(Newswire.net — May 1, 2017) — In recent years, much talk has arisen about the benefits of probiotics and prebiotics, and of the importance of maintaining a healthy balance of “good” bacteria in the gut. The balance of bacteria in our gut has a profound effect on our overall health and well-being. Here’s how it works:
Healthy “gut bugs,” as they are sometimes called, are hard workers in our intestinal tracts. They help the body digest food and absorb the nutrients from what we eat. They help to synthesize vitamins. They set up a defense corps against intruders like viruses. Finally, they help to fortify the immune system and help to regulate metabolism.
The key is to have a wide variety of different types of good bacteria in the body so they collectively work to keep or bodies healthy. To do that, eat a diet that is rich in the following foods:
Water, water, and more water!
The benefits of drinking enough water are well documented, but the quality of the water you drink is important, too. Research shows that drinking ionized water can have additional benefits to the body, as well. It may be worth investing in a water purification system for your home.
Jerusalem artichokes, asparagus, leeks, and onions
Rich in inulin (a type of insoluble fibre), these vegetables are all great sources of good bacteria. As the inulin travels through the intestines to the colon, it ferments into healthy bacteria.
Polenta
Polenta is a high-fiber, complex carbohydrate made of corn. Because it is made of an insoluble fiber, polenta travels directly to the colon and then ferments into a variety of different kinds of good flora.
Bananas
Bananas are great at reducing inflammation in the body, and have also been shown to help restore a naturally favorable balance of bacteria in the body. It is for this reason that bananas are often indicated for those recovering from a stomach virus.
Cruciferous vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts contain glucosinolates, a substance that is broken down by the body’s microbes to release substances that control inflammation. That, in turn, may reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
Glucosinolates attach themselves to cancer-causing invaders in the colon, making those dangerous substances more easily released from the body.
Beans
Legumes of all sorts help to fortify the cells of the intestinal walls, which helps to improve absorption of nutrients. Beans serve as food for good bacteria in the gut, which helps to kickstart the immune system. They are also very nutritionally dense, containing high levels of fiber, protein, folate, and B vitamins.
Fermented foods
Fermented foods such as miso are very popular these days, and with good reason. They inject live microorganisms into the body, essentially “bullying” unhealthy gut bacteria out the door, so to speak, thereby improving overall health.
These foods contain probiotics that help to improve immune function, reduce the effects of seasonal allergies, treat some intestinal upset issues, and reduce the risk of colon cancer.
Blueberries
Blueberries have long been touted as a superfood. These powerful little morsels can modify the microbiota in the body, leading to an increase in immune function and a diversification of the gut flora.