The power of the body’s bacterial balance
Bacteria is imperative to optimal gut health. Each of our bodies is home to its own unique medley of bacteria and other micro-organisms within the gut – collectively known as ‘gut microbiome’. Some of these organisms are beneficial and essential for health. While if not kept under close control, some have the potential to do real damage.
The balance of good and bad bacteria within the gut is crucial to effective digestion, and overall wellbeing. Read on to discover the importance of bacterial balance, and how to enhance the natural balance within your own body.
THE EFFECTS OF IMBALANCE CAN BE PALPABLE.
When the body’s bacterial balance is upset, its natural state can be thrown into disarray. We can begin experiencing bloating, indigestion, bowel irregularity, and a whole host of wider health problems. A connection is even emerging between the gut microbiome and conditions such as depression, anxiety, obesity and autoimmune diseases.
So many of our bodies’ ailments and illnesses can be traced back to the condition of the gut. This is why it’s so very important to encourage good bacteria to flourish, so they can keep the bad bacteria at bay.
How to enhance your body’s bacterial balance.
The balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut can be influenced by the foods we eat, the beverages we drink, antibiotics and other medications, and even stress. Here are a few helpful ways to restore and replenish bacterial balance.
Enjoy a well-balanced diet. Aim to reduce processed foods, alcohol and refined sugar, as these are all known to promote the overgrowth of bad bacteria. You could consider replacing refined sugar with mānuka honey. A miraculous gift from nature, that can help support your gut health and wellbeing.
Harness the power of prebiotics. Prebiotics are foods that the human body can’t digest, but our gut bacteria can. Prebiotics are vital to support the growth of beneficial bacteria and maintain a healthy gut. You can feed your gut bacteria prebiotics by eating foods such as bananas, barley, legumes, oats, garlic and potatoes.
Consume plant foods. Eat a wide variety of unrefined plant foods (such as vegetables, legumes and fruit) to imbue the body with powerful prebiotics and strong fibre. Just note that it may take time for your body to grow used to the increase in fibre. So tread slowly, and introduce more of these foods into your diet step by step.
Go fermented. Fermented foods such as kefir, yoghurt, kimchi and sauerkraut aren’t only delicious. They also contain significant amounts of good bacteria (probiotics), which can enhance the prebiotics within the body.
Try propolis. Alongside mānuka honey, propolis is another treasured product from the bees. As the hive’s cloak of immunity, propolis can bring numerous benefits to our digestive health, and help support a beautifully balanced microbiome.
When it comes to the health and wellbeing of the gut, the power of a balanced microbiome cannot be underestimated. With a well-rounded diet, prebiotic-rich foods, and the support of natural gifts like mānuka honey and propolis, you can help bring the microbiome into harmonious balance. And begin to experience the body-wide benefits of improved gut health.