There are many strains of microorganisms that are beneficial and maintain a “symbiotic” relationship with you. These bacteria provide important services for your body. They can break down cellulose and fiber and release those nutrients for you to digest. They can produce important short-chain fatty acids and vitamins B12, thiamin, niacin and vitamin K that feed your intestinal lining and keep you healthy. There is evidence to suggest that they can influence mental health and play a role in how we handle stress. Lastly, beneficial bacteria can prevent harmful organisms from gaining a foothold in your gut.
Yes, there are infectious microorganisms that want to take over. There are many strains of opportunistic bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and even parasites that are looking for an unsuspecting host. These unwelcomed guests can wreak havoc on your intestinal linings, leading to “leaky gut”, poor immune function, brain fog, inflammatory conditions, digestive complains such as constipation and diarrhea, and many autoimmune conditions, to name just a few.
The key to good health is to allow your beneficial microorganisms to thrive, thus keeping the bad ones away. You can influence who wins the battle in your gut by feeding your good army and starving out the bad guys. Your beneficial bacteria love plenty of fiber-rich foods, such as vegetables, leafy greens, tubers, nuts, seeds, and legumes that pass all the way down into your colon where your friendly bacteria carry out their important functions for you.
Likewise, to prevent bad organisms from thriving, you will need to avoid eating a lot of what these guys like to eat. Yep, you guessed it- they love sugar and simple carbohydrates. By avoiding sweets, breads, white rice, and many processed foods that have added sugars, and replacing those calories with fiber-rich foods, you will give your beneficial organisms the ability to crowd out the “bad-guys,” and in the process, improve your overall health.
Hi, I’m Ginny Pomeroy, board-certified in holistic nutrition,
and I can help you keep the good organisms in and kick the bad ones out! Contact
me to take advantage of my free initial discussion. Together, we can win the
intestinal battle. Ginny Pomeroy, Maine Nutri Therapy, (207) 329-0876. https://mainenutritherapy.com/
