Excellent article, well supported by research findings. I was on a low-carb/keto diet for 5 years, and it was only after I switched to a whole-food (no refined foods) plant-based (no foods from animal sources) diet that I was able to lose the last of my excess weight and — more important to me — discontinue (on doctor’s advice) the medications I had been taking for type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. My fasting blood glucose level yesterday (with no meds for 9 months) was 5.2mmol/L (93.6 mg/dL), well within the normal range.

In a couple of Medium stories I describe that transition and a practical guide to implementation.

I think some resist accepting the significant role of the human microbiome (and not just the gut microbiome, the skin microbiome as well) because they have a cultural outlook that strongly favors individualism — the view that a person must be able to stand alone and succeed alone (The Atlas Shrugged syndrome). Their view is “We don’t need no stinkin’ microbes!” :) To accept that we actually require the help of a microbial community strikes a very wrong note for those with that outlook.

I really liked the article and will refer people to it. Thanks.