There has been a lot of talk about probiotics lately. Probiotics are bacteria in our gut that contributes heavily to our health and wellness. Our gut has been described as our "second brain" because it’s the second largest part of our neurological system and about 80% of our entire immune system is located in our digestive tract.
That means what we directly put into our stomachs affects our overall wellness.
With our busy lifestyles, it’s not easy to eat clean EVERY single time. Digestive health affects every physiological system in our body, and that is why adding probiotics daily can amp up your wellness in all areas.
You may have heard of the term neurotransmitter serotonin. Gut bacteria creates 95% of this neurotransmitter. Majority of our brain cells are influenced by serotonin, including brain cells related to mood, sexual desire and function, appetite, sleep, memory, learning and temperature regulation. More than 40 diseases have been linked to bacterial imbalance, including depression, arthritis, IBS, and cancer.
There are a lot of probiotics killers that we ingest every day: chlorinated and fluoridated water, non-organic mea, and dairy that contains antibiotic residue, stress, GMO foods, sugar, antibiotics, and other medications. If your digestive health is not restored, your imbalance gut can become a breeding ground for bad bacteria, yeast, virus, fungi, and parasites.
The best way to fix this is to minimize the foods that feed bad bacteria and to start consuming probiotic-rich foods and supplements.
If those weren’t reasons enough, here are few more.
Anxiety Release:
Researchers have known that the brain sends signals to the gut, which is why stress and other emotions can contribute to gastrointestinal symptoms. What a recent study from UCLA now proves - is that the gut also sends signals to the brain. That is why it's vital to have healthy gut flora.
The same study found what we eat can alter the quality of the gut flora - especially, that individual with high vegetables, fiber - base diets have a different composition of their gut environment than those who typically eat more of a Western diet that is high in processed foods.
It is now evident that it not only has an effect on our metabolism, but also our brain function.
"Time and time again, we hear from patients that they never felt depressed or anxious until they started experiencing problems with their gut," Tillisch said. "Our study shows that the gut–brain connection is a two-way street."
Next time you find yourself anxious and stressed, try reaching for the fresh fruits and vegetable or an organic yogurt.
Immunity:
One of the main functions gut bacteria is to stimulate immune response. In a study of students, those who were given probiotics displayed increased production from lymphocytes - a marker of immune response.
Flat Belly:
Researchers at Stanford University found that obese people had different gut bacteria than people that fell under the normal weight range. This was the first indication that gut flora plays a role in weight. In a another study, women who were postpartum that added a probiotic capsule, experienced reduced waist circumference.
Keeps the flower healthy:
Your mom might have told you to eat yogurt when when you have a yeast infection or an UTI. That is due to its probiotic properties. Studies have shown that L. acidophilius can help prevent vaginal infections and manage an already active one.
Probiotics also play a big role in maternal health since pregnant women are particularly susceptible to vaginal infections. “Bacterial vaginosis has been indicated as a contributing factor to pre-term labor, making probiotics a potential boon for fetal health.”
No More Allergy Attacks:
One large study found that women taking probiotics during pregnancy had a 30% reduction in the instance of childhood eczema (an early sign of allergies) in their infants. “Researchers selected women who had a history of seasonal allergies -- or whose partners had histories of allergies. The infants who received probiotics in-vitro also had 50 percent higher levels of tissue inflammation, which is thought to trigger the immune system and reduce allergy incidence.”
Where can you get the best quality probiotics?
Kimchi
Miso
Sauerkraut
Kombucha Tea
Kefir
Capsule
Organic Yogurt
Be good to your gut and your gut will be good to you.
As always, remember to be gentle and kind to your body. Give it the best nutrients and supplements so it can help you be present for all of life's moments!