Microbiota health and Alzheimer's prevention discussed in Tarragona

During a conference organized by the Fundació Rosa Maria Vivar in Tarragona, clinical psychoneuroimmunology expert Xavier Cañellas discussed the critical role of the microbiota in human health. Cañellas described the relationship between humans and the approximately 600,000 microorganisms in the body as a “symbiotic-mutualistic” one.

One method to support gut health involves the consumption of type 3 resistant starch. This can be achieved by cooking a potato without peeling it and then allowing it to cool in the refrigerator. This process reorganizes starch chains into more compact structures that are not digested in the small intestine but instead reach the colon to benefit the microbiota. Cañellas noted that such dietary habits may help prevent or alleviate conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.

To maintain a healthy microbiota, Cañellas recommends following a Mediterranean diet and avoiding fried foods, refined sugars, alcohol, trans fats, modern wheat, artificial sweeteners, and certain emulsifiers like E-466 and E-433.