News

Is Our Gut Bacteria Making Us Fat?

 

Did you know that your gut is home to trillions of bacteria that influence everything from digestion and immunity to mood and even weight? A healthy gut microbiome is essential for overall wellness, yet factors like stress, poor diet, antibiotics, and lack of movement can disrupt this delicate balance.

 

Supporting your gut can improve digestion, energy levels, and even mental health. Simple habits like eating more fiber-rich plant foods, including probiotic foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, and yoghurt, and staying active every day can go a long way toward keeping your gut happy.

 

For those with severe gut issues, like Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infections, more advanced treatments are being explored—like Faecal Matter Transplants (FMT). While it may sound a little unconventional, FMT is a fascinating and highly effective way to restore a healthy microbiome when conventional treatments fail.

 

Faecal matter is transplanted into a recipient’s colon in a few ways:

  • Colonoscopy: Liquid faeces diluted with saline is introduced directly into the colon.

  • Nasointestinal tube: Less commonly, a tube is passed through the nose, past the stomach, into the intestines.

  • Oral capsules (“Crapsules”): These can be taken by mouth, but the doses required for approved conditions like C. diff infections can be too large for comfortable ingestion.

 

Why It’s Used

 

FMT is most well-established for treating C. difficile infections, which can be fatal if untreated. Studies show FMT achieves up to a 90% success rate, making it a promising option for patients who do not respond to conventional therapies.

 

The Research Is Expanding

 

Scientists are now exploring FMT for other conditions, including:

- Inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis

- Autism

- Parkinson’s disease

- Cancer treatment in combination with immunotherapy

- Obesity and diabetes management

 

While promising, research is still early, and the science is inconclusive outside of C. diff treatment.

 

Not Ready for a Faecal Matter Transplant? Focus on Your Gut Naturally

 

If FMT isn’t for you—or if you prefer a more natural approach—there are still effective ways to nurture your gut:

  • Cut out processed foods and reduce sugar intake

  • Eat more plant-based wholefoods

  • Move your body daily

  • Include probiotic-rich foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, yoghurt, or Be Fit Food protein balls

  • Support your gut with prebiotic-rich foods high in fiber, like the 4–12 vegetables included in Be Fit Food’s ready-made meals

 

At Be Fit Food, we simplify gut health to support a balanced microbiome, making everyday nourishment effortless.

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