We call these helpful bacteria probiotics. Most people have heard the term in yogurt ads, but that’s about it. What are probiotics and what do they mean to your body?
It all starts in your gut, the system in your body responsible for digestion. Proper digestion is essential to your health and probiotics are essential to your gut. When bacteria are out of balance, it can cause problems such as gas, bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain and cramping, autoimmune diseases such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and diabetes, Neuromuscular diseases, and B12 deficiency.
Here are five tips for promoting your gut health and well-being:
1. Take a quality probiotic: A groundbreaking study by a Nobel Laureate in 1907 linked longevity with consuming fermented milk that contained Lactobacilli, a bacterial strain that produces lactic acid and helps maintain healthy intestinal micro flora. Today, probiotics supplements are available at health food, grocery, and online stores. When choosing a probiotic, look for these qualities:
• Probiotic supplements should contain 5 to 10 billion CFUs (colony forming units).
• Encapsulated pills are better than liquids because they help the bacteria survive the acidic stomach environment.
• Multiple strains of bacteria (different strains offer different benefits – some help with digestion of fibre, some help with vitamin absorption, some help promote bowel regularity).
2. Avoid overuse of antibiotics: Antibiotics kill bacteria. Although that includes the bad bacteria that can make you sick, it also includes the good bacteria your body needs. This disruption of intestinal harmony can cause a lack of diversity among bacteria that’s sure to affect your health.
3. Incorporate fermented foods into your diet: Fermented foods can introduce good bacteria to your gut but know that it’s better to make your own. Store-bought options are usually pasteurised, which kills good bacteria. Some of the best fermented foods for promoting gut health include sauerkraut, yogurt, kefir, kimchi, soy sauce, tempeh, fermented tofu, and kombucha.
4. Eat less refined sugar: Among the many problems caused by refined sugar (inflammation, weight gain, and hormonal imbalance among others) it also promotes the growth of bad bacteria and upsets gut flora balance.
5. Lower your stress levels: Much like the spinal cord, neurons cover your intestinal wall where they send information throughout your body. The existence of the brain/gut connection makes it clear that stress can be linked to gut health. When stressed, your brain sends messages to your gut in the form of chemicals. These chemicals affect how well your gut works.
Lizel Britz 072 243 7707
