Improving Your Gut Bacteria
An important way to improve overall health that is often overlooked is targeting your gut bacteria. Science has shown that the bacteria found in the digestive tract has an impact on more areas of medicine and well being than previously believed, and paying attention to some simple diet items can make a world of difference in health problems like arthritis, joint pain, digestion, energy and much more.
The intestinal tract is full of both good and bad types of microbes. People may be surprised to find, even, that microorganisms outnumber cells in the body by 10 to 1. It’s in managing the balance of the types of bacterium found in the lining of the intestinal tract that many people have found a key to digestive health and even the relief from some troubling medical issues. Using the method of careful diet choices and nutrition management, the growth of good bacteria can be encouraged, helping to heal and repair any damage to the lining of the digestive tract, as well as protecting it from infection, parasites, and other environmental toxins that may pass through the body over time.
Diet and exercise have long been the two top ways to keep the body and working order, and they go a long way to improving the gut flora as well. Along with avoiding antibiotics whenever possible, small diet changes or additions are going to be the best and most effective way to improve and increase the good microorganisms in the gut. To help the digestive system’s absorption of nutrients, try working on adding the following vitamins and nutrients to the menu.
- For good sources of Vitamin D and calcium, add diary-like milk, eggs, and cheese.
- Vitamin K2 can be found in dairy, too, as well as chicken, salami, and ground beef.
- Vitamin B 12 is also important and is found in many kinds of seafood like shellfish.
- Fiber is necessary for overall digestive function and is abundant in beans, whole grains, and dark, leafy vegetables.
- Glutamine is an amino acid that is specifically important to cells in the small intestine. It is found in high protein foods like meat, beans, and dairy, but bone broth is an especially efficient delivery method for this nutrient.
- Yogurt is another popular dairy product for those looking to improve digestive health, as it often contains probiotics that help reverse the damage of infection or disruption caused by a course of antibiotics. Fermented foods are another excellent option.
Diet changes and additions are the easiest and most effective way to improve gut bacteria, and improving gut function is one of the easiest, lowest impact steps someone can take to improve overall health today.
