Metabolic diseases like obesity, type 2 diabetes, cancer and Alzheimers are all increasing in our society. Western diets, often high in added sugar, refined grains and ultra processed foods appear to be strongly connected. Research is increasingly focused on the role of the gut microbiome, whereby a chronically disrupted gut microbiome may be a key driver of metabolic diseases. Diet appears to be a major modifiable factor which has the potential to influence our gut microbiome and lessen our risk of metabolic diseases.
Speaker
Lesley Harper is a qualified registered dietitian with over 15 years experience working in the NHS. Lesley is currently working with her local NHS colleagues in Somerset to drive change in the national nutritional messaging, seeking to improve peoples metabolic health.
This 2 hr talk will cover the following:
- An introduction to metabolic health and the gut microbiome
- How we can learn from history with regards nutrition and metabolic disease
- The proposal of a ‘survival switch’ as a potential driver of metabolic disease in humans (based on the work of leading fructose expert Professor Richard Johnson) and why excess weight appears to be a symptom of metabolic disease rather than the cause.
- Why the current dietary approach isn’t working and why restrictive diets are unsustainable in the long term
- How focusing on eating more gut friendly foods may help improve our gut microbiome and reduce our cravings for added sugar, refined grains and ultra processed foods
- Tools, tips and signposting to support gradual dietary change
A break and refreshments will be provided.
More information can be found at Lesley's website www.wakingthebear.org
Venue
Axminster & Lyme Cancer Support (ALCS) is based at Cross Keys House on the grounds of Axminster Hospital. There is parking available at both Cross Keys House and the hospital. Find us HERE
ALCS has kindly offered to host this talk and provide refreshments including organic coffee & teas in exchange for donations. Please give generously when booking your ticket.
There will be 2 talks on the day - this one at 4pm and another at 6:30pm.
