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A Billion Ways to Good Digestive Health
We've all seen the commercial with Jaimie Lee Curtis rubbing her belly touting Activia yogurt that will help with "occasional irregularities." What exactly is in yogurt that could help regulate your digestive system?
They are called probiotics which are your friendly bacteria. Yes, your gut has billions of bacteria-both good and bad. You need that good bacteria to fend off the bad bacterias. The trick is to make sure you have more of the good bacteria rather than the bad. If you have the following symptoms, you may have the start of an overgrowth of the bad bacteria (commonly known as yeast):
Gas and bloating
Constipation and/or diarrhea
Fatigue
Headaches; or
Sugar cravings, especially for heavily refined carbs
There are many causes leading to this imbalance of your gut flora where the bad bacteria multiplies more quickly than it should. This can be anything from taking prescribed antibiotics, eating a diet heavy in carbs, sugar and processed food, or being under lengthy periods of stress. OK, you're thinking that I just described you. Yes, that is why digestive issues are becoming such a hot topic these days.
First, you want to stop feeding the bad bacteria. Yes, they strengthen and multiply by eating carbs, sugar and processed food. Eating that food is like adding gasoline or logs to an out of control fire. That adds fuel to the fire just as processed foods adds fuel to the bad bacteria.
Second, you want to overtake the bad bacteria by adding good bacteria, or probiotics. You need more good bacteria than the bad to balance your gut. The probiotics will then aid in the following:
- Stimulate and strengthen the immune system
- Improve digestion
- Enhances calcium absorption
- Provides healthy flora to rebalance digestion after antibiotic use
- Assists in lactose intolerance
 Replenishing your good bacteria is not as challenging as it may seem. Eat fermented foods that have live cultures such as sauerkraut, Kimchi and drinks like kombucha. These are loaded with probiotics. Yogurt is also a great idea but BEWARE. Remember, you don't want to feed that bad bacteria with the incredible amounts of sugar or artificial sweeteners that are in many yogurts. This will definitely counteract all the good probiotic qualities. I suggest eating plain Greek yogurt and then add granola, honey, nuts or fruit yourself. That way, you'll get the maximum benefit. Another way to balance your gut is to take probiotics. My whole family takes Bifidophilus every day. Keep in mind that with probiotics, you need to be extra careful of what you buy. You may not know this, but more than 93% of the probiotics found in traditional probiotic products/supplements will be dead by the time they reach your gut.
Because probiotics are living organisms, they are very fragile and sensitive to light and heat. Most quality probiotics must be kept refrigerated so they are alive by the time they reach their ultimate home in your intestinal track. That way, they will provide you with their beneficial properties. Nature's Sunshine makes an excellent Flora Force Blend that my clients and family uses and recommends.
If you have any digestive issues you would like to discuss, please feel free to contact me for a free initial consultation so you can Let Us HEALTH You.
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