ch, in turn, produce a protective short–chain fatty acid called butyrate as a natural byproduct of their metabolism.
And, not only do these bacteria produce butyrate, which helps to nourish and protect the cells of the colon, but, as it turns out, these same beneficial bacteria are able to significantly reduce the production of protein–based toxins, as was found in this study:
Quote from the above study:
These results suggest that RS (resistant starch) significantly attenuates the accumulation of potentially harmful byproducts of protein fermentation in the human colon.
In fact, It’s likely to be our beneficial intestinal flora (and not just the fiber itself) which neutralizes the production of toxic metabolites from dietary protein.
As mentioned above, some of the protein we eat is able to travel all the way to the colon without being digested or absorbed. In the presence of a low–fiber diet, relatively “bad” bacteria will predominate in the colon, and these bacteria are able to metabolize this protein into the previously–mentioned toxic substances such as phenols, cresols, indoles, amines and ammonia.
But, on the other hand, if we supply our good bacteria with abundant amounts of soluble fiber/resistant starch, they (and not the bad bacteria) use the protein to grow and flourish in the intestines.
In other words, in the presence of certain types of fiber, beneficial bacteria are able to metabolize the nitrogen–containing components of undigested protein for their growth – thus simultaneously lowering the burden of toxic metabolites, (phenol, cresol, and ammonia); while increasing the production of beneficial substances like butyrate and other short chain fatty acids.
Scientists call the beneficial bacteria in our colon a “nitrogen sink” – meaning, a biomass which is able to metabolize nitrogen compounds (proteins) towards beneficial ends instead of toxic ones. While it often goes unrecognized, this natural form of “bioremediation” represents a stunning example of biological synergy, essential to our optimal health.
Feeding The Beneficial Bacteria
As we’ve repeatedly mentioned, only some types of fiber help to support the growth of the beneficial bacteria in our intestines, and this fact helps to explain why, despite effective marketing, certain types of fiber (i.e. some bran cereals), and intestinal “cleansers” and laxatives (both herbal and pharmacological) probably do relatively little to improve overall gastrointestinal health.
The synergy of protein and soluble fiber/resistant starch in supporting a healthy intestinal ecosystem is but one of countless examples in nutrition of the fact that nutrients never work in isolation from one another. Failure to grasp this concept has led to a great many dead ends in nutritional research where isolated nutrients continually fail to live up to their initial hype.
But, an integrated approach is the cornerstone of our philosophy at Integrated Supplements, and it’s just one of the reasons why we produce 100% Natural CFM® Whey Protein Isolate – the highest quality, undenatured whey protein available – along with Fiber Balance™, a smooth and delicious combination of 5 types of dietary fiber and resistant starch – all known to support the proliferation of healthy intestinal bacteria.
As research like that posted above continues to mount, our approach is consistently and repeatedly being validated. And as we continue to put the pieces of the nutritional puzzle together, we can confidently state that Integrated Supplements truly is Nutrition For Your Full Human Potential.
We’ll have more research soon – stay tuned.