Dietary Habits and Health - Many Filipinos are trying to eat healthier by reducing carb intake, but often end up consuming more fat and calories with insufficient fiber [2] - Experts have observed that many Filipinos are consuming a "modern diet" high in chicken, pork, beef, fish, seafood, eggs, and processed meats, which is associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart diseases [3] - Diet culture promotes a belief system that glorifies thinness and a specific body ideal, often at the expense of overall well-being, and labels food as good or bad, leading to unnecessary restrictions [7][8] Gut Microbiome and its Impact - The gut microbiome, composed of trillions of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes, plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, supporting the immune system, reducing inflammation, and influencing mood and energy levels [11][12] - An imbalance in the gut microbiome, with more bad bacteria and fewer good bacteria, can contribute to the development of modern diseases [12] - Restricting carbohydrates may negatively impact gut health and overall well-being [13] Traditional Filipino Diet and Gut Health - Traditional Filipino diets, rich in rice, vegetables, and fermented foods, can promote a healthier gut profile and support better metabolic health [17][19] - Leftover rice contains resistant starch, a type of carbohydrate that feeds beneficial gut bacteria [18] - The shift from traditional, plant-based diets to modern, processed, and meat-heavy diets is detrimental to gut health and contributes to metabolic disorders [20][21] Recommendations for Better Gut Health - Eating more than 30 different types of plant food per week can increase the diversity of beneficial bacteria in the gut [23] - Incorporating five types of plant food daily – rice or other whole grains, vegetables, fruits, root crops, and nuts, beans, or seeds – can form the foundation of a healthy diet [23] - Adding fermented foods like pago, achara, and buro to the diet can further support gut health [24]

When my grandmother passed away last year at 100 years old, I sat with the truth of her life and her legacy. Aside from being a wife, a passionate teacher, a mother of five, a grandmother of 22, and a great grandmother of 17. What really struck me was how she thrived.No chronic illnesses, no prescription pills, no confusion about what to eat. She ate from the land. She cooked from home.She trusted what she knew. Wisdom passed on from generations before her. Her quality of life got me thinking, when did some ...