The CSIRO has released some excellent videos about an area of Medicine that is being recognized as of utmost importance in optimal health: the Gut Microbiome (GM).

The GM refers to all the bacteria in the large intestine that process foodstuffs that have not yet been broken down in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract. Specifically, starches that are not digested, called Resistant Starches, are metabolised and produce energy not only for the bacteria but for use in the rest of the body.  Cold cooked rice and potatoes are a couple of examples of resistant starch that once broken down provide the GM with tools to prevent and possiblly even kill off newly forming cancer cells.

These tools are ketones, one of which is called butyrate, and they are a powerful source of energy for both the bacteria and the body. Butter and matured cheeses are also a source of these ketones.

To learn more about the importance of this rapidly developing area of Medicine see the following video.

You don’t need hip boots when you watch this!