A couple of recent columns generated these questions:
Mark Z. writes: “I just read your article entitled ‘Repurpose your extra food to avoid waste.’ You conspicuously omit composting as an option. What better way to repurpose food?”
Composting is definitely part of the equation, Mark. But according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Food Recovery Hierarchy, we need to start by reducing how much surplus food we generate in the first place. We can also donate extra food to food banks and shelters to feed hungry people. Food scraps can be diverted to animal food and/or converted into energy for industrial uses.
”Overall, we need less food wasted,” says registered dietitian Judy Barbe, an expert in this area. “We’ll always have scraps to compost, but the best way to repurpose food is to use what we have.”
Responding to another column on how a variety of good bacteria are beneficial to our brains and digestive tracts, Richard D. from Missouri asks: “Healthy-promoting microbes — is there a list of the most nutritional microbes on the internet?”
That would be quite a list, Richard. According to gut microbiome researcher Christopher Lowry at the University of Colorado, Boulder, our guts harbor more than 100 trillion bacteria, plus other viruses and fungi that have been less studied.
Scientists have yet to determine the exact mixtures or amounts of microbes that best influence our health. What they do know is that a varied population of good bugs in our digestive tracts helps promote mental as well as gut health. Conversely, says Lowry, a low diversity of these microbes is associated with inflammation, which can lead to health issues.
Every food we eat has its own unique population of microbes. So when we eat a variety of foods, especially in the fruit and vegetable department, we not only enhance our nutritional status, we broaden the diversity of good microbes that inhabit our bodies.
Lastly, reader Jan T responded to the same column, in which I reported that according to the American Gut Project — the largest published study to date of the human microbiome — people who ate at least 30 different types of plant foods a week had more diverse bacteria in their guts than those who ate 10 or less.
“I have been diagnosed with fructose and glucose intolerance per breathing test! My concern is, how do I have all 30 varieties of fruit and vegetables in one week when I am so limited or am to avoid lots? I would like to hear from you on any suggestions and more helpful information to help me with this disorder! Thank you!”
You indeed have specialized nutritional needs, Jan. Ask your gastroenterologist to refer you to a registered dietitian with expertise in your condition. You can also find a dietitian in your area at eatright.org. Click on the “Find a Nutrition Expert” button.
Barbara Intermill is a registered dietitian nutritionist and syndicated columnist. She is the author of “Quinn-Essential Nutrition: The Uncomplicated Science of Eating.” Email her at [email protected].
