Posted on 02/26/2023 10:27:06 AM PST by ConservativeMind
New research indicates that daily prune consumption may improve the gut fecal microbiome of postmenopausal women. The fecal microbiome—the ecosystem of microorganisms found in one's fecal matter—reflects an individual's overall gut health. Results from the study showed notable enrichment in bacteria from the family Lachnospiraceae. This group of bacteria has been associated with an ability to decrease inflammatory markers in the body and help maintain the integrity of the gut barrier.
The goal of this study was to characterize the effect of prune supplementation on the gut microbiome of postmenopausal women. Menopause is marked by a decline in ovarian hormones, which may negatively impact the gut microbiome. In turn, these changes in the gut microbiome potentially contribute to health risks, including increased body fat, decreased metabolism, and insulin resistance.
"Previous research has shown that postmenopausal women experience health benefits from consuming prunes," says Mary Jane De Souza, Ph.D., FACSM. "It is likely that the gut microbiome helps facilitate these benefits. With that, we wanted to look more closely at the specific effects that prune consumption has on populations of gut microorganisms in postmenopausal women."
The randomized controlled trial included 143 postmenopausal women between the ages of 55 and 75. Participants were assigned to one of three treatment groups: no prunes (n=52), 50g prunes per day (n=54), or 100g prunes day (n=37). Results collected at the 12-month mark indicated significant changes in the microbiomes for those in the prune treatment groups—most notably, the enrichment of the Lachnospiraceae family of bacteria.
A recently published scientific review from Pennsylvania State University suggests that the phenolic compounds and dietary fiber content in prunes may alter the gut microbiome in a manner that ultimately supports bone health.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
Do beer.
There is less constipation among people who drink beer.
“Do you have GERD?”
GERD or similar. Omeprazole makes life worth living.
You are what you eat you old prune
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.