New Leaf Functional Nutrition

09/09/2025

A year-long study of the Hadza hunter-gatherers in Tanzania showed that certain gut microbes disappear in one season, only to reappear in the next. These seasonal rhythms are far less common in industrialized populations, where diets are more uniform.

What's the takeaway? Stay close to nature by eating foods in season.

09/09/2025

Scientists are finding that our gut health and how fast our organs age are closely connected. The gut microbiome seems to act like a mirror, reflecting how quickly or slowly the body is aging overall (PMID: 35263580). For women, researchers are also seeing links between the gut and ovarian aging, which often sets the pace for aging in other organs (PMID: 38170622).

Takeaway: The choices you make every day to nourish your gut, such as eating a variety of colorful, fiber-rich plant foods, managing stress, and getting good sleep, may not only support digestion but also influence how gracefully you age.

09/04/2025

09/02/2025

09/02/2025

08/29/2025

It’s all about the gut microbiome!

Did you know that menopause doesn’t just change hormones and that it also reshapes the gut microbiome? Studies suggest that menopause and ovarian aging are linked with:

- reduced microbial diversity
- lower “estrobolome” activity (the microbes that recycle estrogens)
- diminished short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production
- increased gut permeability

Together, these shifts may influence hormone balance, healthy inflammatory response, and resilience during this life stage. The gut and ovaries are in constant dialogue, and science is beginning to uncover how this connection shapes women’s health.

08/27/2025

We are darkness deprived…

Surprisingly, nighttime light doesn’t just ruin your sleep - it can disrupt your body in many other ways that also increase your risk of cognitive decline and dementia, like impairing your immune system, increasing inflammation, and altering metabolism. https://scitechdaily.com/the-surprising-ways-nighttime-light-wrecks-your-brain-and-body/

08/24/2025

Here's some more information on purple foods. This time, it's prunes (dried plums)! Just 4–6 prunes a day (~50 g) were used in a year-long study that helped maintain bone strength in postmenopausal women. 💜

But prunes aren’t just about bones. Here are some other nutritional tidbits to note:
- Fiber (~7 g per 100 g) → supports regularity
- Potassium & vitamin K → key for heart and bone health
- Polyphenols (chlorogenic acids) → natural plant compounds with antioxidant activity

⚠️ FODMAP tip: Prunes are naturally rich in sorbitol, a type of carbohydrate that can be a digestive trigger for some. Start small (2–3) and see how your body feels.

Nature packs a lot into these little purple powerhouses! 🌿

08/24/2025

🌿 Did you know there’s science behind eating with the seasons?

When fruits and veggies are harvested at their natural peak, they’re often more nutrient-rich and flavorful. Eating seasonally also naturally rotates your food choices, giving your body a wider range of nutrients over the year.

Fresh, local produce may even bring in beneficial microbes that support a healthy gut ecosystem. And beyond your own health, seasonal eating can be lighter on the planet (less transport + refrigeration), easier on your wallet, and a great way to support local farmers.

✨ Seasonal eating = nourishment for you, your community, and the Earth.