Recent science has illustrated the benefits of having a good balance of healthy bacteria in our digestive system. It has been found that good gut health leads to a healthy, longer life and less risk of disease.
The case for a healthy gut is rooted in the condition called DYSBIOSIS. Which is when the bacterial flora in the gut is imbalanced and leads to inflammation in the gut lining. This condition can lead to "Leaky Gut Syndrome" Where the lining of the small intestine is perforated ( small holes in the intestinal wall ) and its contents leak into the surrounding tissue. As a result, inflammation can arise and lead to :
- diarrhea
- constipation
- upset stomach
- allergies
These conditions are associated with: IBS ( irritable bowel disease )diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, cardiovascular and ecen Alzheimer's)
The MICROBIOME the environment that has healthy bacteria ,contains trillions of cells. There is a 10 to 1 ratio of healthy bacteria to human cells in the body! Why that ratio? Think about all the things we as humans come in contact with. We are touching, eating, breathing in all kinds of things from the environment. This abundance of healthy bacteria and Viruses ( yes. We have viruses in our body, that's another blog!! ). Helps us ward off our risk for being sick and unhealthy.
The MICROBIOME when functioning optimally can help:
- Regulate digestion
- IMMUNE function
- Metabolism
- Detoxification
- vitamin synthesis
- weight control
There is a strong association between the gut and the brain which this connection affects stress, anxiety, depresion
What are the best ways that we can help improve our MICROBIOME?
Here are a few things we can due to strengthen our gut environment
Fiber aka Prebiotics : Plant based foods that are rich in fiber ( the non digestible part of sugars ) is essential to a healthy gut. The Fiber we consume "feeds" the good bacteria in your gut to help their metabolic functions in relation to detoxifying, digestive aids, immune production , ( B memory cells and T lymphocytes ) and gut motility so we can defecate ( Poop )
Some examples are fibers of banana, onion, garlic, Whole grain, broccoli, brussel sprouts, asparagus, apple skins and the "white pectic on lemons , limes and oranges.
Probiotics: Live bacterial cultures. Yogurt ( < 20 g of Sugar ) Fermented foods such as miso, kimchi, sauerkraut, Apple cider vinegar, , Kefir, tempeh,
Improvements to your gut MICROBIOME can help you improve your health . With some minor changes to your diet you'll be able to improve your gut health while @ the same time reducing your risk for "inflammation" which can lead you to have a whole host of digestive ailments which can be totally avoidable.
Next Level Fitness is a small private fitness facility in Oakland, CA. It is located in the GrandLake area of Oakland. Next Level Fitness provides chiropractic, personal training and small group training services to these areas of Oakland 94610, 94611, 94602. We cater to " Every-Body " but specialize in fitness services for adults 30 (+).
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