a dog or a cat

has an extremely acidic stomach it's

between like

1.05 to 2.2 okay that's like battery

acid humans also have a pretty acidic

stomach not quite as acidic as a dog or

a cat it's like 1.5 to 3.0 the fact that

our stomach is that acid gives Clues on

what we should be eating and so humans

have more of a digestion that is a mix

okay it's a it's omnivore both animal

and plant you can actually put a human

and just plant foods and they can

survive probably not as well as they

should but you can also put a human on a

carnivore diet and they can also survive

as well I'm bringing that up to bring up

a point on this confusion of what should

people be consuming well I always like

to compare that to what diet would be

the absolute worst diet for man okay

well it just so happens to be the diet

that man is on now it's called this sad

diet the standard American diet where

they're doing animal products and plant

products but the definition of their

plant products are really grain products

so I want to just put a magnifying glass

on Plants right

a grain is a plant but if you're

consuming mainly grains and that's

really what a typical American consumes

65 of all their calories in the form of

grains of course it's mainly refined

grains but whole grains have a lot of

other issues with them gluten

other anti-nutrients like phytic acid

which blocks zinc and other minerals

tannins oxalates

anti-enzyme factors and it's also true

that plants also have some

anti-nutrients as well but I think

really what happens if you start someone

out on grains you will start creating

damage in your gut and now because of

the damage

any fiber food is going to be a problem

for you this is why I always recommend

if someone has got damage they're

probably not going to be able to handle

all this vegetable fiber salad okay so

they should back off on that the

question is is it because of the fiber

is the fiber doing that well I think

it's the anti-nutrients in the fiber of

course fiber relates to the microbiome

okay now I'm going to bring up the

actual subject that I wanted to talk

about the microbiome in relationship to

what it eats if you look at some of the

standard textbooks they usually omit one

key function they don't really talk

about it very much okay they'll tell you

that the large intestine is primarily

there to reabsorb water and form and

store your feces or stool okay but what

about all those microbes what are they

doing they're fermenting and they're

making things from that fermentation in

the fermentation process there are small

change that acids that are made they're

feeding your colon you also have

vitamins that they're making certain

acids secondary compounds that help your

immune system so the small intestine is

about 25 to 23 feet but the large

intestine is about five feet and what

happens when you start off the microbes

with fiber they can eat other things

they can even ferment Protein that's

right they can ferment collagen

cartilage and just so you know a good

portion of bone is collagen when someone

is on the carnivore diet okay they're

just eating meat no plants

those microbes are adapting to digest

that protein and this explains why many

carnivores if they're doing it right are

thriving in fact they're doing much much

better microbes are amazing they can

adapt to different diets but the point

I'm going to bring up is you're not

going to kill all your microbes off if

you just avoid all plants for a while

but I want to bring up this really

important Point okay when you consume

grains or eat animals that have consumed

grains you're usually going to end up

with inflammation in your gut especially

if you're genetically predisposed

and then that is going to make it very

difficult to digest any plants at all

and I think a lot of people are on the

Spectrum where they might not have any

damage to a little damage to some major

damage in their colons and so some

people can handle digesting different

plants like salads and things like that

large quantities okay like myself yet

other people on this spectrum

well you give them plants and they just

get bloated they get constipated okay so

they should be not consuming plants for

a while then you get these people in

between which they can handle plants but

in a fermented state I'm talking about

the sauerkraut the kimchi pickled

vegetables because what do we have there

we have a plant like cabbage for example

that's fermented and has a lot of

additional microbes that can actually

help you with your gut why they found

that the more Diversified microbes you

have the better the digestion the better

the health so we have this wonderful

fermented food that has Prebiotic it has

some Fiber

already broken down it has a lot of

microbes which are very beneficial that

can start to seed and help your colon I

don't know if they can be cultured in

and developed into more microbes but

those microbes by themselves can

actually add a lot of benefits plus you

have all the additional vitamins in

fermentation right you have K2 you have

B12 you have Biotin you have other B

vitamins you have certain acids that are

very beneficial the other cool thing

about eating fermented foods is this

that when you ferment things you

immediately start decreasing these

anti-nutrients you lessen the oxalates

the lectins the phytic acids the tannins

and you make other things in that food

more bioavailable like the proteins so

here's some tips

preferably if you eat animal products go

for the grass-fed grass finished if

possible because the more grains the

more inflammation the more problems if

you are a vegan or a vegetarian don't

consume the grains Okay consume other

plants like vegetables for example if

you have severe digestive problems you

probably have gut damage and you're

going to have to do carnivore for a

while but just make sure that you do the

grass-fed grass finished why so that way

you don't have that that omega-6 grain

effect that has been passed over to that

animal if you have marginal problems

with your digestion maybe you're going

to benefit from fermented vegetables so

that would be like the kimchi the

sauerkraut and just have that with your

meals now if you don't have any

digestive problems at all you may

benefit more from having a combination

of the grass-fed grass finish animal

products with the plants but not the

grain category of plants I hope this

video cleared up some confusions on some

of these topics there's a lot more to

say about that but if you haven't seen

my video on the microbiome which is a

very important and interesting topic I

put that video up right here check it

out