mskestrela's Journal, 04 August 2016

Yep. Still gaining on the re-feed after the fast. Hmmmm.
***TL;DR*** Cold potatoes and rice don't spike insulin and feed gut bacteria***
So, I've been getting new info coming up on my radar about the importance of healthy gut bacteria. You know how sometimes, when you're ready for the next step, the Universe will bombard you with what you need to know? First, it's just a casual mention. Then it's 3 articles in 3 different newsletters in one day, all on the same topic. I learned a long time ago to pay attention to these synchronicities.
I had been marginally aware that gut flora have to be kept in balance for overall health, especially when taking antibiotics. But I wasn't aware how much it affected other things like immune function, allergies, vitamin production, etc. I was floored when I learned that there is more bacterial DNA in my body than human!
It's all well and good to add probiotics like L. acidophilus, but those are just repopulating the intestinal flora. They need to be fed, too, and for those of us on LCHF, that becomes a challenge, because the very things we avoid are what feeds them.
So then I learned there are different types of resistant starches that feed those bacteria. It seems that cooking potatoes and rice, then immediately cooling them retrogrades the starch, rendering it indigestible in the stomach and small intestine, so it ends up as perfect food not only for the bacteria we rely on, but is the preferred fuel for the cells that line the walls of the intestine. It's converted into short chain fatty acids, such as Butyrate, which is anti-inflammatory. And in the retrograded state, will not spike insulin or blood glucose. In fact, it also has been shown to enhance insulin sensitivity.
All that being said, it looks like sushi and potato salad are back on the menu! Um, theoretically. LOL
I treated myself to sushi yesterday, so we'll see how the gut responds.
Have a great Thursday, Buddies!
~Kes

179.2 lb Lost so far: 20.8 lb.    Still to go: 29.2 lb.    Diet followed reasonably well.

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743 kcal

Fat: 56.55g | Prot: 36.20g | Carb: 29.10g.   Breakfast: Half and Half Cream, Pyure Stevia Sweetener, Coffee (Brewed From Grounds). Lunch: Unsweetened Iced Tea, Knorr Caldo Con Sabor De Pollo, Herdez Casera Mild Salsa, Nathan's Famous Angus Beef Franks. Dinner: Radish, Ole Extreme Wellness High Fiber Low Carb Tortillas, Iceberg Lettuce (Includes Crisphead Types), Sour Cream, Herdez Casera Mild Salsa, Chicken Thigh. more...

2698 kcal

Activities & Exercise: Cooking - 45 minutes, Washing Dishes - 20 minutes, Cleaning - 30 minutes, Watching TV/Computer - 6 hours, Resting - 8 hours and 25 minutes, Sleeping - 8 hours. more...