If you follow medical news, you’ve probably heard of studies that link gut bacteria to various health conditions and medical concerns. Gut bacteria is perhaps known primarily for helping aid in the digestion of our food. But did you know that gut bacteria has been shown to influence the response of our immune system? Or that recent studies indicate that gut bacteria may contribute to depression, and the development of autism in young children?
Research will certainly continue to delve into this arena — but in the meantime, it appears beneficial to maintain healthy gut bacteria. Eating more prebiotic and probiotic foods can help. Prebiotics are generally high-fiber foods that good bacteria feed on, which helps them to proliferate. These include things like whole grains, artichokes, asparagus, garlic, onion, and bananas. Probiotics are fermented foods that carry living beneficial bacteria. Examples are yogurt, tempeh, kefir, kombucha, and sauerkraut. Try incorporating more of these into your diet on a regular basis. And for optimal gut health, only use antibiotics when necessary – as antibiotics often kill both bad and good bacteria, which can contribute to digestive issues.
More information can be found in the August Newsletter.
