|
Jeannie Varney
Nutrition Consultant
HC, AADP
703.505.0505
|
|
The composition of the bacteria in your digestive system may be increasing your risk of obesity, heart disease, depression, anxiety, a compromised immune system, type II diabetes, certain cancers, Alzheimer's, food sensitivities and/or gastrointestinal disorders.
Our stomach and intestines contain trillions of microorganisms of many different species that carry out the digestive process. These "bugs" or "gut bacteria" are known collectively as our microbiome and are responsible for stimulating the immune system, synthesizing certain vitamins (K and some Bs), breaking down food compounds, and converting fiber into short chain fatty acids. (SCFA) According to Harvard School of Public Health, "[It's these] SCFAs that play a role in muscle function and possibly the prevention of chronic diseases including cancers and bowel disorders."
Each person has a unique set of microbes that is originally determined at birth. As we age, however, the make-up of our gut flora changes depending on diet, medications, exercise and environmental exposures. Emerging research suggests the type of bacteria we harbor in our intestines can keep us healthy or put us at risk for disease. And while we know lean, healthy individuals have a very different microbiome than individuals who suffer from heart disease, obesity, type II diabetes, mood issues, cancers and gastrointestinal diseases, we are just beginning to understand why and possibly how to alter the composition of our gut flora to prevent or even reverse disease and weight gain. To ensure your digestive tract contains a variety of "good" bacteria that most likely will protect your health and waistline, exercise, avoid unnecessary antibiotics, consume prebiotics (see below), fermented foods, and pickled vegetables and for some, consider taking a probiotic supplement for 3-6 months. Probiotics are live strands of healthy bacteria, which will help repopulate your body with a wide range of friendly, beneficial "bugs."
Below I've given you guidelines for probiotic use as well as a list of foods to consume and to avoid to ensure your gut flora is keeping your immune system strong, your heart healthy, your brain sharp and happy and your waistline trim.
Fondly,
|
|
|
|
|