For a healthy belly/body to happen, the bacteria in your belly/body needs to be balanced - containing both good and bad bacteria. Too often the bacteria in our body is out of balance, and makes us feel unwell. So if you are wanting to ensure you have created a healthy belly/body, keep reading.
Firstly, probiotics enhance the digestive system function and overall wellbeing, as well as regulate immune function through interacting with the large proportion of immune cells located in our digestive system. The term probiotic is derived from the Latin and Greek language with the literal meaning “for life” - and when you look at their many health promoting effects it’s easy to see why.
The Beneficial Bug Barrier
The gastrointestinal system is comprised of bacteria; roughly 400 species of good bacteria live inside your digestive tract. In fact, you have more bacteria living inside you than you have cells in your entire body! To maintain optimal health and wellbeing, it is important to have the right balance of “good” and “bad” bacteria making up your intestinal microflora. An overgrowth of pathogenic “bad” bacteria can cause various symptoms such as:
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Poor digestive function
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Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome - constipation, diarrhoea, bloating and/or flatulence.
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Increase in allergies/intolerances or eczema.
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Pain and inflammation.
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Immune dysfunction.
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Headaches
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Autoimmune diseases such as Hashimotos Thyroiditis, Ulcerative Colitis, Chrons Disease and celiac disease
Barrier Blowout – What are the Causes?
An important role of the intestinal microflora is to create a “barrier effect” in the gut, which helps the “good” bacteria to flourish while reducing “bad” bacteria. The integrity of this barrier can become impaired due to stress, illness, antibiotic treatments, excess alcohol and drug intake, certain medications, poor diet (particularly high sugar intake, processed foods, trans fats and lack or vegetables and good quality fibre), pesticide and chemical exposure or physical alterations in the gut. These factors contribute to the overgrowth of “bad” bugs, causing an imbalance known as dysbiosis, which affects digestion and immune system function.
Probiotic supplements, prebiotic fibres such as oat bran psylium, vegetables and cultured foods and fermented vegetables can help replenish the “good” bacteria, supporting the integrity and function of the gastrointestinal tract.
If you enjoyed this article on Healthy Belly/Body, then check out my probiotic food and supplement infographics.
