Thanks for visiting my blog! First, a brief bit of news: In the next series of blog posts, I will be focusing less on theory and more on practical information about what to do. This signifies a shift that goes along with my working on my next book! And, now you know more about the next book-it will be quite a bit more how-to, still backed up by peer reviewed research but of a more practical nature than The Symbiont Factor is.
Ok, the first thing to cover? There is apparently no perfect universal microbiome. There is, however, an optimum microbiome for each particular individual, at least in theory. There are patterns that researchers have revealed, however, and these can serve as a guide to improving our own microbiome and health.
Last week a research study was published indicating that pomegranate consumption boosted the levels of Akkermansia mucinophilia, one of the (usually) beneficial healthy bacteria. Akkermansia has been the subject of many recent articles, as it has been found to reduce body fat accumulation and helps build more lean muscle while reducing inflammation. Using prebiotics to preferentially nourish desirable organisms can be a vital part of your symbiont strategy.
Pomegranate is available in many forms; it is available as a juice, it is available in capsule form and of course as a pomegranate fruit. For long-term use I recommend capsules. The study was 4 weeks in length, and resulted in a 47-fold increase in Akkermansia so it is important to consume it regularly for best results.
Of course, Pomegranate has many other health benefits, but its prebiotic tendency to improve the microbiome is very significant. The microbial by-products of metabolizing pomegranate have powerful anti-cancer effects as well!
References:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26189645
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26180600
http://progressivelabs.com/product.php?productid=16981&cat=0&page=1
(remember to register as a patient on Progressive Labs, and specify me, Dr. Richard Matthews, as the person who referred you there. Thanks!)
The Symbiont Factor Blog 
I am about 1/3rd into your book and already can’t wait for the follow up book!
My question is about something that I just discovered. The grated cheese I buy has Natamycin in it. I googled it and it appears to be a natural antifungal to prevent mold in the cheese. I have a feeling I shouldn’t be eating it…that it will not help my efforts to improve my gut flora???
As long as that particular cheese is not a big staple in your diet, I doubt it would affect your microbiome much if you are also eating fermented foods, taking probiotics, probiotics etc. As it is an antifungal, it can reduce candida which isn’t a bad thing really. Just make sure the rest of your diet feeds the organisms that need a boost in your individual microbiome!