Northport Nutrition: A Healthy Gut is a Happy Gut!

There IS a reason they call them PRO-biotics!

I’m sure you probably hear about probiotics all the time now. I see commercials on a daily basis to “improve colon health” and “stay regular.” However, they never tell you WHY probiotics are so important and all of the long term health benefits that come from incorporating them into your everyday life.

Probiotics are friendly bacteria that help your body to thrive on multiple levels. They are widely available, and if you choose a high-quality supplement are very effective in helping to “reseed” your intestinal tract with good bacteria.

The best way to get probiotics is through food. Cultured and fermented foods should be a regular part of your diet, and if you eat them enough you will keep your digestive tract well supplied with good bacteria. There may still be times when a probiotic supplement is necessary, such as when you stray from your healthy diet and consume excess grains or sugar, if you have to take antibiotics, when traveling to foreign countries or when eating at suspicious restaurants. 

When there are plenty of healthy gut bacteria around, you don't have to worry about pathogenic bacteria stealing the show and wreaking havoc on your health.  Friendly bacteria train your immune system to distinguish between pathogens and non-harmful antigens, and to respond appropriately. This important function prevents your immune system from overreacting to non-harmful antigens, which is the genesis of allergies.

A few fermented and cultured foods you and your family can enjoy and begin to make part of your regular diet are:

• CULTURED VEGETABLES - http://culturedvegetables.net  (I eat these on a daily basis)
• KIMCHI
• LACTO-FERMENTED KETCHUP
• YOGURT
• KEFIR
• KOMBUCHA

When your gut bacteria isn’t optimal, you're not fully absorbing what you should be from your food because good bacteria in the gut is essential in digestion and nutrient absorption. Whether it’s a protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamin or mineral, friendly bacteria helps your body utilize it better.

• One study found children who consumed probiotics on a regular basis experienced less flu and cold symptoms, recovered more quickly from illness, and required less antibiotics to treat colds and the flu. As a result, children who took probiotics also missed less school than those who didn't.  

• Researchers recently reported that probiotics reduced the symptoms of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) in children in this study.

• Another study in Finland showed that infants with eczema who were given probiotics had fewer outbreaks and showed more improvement than infants who received no probiotics.

• Yet another study conducted in Italy found that probiotics in fermented milk reduced the severity of hay fever symptoms in young children. Researchers noted that children who received probiotics also experienced less diarrhea.

Don't... take birth control pills, steroids, or antibiotics if you can possibly avoid them. These all directly interfere with the balance of flora in your gut.

Do... consider taking a good quality probiotic to support gut health.

Don't... eat refined foods, which offer little by the way of nutrition and feed harmful bacteria.

Do... eat plenty of fermented foods, healthy fats (like coconut oil and butter), bone broth, eggs, fruits and vegetables, and other real foods. These are very nourishing to your gut and feed the beneficial flora.

Don't... overwhelm yourself with stress, which interferes with digestion, nutrient absorption, and appetite. Stress can also promote inflammation.

Eighty percent of your immune system is located in your digestive system, making a healthy gut a major focal point if you want to maintain optimal health. Remember, a robust immune system is your number one defense system against ALL disease. 

To your health,

Tara Gidaly, your local nutritionist.