The Simple (And Slightly Gross) Way To Check Your Gut Health Using Sweetcorn
We recently learned that sourdough bread is better for our guts, that gut health is tied to Alzheimer's disease, and there are specific times of the day that are best to eat to protect your gut health (to name a few).
However, with all this news coming at once, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and not understand where to start with your own gut health. How do you even know if yours is that healthy beyond how it feels?
Well, according to Nick Ilott, senior researcher and lead bioinformatician at The Oxford Centre for Microbiome Studies, University of Oxford, all you need is a little bit of sweetcorn.
I'm sure you know where this is going.
First of all, and this may be difficult for some people, to do this test, you can't eat sweetcorn for 7-10 days in something that is called the 'wash-out phase'.
Once this time has passed, note down the date and time and eat some sweetcorn. You don't need to have more than a handful of corn for this test to work but if you've been craving some corn on the cob, treat yourself.
Ilott explained: 'Because the outer shell of the corn is indigestible, it will pass through your gastrointestinal tract with the rest of the food you've eaten and will eventually be visible in your stool.'
Loo-vely.
What you then need to do is keep an eye on the next few stools that you pass, and once you do spot a little kernel or two, note down the date and time.
'If you pass the corn in 12 hours or less, your gut is fast. If you don't pass it for around 48 hours of more, then your gut is slow,' explained the expert.
'If you find your gut motility is on either end of the spectrum, there are fortunately things you can do to improve it.'
He advises that if your gut is consistently fast, you should visit your doctor for further tests.
Studies suggest that the median gut motility time is about 28 hours, and it's considered 'normal' for an individual person's transit time to fall between 10 and 73 hours. If yours falls within this range, you don't have to seek any further advice.
However, Ilott urges that if you feel your gut motility time is a little slow but you aren't experiencing symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, lack of appetite or nausea, you should eat more fruit and vegetables to increase your fibre intake, as well as drink more water and exercise.
Always Constipated? Here's How To Retrain Your Bowels To Go Every Day
This 1 Poop Shape Can Indicate Bowel Health Issues
This Is What Your Bowel Movement Frequency Says About Your Overall Health
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Breakthrough study uncovers biological trigger that forces the brain to sleep
We spend nearly a third of our lives sleeping, yet the biological trigger behind sleep has remained elusive. Despite decades of research, scientists have struggled to identify a concrete, physical reason why the brain demands rest. A new study from the University of Oxford might have changed that. Researchers have found that the pressure to sleep may come from deep inside our brain cells, from the tiny power plants known as mitochondria. These structures, responsible for converting oxygen into energy, appear to sound an internal alarm when pushed into overdrive. The team, led by Professor Gero Miesenböck and Dr. Raffaele Sarnataro, discovered that a build-up of electrical stress inside mitochondria in specific brain cells acts as a signal to trigger sleep. The research, carried out in fruit flies, showed that when mitochondria become overcharged, they leak electrons. 'When they do, they generate reactive molecules that damage cells,' said Dr. Sarnataro. This electron leak produces what are known as reactive oxygen species, byproducts that, in high quantities, can damage cellular structures. The brain appears to respond to this imbalance by initiating sleep, giving the cells a chance to reset before damage spreads further. The findings open a new chapter in how scientists think about energy metabolism's role in brain health. Switch in the brain The researchers found that specialized neurons function like circuit breakers. These cells measure the electron leak and trip the sleep response when the stress crosses a threshold. By manipulating the energy flow in these neurons, either by increasing or decreasing electron transfer, the scientists could directly control how long the flies slept. They even bypassed the system's normal inputs by replacing electrons with energy from light using microbial proteins. The result remained the same: more energy, more leak, more sleep. 'We set out to understand what sleep is for, and why we feel the need to sleep at all,' said Professor Miesenböck. 'Our findings show that the answer may lie in the very process that fuels our bodies: aerobic metabolism.' He explained that when the mitochondria in certain sleep-regulating neurons are overloaded with energy, they begin leaking electrons. When this leak becomes too great, the neurons trigger sleep to prevent damage from escalating. Ties to aging and fatigue The findings may help explain why metabolism and sleep are so closely linked. Small animals that consume more oxygen per gram of body weight tend to sleep more and live shorter lives. Meanwhile, people with mitochondrial disorders often experience extreme fatigue even without physical exertion. This new mechanism offers a potential explanation. 'This research answers one of biology's big mysteries,' said Dr. Sarnataro. 'Why do we need sleep? The answer appears to be written into the very way our cells convert oxygen into energy.' These insights could reshape not just sleep science, but also how doctors understand chronic fatigue, neurological disorders, and the aging process itself. The study is published in the journal Nature. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Fiona Phillips' husband reveals they were living ‘separate lives' before Alzheimer's diagnosis
Fiona Phillips' husband Martin Frizell has revealed they were living 'separate lives' before her Alzheimer's diagnosis. The former GMTV host, 64, announced in 2023 that she had been diagnosed with early onset dementia, after initially mistaking her 'brain fog and anxiety' for menopause symptoms. In her new memoir, Remember When: My Life With Alzheimer's, Frizell, 66, has shared how the couple struggled and grew apart in the years leading up to her diagnosis. 'Nothing I could say seemed to help,' he said of the tough period, which began around 2015, according to an extract obtained by the Daily Mail. 'And I guess like in any relationship, the whole thing spirals. Because I felt she was being moody and critical of everything I said and did, I shut down too. 'We were barely talking and while we were still in the same house we were living quite separate lives.' Frizell recalled experiencing 'long silences' with his wife of 28 years when they were at home in the evenings - but didn't think it was a symptom of the menopause or Azheimer's. 'I just thought we had hit the wall that so many marriages do as the kids get older – ours were now well into their teens – and maybe as a couple we had just run our course,' he admitted. Since the diagnosis, Frizell has taken on complete responsibility for the household, from paying bills to chores, which he said he used to 'take for granted.' To help alleviate some of the pressure from himself and their 23-year-old son MacKenzie, he hired a trained carer. Recently, Frizell recalled how Phillips thought he had kidnapped her because of 'delusions' brought on by the disease. In November 2024, he announced he would be stepping down as editor of ITV's This Morning in order to support his wife, after more than a decade of service. At the time, he wrote: 'Next year I'm expecting my family priorities to change, so I need to free up time for them.' As of January 2025, he helps Phillips 'brush her teeth and shower', dress herself, eat and drink. On difficult days where his wife has experienced moments of 'extreme confusion', he shared that she has demanded to see her late parents. Phillips, who lost her mother to Alzheimer's aged 74 in 2006, previously shared her concerns about how people will 'perceive' her. 'There is still an issue with this disease that the public thinks of old people, bending over a stick, talking to themselves,' she told The Mirror. 'But I'm still here, getting out and about, meeting friends for coffee, going for dinner with Martin, and walking every day.'
Time Business News
2 days ago
- Time Business News
4 Specialized Elderly Memory Care Programs That Make a Difference
As our loved ones get older, memory problems can become more noticeable. Many families start looking for care that meets these specific needs. Thankfully, there are special memory care programs that offer personal support and safe, engaging spaces for seniors. Choosing care that's tailored to each person can really improve their quality of life. A key part of good memory care is creating personalized care plans. Every person is different, so a custom plan helps meet their specific needs. Caregivers look at things like medical history, memory level, and personal interests to plan the right activities. These activities help keep the mind active and improve overall well-being. When seniors do things they enjoy-like art, music, or gardening-they often feel happier and more engaged. This can also help reduce feelings of loneliness, which are common with memory loss. Safety is very important when caring for seniors with memory problems. Memory care programs often have secure spaces to help prevent wandering and keep residents safe. This can include locked doors, fenced outdoor areas, and trained staff who watch over residents. These places are also designed to be easy to understand. Clear signs, simple layouts, and familiar surroundings help seniors feel more comfortable. This can lower stress and confusion, making it easier for them to relax and spend time with others. Family involvement is an important part of memory care. It helps seniors feel loved and gives families peace of mind. Good programs keep families in touch with caregivers and encourage regular updates. This helps seniors feel safe and supported. Some centers also offer support groups where families can share stories and advice. Many also have workshops to teach families about memory loss and how to communicate better. These tools help families stay connected and improve their relationships with loved ones. The focus on neurological health is another vital aspect of robust memory care. Some facilities provide specialized programs tailored to specific conditions. For example, an Alzheimer's care program for seniors may offer activities that target memory enhancement, problem-solving skills, and overall cognitive health. Engaging seniors in cognitive activities can slow down memory decline. Programs that incorporate research-based techniques, such as memory exercises, brain games, and reminiscence therapy, can yield positive results. These cognitive activities can improve not only memory but also mood and overall quality of life. Special memory care programs help seniors and aim to improve their daily lives. These programs focus on safety, personal care, and family support. When families look for memory care, knowing the differences between programs can help them choose the right one. If you're thinking about care for a loved one, take time to learn about your options. Talking to places that offer memory care can help you make the best choice for their health and happiness. Looking for more tips and advice? You're in the right place! Make sure to bookmark our page and come back to check out more interesting articles. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
