We want a healthy ratio of beneficial bacteria to non-beneficial in our bodies. We need the small amount of non-beneficial to keep our beneficial bacteria strong and growing. I guess in a way, we can look at it like the ecosystem as a whole is really all beneficial when all the parts are in a healthy ratio and doing their jobs. Let’s thank all the bacteria in our bodies for doing their jobs.
Here’s some facts to keep in mind:
- About 80% of your immune function exists in your gut.
- Intestinal flora impacts your gut, immune and nervous systems.
- You have ten times more gut bacteria than the number of cells in your entire body.
- Your gut is your second nervous system and has the same amount and types of neurotransmitters as your brain.
- An imbalance in your gut flora can manifest as bloating, fatigue, diarrhea, inflammation, headaches, and sudden food cravings.
- Probiotics in fermented foods can help balance your good bacteria and eliminate those problems.
- People with the correct, varied and robust gut flora are at the natural weight for their bodies, have low inflammation and greater mental clarity. They do not experience high blood pressure, insulin resistance, or gain fat.
Incorporating some probiotic foods in your diet will help raise your beneficial levels. Start slow, just a few bites a day and slowly add more as your stomach and intestines adjust.
Always try for organic, grass-fed, non-GMO and otherwise highest-quality products. Make your own at home when you can and help your pennies go further.