Did you know that just three pounds of bacteria defend your body against infection? Most of this small but mighty army of 750 trillion friendly bacteria, yeast and other microorganisms is stationed in your gastrointestinal tract, the source of core health and vitality.
Your colon supports optimal health by:
- Protecting your body. Your colon is the command center of your immune system and your first line of defense against infection. Your intestinal flora is responsible for 60 – 70% of your immune systems activity by killing off pathogens and producing immune boosting bio-chemicals such as transfer factor and lacto-ferrin.
- Transferring nutrients to the bloodstream and producing Vitamins B and K
- Eliminating waste products
When our friendly flora thrive – so can we. However, we can upset the balance of friendly bacteria in the intestinal tract by:
- Taking antibiotics, birth control pills, NSAIDS
- Eating a diet high in processed foods and antibiotic laden meat and dairy
- Drinking chlorinated water
- Smoking, drinking alcohol and living a stressful lifestyle
- Not sending in reinforcements to replace the worn out microorganisms
When “bad” bacteria out number the “good” bacteria many problems can begin to manifest themselves.
The following symptoms, among others have been linked to low levels of friendly (good) bacteria:
- Symptoms of GI sensitivity such as cramps, gas, bloating, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), diarrhea, constipation.
- Gluten and other food sensitivities
- Yeast infections, cold sores, UTI’s
- Headaches, migraines, stuffy nose
- Rosacea, acne, and other skin conditions
- Increased symptoms of PMS, perimenopause, or menopause
These symptoms could of course indicate a more serious condition also. Some researchers believe that declining numbers of friendly bacteria in the gut may actually mark the onset of chronic degenerative disease. Make sure and see your health care practitioner if you have any ongoing symptoms.
What we eat is the most important factor in maintaining our intestinal flora. Start with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables which are rich in fiber. “Good” bacteria feast on fiber, while “bad” bacteria feast on refined sugar and animal fat.
When symptoms do hit, eliminate fatty foods, dairy products, sugar and alcohol, which will reduce phlegm. For many however, diet alone is not enough when we need to reestablish intestinal bacteria. For those supplementation with probiotics is mandatory.
A great probiotic product is called GI Pro from Mannatech Inc. You can go to the store front and purchase it there.
References: http://www.womentowomen.com/digestionandgihealth/probiotics.aspx.
Http://jonbarron.org/probiotics-revisited/2008-10-27.php
Karen Phelps is an Independent Mannatech Associate. These statements are not intended to replace medical care and are not meant to treat, prevent, or cure any disease.
great post as usual!