Medical evidence shows the bacteria in our gut, that is, in our intestines, affects all aspects of our health. The key is trying to stop the things that kill our good bacteria such as antibiotic overuse, sugar, and junk food, then putting the good bacteria in our gut by eating probiotic foods and taking probiotic supplements, and finally, feeding the bacteria their favorite foods in the form of fiber.
Heal Your Gut in 3 Steps:
- Stop Killing Bad Bacteria
- Put Good Bacteria in Your Gut
- Feed the Good Bacteria
The mixture of good and bad bacteria in our intestines is called the gut microbiome. Virginia Commonwealth University researcher Dr. Jasmohan Bajaj says building a better gut involves eating a diet rich in probiotics. These are foods and drinks that contain living, healthy bacteria.
“The things that can help healthy gut microbes are diets that have fermented products,” he said, “And by fermented products, I do not mean beer.”
Fermented foods are found in the refrigerated areas of the grocery store. For example, Kim-Chi, which is fermented cabbage, also Kombucha, fermented tea, can be found in the produce section. Kefir and yogurt, both high in probiotics, can be found in the dairy section.
Dr. Bajaj recommends plain yogurt. “When we talk about yogurt, you have to be very careful, when you look at the nutritional information, that you do not take yogurt that is so high in sugar that it actually negates the effect of the beneficial microbes in it,” he said.
Probiotic Supplements
In addition to food, probiotic supplements can also help build levels of good bacteria. According to Johns Hopkins gastroenterologist Dr. Gerard Mullin, author of the book The Gut Balance Revolution, you must choose carefully because all supplements aren’t always the real deal.
“If I’m in a store I’d go more towards where there’s a refrigerator,” he said, “For some people, 10 billion is fine, for others, 30 billion is the sweet spot. Yet if some people are really sick and they need it as a therapeutic rescue, like people with ulcerative colitis who are quite ill,” he continued, “Those who took a trillion or more a day of a very highly purified brand called VSL-3, they actually were able to induce remission when they failed heavy doses of medications.”
“If I’m in a store I’d go more towards where there’s a refrigerator,” he said, “For some people, 10 billion is fine, for others, 30 billion is the sweet spot. Yet if some people are really sick and they need it as a therapeutic rescue, like people with ulcerative colitis who are quite ill,” he continued, “Those who took a trillion or more a day of a very highly purified brand called VSL-3, they actually were able to induce remission when they failed heavy doses of medications.”
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