We know how important it is to be aware of what we put into our bodies. Many of you may have heard that food preservatives aren't great for your health, but what exactly do they do to us? A recent study from the ACS Chemical Biology Journal provides some interesting insights between food preservatives and gut health, especially regarding how preservatives affect our gut microbiome, which is crucial for overall well-being.

The Role of Food Preservation

Food preservation has been around for centuries. Before refrigerators, people smoked, salted, or dried food to keep it safe from harmful bacteria. These methods prevented foodborne illnesses, which can make us very sick. As time went on, we developed more advanced ways to preserve food, like canning, which is still popular today—especially for people with gardens. Canning allows us to enjoy seasonal fruits and vegetables throughout the year, which is great for the gut microbiome!

However, canning can be risky if done incorrectly, potentially leading to botulism, which is a deadly illness caused by bacteria. This is where preservatives became a game-changer, helping to extend the shelf life of food and prevent harmful bacteria from growing.

What Are Food Preservatives?

Food preservatives help keep food fresh and safe from bacteria. They are especially useful for mass-produced foods that need a longer shelf life. For busy people, preservatives in packaged foods make life easier by reducing the need for fresh food daily. But, while preservatives have been a lifesaver in preventing foodborne illnesses, we now know they can have unintended effects on our health—especially on our gut microbiome.

As our understanding of gut health has grown, it's clear that our gut microbiome plays a critical role in everything from immunity to brain health. The impact of food preservatives on this delicate ecosystem is still being studied, but it's important to consider how these additives might be affecting our health.

Which Preservatives Are We Talking About?

One class of preservatives that's been studied recently is called lantibiotics, a type of natural antibiotic produced by bacteria to prevent competition. These lantibiotics are commonly used in foods like cheese, sausages, and dips. Two of the most common lantibiotics are nisin and blauticin.

Interestingly, these lantibiotics are not only used in food but are also produced by the good bacteria in our own gut microbiome. Researchers recently discovered several types of nisin-like lantibiotics in the human gut, some of which were completely new to science.

Food Preservatives and Gut Health: Unexpected Effects

While lantibiotics like nisin are effective at killing harmful bacteria such as E. coli, they can also wipe out beneficial bacteria in the gut. This finding is still new, but it suggests that preservatives might be impacting our gut health in ways we hadn’t fully realized.

The gut microbiome is essential for digesting food, supporting the immune system, and even regulating mood, so this is something we need to take seriously. It's clear that more research is needed to understand how everyday exposure to preservatives might affect each person differently.

How Can You Protect Your Gut?

There are things you can do to help protect and nourish your gut microbiome:

1. Limit Preservative-Rich Foods
   It’s simple, but reducing foods high in preservatives can help limit your exposure to potentially harmful additives. Focus on fresh, whole foods as much as possible.

2. Eat More Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
   A diet full of fresh, nutrient-dense foods—especially fruits and veggies—can help keep your gut healthy. These foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which support both your gut and immune system.

3. Use Antibiotics Only When Necessary
   I know antibiotics can be lifesaving, but they’re often overused. If your doctor prescribes an antibiotic, don’t hesitate to ask if there are alternatives or whether it’s absolutely necessary for your condition. Talk to you Doctor of Naturopathy about safer highly effective alternatives.

4. Embrace the Good ‘-Biotics’
   While some antibiotics and lantibiotics aren't great for our gut, probiotics and prebiotics are incredibly beneficial! These support the healthy bacteria in your gut, helping them to thrive and do their job in protecting you.

5. Prioritize Your Overall Health
   Gut health isn't just about food; it's about lifestyle. Moving your body, getting enough sleep, reducing stress, and making time for hobbies and socializing can all positively impact your gut and mental health.

Remember, small changes can make a big difference. While we can't completely avoid harmful substances, we can focus on what we can control to support better food preservatives and gut health. As part of your gut health journey, consider doing a comprehensive gut test to gain deeper insights into how your gut is influencing your overall body systems. After all, WEALTH IS HEALTH!