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Wednesday, March 1, 2017

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU'VE TAKEN YOUR PROBIOTICS?

"Getting Your Probiotics By Any Means Necessary"
The Good Bacteria



Different kinds of probiotics to add in your daily health diet




     Can you think of the last time you had fermented foods, organic yogurts, probiotic supplements, or probiotic beverages?  If you have to take a while to answer, then you are not getting what your body so righteously deserve.  Probiotic is known to be the "good bacteria" that consists of live active bacteria to help the gut (intestinal) flora.

     A healthy intestinal flora is vital for forming stools and maintaining your immune system.  The digestive tract is 70% of your immune system.  The importance in keeping a high level of live good bacteria is extremely crucial since the digestive tract is a big part of our immune system.  If the immune system is weaken, then your body will be under attack by certain diseases, such as, cancer, respiratory, autoimmune disorders, constant diarrhea, yeast infections, constipation, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, diabetes, obesity, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), risk in developing ADHD, learning disabilities, autism, and mouth yeast infections.

 Can gut bacteria cure or prevent certain diseases and moods?

     The role of probiotics plays in the functioning of the body has become more evident to the medical world.  Scientists has come to realize the link between the heart, brain, gastrointestinal tract, and mental (mood) state with gut bacteria.  The body needs a strong functioning intestinal tract so it can digest and absorb nutrients we consume on a daily basis.  The nutrients we receive from foods help feeds the whole body system, such as, nervous system, heart, and brain.  Scientists says the human body has a second brain known as "enteric nervous system (ENS)".  It is considered a different type of brain.  Therefore, meaning it consists of two thin layers of more than 100 million nerve cells lining the gastrointestinal tract from esophagus to the rectum.  ENS main role is controlling digestion, breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and expelling of waste.  It does not help with the thought processes, conscious thoughts, and decision making like our other brain that is protected by the skull.

Here is a video on "Gut bacteria and health" by Dr. Juliet Ansell...

https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/videos/1092-gut-bacteria-and-health

     According to reports in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute colon cancer rates are on the rise among Generation X and Millennial.  They are facing four times the risk of colon and rectal cancer as to the baby boomers.

What are the signs my body has too much bad gut bacteria or gut flora imbalance?
  • Chronic bad breath
  • Chronic diarrhea
  • Excess intestinal gas
  • Constipation
  • No intestinal gas
  • Prostate issues
  • Breast enlargement in men
  • Candida infection
  • Chronic anemia
  • Chronic respiratory problems
  • Dairy intolerance
  • Vitamin B deficiencies
  • Hormonal imbalance
  • Chronic vaginal infections
  • Chronic bladder infections
  • PH balance of your stools
  • Depression
  • Bloating
  • Heartburn/Acid reflux
  • Constant colds
  • Behavior issues
How can I restore and improve my gut flora?

Fermented foods provide excellent benefits.  Fermented foods are packed with probiotics or good bacteria. It is not a new type of food.  Fermented foods have been practiced for years in different cultures around the world.  For example, the Bulgarians are known for their high consumption of kefir, fermented milk, and yogurt.  Bulgaria is one of the countries with people who are 100 years and older.  The Asians are known to eat pickled fermentation of cabbage (kimchi), turnips, cucumbers, garlic, eggplants, and carrots. The Germans are known to eat sauerkraut.  Studies have shown eating fermented foods (probiotic rich foods) has a positive affect on overall health.

Refrigerated shelves of fermented foods in supermarkets

There are recipes and cooking classes that are available in learning how to make one of the popular forms of fermented foods, kimchi.

Traditional kimchi...




Vegans can enjoy this recipe demo...




No time in making homemade kimchi? OK, no problem.  Kimchi can be found at supermarkets and farmer's markets.  I suggest when buying store bought kimchi you read the labels!  Look at those ingredients on the label closely to make sure there are no chemical preservatives, artificial coloring or flavors, and most important how much sodium is in it.  If you are battling high blood pressure, then eat it in moderation.

Ingredients on a bottle of store bought kimchi

If you do not like kimchi, then try sauerkraut.

Store bought sauerkraut
*read the ingredient labels

If you just cannot hack the taste or smell of fermented foods, then reach for organic yogurts. There are many versions of yogurts sold at supermarkets that are dairy, soy, dairy free, and soy free. Companies are watching and listening to consumers buying habits and lifestyles.  Nowadays, everyone are trying to eat healthy.


dairy free yogurts

Yogurts are consumed with several strains of good bacteria.  Yogurts that have more than one strain of bacteria will give the body a better boost.

Ingredients on organic Greek yogurt
*you want to see live active multi cultures strains 

Plain yogurts are best.  Why?  You are in control of what you put in the yogurt.  The majority of the store bought yogurts have either high fructose corn syrup, high sugar grams, and artificial ingredients. The plain versions you can add your own fresh fruit, honey, maple syrup, nut butters, or whatever toppings you like.  The bonus to this method is your whole body system would get a healthy dose of fiber and natural ingredients you've added on your own.

Probiotic supplements are another way in getting the good bacteria in your system.  Vitamin, supermarkets, and pharmacy stores all have probiotic supplements on their shelves or located in the refrigerator area.  When purchasing the supplements make sure there are multi strains of bacteria, no artificial ingredients (colors), no preservatives, no corn, or no soy.  If you are lactose intolerant or vegan, then make sure the bottle states dairy free.  Always keep your probiotics in a cool place.

Eating prebiotic foods helps the gut bacteria to produce nutrients for your gastrointestinal system as well...

Organic dark leafy kale and swiss chard greens
The best prebiotic foods to eat:

  • Dandelion Greens
  • Leafy Greens (kale, swiss chard etc.)
  • Jerusalem Artichoke
  • Garlic
  • Onions
  • Leeks
  • Asparagus
  • Bananas
  • Barley
  • Apples
  • Oats
  • Konjac Root
  • Cocoa (not processed)
  • Burdock Root
  • Flax seeds
  • Yacon Root
  • Jicama Root
  • Seaweed
In conclusion, it is clearly shown how probiotics and a balance of prebiotics helps the whole body connect with one another to sustain a healthy system to thrive.  The body will clearly let out a symptom on letting you know something is not right.

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