Many studies have confirmed that the bacteria in your gut can be either our strongest ally in getting healthy or our greatest enemy. There is clear scientific evidence of the connection between gut bacteria and almost every aspect of human health. Or in other words, if you change your gut, you will change your life.
· Not All Gut Bacteria Are Created Equal
For many years, most of the medical experts were unaware of the impact that gut bacteria (there are more than 100 trillion cells) has on our health. When we talk about gut bacteria, the first thing we need to do is to make a difference between the good gut bacteria and bad gut bacteria. The “good” gut bacteria improves digestion, strengthens the immune system, and helps the body produce vitamins. On the other hand, the “bad” gut bacteria can cause digestion troubles, mental problems, skin conditions, and many other health issues. In order to have a healthy gut, you will need to balance the bacteria in your body by limiting the negative influence of bad bacteria and encouraging the growth of good bacteria.
FIND OUT HOW TO RECOGNISE IF YOUR GUT BACTERIA ARE IMBALANCED!
1. Digestive Issues
Digestive troubles are the first sign of unhealthy gut bacteria. Most doctors try to solve the issue by prescribing drugs such as Prevacid or generic antacids, but the problem is that those medications will never get to the root cause of the problem, which is unhealthy gut bacteria.
You may have an unhealthy gut if you suffer from gas, bloating, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and Irritable Bowel Disease (including Crohn’s and Ulcerative colitis).
2. Mental Issues
It sounds strange, but it has been proven that the health of your gut can affect the health of your brain. Many scientists have already discovered that gut bacteria produces neurotransmitters. If you suffer from depression, anxiety, brain fog, OCD or autism, your gut bacteria might be the cause of the troubles.
3. Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies
A healthy gut helps the body produce and synthesize many vitamins and minerals. When your gut bacteria is imbalanced, it means that your body doesn’t get enough Vitamin D, Vitamin K, Vitamin B12 and B7, Magnesium. You can find out if you are deficient of any of these vitamins and minerals by paying a visit to your doctor.
4. Antibiotics
Antibiotics destroy both good and bad bacteria. Many studies have confirmed that the good bacteria destroyed by antibiotics don’t replace themselves unless you intervene.
5. Chronic, Unmanaged Stress
Stress makes us anxious and increases the blood pressure. If we don’t manage our stress, we will raise the cortisol levels, which can stop the gut from working properly.
6. Skin Conditions
An unhealthy gut is a cause for many skin conditions. If you suffer from acne, rosacea, psoriasis, or eczema, it could be due to unbalanced gut bacteria.
7. Autoimmune Diseases
It the last few years, many studies have linked autoimmune diseases to the unhealthy gut. If you suffer from Hashimoto’s, Rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease, it means that you need to take more care of your gut.
How to Balance Your Gut Bacteria in 4 Simple Steps?
· Avoid Toxins
You should remove grains, conventional Grain Fed Dairy, sugars, and unhealthy oils from your diet and focus on vegetables and fruits instead. It is also good to avoid other modern toxins such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil and Ibuprofen, antibiotics and pesticides.
· Eat Fermented Foods
One of the best ways to balance the gut bacteria is by eating more fermented foods such as Kimchi, Sauerkraut, Lacto-fermented fruits and vegetables and non-pasteurized yogurt, cheese, and kefir. You should not consume too much fermented foods from the start because it can cause some side effects. It is better to eat fermented foods in moderation in order to give your body enough time to adjust to the new foods.
· Take Probiotic Supplements
There are many different probiotic supplements. And just like with gut bacteria, some of them are better than others. We recommend you to follow the tips of Dr. Tim Gerstmar in order to get the best available probiotics
1. Stay away from “bargain bin” prices. You get what you pay for.
2. Two great brands are Jarrow and Klaire Labs.
3. Dr. Gerstmar recommends at least 8 billion/dose.
4. Look for supplements that contain strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
· Manage Your Stress
It is crucial to focus on your “stress management”. By managing your stress, you will reduce inflammation, lower cortisol levels, and improve your gut health. And don’t forget to have a good sleep (at least 7 hours per day).
Sources: http://blog.paleohacks.com/7-signs-your-gut-bacteria-are-out-of-whack/?utm_source=THS&utm_medium=THSFB&utm_campaign=gutbacteria
http://www.livestrong.com/slideshow/1011662-7-signs-gut-out-whack/
http://wisemindhealthybody.com/paleohacks/gut-bacteria-out-of-whack/